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

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  LEASE IT, DONT BUY IT - 2015 Chevrolet Traverse
  By yangk - April 7 - 1:57 pm

  2nd and 3rd row seats are not adult friendly as theyre not comfortable and not large enough to accommodate. MPG not all that great, averaging 19 MPG for my recent 2000 mi round trip with family of 3 and gear. Mix city/hwy MPG average 15 mpg. At 3K, transmission had to get work done to it as it lost 3.5 qt of oil (where it went was not known). Doesnt haul my 18 aluminum boat well but does the job, MPG is worse or similar to a 3/4 ton truck, 10 mpg. Dont like the covers for sunroof and wished the 2nd sunroof would open but they dont. Dont like the radio unit, could use real buttons that go down when pushed. Rides decent and quiet on hwy. 3.5L V6 is under power for as big as it is.

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  Love it except for---- - 2013 Chevrolet Traverse
  By wrdsr824 - January 20 - 9:57 am

  Bought our 2013 Traverse LT new, left over 13. Love everything about it but since we travel there is no way to hang clothes between the front and second seats. Clothes hooks are behind 2nd row seat and you have to choose luggage or clothes behind 2nd row. We usually put the seats down and put luggage behind the front seats since just 2 of us are traveling. Only have 11k on the car but getting ready to trade for something that works better. Probably go back to a Highlander since I have owned 2 and had great luck with both. No there are no grab handles in ours.

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  Looks good, spacious interior. Not real impressed overall. - 2011 Chevrolet Traverse
  By scole134 - January 17 - 8:06 am

  Ive had my Traverse for less than a year & Im dying to trade it in for something else. I love the look of the Traverse, but after owning one for a while now, the disappointments keep adding up. For one, its horrible to drive in cold weather. It handles great, but the front defrost is the most useless thing ever made. The vent is like a foot wide & doesnt seem to blow outward at all. I can let the car warm up for a half hour & still have to scrape the sides of the windshield. Also, the heating system is flawed. When I change the temperature, it doesnt actually change, sometimes taking as long as 20 minutes to go from cold to hot. And now the check engine light is on because of a sensor.

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  2012 Traverse - 2012 Chevrolet Traverse
  By jla1466 - August 7 - 3:15 pm

  Overall, I am very pleased with the purchase of this vehicle. However, there are a couple of things that I have found perplexing to say the least. First, the check engine light continues to come on at various times. It does not stay on continuously, but will remain on for a day or so then not come on at all for a day or more. The Chev service department keeps telling me it must be the gas cap since nothing else is showing up when they run the diagnostics. Another issue has been the power steering, which becomes difficult when making the initial turn after backing up. Again, Chev maintenance has been unable to determine why this is happening and attempts to fix have been unsuccessful.

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  Very pleased - 2010 Chevrolet Traverse
  By chasman123 - July 29 - 9:09 am

  Bought our 2010 new in 2009. Have been very pleased with the smooth and quiet ride. Did have to get the steering fixed due to it making noise when turning and also had the temperature controls replaced due to the paint wearing off the fan buttons. All of this was done under warranty. Overall weve been pleased with our Traverse. Now have 45,000 miles on it and it seems to be going strong.

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  Nice car but a pain in the neck - 2013 Chevrolet Traverse
  By cjq - July 8 - 1:52 pm

  I bought a new Traverse last month and I really like car, except for the headrest. The headrest sticks out so far, it gives me a pain the neck. There is no way to turn it around, or have it go far enough back to not cause the problem. So when you test the drive, be aware of this and make sure you fit into the seat as it is designed.

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  2011 traverse - 2011 Chevrolet Traverse
  By marv17 - April 21 - 11:23 am

  I have had for 8 months and put 20K miles in it. When I drive out of town for trips sometimes I have problems with the stability track light going off and it will say engine power reduced. I have to pull over and let it sit for awhile then I can drive again, but it continues to come back on, I have to pull over numerous times. Have had it looked at, which it was not under warranty for this problem, computer was reset. And yes it keeps happening. Also, second row seating is not comfortable for adults. I am a previous owner of a Dodge Durango and never had any problems. I am currently looking for a Dodge. Good luck with the Traverse. I will never own one again!

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  After One-Year, Very Happy w/Purchase - 2012 Chevrolet Traverse
  By murdoughnut - April 1 - 11:36 am

  The Good: Space (lots of it). Have fit five adults, two infants in car seats, a dog and a stroller in the car before. Cargo area is plenty big, even with the third row up While heavy on acceleration, actually turns quite nimbly for its size Comfortable ride in every seat - third row can accommodate a small adult for normal trips, and a larger male for short trips. Bad: Gas mileage (~17), cargo door not very wide/tall Overall: Would definitely buy again this car fit my exact needs for something safe for my infant twin sons, large enough to carry their stuff, but stylish enough for a 32-year old man who refused to own/drive a minivan. Gas mileage sucks, but didnt buy for that.