Overview & Reviews

Many Americans have a real need for vehicles big enough to lug Joe Six-pack, his wife, their kids and their kids' teammates on the hockey squad. A minivan would seem like an obvious choice, but these people haulers are anathema for many parents. To fill this need, manufacturers have come up with large crossovers like the Chevrolet Traverse that offer the best of both worlds: a minivan's passenger and cargo capacity along with an SUV's sheet metal.

The eight-passenger Traverse shares its platform with two other current GM vehicles -- the Buick Enclave and GMC Acadia -- but it distinguishes itself by being the least expensive of the bunch. This Chevy isn't the quickest or most refined pick in the larger crossover segment, but it excels when it comes to roominess and ride quality. If these attributes are important to you, the Chevrolet Traverse may be an ideal companion.

Current Chevrolet Traverse
The Chevrolet Traverse is a full-size crossover SUV that comes in three main trim levels: LS, LT and LTZ. Base LS models are pretty nicely equipped, with OnStar telematics, Bluetooth, a rearview camera and an audio system with a USB input and satellite radio. The LT trim is actually comprised of two sub-trims (LT1 and LT2) that add more amenities such as a power liftgate, triple-zone climate control and the MyLink infotainment interface. Springing for the LTZ adds upgrades like 20-inch alloy wheels, leather upholstery and ventilated front seats. Options include dual sunroofs, navigation and a rear-seat entertainment system.

Under the hood is a 3.6-liter V6 wedded to a six-speed automatic with manual shift control. LS and LT trims make 281 horsepower and 253 pound-feet of torque. The LTZ features a dual-outlet exhaust that boosts output to 288 hp and 270 lb-ft. Both front-wheel-drive and all-wheel-drive models are available.

Inside, the Traverse features a stylish two-tone color scheme with, depending on the trim, wood-tone and metallic accents. Seating in the first two rows is comfy, and the split-folding third row -- which tends to be pitifully cramped in many crossovers -- is easy to access and spacious enough for adults. We have a few minor quibbles, such as the compromised rearward visibility. But overall we find this Chevrolet to be a strong choice for those seeking a truly roomy hauler.

Used Chevrolet Traverse Models
The Chevrolet Traverse debuted for the 2009 model year. Not much changed for the next few years. These 2009-'12 models will lack some of the updates introduced for 2013, however. These changes included an exterior styling refresh, upgraded cabin materials and the new MyLink electronics interface.

User Reviews:

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  Best car I ever had. - 2014 Chevrolet Traverse
  By Connie Price - July 24 - 6:28 pm

  We love ours & are in the market for a new one. Never had any problem with it at all.

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  Ok at first - 2020 Chevrolet Traverse
  By S5056 - March 2 - 8:18 am

  We bought a 2020 Traverse LT new. It was great at first, but then a loud ticking noise starting while the car was idling. Two different dealers said it was normal. The sound became louder and overpowered the interior. During an oil change they discovered an oil leak. Which they fixed almost three weeks later. The 2nd row captains chair rocks back and forth, the dealer said that is normal also. All these problems with only 14,000 miles. I traded the vehicle in because I could sense it was falling apart quickly. I think the exterior looks great but is cheaply made.

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  Great ride and awesome power to do anything you want, but is a giant fail by GM - 2011 Chevrolet Traverse
  By David - June 7 - 11:57 am

  So many issues with this vehicle. Had to fix the following. Power steering flushed and refilled with a different fluid. AC vents not working. Had to have the vent replaced under the dash. Intake manifold had to be replace because air sensor integrated in to it needed replaced. AC hose got a leak because it was rubbing against power steering and had to be replaced. All in all I was enjoying the vehicle until these issues keep coming up. Had to spend probably $5000 in repairs over 6 years I owned this thing. In comparison I have a Honda car and have not had any repairs on that.

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  Piece of Junk - 2016 Chevrolet Traverse
  By Cathi - February 22 - 10:56 pm

  Boyfriend bought a used 2012 LT1 Traverse with 13K miles on it in 2013. Nothing but electrical problems. So he then bought a brand new 2016 2LT Traverse 2 weeks ago. Within less than a week there is a clunking or "missing" feeling in the rear-end. Happens when going up hill or on level roads. It is going back to the dealer to see what the problem is. He should have listened to me. I wanted a Highlander.

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  Driving Machine. - 2009 Chevrolet Traverse
  By Susan Grace Rice. - January 20 - 9:03 pm

  its a great vehicle, runs very good, rides smooth, and an all around great vehicle to have. with dogs, kids and just all around family its a great car to travel and go places and it holds a good amount of people, if i had to get a new one i would get another traverse,lt1. with leather this time for inside seats, and heated ones, would like to have a navigation in it, and side view mirrors with navigation on the mirrors for helping you stay in the lanes,[non-permissible content removed] .

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  Engine failure at 56,000 miles - 2011 Chevrolet Traverse
  By Pa mad - January 14 - 7:32 pm

  So many problems cheap interior, power .steering, stability trac, air conditioning failure when 2 yrs old.. Piece of crap.. Totally avoid.. I still own a 2000 power stoke f350. At 15 yrs old 170,000 miles still driven very often AC IS COLD still never refilled.. Only fix alternator and can positioning sensor... Total $ 250 cost.. In 15 yrs.. Going back to ford trucks.. Dependability and trade in value is important.. Shame on me for betraying Ford..

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  2015 New Traverse caught on fire while parked! - 2015 Chevrolet Traverse
  By Claudia Rojas - January 12 - 9:44 am

  My new 2015 Traverse caught on fire by itself while parked. I drove 2.1 miles to work, parked and within 15 mins the car was on fire, flames shooting up. Totaled. Fire department had to put the fire out. GM does NOT want to me make me whole for my loss. I need to be made whole, I have been making payments for a car I no longer have (caught on fire), had to rent a car in the meantime and they dont want to return my $5,000 deposit. How do I get another car? Why doesnt GM think they need to make me whole. Have you seen the massive recalls they have on Traverse and Acadias? Make me whole! Thats all.

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  Be careful unless you enjoy tow truck rides. - 2012 Chevrolet Traverse
  By Eloise Mullen - January 2 - 2:58 pm

  I am the original owner of this vehicle. Since approx. 40, 000 , it has been in the shop for days at a time, at least 5 times. Convenient that the warranty was for 36, 000 miles. I have been stranded at least 3x, believed to be fuel pump issues. Audio system replaced twice ( I listen to news radio) ,sun roof leaked and a cadre of other issues. Cant wait till it is paid off, so I can trade in. My first car was a Chevy (74) and my last Chevy will be this one. Be forewarned

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  Get ready to spend money on a lemon - 2014 Chevrolet Traverse
  By Jimmybe - December 20 - 5:48 pm

  Car historically has issues with stability controls and will shut off without warning. Problems started within first 25000 miles . Spend day shutting off car to have computer reset and drive until It happens again. I have been told by service thats pretty standard for those cars . Not covered under gm settlement this is a separate issue that is in early stages of litigation.

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  Nice SUV - 2011 Chevrolet Traverse
  By J Leftault - November 8 - 6:26 pm