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:

• 

  I like it except the headrest - 2010 Chevrolet Traverse
  By blendeng - January 26 - 2:14 pm

  Had this CUV for a week and like it. Its bigger than I thought but drives like a car. Acceleration is not bad. Traded in my minivan. Minivan had more trunk room but this CUV back is o.k. Overall, I would give this CUV a 7.8 out of 10. The biggest drawback is the front headrest. It pushes your head forward and can feel uncomfortable after awhile.

• 

  broke from the rain - wont turn off - 2010 Chevrolet Traverse
  By Carl Johnson - January 19 - 11:01 pm

  Vehicle sat in the driveway all day due to a bad rainstorm. Wife drove 1 mile to go to a meeting after the storm and the check engine light came on. Engine would NOT TURN OFF even after turning the key to the "OFF" position. You could still place the vehicle in gear and drive with the steering wheel locked!! Will take to the dealership tomorrow (AM) per their request. This is not the dealerships fault, but the manufacturer!! Possible moisture in one of the electrical contacts?? The streets were almost dry when she left (no puddles to drive through). How could this happen on a vehicle with only 386 miles???

• 

  Love this SUV! - 2009 Chevrolet Traverse
  By Jen - January 19 - 12:31 am

  I have enjoyed this care VERY much! It drives like a dream and is cozy and quiet inside and out. It is wonderful in the snow too, though I havent driven it in VERY deep snow yet. It sticks to the road and I have yet to slide in bad weather. I feel very safe driving it. My kids love the DVD and XM radio. Gas mileage blows. I think GM needs to be honest in that department. Ive had this car for a month now and I cant seem to break 16 mpg no matter what I do. Good thing the car is WONDERFUL in many other aspects...I can overlook the mpg, I guess.

• 

  Great Vehicle!!! Go CHEVY!! - 2010 Chevrolet Traverse
  By Shawn - January 10 - 11:01 pm

  I love my chevy traverse. It handles great. Smooth ride and fun to drive. It is a drivers SUV. My limited options on the LT1 feels like I got a loaded version. The interior is nice and has the feel of luxury w/o leather. A great buy!!!

• 

  Great Car! - 2009 Chevrolet Traverse
  By DOzmore - January 6 - 10:19 am

  I love my Traverse. The 7 seats are so versatile and I use them all. The leather interior is easy to clean and keep clean. I really love to drive it, very comfortable - especially on road trips. Theres so much room in the back! I really love this car.

• 

  2010 Traverse LT1 FWD w/options - 2010 Chevrolet Traverse
  By Snoopy - December 29 - 1:08 pm

  Bought 2010 Traverse LT1 FWD w/tow package, dual sunroof/moonroof, roof cross rails & Captains chairs back in November. Thus far, love this vehicle. Mileage varies but avg about 23 mpg hwy currently, certainly no worse than my previous 2003 Hyundai Santa Fe. Plenty of room for 7 & 13 yr olds in the back seat and plenty of room for 6 tall spouse in the passenger. Rides smooth and comfortable for family of four. The third row was tested when family friends were visiting - no complaints. Handled well in the snow as a result of the winter storm that hit MD/DC/VA/PA area right before Christmas. Cant wait to drive this on our next vacation.

• 

  Tire Chains Not Allowed - 2009 Chevrolet Traverse
  By BRYCE W KOPPER - December 21 - 7:51 pm

  We love our 2009 Traverse but if you dont live in the mountains where chains are sometimes required you dont realize the problem you will encounter. Tire chains will not work on the Traverse which could pose quite a problem if you want to go skiing and youre not allowed to go up the mountain because the stupid vehicle was built so you cant use chains. What does GM expect? To be pulled up the mountain by a team of donkeys? Im sorely disappointed with this flaw.

• 

  Broke down with less than 4K miles! - 2009 Chevrolet Traverse
  By recker - December 16 - 8:42 pm

  You would think that after making a 30K purchase, it would be reliable. GM dropped the ball. After owning for 4-5 months and less than 4000 miles our traverse has an "intermittent electrical issue", and will not start. The service department had to call GMs engineer dept to find out how to fix the issue. The fact that the service dept had to call GM on how to fix the problem is a scary thought. Never again!!

• 

  What about deep snow? - 2009 Chevrolet Traverse
  By Rondog - December 10 - 12:56 pm

  I bought a 2009 Traverse AWD LTZ in July. I have been loving this new vehicle until yesterday. We had 14" of snow fall overnight. I cleared my driveway and backed into the street. A couple of 4 wheel drive vehicles had gone through but the plows had not. I was stuck immediately. I turned off the traction control and could not move the vehicle. My neighbors had to push me back into my driveway. I had a 4WD S-10 Blazer and was never stuck once in 10 years! I am so frustrated with this vehicle. I live in WI and we have some winters with numerous heavy snow falls. I think it is ground clearance and tire design. My other vehicles were dedicated 4WD and not AWD.

• 

  Great! - 2009 Chevrolet Traverse
  By dexterm - December 6 - 8:37 pm

  We purchased this SUV about 2 months ago and love it so far. We have been on a couple of road trips and it fits our family of 4 perfectly. It is roomy, drives nicely and the kids love the DVD player.