The Chevrolet Traverse has never been a vehicle that’s associated with extreme capability. In fact, one could argue that the name Traverse fits it perfectly, as long as you’re not intending to traverse too far off the beaten path. This isn’t all that surprising, though, as even Chevy bills it as a crossover as opposed to an SUV, and it’s really more catered to family hauling As a midsized, three-row crossover, the Traverse does offer plenty of room for the whole family, the dog, and a bit of cargo too.
For the 2024 model year, the Traverse entered its third generation, and this time around it’s boxier and more SUV-like than ever. Despite this, it still features that third row, it’s still billed as a crossover, and it still sends power to the front wheels unless you opt for the optional AWD system. So, yes, the Traverse looks more like an SUV than it really is, but it also looks better than ever. It’s appearance, however, is only a small part of the equation, and there’s a lot of new baked into the Traverse for 2024.
Expert Opinion: The Chevrolet Traverse is a formidable midsize crossover, and thanks to a heavy update for the 2024 model year, it's more capable than ever. The Traverse is, however, and despite being offered in a new off-road trim (the Z71), still more appropriate for on-road adventures with the family than it is heavy off-roading. That's not to say it can't hold its own off the beaten path, but don't expect to do any serious off-roading.
In order to give you the most up-to-date and accurate information possible, the data used to compile this article was sourced from various manufacturer websites and other authoritative sources, including EPA, NHTSA, IIHS, and JD Power. Each model score is determined by Top Speed's rating team, which factors in five different metrics. You can read our Methodology page for more information about our rating system.
As a new-generation model, the 2024 Traverse is packed full of surprises, including the introduction of the new Z71 off-road trim and that overall rugged look. The Z71 model is said to be more off-road oriented, and it is more capable than the LS or LT models. Highlights of this model include the all-terrain tires, model-specific 18-inch wheels, twin-clutch AWD system, and the lifted suspension. If you’re looking for the High-Country or Premier trims from the last generation, then you’ll need to look out for the sportier RS model, which now serves as the new top model in the lineup. It comes with sportier suspension, black exterior accents, and 22-inch wheels.
Chevrolet Traverse LS, LT, RS | Chevrolet Traverse RS | |
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Length | 204.49 Inches | 204.72 Inches |
Height | 69.92 - 70.90 Inches | 72.05 Inches |
Width (w/o Mirrors) | 79.57 Inches | 79.96 Inches |
Wheelbase | 121.0 Inches | 121.0 Inches |
Ground Clearance | 6.77 Inches | 7.76 Inches |
Front Track Width | 67.28 Inches | 67.84 Inches |
Rear Track Width | 67.05 Inches | 67.60 Inches |
The Chevy Traverse is offered exclusively with a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine, which does seem small for a midsize SUV, but it does put out 315 horsepower. Power is sent to the front wheels by an eight-speed automatic transmission, though an AWD system is available as an option across the lineup. Opting for AWD on anything but the Z71 will set you back an extra $2,000.
Despite its more rugged appearance compared to the outgoing generation, you have to go with the Traverse Z71 if you really want to venture off the beaten path with confidence. This model includes a lifted suspension, 18-inch wheels with all-terrain tires, and a dual-clutch all-wheel-drive system. Like the rest of the lineup, shifting duties are handled by that same eight-speed automatic.
Engine | 2.5-Liter Inline-Four |
Transmission | Eight-Speed Automatic |
Horsepower | 328 HP @ 5,500 RPM |
Torque | 326 LB-FT @ 3,500 RPM |
Driveline | FWD or AWD |
Towing Capacity | 5,000 Pounds |
The Chevy Traverse doesn’t come from the factory ready to tow unless you go for the Z71 or RS models, in which case the trailering package comes standard. If you’re in the marked for the entry-level LS or Lt models, you’ll need to chip in an extra $695 for the right equipment. With the trailering package, you can pull up to 5,000 pounds.
In terms of off-roading, the Traverse Z71 is your only real go-to for off-road adventures. Thanks to its standard equipment, you get nearly an inch more ground clearance (7.76 inches vs. 6.77 inches), though as for how capable it is off the beaten path, that’s still a mystery. As of the time of this writing, things like approach, departure, and breakover angle for all trim levels have yet to be revealed.
Four-cylinder engines are generally more fuel efficient than larger V-6 and V-8 models, however, that 2.5-liter under the hood of the Traverse has the task of motivating a midsize SUV. As such, you shouldn’t expect outrageous fuel economy figures. FWD models are good for up to 26 mpg on the highway, though, while the AWD models come in a bit less with a max rating of 25 mpg on the highway. The EPA estimates annual fuel costs to come in anywhere between $2,400 and $2,550.
