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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Mixed review from our household! - 2009 Chevrolet Traverse
By Air Force wife - August 6 - 7:08 pmBought this to replace hubbys 10-year old Chrysler Sebring convertible. Hubby is 64" & fits well in the car. He loves everything about it. I am a bit pickier. Overall, it drives well, is mostly comfy (front head rests annoying), & has great storage for our 2 small kids w/car seats & a stroller in back. I drive a 2004 Toyota RAV4 (base model) & there are things my RAV has that this doesnt, like cup holders that adjust (this car has lots of cup holders, but only 2 hold a 20 oz. bottle), stereo controls on the steering wheel, & a cargo cover. Spare tire & jack cost $75 extra on the Chevy! Would still buy again because we couldnt afford anything more. Cargo space is worth it.
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Good for the family - 2009 Chevrolet Traverse
By Happy in Illinois - August 6 - 5:08 amWe have only had our Traverse for a couple of weeks but we love it so far. It is great for our family of 5 as we traded in a Yukon XL. The only issue which isnt much is the transmission, but nothing is perfect. Love the ride, comfort, captains chairs and interior styling. The wife wanted an Acadia but she is very happy with the Traverse. Hopefully we wont be disappointed down the rode. Happy so far.
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nice change - 2009 Chevrolet Traverse
By Beez - August 4 - 8:58 pmWe where in the market to replace our Mini Van and did not want another. We also did not like the Large SUVs so the Chevy traverse cross over was the perfect fit. It comfortable fits 8 and has room for our junk.
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Satisfied with Traverse - 2009 Chevrolet Traverse
By Satisfied - August 3 - 6:41 pmI bought my Traverse in November of 08. Extremely happy with the car at first but after 6 months you begin to realize the faults and what makes it a Chevrolet. I love the versatility of the car and love the way it drives. At first I really enjoyed the interior but after you get to know it, you realize there is a lot of plastic used in the car. Paying full price for the LTZ, it would be nice to have leather in places where there is plastic.
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Love this vehicle - 2009 Chevrolet Traverse
By bobby - August 3 - 8:16 amIm really impressed with this car. If you are like I was, and couldnt stand the fact you are driving a minivan, but needed the passenger capacity (I have a wife, five young kids, and a disabled live-in-mother-in-law), give this vehicle a test drive. Its relatively affordable, fun to drive, and in no way do you ever feel like youre in a minivan. Well done, GM.
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Love Our Chevy! - 2009 Chevrolet Traverse
By Hansen Family - July 29 - 11:19 pmNew Traverse LT2 owners. Out grew our 5 passenger SUV as we needed more passenger and cargo space. Researched a lot of vehicles, including Honda Pilot, Toyota Highlander, Saturn Outlook, etc. This vehicle was, by far, our favorite. It has a great design, is very comfortable, drives like a car (instead of an SUV or minivan) and gave us the most features for our money. It feels like a luxury vehicle without the luxury vehicle price tag. We are glad to have an American made vehicle, especially one as fun as this! Welcome back Chevy!
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09 traverse in Ontario Canada - 2009 Chevrolet Traverse
By terry shoemaker - July 26 - 4:30 pmI have driven my 09 Traverse for 1 month and the first thing I notice everytime I drive it is the great stable ride and the level of quietness. I have the XM satelite radio ( in the 2LT with the 10 speaker Bose sound system. Also a great feature. Acceleration is terrific, the electric T gate with this model is something I got used to immediately. Front and rear a/s and heat, cools it down fast.Tilt and telescoping steering wheel, electric lumbar, pan and seat back,customizes the sitting experience. Glass is free of distortions, reverse sensers and camera monitoring have come to good use many times. A great vehicle, and it looks great in dark blue met.
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Disappointed with Traverse interior - 2009 Chevrolet Traverse
By unhappy owner - July 22 - 9:51 pmWe just purchased the Traverse last week. I am very disappointed in the ride and the design of the seats. I feel every bump in the road. The headrest on the seats points forward such that I hit my head on it with every bump. There is no way to adjust it or the seat to stop this from happening. The compartment on the dash board is worthless - too small to store much of anything and right in the sun to get hot. The back up camera is a necessity because you cant see much with the rear view mirror.
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Unlike other reviews! - 2009 Chevrolet Traverse
By The Passenger - July 17 - 8:39 pmEveryone talks about the driving but as a passenger Ill review other things. First of all the dash is well put together. Buttons and stuff is very easy to use. Then theres the ride and interior. Its comfortable and quiet, but the captains chairs can be uncomfortable some times. Then theres maintenance. The Traverse is easy to clean. Ours is Black with an Ebony leather interior so it shows the red dirt. But it comes off EXTREMELY easily. Also even though its big, cleaning the roof and windshield is easy too! So overall, a great car!
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Family Mover - 2009 Chevrolet Traverse
By LasVegasChevyGirl - July 11 - 11:55 pmI love to drive this, the backup camera is a great help. I like everything about the inside. We were looking at the Venza and bought this one because it is styled better, has a 3rd row and American built.
