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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  jiggy widit - 2010 Chevrolet Traverse
  By Mo-Town Nurse - July 4 - 10:15 am

  Had it about a week. Yes, it has some shortcomings ( I have been told I do too, imagine that) we are very happy with it. Plenty of room, quieter than the Trail Blazer trade-in. Looks good, comfortable, easy to drive and to ride in. Plenty of gadgets for "non-technos" to play with.

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  Bad Fuel Eco - 2010 Chevrolet Traverse
  By Ken Long - June 30 - 1:45 pm

  Great car but will not get the MPG as ad. best so far 13.9 city have not trip open road at this time. Trade Chevy Suburban. i got better city MPG on it. Wish i had it back. Thinking about return try out GM 60 day return policy see what happens.

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  Great SUV - but mileage not great - 2010 Chevrolet Traverse
  By darryl - June 21 - 10:24 pm

  The 2010 Traverse AWD vehicle has been a good car for my family. We love the room, the comfort of the seats, and the AWD. We have gone skiing 8 times with this car and it has never slipped once in the snow/ice. The handling of the car is very good considering its size and weight. We have not had one maintenance problem or "noises" yet but its too new. The 20" tires and the power side mirrors (fold in) are very nice to have. The Radio/DVD system are good. The nav could be improved on. The 3rd row seats fold down really easy (compared to our Odyssey) and it is nice that it splits (for skis). For the price I paid and for the features it is a good deal

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  AC Comes in and Out - 2010 Chevrolet Traverse
  By GM - June 21 - 10:02 pm

  Does not get fuel mileage as rated. Has AC problem that the dealer cannot correct. At a red light or stop sign or setting still that AC will stop cooling. At low RPM. When you get back to highway speed the AC starts cooling again. Dealer is trying to tell me this is the way it was engineered. I disagree.

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  Below average in fuel - 2010 Chevrolet Traverse
  By JOBY - June 20 - 8:36 pm

  I really like the performance but performance never give happy after buying. Now I am rethinking about Asian cars are best in fuel economy. One full tank ultra gas give me only 200 miles in city and highway driving, I am not too much crazy in diving but some times I accelerates bit. I am very comfortable with this vehicle except mileage.

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  Give me better gas mileage and quality - 2009 Chevrolet Traverse
  By Brian - June 18 - 3:10 pm

  I love the vehicle, however it has not been without problems. One of the A/C ducts were inoperable and needed to be replaced. Next, the engine light kept coming on, ended up having to have the timing chains replaced. Gas mileage is not what was advertised. Struggle to average 17 MPG. Driving is pretty much a mix of hwy/city with slightly more city. Aside from those problems I do enjoy the drive, handling, interior design, storage space. It just stinks that Ive had to deal with these problems, now my concern is longevity, will the vehicle hold of for years to come w/o additional problems.

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  Traverse LT1 - 2010 Chevrolet Traverse
  By Sharon - June 17 - 2:15 pm

  We love our Traverse. However, my husband is 6-6 & we had to have the footrest removed which leaves a hole in the floor & 2 bolts sticking up. GM is trying to come up with a fix which seems to be pretty easy - create a flat cover instead of the foot rest. The foot rest takes of 3" of leg room. We bought the vehicle because we were told the foot rest could be removed without any problems. Just trying to get the fix completed. 100% satisfied otherwise. Our sales person was wonderful.

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  Noise in rear? - 2009 Chevrolet Traverse
  By MARIAH - June 15 - 1:08 am

  I like my 09 traverse, but am confounded by a noise in the left rear. I have had it back to the dealer 3 times and they claim it is a suspension noise and not a problem. Im not convinced. Has anyone else experienced this noise? It is a Rather loud thump. Also the drivers seat lumbar control is no longer working. Taking it in for that and the washer heater recall.

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  Back pain from seats - 2009 Chevrolet Traverse
  By Frank - June 5 - 11:53 am

  I drove this traverse for the first time from NY. To Florida taking the family to Disney and was very uncomfortable because the head rest is bent forward and the only way to get the head rest to align at proper angle is by reclining the back of the seat to an over relaxed recline. Anyway the day after arriving my back went out and I couldnt even stand up. Vac ruined. Just drove the car yesterday for 20 minutes and my back hurts today as I write. Also dealer sticker says 17 -24 mpg we avg 12.5 mpg city- on Disney trip 2400 miles round trip we avg 16.7 all highway. GM is deceitful, buy Ford.

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  An excellent vehicle for familes. - 2010 Chevrolet Traverse
  By farmerjohn - June 3 - 11:58 am

  We traded our Jeep Liberty in for the Traverse because we have two children and often drive to vacation destinations. The Traverse is a perfect alternative to a minivan, having lots of room for passengers and plenty more for cargo. Despite the extensive list of suggested improvements, this vehicle is a great vale compared to the others we looked at - the Acadia and the Enclave.