City | Highway | Combined | AVG Annual Fuel Cost | |
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Chevy Traverse FWD | 18 MPG | 26 MPG | 21 MPG | $2,400 |
Chevy Traverse AWD | 17 MPG | 25 MPG | 20 MPG | $2,550 |
For a midsize crossover, the Chevy Traverse is quite spacious on the inside. Base configuration gives you eight seats, though, moving up the trim line will ditch the second-row bench seat for captains seats. This does make accessing the third row a bit easier, but it also drops passenger capacity to 7. All three rows offer pretty decent comfort in terms of space with even the third row having 32.13 inches of legroom.
In-cabin storage is also a bit point to take note of, as there’s some pretty convenient places to stash your smaller items, including the door pockets, one in the center console, one below the center console, and a cubby ahead of the cup holds. Cargo capacity is equally as impressive with 22.9 cubic-feet in base configuration, which can scale to as much as 97.6 cubic-feet if you fold the second and third rows down.
The Traverse doesn’t have a lot of tricks up its sleeve outside of the massive cabin, though, it does have some pretty impressive technology. The standard 17.7-inch infotainment display (touchscreen) is the centerpiece of the cabin. It’s flanked by the standard 11.0-inch digital gauge cluster that sits ahead of the driver. You won’t mistake the cabin for that of a luxury vehicle, but the tech itself does give the cabin a premium ambiance. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto also come standard, though if you want the Wi-Fi hot spot or wireless phone charging, you’ll have to pay a bit extra.
Front | Second Row | Third Row | |
Headroom | 42.60 Inches | 39.96 Inches | 38.27 Inches |
Shoulder Room | 62.28 Inches | 62.17 Inches | 57.72 Inches |
Hip Room | 58.70 Inches | 58.58 Inches | 48.62 Inches |
Leg Room | 44.29 Inches | 41.46 Inches | 32.13 Inches |
Cargo Capacity | Up To 98 Cubic-Feet |
Chevrolet provides a long list of standard safety equipment from the usual and required allotment of airbags to things like Blind Zone Steering Assist and Rear Cross-Traffic Braking to Side Bicyclist Alert and Speed Limit Assist. Highlights include the following:
Almost every safety feature that Chevy offers is standard at the base level with a few exceptions. A first aid and a highway safety kit are available as options across the lineup. Driver attention assist, enhanced automatic parking assist, and GM Super Cruise technology aren’t available and the entry LS, are available as an option on the Traverse LT, but come standard from the Traverse RS and above.
The additional safety features available on the LT and standard on the RS on up will replace some of the more standard safety features found on lesser models.
In terms of reliability, the Chevrolet Traverse has a JD Power certified rating of 83 out of 100, which is pretty good, with ratings of 82 for quality, 81 for driving experience, 83 for resale, and 85 for dealership experience.
As of the time of this writing, the 2024 Chevrolet Traverse has not been rated by the NHTSA or the IIHS, though in 2023, the NHTSA did include it on the list of vehicle models it was planning to test for the 2024 model year.
Since the 2024 Chevrolet Traverse is all new for the 2024 model year, the performance of previous model years in crash testing or their safety ratings are not an indication of how safe this model is.
At this time, there have been no consumer complaints logged to the NHTSA, nor have there been any recalls or investigations for the 2024 Traverse.
The Traverse comes with Chevy’s standard warranty for the 2024 model year, which includes a single scheduled maintenance visit in the first 12 months or 12,000 miles. There’s a typical three-year, 36,000-mile bumper-to-bumper warranty, a five-year powertrain/drivetrain warranty, and three-year corrosion warranty with an extension to six years for rust-through.
As a midsize crossover, the Traverse doesn’t have any shortage of competitors that you can cross-shop if you’re in the market to buy a new ride. Despite the usual sharp competition from Ford, the Traverse is really more competitive with models like the Honda Pilot and Kia Telluride. With the Traverse being all-new for the 2024 model year with an all-new appearance and impressively updated tech, it does pose some pretty stiff competition to players that have been in the game for a couple of years.
