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:

• 

  Chevy Traverse is Dependable 7 Safe - 2009 Chevrolet Traverse
  By ChevyLuva - December 6 - 11:36 am

  I have owned several new cars, many makes and models and so far the Chevy Traverse is my absolute favorite. It is dependable, safe, modern and roomy. It also looks classy and expensive while still affordable and realistic to own. It perfectly suits the single driver and accommodates the soccer mom transporting kids and groceries! I absolutely adore my vehicle and cant wait to drive it in the snow.

• 

  Really like it! - 2009 Chevrolet Traverse
  By The Dan - December 4 - 10:25 pm

  The Traverse rides great. It is quiet, sure footed, accelerates acceptably, and has very good fit and finish. I would highly recommend the Traverse to anyone. I have two complaints. It doesnt always know what gear it wants to be in and will sometimes have a bit of an acceleration lag when you have slowed down but then press the gas (like when the light changes from red to green). I will press the gas, then press the gas some more until it figures out what gear needs to be in and will then accelerate excessively. The other complaint is that it is surprisingly large and takes some getting use to.

• 

  Nice vehicle for the price. - 2010 Chevrolet Traverse
  By JenJ - December 1 - 1:28 pm

  The Traverse is very fun to drive and is much more attractive than our previous Uplander mini-van. The interior is very nicely designed and the Bose stereo system is wonderful. I do find that there are quite a few blind spots and my visibility in the Traverse is not as good as it was in the van. I agree with the previous review, the brakes arent as responsive as I expected. The gas mileage is working out to be less than promised but still better than a truck or SUV. Overall, a very nice vehicle for the price.

• 

  First SUV - 2010 Chevrolet Traverse
  By Sheryl M. - November 25 - 12:52 pm

  I initially looked at minivans (Sienna, Odyssey, and Routan), but was intrigued when I saw the traverse. All it took was one test drive, and I was sold. I guess I wasnt ready to go the minivan route=) The Traverse rides like a car and is as smooth as can be. I love the back-up camera, back-up sensors, and the blind spot area of the side mirrors. Due to 2 young kids, I had to have the captains chairs for easy access to the 3rd row seats. It is one of the most spacious interiors for a midsize suv that was on the market. I give it 2 thumbs up.

• 

  Im glad its not a mini van - 2009 Chevrolet Traverse
  By Pat Flores - November 18 - 7:43 pm

  Wonderful family car for Grandparent, parents, teens & kids. Sporty and classy with dual sunroofs. I cant wait to go camping. Great for shopping, hauls a great deal of stuff. So far, I love it. I do miss my 02 Yukon but I still need to see what this car can do for me.

• 

  Poor Fuel Economy - 2016 Chevrolet Traverse
  By bravo1 - November 13 - 2:15 pm

  To get a true review of this car look at the previous years, I got a LT1. The fuel economy they advertise is probably on a flat test track with no stop signs or signal lights. The car is heavy and on fuel economy we are averaging 10-14 mpg. The headrest is too far forward, Bluetooth is poor and hard to understand, and the Info system does not respond well. The fold down middle seats for access to the 3rd row seats could have been made smoother to operate, and rear visibility is poor. Over all the car looks good and the interior design is of good quality.

• 

  Great car - 2009 Chevrolet Traverse
  By Frank - November 13 - 5:55 am

  We bought this car to replace my wifes car, Honda Odyssey. After having this car for about 3 months we are really impressed. This is a well designed, comfortable car that we both enjoy driving very much. My wife likes it so much that she doesnt want to use it as our primary kid hauler, but as her car. Now well have to buy another car for the kids. Chevy did a nice job on this car.

• 

  Impressed former import owner - 2009 Chevrolet Traverse
  By GFI - November 11 - 2:22 pm

  I purchased vehicle after more than 20 years of Toyotas and Hondas. I am well pleased with quality of design and with build quality. I have had four months of trouble free ownership and continue to be impressed by roominess, comfort, performance, and ride of vehicle. I was somewhat skeptical of domestic products, but am totally won over.

• 

  Same Old GM----Different Wrapper - 2009 Chevrolet Traverse
  By uptown48009 - November 5 - 6:37 am

  We bought this vehicle new. While demoing the middle captains chairs, the seat cover ripped. Took vehicle back for service and GM required them to restitch the seat....look like h... Called the dealer and they had to fight to get us a new seat cover..waited 3 weeks for callback only to find out the cover is on back order...tells you how many are ripping (poor design and build quality)...middle row flip seats are not as user friendly as depicted...had stain protection applied to fabric...got stains on seat...dealer could not get stain out...supposed to receive new seat cover....still fighting on that yet it is a selling point to the protection....SAME OLD GM>>>STAY AWAY

• 

  LOVE MY TRAVERSE - 2009 Chevrolet Traverse
  By christine - October 31 - 12:32 pm

  We bought our LT1 Traverse in June and we love it !! I like the way it handles and it looks great.We have a sun and moon roof I have never had one before and I am enjoying them (so are my teenaged boys )I agree with one of the other reviews about when turning right it is very hard to see if anything is coming ,and the head rests are awkward .I am hoping it handles good in the snow as we get alot of it .There is so much room in them ,we packed all my sons stuff for college in it with putting down one of the 2nd row seats.There is enough room for my 510 and 61 tall boys in the back seat.I would recommend this car . I think next time we would like to upgrade to the LTZ with more features