Huron is a small town with big needs when it comes to vehicles. Between hauling kids to sports, loading up for Cedar Point trips, and managing winter lake effect snow, you need something that can handle it all. The 2026 Traverse has become a go to choice for families around here because it just works. Firelands Chevrolet Vermilion has been helping local drivers find the right fit, and if you're curious about what other customers think, their review page shows real feedback from people in the area.
Three Rows Without Feeling Like a Bus
The Traverse gives you seating for up to eight people, but it doesn't drive like you're piloting a yacht. That's important when you're parking at the Huron River walk or squeezing into a spot at the Plaza. The second row has good legroom, and even adults can sit back there without complaining. The third row is better for kids, but it's there when you need it.
Most days you probably won't use all three rows. But when your kid wants to bring three friends to the beach, or when your parents visit and everyone needs to fit in one vehicle, you'll be glad it's there. The second and third rows fold down flat when you don't need them, which brings us to storage.
Storage Space That Actually Works for Families
Behind the third row, you get about 23 cubic feet of cargo space. That's enough for groceries, sports bags, and the random stuff that accumulates in family vehicles. Fold the third row down and you're looking at 58 cubic feet. Fold both rear rows and you have 98 cubic feet of space. That's enough to move a college kid into their dorm or haul supplies for a home project.
The Traverse also has smart storage throughout the cabin. There's a spot for your phone, cupholders that actually hold different size drinks, and door pockets big enough to be useful. Little things like that matter when you're using a vehicle every single day.
Getting Around Huron and Beyond
Huron isn't a big town. You can drive from one end to the other in about ten minutes. But most families here do more than just local errands. You're driving to Sandusky for shopping, taking kids to activities in Milan or Norwalk, or heading to Cleveland for bigger trips. The Traverse handles all of that comfortably.
The ride quality is smooth enough that passengers don't complain on longer drives. The cabin stays quiet even at highway speeds. And the fuel economy is decent for a vehicle this size. You're looking at around 21 mpg combined, which isn't amazing but it's fair for what you're getting.
Winter driving matters here too. Lake effect snow can dump several inches overnight, and the roads around Huron get slick. The Traverse comes with available all wheel drive that helps in bad weather. It's not going to turn you into a snow driving expert, but it gives you better traction when you need it.
Tech Features That Don't Need a Manual
The infotainment system in the 2026 Traverse is straightforward. You get a touchscreen that responds quickly, and the menus make sense. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto come standard, so you can just plug in your phone and use the apps you already know. No learning curve required.
The backup camera has clear resolution, which helps when you're backing out of tight spots. Higher trims get a surround view camera that shows you all angles around the vehicle. That's useful in parking lots where people don't always pay attention.
Safety features include automatic emergency braking, lane keeping assist, and blind spot monitoring. These systems work in the background without being annoying. They're there if you need them but they don't constantly beep at you for no reason.
What It's Like When You Need More Seats
Some families buy a three row SUV and never use the third row. Others need it all the time. The Traverse works for both situations. The third row access is easy enough that kids can climb back there without too much drama. There's a button on the second row seats that tips them forward, and the opening is wide enough that even teenagers can get through.
If you regularly haul more than five people, the Traverse makes life easier. Carpool duty, team trips, or family gatherings all become simpler when you can fit everyone in one vehicle. And on the days you don't need those extra seats, they fold away and you get a cargo area that rivals many smaller SUVs.
Towing for Weekend Warriors
The Traverse can tow up to 5,000 pounds when properly equipped. That's enough for a decent sized boat, a camper trailer, or utility trailer for yard work. Huron sits right on Lake Erie, so plenty of folks here have boats. Being able to tow without buying a full size truck is a nice option.
You'll want to make sure you get the right towing package when you buy. Not all Traverse models come ready to tow 5,000 pounds out of the box. The dealer can explain what you need based on what you plan to tow. If you're more interested in truck options for towing, you can check out the Silverado engine choices for comparison.
Service and Support Close to Home
When you buy locally, service is easier. Firelands Chevrolet Vermilion is just down the road from Huron. That matters when you need an oil change, tire rotation, or any maintenance work. You're not driving an hour each way to get your vehicle serviced.
The dealership also has a collision center if you ever need body work. Living near Lake Erie means dealing with salt on the roads, and accidents happen. Having everything in one place makes life simpler. Their collision center handles both minor dings and major repairs.
How It Fits Your Budget
The 2026 Traverse isn't the cheapest SUV out there, but it's priced fairly for what you get. Base models start in the mid $30,000 range, while loaded versions can push past $50,000. Most families end up somewhere in the middle with a well equipped model around $40,000 to $45,000.
You get a lot of vehicle for that money. Three rows of seats, decent technology, good safety features, and enough space to handle whatever family life throws at you. Compare that to buying two smaller vehicles and the Traverse starts to make financial sense.
Living With It Day to Day
The real test of any vehicle is what it's like after the new car smell wears off. The Traverse holds up well to daily family use. The interior materials are durable enough to handle kids, pets, and general life. The seats stay comfortable even after long drives. And the powertrain has proven reliable in previous generations.
You will go through tires faster than a smaller car because of the weight. Brake pads last a reasonable amount of time. Oil changes are standard intervals. Nothing unusual or expensive about maintaining a Traverse compared to other SUVs in its class.
Looking at Your Options
If you're shopping for a family SUV, you probably have a list of other options you're considering. The Traverse competes with vehicles like the Ford Explorer, Honda Pilot, and Toyota Highlander. Each has strengths, but the Traverse offers more space for less money in most comparisons. You can browse the new inventory to see what's currently available and compare different trims.
Some people prefer the Toyota reputation for reliability. Others like the Ford's styling better. But when you sit in all of them and compare features, space, and price, the Traverse usually comes out ahead for families who need that third row regularly.
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.
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