Scheduled Maintenance | First Visit Within 12 Months or 12,000 Miles |
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Bumper-to-Bumper | 3 Years / 36,000 Miles |
Corrosion | 3 Years / 36,000 Miles | 6 Years/ 100,000 Miles Rust-Through |
Powertrain | 5 Years / 60,000 Miles |
Roadside Assistance | 5 Years / 60,000 Miles |
2024 Chevrolet Traverse | 2024 Honda Pilot | |
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Model | Chevrolet Traverse | 2024 Honda Pilot |
Engine | 2.5-Liter Turbocharged Inline-Four | 3.5-Liter V-6 |
Transmission | Eight-Speed Automatic | 10-Speed Automatic |
Horsepower | 328 HP @ 5,500 RPM | 285 HP |
Torque | 326 LB-FT @ 3,500 RPM | 262 LB-FT |
Driveline | FWD | AWD | 2WD | AWD |
MSRP | $38,995 - $57,995 | $37,090 - $52,480 |
Fuel Economy | Up To 26 MPG | Up To 22 MPG Combined |
Towing Capacity | 5,000 Pounds | 3,500 - 5,000 Pounds |
The Honda Pilot entered a new generation for the 2023 model year that marked an evolution that’s not unlike that of the Traverse. It picked up an all-new modernized look, heaps of updated interior technology, the latest safety equipment, and a boxier look. TopSpeed experts have said that the 2024 Honda Pilot is a jack of all trades but a master of none, which puts it in the perfect position to compete with the Traverse.
Like the Traverse, the Pilot is FWD as standard but can be equipped with a rather responsive and capable AWD system. It’s also capable of towing up to 5,000 pounds when properly equipped. Where the Pilot really differs is under the hood, where it’s still rocking out Honda’s tried-and-true 3.5-lier V-6 engine. This engine is good for 285 horsepower and 262 pound-feet of torque, so it’s down on power compared to the Traverse but still manages to do up to 22 mpg combined with better figures on the highway. Available in six different trim levels, the Honda Pilot starts out at $37,090 for the LX trim and climbs to as high as $52,480 for the range-topping and well-equipped Elite trim.
2024 Chevrolet Traverse | 2024 Kia Telluride | |
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Model | Chevrolet Traverse | Kia Telluride |
Engine | 2.5-Liter Turbocharged Inline-Four | 3.6L V-6 |
Transmission | Eight-Speed Automatic | 8-Speed Automatic |
Horsepower | 328 HP @ 5,500 RPM | 291@ 6,000 RPM |
Torque | 326 LB-FT @ 3,500 RPM | 262 LB-FT @ 5,200 RPM |
Driveline | FWD | AWD | Front Engine, AWD |
MSRP | $38,995 - $57,995 | $36,190 |
Towing Capacity | 5,000 Pounds | 5,500 Pounds |
The Kia Telluride is actually they oldest of the models in this guide, with the current model being launched for the 2020 model year, though it was refreshed for the 2023 model year. Like the Honda Pilot, the Telluride boasts a V-6 engine, though the displacement is a bit higher at 3.8-liters. This model is good for 291 horsepower and 262 pound-feet of torque, so it is, of course, a little underpowered compared to the Traverse. As is the norm in this segement, the Telluride is capable of towing up to 5,000 pounds.
TopSpeed journalist Lyndon Conrad Bell was able to spend some time with the 2024 Telluride SX-Prestige X-Line AWD, and he was rather impressed, saying it was well-appointed and remarkably competent with the ability to do everything the average American family expects a crossover to do, and it does it well. As of the time of this writing, the Telluride is available in 10 different trim levels with the entry-level model coming in at $36,190 and the range-topping SX Prestige X-Pro commanding $53,385.
The Traverse starts out at $38,995 for the FWD LS model with pricing climbing to as high as $47,795 for the range-topping Traverse Z71. If you’re opting for any of the models below the Z71, which comes standard with AWD, opting for the AWD system comes at a $2,000 premium. There aren’t a lot of notable options for the Traverse, though, you can pay an extra $1,795 for the Midnight/Sport Edition package with gloss black trim or $1,200 for special suspension tuning to provide optimum handling. The Trailering package, while not listed on Chevy’s build page, comes in at $695.
FWD | AWD | |
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Traverse LS | $38,995 | $40,995 |
Traverse LT | $41,395 | $43,395 |
Traverse Z71 | N/A | $47,795 |
Traverse RS | $55,595 | $57,595 |
The 2024 Chevrolet Traverse is all-new for this model year, which means there’s not a lot of data to go by in terms of reliability or safety. If safety and reliability are of your utmost concern, it would be advisable to wait until IIHS and NHTSA crash testing and evaluation are complete. Outside of this, the Traverse is marginally cheaper than its competition, even at the range-topping level, and the range of standard equipment is truly hard to beat. As a midsize SUV with three rows of seating the Traverse is a perfect family hauler, and with the best-in-class cargo capacity, it provides impressive utility as well. Overall, there’s a good chance you won’t go wrong with buying the new Traverse, and it certainly is more capable than ever – just don’t expect it to go rock climbing or trekking through the great unknown anytime soon.
2024-03-31T21:15:31Z dg43tfdfdgfd