Technology in cars has gotten complicated. Half the features you never touch, and the other half you can't figure out how to use. The 2026 Traverse keeps things simple with tech that makes sense for families who just want their vehicle to work without reading a manual.
Firelands Chevrolet of Norwalk helps families around Huron find vehicles with the right balance of useful technology, and their team at the Sandusky area location can walk you through what each feature actually does in plain language.
The Screen That Doesn't Make You Want to Throw Your Phone
The 2026 Traverse comes with either an 11.3 inch or 17.7 inch touchscreen depending on the trim. Both are responsive and don't lag when you tap them. That sounds basic, but plenty of vehicles still have screens that feel like they're running on dial up internet.
Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across all trims. You plug in your phone and everything you already know how to use appears on the screen. Your music apps, navigation, messages, all of it. No learning a new system that the car manufacturer invented.
The interface makes sense. Big icons, clear labels, and menus that don't require five taps to find what you need. When you're driving with kids yelling in the back and trying to change the radio station, simple matters.
WiFi That Actually Works for Back Seat Passengers
The Traverse has built in WiFi hotspot capability. It supports up to seven devices at once, which covers most families even when everyone has a phone or tablet. The connection is decent as long as you're in an area with cell service.
Kids can stream shows on tablets during longer drives without eating through your phone's data plan. Teenagers can stay connected to whatever app they're obsessed with that week. And if you need to pull over and answer work emails, you can do that too without hunting for public WiFi.
The WiFi isn't free forever. After the trial period ends, you'll need to pay for a data plan through the carrier. But the cost is usually less than upgrading your phone plan to unlimited data for everyone.
Cameras That Show You What You Can't See
The standard backup camera is fine, but the higher trims get a surround view camera system. This gives you a birds eye view of the vehicle from above. It's weird at first but really useful in tight parking spots.
The system also has different views you can switch between. Overhead view when parking, front view when pulling out of a driveway with bushes blocking your sight, or split screen showing multiple angles at once. Huron has plenty of older neighborhoods with narrow streets and cars parked on both sides. These cameras help you avoid scraping someone's mirror.
There's also a rear camera mirror option. Your regular rearview mirror can switch to show a camera view from the back of the vehicle. This is helpful when you have stuff piled in the back blocking your normal mirror view. Just flip a switch and you can see behind you again.
Voice Commands That Understand Normal Talking
Voice recognition has gotten better in the past few years. The Traverse system actually understands you most of the time, even if you don't speak in that weird robotic voice people used to use with early systems.
You can ask it to call someone, change the radio station, adjust the temperature, or navigate somewhere. It works through steering wheel buttons so you don't have to take your hands off the wheel. When it doesn't understand you, it asks for clarification instead of just doing something random.
The system also works with your phone's voice assistant. If you prefer using Siri or Google Assistant, you can access those through the screen. Whatever you're already comfortable with, the Traverse supports it.
Keeping Track of Multiple Kids Going Multiple Directions
The navigation system in the Traverse is straightforward. Put in an address and it tells you how to get there. The directions are clear and it reroutes quickly if you miss a turn or hit traffic.
You can save frequent destinations so you don't have to enter them every time. School, soccer practice, grandma's house, wherever you go regularly. Just tap the saved location and go.
The system also shows you gas stations, restaurants, and other points of interest along your route. When someone in the back seat announces they need to pee right now, you can quickly find the nearest restroom without fumbling with your phone.
Entertainment That Keeps Peace in the Back Rows
Available rear seat entertainment includes screens mounted to the front seat headrests. Kids can watch different things on each screen, which prevents fights over what to watch. Each screen connects to wireless headphones, so you don't have to listen to whatever they're watching.
The system plays DVDs if you still have those laying around, but it also connects to streaming apps through your phone. USB ports throughout the cabin keep devices charged. There are enough ports that nobody has to wait for their turn to charge.
The second row also gets separate climate controls. Front passengers aren't stuck dealing with back seat complaints about being too hot or too cold. Everyone controls their own comfort level.
Driver Assistance That Doesn't Feel Intrusive
The Traverse includes several driver assistance features. Automatic emergency braking watches for potential collisions and brakes if you don't react in time. Lane keeping assist nudges you back if you start drifting out of your lane. Blind spot monitoring lights up when someone is beside you.
These systems work quietly in the background. They don't constantly beep at you or make you feel like the vehicle doesn't trust you. When they do alert you to something, it's usually because there's an actual reason.
Adaptive cruise control maintains your set speed but slows down if traffic ahead slows down. On longer highway drives, this reduces how often you need to adjust your speed manually. It makes the drive less tiring.
Remote Start from Your Phone
The Traverse has an app that lets you start the vehicle from your phone. This is great on cold mornings when you want the interior warmed up before you go outside. Or on hot summer days when you want the AC running before you load kids into car seats.
The app also shows you things like fuel level, tire pressure, and oil life. You can lock or unlock the doors remotely if you forgot whether you locked them. And if you can't remember where you parked at the grocery store, the app can help you locate the vehicle.
There's a subscription fee after the trial period for most of these connected features. The cost varies but it's usually around $15 to $25 per month. Whether that's worth it depends on how much you use the remote features.
Charging Ports for Every Device
USB ports are everywhere in the Traverse. Front, second row, and third row all have access to charging. Some are USB A and some are USB C, so most devices work without needing adapters.
There's also wireless charging pad up front for phones that support it. Just set your phone down and it charges without plugging anything in. It's one of those small conveniences that you don't think about until you have it, then you miss it in other vehicles.
Power outlets are available too for things that need more than USB charging. Portable DVD players, gaming systems, or whatever else your kids insist they need for a 20 minute drive to the store.
Software Updates That Happen Automatically
The Traverse receives over the air software updates. New features or improvements download and install automatically when the vehicle is parked and connected to WiFi. You don't need to take it to the dealership for updates.
This means the vehicle gets better over time instead of staying frozen with whatever software it had when you bought it. Bug fixes, new capabilities, and improvements to existing features all come through updates.
If you do need service for any reason, oil changes and regular maintenance at the dealership keep everything running right. The tech features are great, but the basic mechanical stuff still matters most.
What Makes Sense for Your Family
Not every tech feature is necessary. Some families use all of them. Others just want Apple CarPlay and don't care about the rest. The good thing about the Traverse is you can choose different trim levels based on what tech you actually want.
Base trims have the basics that most people need. Higher trims add the fancier stuff like bigger screens and surround cameras. You pay more for features you might not use, so think about what your family actually needs before jumping to the top trim.
You can look at used inventory too if you want to save money. Previous model years have most of the same tech features at lower prices. The 2026 has some improvements, but the 2024 or 2025 Traverse works just fine for most families.
Disclaimer: Please note that features are dependent on trim levels and all features are not available on all trims. Please contact us to discuss your specific needs.