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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  Cool mini van thats not a mini van! - 2010 Chevrolet Traverse
  By dustin - April 18 - 2:20 am

  Growing family. Researched Odyssey, Sienna, Acadia, Enclave. Chevy has done an exceptional job melding family car practicality and economy with cool car styling and pep together into one. My wife and I LOVE driving it, kids seem happy too. Traverse is the perfect fit for us based on style, comfort options and cost. "Like a minivan buts its not", is the best way to put it. Had to punch it while merging to avoid a big rig there was no problem, lots of pep, even felt sporty. Excellent safety! extremely low road noise even with the dual sunroofs. Bose sound system is totally worth your dollar. The DVD system is awesome, keeps the kiddos so happy on the road. It felt good to buy American.

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  traded in 05 Uplander van for 10 Travers - 2010 Chevrolet Traverse
  By jtbea - April 15 - 12:47 am

  The minivan had high miles, AC, door issues, and showing transmission issues plus we were tired of no tow power and also of mom van image. Traverse is all the Uplander was not. Great incentives, design and features, dealer added bluetooth and remote start. We added 2-tone black/gray leather seats, heat warmers and DVD player as dealer after-market installs.. thats the way to go folks! Custom leather design for no more money and to my taste and better quality leather. Just wish center row seats were removable or easier to get to 3rd row for my teenagers.

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  MPG Ratings Way Off - 2010 Chevrolet Traverse
  By Brad - April 8 - 9:51 pm

  I really like the car for its ride, looks and features, but my AWD is supposed to average 19 MPG and I dont get above 16 with 50% city and 50% highway. Averages 12 around town and 21 on highway versus the 16 and 23 advertised. And I am a conservative 58 year old driver.

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  Outstanding everything - 2010 Chevrolet Traverse
  By r weber - April 6 - 10:40 am

  The crossover has superb engineering and style inside and out. Plenty of pep,quite and smooth ride,great fit and finish,ON_STAR,Bose radio with GMs new nav system, LTZ very sporty, nice cockpit feel, Many creature comforts and very high tech.

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  Love It - 2010 Chevrolet Traverse
  By RedSmith - March 31 - 9:33 pm

  Plenty of room. Great for car poolers whose kids have backpacks. Ample legroom, headroom, and cargo space. We love the styling. The dash is a bit disappointing, as the RPM indicator is almost as big as the speedometer, and markings on the controls could be more user friendly. The Bose stereo sounds very good. We have the sunroof up front, and the kids have the moonroof in back, which they definitely like. All the room plus the moonroof give an open feel in back that helps on trips. My wife had to hit the breaks hard when a truck in front of her dropped a dresser while doing 70. It stopped fast and straight. We are very pleased overall, and feel good we bought American.

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  Best Bang For My 31K - 2010 Chevrolet Traverse
  By shortround - March 29 - 4:41 pm

  Lt1, jewel coat, 2nd row captains chairs, towing pkg. Hard fought battle down to the cx-9 / traverse. 2mos of digging, reading forums, comparing. Arcadia, enclave, pilot, Veracruz out (between 3-10k higher for the same 3rd row, awd features). Had I more money to spend, I may have considered 1 of the others. Fit and finish was very good. Interior was good, but with power port to close to cup holder on console. Exceptional ride and responsive handling. Mileage hwy den-cheye @70-78, as advertised. 6 on exterior design, front clip has to much drag. Cheesy top rail design, good for collecting debris, dirt, and pine needles. If youre going to design such a rail, do so with a top cap! Otherwise ++++

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  new SUV to replace worn out Mini-van - 2010 Chevrolet Traverse
  By jtbea - March 13 - 2:47 am

  tired of tired mini-van with no towing capacity... but loved the 3 rows of seats and DVD player and gas mileage of van. Happened upon the traverse and happily traded in. Added on everything but sunroof and backup camera...even 2-tone leather seating. Wife loves it and kids love it... and Dad doesnt mind driving it either!

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  Passenger side Power window - 2009 Chevrolet Traverse
  By Wykke - March 5 - 7:35 pm

  After purchasing my 2009 traverse, I noticed the passenger side Power window going up slower than the other windows, also making a groaning sound as if it might not make it all the way closed. I took it to dealer and they said it was the power regulator and that they would order one. When it came in, I had the regulator rplaced. This did not help the problem. I went back and this time they said that the window was out of alignment and they aligned and lubed it. This still did not help they problem so I took it back again. this time, they said that it was normal for the window to operate slower and make a moaning noise. I still have the problem and will let my lawyer solve the problem.

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  Love this car! - 2010 Chevrolet Traverse
  By JB - March 5 - 9:30 am

  Terrific handling quick response plenty of cargo space for a one month visit across country. Weve driven this car 2500 miles from Midwest to FL and back, 20 mpg. City mpg is 16. Console between front seats is problematic. Any plug into cigarette lighter blocks easy access to to cup holders. Rear view for backing is not good. Rear blind spots too big. We dont have that rear view option, but a friend who has one in his 2009 Traverse says he doesnt use it.

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  Unreliable - 2010 Chevrolet Traverse
  By Patrick - March 3 - 8:41 pm

  I have approximately 2,200 miles on this vehicle and it is in the shop for the 4th time. Engine light comes on and car does not run properly. The dealers service department cant figure it out, but stated that GM has had this problem on a number of cars. I have had similar problems with my Tahoe.