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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  Back to the Drawing Board - 2011 Chevrolet Traverse
  By Shirley Williams - September 21 - 10:37 am

  I purchased my "Brand New" 2011 Traverse in July 2011. Between 2013 & 2014, I have had the radio replaced, the back windshield replaced (2X), a back signal bulb, a front bulb, all the switches that control the electric windows, complete set of new tires, and in May of this year, 2015, I had to have a new engine along with a new coil and these items are not part of the number of recalls that have been issued. Now my breaks are squealing when I apply them and my gas needle isnt registering correctly and of course another recall on the automatic lift for the trunk area. Im so sick of this vehicle and all its issues. Before I purchased my Traverse, I had a used 2002 Dodge Caravan that didnt give me any problems. Had I know buying "NEW" would put me in this predicament, I would have kept my van. At least if something on it needing fixing/replaced, it wouldnt matter so much because it was used. Who would have thought with all this technology that you have so much problems with a supposedly New Vehicle?

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  Transmission Failed! - 2009 Chevrolet Traverse
  By Amin Khan - September 18 - 9:30 am

  Be aware and stay away. A quick internet search will tell the whole story. My transmission is shot, broken,kaput! Constant water leaks, Squeky steering Dead battery, no explanation passenger seat belt light comes on without warning Drinks gas

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  SO DISAPPOINTED - 2009 Chevrolet Traverse
  By Denean - September 15 - 3:28 pm

  Got my 2009 Chevy Traverse from Rick Hendricks in January 2015 Transmission wasnt working properly so I went to Rick Hendricks mechanic shop in Feb. They said there was nothing wrong with the transmission. Months later in May they had to fix it because the transmission went out. Now a month later the transmission is slipping again. I have powertrain warranty that will cost me $150 but I shouldnt have to pay anything.

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  Buyer beware!!!! - 2011 Chevrolet Traverse
  By Alps_112 - September 7 - 1:14 pm

  Ive had my 2011 traverse for 3 years. Once the vehicle hit 50k miles it was downhill from there. I hadto invest in a $1400 powering steering rack. I took the vehicle In for what I thought was a minor leak and $1400 later the car still doesnt handle/drive well. I am now starting to have suspension problems. I do not understand how GM can get away with having these vehicles on The road with known problems. Ive read hundreds of reviews with people experiencing the same type of issues. Do not waste your money on GM vehicles. What I thought to be a good crossover for my family of 6 turned out to be a nightmare.

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  A lot of room for everybody!!! - 2015 Chevrolet Traverse
  By Manuel - August 30 - 10:22 pm

  After shopping around for a little while I was impress with the 2015 Traverse LT I ended up leasing. Very nice vehicle, feel great, equipment is awesome, phone connections, nice radio, hands free including heated cloth seats. Large and nice Interior , even in the third row, my three kids are an easy fit and my two teens fit nicely on the second row captains chairs. Very good family car.

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  traction control and stabilitrak systems 2nd time - 2010 Chevrolet Traverse
  By vbwolf1 - August 21 - 7:24 pm

  Has anyone experienced your 2011 Traverse having a sudden loss of power and loss of acceleration followed by error messages for both the traction control and stabilitrak systems?? This is the 4th trip to the dealer when for my car losing all power following by the above error messages. There is no warning only ding.ding..ding and loss of power!! The dealer has said it was a sensor problem, then tried taking out the transmission and working on its sensors, and today they say it is a throttle body issue. Help! Has anyone else had this issue and what finally fixed your car?? Thank you for your help! My car has been having this issue for the past 8 months and has about 65,000 miles. Prior to this there were no big issues or problems with the car.The first time the dealer thought this was the computer board and at the cost of $1009.00 I am still having issues. Called Chevy main number spoke to Gwendolyn and she is going to ensure the dealership in Waldorf Maryland fixes this problem she personally is going to call the dealership. I told Chevy this car is not reliable I am afraid to drive my car. Its only 5 yrs old with 67,000 miles and is acting like 20 yr old car....This year 2010 and 2011 needs to be investigated for possible 50 state recall, to pay all repairs from here on out because of this issue...I was coming from the vet today and the car just powers down, all controls read nothing ( no water, no gas, no speed, everything is off the charts)...this is scary, you can make the car go because the gas isnt going through the car. Something is stopping everything.

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  Save our life - 2014 Chevrolet Traverse
  By Kalleigh - July 29 - 12:21 pm

  We were in a car accident on the passenger side. We have running boards on our car and the other car hooked on our running board causing the other cars front end to be yanked off! We drove home and when we were hit we thought a tire blew! There was little impact!

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  A great family SUV - 2015 Chevrolet Traverse
  By S. Paz - July 20 - 4:04 pm

  Going up from a sports car with the family growing old I needed to lease a family SUV that holds at least 7 people, I shopped around and was close to seal a deal on a Honda Pilot but after testing the Traverse I was very impressed by the size of it, very specious plenty of room for everybody. One thing Ive noticed that needs to be address, the touchscreen buttons should be bigger and remove from the borders of the screen.

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  LEASE IT, DONT BUY IT - 2015 Chevrolet Traverse
  By yangk - April 7 - 1:57 pm

  2nd and 3rd row seats are not adult friendly as theyre not comfortable and not large enough to accommodate. MPG not all that great, averaging 19 MPG for my recent 2000 mi round trip with family of 3 and gear. Mix city/hwy MPG average 15 mpg. At 3K, transmission had to get work done to it as it lost 3.5 qt of oil (where it went was not known). Doesnt haul my 18 aluminum boat well but does the job, MPG is worse or similar to a 3/4 ton truck, 10 mpg. Dont like the covers for sunroof and wished the 2nd sunroof would open but they dont. Dont like the radio unit, could use real buttons that go down when pushed. Rides decent and quiet on hwy. 3.5L V6 is under power for as big as it is.

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  Extremely Disappointed!` - 2011 Chevrolet Traverse
  By Karol Kendall - March 6 - 5:08 pm

  Our 2011 Chevy Traverse has been nothing but trouble. As others in this forum have stated, the front defrost does not work correctly. We live in a cold climate and the heater quit working. The first time we had a problem with the Stabilitrak, we took it to the dealer who said "they could find nothing wrong". After two more times of experiencing "reduced power", we took it in again. I experienced reduced power from 70 MPH to 40 MPH on the freeway it was extremely dangerous since I was accelerating in the left lane and had to try to work my way through traffic to exit the freeway, missed an important meeting and now the vehicle has been at the dealer for repairs, needing a new throttle body.