The 2023 Chevrolet Traverse FWD with its 3.6L V6 gets 21 MPG combined. This isn’t going to win any hypermiling contests, but it’s expected for buyers prioritizing space, affordability, and the dependability this large crossover offers. There’s no hybrid drivetrain; just a proven V6 and a smooth-shifting automatic driving the front wheels. This powertrain choice reflects the Traverse’s core mission: providing reliable family transportation without the high prices of some competitors.

City and highway performance

The EPA estimates for the 2023 Chevrolet Traverse FWD are 18 MPG in the city and 27 MPG on the highway. That city figure reflects the difficulty of moving a vehicle of this size through stop-and-go traffic. The V6 needs to work to get nearly 4,300 pounds moving. However, the 27 MPG highway rating is decent. The nine-speed automatic helps the engine run more easily at cruising speeds, increasing efficiency. Drivers who frequently take longer road trips will benefit most from this highway efficiency.

Annual fuel cost

The EPA estimates the annual fuel cost for the 2023 Chevrolet Traverse FWD 3.6L at $2,100. This is based on driving 15,000 miles per year and using national average fuel prices. Remember that your actual fuel costs will vary depending on your driving habits, local fuel prices, and the specific trim level and options of your Traverse.

Real-world expectations

While the EPA estimates provide a useful guide, real-world fuel economy often differs. Aggressive driving, heavy loads, and prolonged idling will all decrease MPG. Gentle acceleration, anticipating traffic flow, and consistent highway speeds can help you achieve figures closer to, or even slightly above, the EPA estimates. Regular maintenance, such as proper tire inflation and oil changes, also helps improve fuel efficiency.

How it compares

Understanding how the Traverse compares to its rivals is important. The Honda Pilot, in its front-wheel-drive configuration, gets a slightly better 22 MPG combined. The Toyota Highlander V6 FWD gets the same 21 MPG combined as the Traverse. The Ford Explorer with its base 2.3L EcoBoost engine offers slightly worse fuel economy at 20 MPG combined. The Traverse often has more cabin space than its rivals. Buyers choose the Traverse because it feels bigger inside than some other cars. You can review TRAVERSE MPG across all years to see how fuel economy has changed over time.

Tips to maximize efficiency

Gentle acceleration is key to saving fuel in the Traverse. The 3.6L V6 offers a lot of power, but using it carefully, especially from a standstill, will reduce fuel use. Avoid fast starts and try to keep a steady pace.

On the highway, use cruise control when you can. This system helps keep a consistent speed, which allows the engine to run more efficiently. Avoid speeding because fuel economy drops at higher speeds.

Make sure your tires have enough air. Underinflated tires create more rolling resistance, making the engine work harder and use more fuel. Check your tire pressures often and inflate them to the level on the door jamb.

Don’t idle the engine. If you’re stopped for more than a minute, turn off the engine. Modern engines restart quickly, so it’s more efficient to turn off the engine than to let it idle. This is key in city driving.

Reduce extra weight. Carrying extra items in the Traverse adds weight, which lowers fuel economy. Take out anything you don’t need to improve efficiency. You can also find all Chevrolet fuel economy data here.