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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  2010 LT2 AWD - 2010 Chevrolet Traverse
  By minihorse - March 2 - 2:23 pm

  Only have 1100 miles on this traverse so far but have not had any problems. We have 6 children so a minimum 8 passenger was required. Much better gas economy than the 12 passenger Express. Is my wifes car and so far she is satisfied, time will tell.

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  Our Traverse LTZ took us cross country! - 2010 Chevrolet Traverse
  By Jim - March 2 - 1:44 pm

  We bought our 2010 Traverse LTZ Sept. 21st in NC and left for Nevada Sept. 25th. When not driving in heavy 50 MPH headwinds in Arizona, we average 24.4 MPG at 7 MPH over posted speeds. My wife purchased plastic storage containers for our clothes, which we selected the next days wear from when stopping at hotels. Both second and third row seats remained folded flat to maximize needed storage for 5 weeks! The ice chest for bottled water rode strapped in with seat belt across the two second row bucket seats. One flat tire in Las Vegas was caused by construction material & repaired by the local dealership. An oil change was needed in Texas upon our return route. We were very comfortable.

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  Whinning noise - 2009 Chevrolet Traverse
  By mmrando8 - February 25 - 3:15 pm

  2nd trip back to dealer for whining noise under the hood. Purged the power steering lines the first time didnt work. Took it back today and they have now replaced the steering rack. Seems there are some problems. Also had whining noise coming from steering column but after reading another blog, Im guessing that noise will be gone as well. Going to get it now. Will let you know more tomorrow. Absolutely love this car though. Super fun to drive, roomy on the inside.

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  I Love My Car - 2009 Chevrolet Traverse
  By Farm Girl - February 16 - 3:09 pm

  Ive had my 2LT Traverse for over a year now and am still LOVING it!! Its way fun to drive and plenty roomy inside. No complaints about quality or reliability at all. My mpg is averaging 18-19 even though I drive like a hellion on twisty-turny country roads. If my hubby drives on longer trips, hell get 22-23 mpg. I had a Ford Edge before this and its EPA estimates were the same, but it got better mileage in real life. I had the jerky tranny problem too for a long time, but at 20,000 miles it seems to have smoothed out nicely. I had trouble with the headrests also, but fixed it by raising them as high as theyll go. Oh, and the storage on the dash is perfect for sunglasses!

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  Best suv weve ever had - 2009 Chevrolet Traverse
  By pands from mo. - February 11 - 5:16 pm

  We love the interior, everything is Handy. The awd has gotten us through several bad snow storms. The leather heated seats are very comfortable and plenty of room for trips. Couldnt be ant happier.

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  Love it - 2010 Chevrolet Traverse
  By TCROTTS - February 2 - 8:44 am

  The traverse is the most comfortable more roomy and handles and drives great. I have mother in law that lives with us and 2 dog that go with us on vacations or wherever it has plenty room and very comfortable for them in the back, the only thing I have had issue with is the lift gate the button on the back will work sometimes and sometimes it want they told me to being it back it need to be synchronized. The only other thing is the gas mileage could be better but it better than any other of the vehicles and its as large inside than the larger suvs so I am happy I bought it.

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  Chevy Traverse - 2009 Chevrolet Traverse
  By 2009 Chevy Traverse - February 1 - 9:44 am

  My 2009 traverse is a year old and Im not impressed with the gas mileage. About 16 mpg is the best that I have got. Also, I have tan leather seats and the drivers and passengers seat have black on them, they have been replaced once and now they are doing it again. Its like the leather is not real leather. Even the dealership could not get the black off the leather. Very disappointing.

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  A great comeback..... - 2009 Chevrolet Traverse
  By Chevy Lover - January 30 - 10:04 am

  Well I was raised on Chevys and for many reasons, fell away from them in the late Seventies. GM finally saw the light and has produced some fine vehicles that compare and surpass in ways the Japanese vehicles. The Traverse is one such vehicle. The smooth quiet ride, the agile handling, the options to please. It may not have an over 30 mpg, but its a welcome gift for large guys like Myself. It surpasses the Honda Pilot and anyone looking for a roomy SUV/CUV should definitely test drive this vehicle! It also heralds some great safety ratings as well...and the AWD is great in winter conditions. Try it youll love it!

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  First Chevy Ever - Happy I did - 2010 Chevrolet Traverse
  By m298908 - January 30 - 9:35 am

  This is my first venture into a Chevy (or any GM car). We have been a Subaru family, but now that a third kid is on the way we needed a third row. We are one of the no-minivan families. Captains chairs in the middle were a must since you cant get to the third row if you have car seats on the middle row. Extremely safe - avoided 2 accidents already (northeast has slippery weather). I never had traction control before and it saved me prob $15,000 accident. Drives great with wonderful pickup - big engine and 6 speed helps a lot with that. Very little road noise. Mileage is pretty good (16 MPG with little highway) thanks to switching to AWD only when it needs it. Highly Recommended!

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  A Lot of room and a lot of fun. - 2010 Chevrolet Traverse
  By Greg F - January 29 - 1:15 pm

  Came off the lease of a 06 Cadillac DTS in November. The smooth ride in the LTZ is superior to that of the Cadillac and of the 2002 Lincoln Town Car I had previously even with the 20 inch tires (Bridgestone Dueler) I have now. The amount of room for the driver is outstanding in the Traverse and is of particular importance to me. The power of the jets on the Windshield washer is the best I have ever seen. Mileage is only at 16 mpg and is a little disappointing but I have been using the remote start. Brakes tend to squeak first thing in the morning. Voice recognition system does not work for hands free dialing. It can not distinguish between different numbers. Overall I am very pleased