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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  Very Nice Alternative to MiniVan - 2010 Chevrolet Traverse
  By Laurie - July 28 - 6:31 pm

  Ive driven mini vans since the early 1990s and this vehicle is the next best thing for space and comfort. Actually had my heart set on replacing my 5 year old AWD Toyota Sienna, which was a lemon, with another Sienna, but the Traverse won. Lots of cheap plastic finish features in 2010 chevys, fords and toyotas we test drove. Gas mileage about as expected around 20 mpg. I chose fwd instead of awd to save $2000 and higher auto insurance for awd. Hoping I dont regret it. Relying on stability and traction control to get through northern US winters. On Star and satellite radio are a new treat for us. Nice features. I think Chevy did this one right and they must too, warranty is best Ive seen.

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  Like A Rock - 2010 Chevrolet Traverse
  By scott - July 27 - 1:35 am

  We took our Chevy Traverse on vacation. We drove from Connecticut to Florida. Both our small children sat in the 2nd row. There was plenty of room for them, as well as our luggage. We stored our luggage by placing the third row down and there was plenty of room for everything, including all the souvenirs we purchased at Disney World. The Traverse handled very well through all different climates, altitudes and traffic conditions. We mostly drove during the night on cruise control with the A/C cracked up and we averaged 24 mpg, during higher mountain conditions we averaged 22-23 mpg. . If you need to tow a boat, consider the Tahoe,otherwise the Traverse with the Tow Package is the way to go.

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  LTZ 2010 - 2010 Chevrolet Traverse
  By A - July 20 - 3:31 pm

  Very comfortable, mpg as advertised, lots of space and pep. LTZ package is much better than standard. Chose this car over Enclave and Arcadia because it looks more chunky and tough (Enclave is a little effeminate). Driven Florida/New York twice - excellent performance and comfort.

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  Not what I was expecting - 2010 Chevrolet Traverse
  By BillW - July 19 - 11:19 am

  Odyssey was totaled in accident. Rented Traverse for trip to Reno from KC. Swallowed the gear, lots of room for 4. Smooth and relatively quiet on open road. Seats are not comfortable - rear seats dont recline and headrests pushed our heads forward. Mileage NO WHERE near what GM advertises. Shame too, as we were considering replacing our van with this vehicle. Checked it off our list after 4100 mile trip on open roads and avg 19.6 mpg. I could get 28 out of our van between KC & St. Louis. To be used primarily as a family trip vehicle, there are better cars available.

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  Performance - 2010 Chevrolet Traverse
  By Fern - July 18 - 4:12 pm

  I have 2200 miles on the vehicle. I was driving on the highway and the transmission stalled and did not move into the higher gear. Someone could have ran into the back of me. The engine light came on. I drove the truck directly to the dealer and they could not explain why the truck acted that way. This is the first American car I have purchased, and it is my last.

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  I love the Traverse - 2009 Chevrolet Traverse
  By Mrs. Smitty - July 18 - 9:19 am

  I had to chime in and defend my Traverse. We have had the car for one year now and we love it. Its a very comfortable and quiet ride. We have not experienced any of the rear end noises others seems to be having. We have two kids and a dog and love the flexibility of the seating - we can haul 5 kids and a dog, or a bunch of lumber. The sun roof is a nice feature although we dont use as much as I thought we would because of the noise and wind (we do a lot of highway driving). My husband and to talk me into an SUV - but Im glad that he did. We test drove the Flex and some other vehicles similar to the Traverse and found the Traverse to offer to most style and value for our money.

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  The Comfy one - 2010 Chevrolet Traverse
  By The Fishmonger - July 15 - 10:18 pm

  The LTZ is replacing our 2002 Avalanche North Face. Very happy with the choice and better than expected.. Ordered the sunroof and 2nd row center console, Tow package. No electronics e.g. DVD or navigation Great Fuel economy of 23,8 Highway and 19.8 combined. Note: we drive mostly in a rural area. Our dog approves of our choice too. Plenty of room for all, including the grand kids.

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  2ndRowMidSeatUnusable - 2009 Chevrolet Traverse
  By mcspat - July 11 - 1:49 am

  Purchased this car in order to carry a crowd. The middle seat of the second row is unusable for more than a few blocks unless a small child is using it. Even a thin person will have the seat belt boring into their hip very uncomfortably. I have had it in to the dealer and they said that it was a design flaw and nothing could be done-- their words exactly. I just went and sat in the 2010 and it is the same way.

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  1 year and quite happy - 2009 Chevrolet Traverse
  By Gfi - July 7 - 10:41 pm

  With about 13,000 miles, have not been back to dealer except for oil changes. Still very tight with no rattles. The car is very comfortable around town and on the highway. I get 24.7 on road at 72 mph. Around town, I get 20-21. Not bad for a comfortable, roomy, safe vehicle. I remain happy with this domestic car after more than 20 years of Hondas and Toyotas.

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  Like it but I dont love it - 2009 Chevrolet Traverse
  By Daphne - July 6 - 2:16 pm

  I recently purchased my certified 2009 Traverse. I am already thinking its time to unload the truck. I think I need to purchase a 2010. The truck is making a whining noise that sounds like the power steering. I also noticed that the brakes tried to lock up this weekend. Last but not least, the dealership has inspected my car 2xs already. Today, will be the third time. This is costing me time and money. I havent received my tags yet and the 30 day tags they issued expire tomorrow. I think its time to stop being nice. I do like the ride, the room and Im proud to drive and American made vehicle.