EPA Fuel Economy: 23 MPG Combined

The 2025 Chevrolet Traverse LS with its 3.6L V6 engine delivers a combined EPA fuel economy rating of 23 miles per gallon. This rating represents a balance between the vehicle’s city and highway performance, providing owners with realistic expectations for everyday driving. For a three-row SUV in this class, the 23 MPG combined rating reflects Chevrolet’s engineering focus on delivering both capability and reasonable fuel efficiency without compromising the spacious interior and towing capacity that Traverse owners value.

The 9-speed automatic transmission plays a key role in achieving these fuel economy numbers. This transmission allows the 3.6L V6 engine to operate at optimal RPMs across different driving conditions, reducing fuel waste during both acceleration and cruising. With gasoline as the fuel type, owners benefit from the widespread availability of fuel at nearly every station, making the Traverse a practical choice for families taking long road trips or daily commutes.

City vs Highway Performance

The EPA rates the 2025 Chevrolet Traverse LS at 21 MPG in city driving and 27 MPG on the highway. This 6 MPG difference is typical for vehicles in this segment and reflects how driving patterns affect fuel consumption. City driving involves frequent acceleration, braking, and idling at traffic lights, which demands more fuel from the V6 engine. The 27 MPG highway rating shows improved efficiency when maintaining steady speeds on interstates and open roads, where the transmission can lock into higher gears and the engine operates more efficiently. Understanding this difference helps owners plan fuel costs for urban versus long-distance driving.

Annual Fuel Cost

Based on the EPA’s standard calculation of 15,000 miles driven annually, here’s what owners can expect to spend on fuel:

Calculation: 15,000 miles ÷ 23 MPG combined = 652 gallons per year
652 gallons × $3.50 per gallon = $2,282 annual fuel cost

This estimate assumes average gasoline prices of $3.50 per gallon and mixed driving conditions that align with the EPA’s combined rating. Actual costs will vary based on local fuel prices, driving habits, and whether you spend more time in city or highway conditions. Drivers who primarily drive highway routes may see lower annual costs approaching $2,100, while those with heavy city driving might approach $2,400.

Real-World MPG Expectations

While EPA ratings provide a standardized baseline, real-world fuel economy depends on several factors. Most 2025 Chevrolet Traverse LS owners report fuel economy within 1-2 MPG of the EPA ratings, with some variation based on driving style, vehicle load, and maintenance. Aggressive acceleration and excessive idling will reduce MPG below the 23 combined rating, while gentle acceleration and steady-speed driving can help approach or occasionally match the highway figure of 27 MPG.

Several practices help maximize efficiency with this V6 engine. Maintaining proper tire pressure, keeping up with scheduled maintenance including oil changes, reducing excess weight in the cargo area, and avoiding prolonged warm-up periods all contribute to better fuel economy. Using cruise control on highway drives helps the transmission maintain optimal gear selection and engine efficiency. Additionally, removing roof racks and cargo carriers when not in use reduces aerodynamic drag, which becomes increasingly important at highway speeds.

How It Compares

The 2025 Chevrolet Traverse LS’s 23 MPG combined rating positions it competitively within the three-row SUV category. The 2025 Honda Pilot, another popular option in this segment, achieves 24 MPG combined with its 3.5L V6 engine, offering slightly better efficiency. The 2025 Toyota Highlander with a V6 delivers 25 MPG combined, making it the more efficient choice for fuel-conscious buyers. However, the Traverse offers a lower starting price and comparable interior space, making the difference in fuel economy a trade-off worth considering against overall value. The Traverse’s towing capacity of 5,600 pounds exceeds both competitors, which some buyers prioritize over incremental MPG gains.

Tips to Maximize Efficiency

• Monitor Tire Pressure: Check tire pressure monthly and maintain the recommended PSI listed on the driver’s door jamb. Underinflated tires increase rolling resistance and reduce MPG.
• Use Cruise Control: On highways, cruise control helps maintain consistent speed and allows the 9-speed transmission to stay in optimal gears, improving efficiency.
• Reduce Payload Weight: Remove unnecessary items from the cargo area regularly. Extra weight forces the V6 engine to work harder, reducing fuel economy.
• Practice Smooth Acceleration: Gradual, smooth acceleration consumes less fuel than rapid throttle input. Gentle driving habits preserve the EPA’s 23 MPG combined rating.
• Schedule Regular Maintenance: Keep the engine tuned with regular oil changes and filter replacements. A well-maintained 3.6L V6 operates at peak efficiency.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I expect 23 MPG in everyday driving?
A: The 23 MPG combined rating represents a mix of city and highway driving. Most owners see results within 1-2 MPG of this figure depending on driving conditions. City-heavy commutes may yield closer to 21 MPG, while highway-dominant driving may approach 27 MPG.

Q: Is the 3.6L V6 the only engine option for the 2025 Traverse LS?
A: For the 2025 model year, the 3.6L V6 is the standard and primary engine offering for the Traverse across all trim levels, including the LS. This engine provides a good balance of performance and fuel economy.

Q: How does fuel quality affect my MPG?
A: Using Top Tier gasoline with proper detergents can help maintain engine efficiency and fuel injector cleanliness, potentially preserving or slightly improving the vehicle’s 23 MPG combined rating over time.

The 2025 Chevrolet Traverse LS delivers competitive fuel economy for its class, making it a practical choice for families needing three-row seating without excessive fuel costs. With an EPA combined rating of 23 MPG and realistic annual fuel costs around $2,282, the Traverse offers solid value for buyers prioritizing space, capability, and balanced efficiency.