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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  Love the new Chevrolet - 2009 Chevrolet Traverse
  By Traverse owner - July 9 - 6:50 pm

  WE have only owned the 2009 Chevrolet TRaverse LTZ a couple weeks. We love it so far. We still need to learn all the tricks with navigation and bluetooth phone but those are great features along with the cooled seats in hot Florida. We hope it is as reliable long term as we have too many gadgets to want to fix them. Only complaint so far is getting used to the many gears as it seems to downshift just as you go around an intersection wehre you dont completely stop but then accelerate after going around the turn. We had a Ford Taurus that did that many years ago.

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  Awesome! - 2009 Chevrolet Traverse
  By ApacheGray - July 8 - 7:23 pm

  I have only driven German cars for the last 25 years - lifestyle change took me to a top of the line Tahoe 3 years ago and while it was a good car, it was too trucky - so was heading back to Deutschland. Until our Chevy sales guy enticed me to drive the Traverse. A month later, I am in love. Have put 2,000 miles on it with no problems. It holds a large amount of stuff as well as 4 humans. It handles well, is comfortable and we are getting 18 mpg in town and the promised 24 on the road. GM has a chance if this is a sample of their future.

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  never again !!! - 2009 Chevrolet Traverse
  By sucker - July 8 - 2:18 am

  After my purchase I drove the Traverse on a 2,000 mile trip to Washington state via the Calif. coast highway. The Traverse averaged almost 19 M.P.G. highway and almost 13 M.P.G. around town ! This mileage has remained the same after almost 5000 miles on the vehicle and my Chevrolet dealer says that all is fine and all is NORMAL ! The mileage is T-E-R-R-I-B-L-E and what is worse,I cant do anything about it. I continue to pay for a fuel efficient vehicle and ,in reality, cant afford to drive this GAS GUZZLER. Chevrolet is somewhat less than honest with their mileage estimates ! I wish Chevy had this vehicle back and I had a REAL car ! Chevys ads should be illegal !

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  No Spare Tire or Donut .. Really! - 2009 Chevrolet Traverse
  By disappointed MOM - July 7 - 10:22 pm

  Lots of good features, but safety and reliability are my main concern, so when I discovered that my brand new traverse, not an inexpensive vehicle, does not include a spare tire, a donut or even a place to attach one, I was shocked. It doesnt really matter that onstar can send help if you have a flat.. If you have no tire, and have to towed, what are the occupants of this 7 passenger vehicle to do? wait by the side of the road? taxis are often not available in rural areas. For this kind of money, I am just appalled that gm would even produce a vehicle without BASIC family saftey items such as a spare tire. Moms, families, beware of the danger of being stranded at all times.

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  don not buy for gas mileage - 2009 Chevrolet Traverse
  By Sanny - June 30 - 7:38 pm

  traded in my 08 Tahoe because having alot of problems with it. Thought the Traverse looked cool, but the only seat that is comfortable is the drivers seat and gas mileage thus far has been well below advertised, 12-14 mpg in city. I see others say they get better mpg, so hopefully it will get better over time.

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  Im In Love!!!! - 2009 Chevrolet Traverse
  By Teach - June 24 - 5:12 pm

  Being a past Honda/Toyota Girl all of my life, I was skeptical about an American car. Test drove the Honda Pilot, Toyota Highlander, Pacifica, and finally decided to try a Chevrolet, went to test drive the Equinox and saw the Traverse and fell in love. Once I drove it, I KNEW this was the car for us. My husband and I both recently retired, so we are ready to travel! Rides like a dream, quiet and so comfortable. We love being in our Traverse so much that after three months, we already have five thousand miles on it. Go USA!

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  A very nice vehicle - 2009 Chevrolet Traverse
  By Dana Basney - June 21 - 9:23 pm

  As a former Tahoe and Suburban owner we were looking for something more economical, but with much of the flexibility we had enjoyed with our prior SUV. We recently completed a 2,700 mile trip tp Montana and averaged 21 miles per gallon. This car is very quite, smooth and fun to drive. We were quite amazed by the acceleration of the 6 cylinder engine with the car containing 4 adults and the back stacked high with luggage.

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  I give it a "Yes" - 2009 Chevrolet Traverse
  By Giddy-up - June 20 - 6:47 pm

  Just finished our 2,000 mile family vacation. I agree with the reviews about the hesitating downshift on the transmission. It can be annoying when passing and Im not towing anything. The ride quality rocks and there is tons of room. I wished I would have sucked it up and gotten the AWD, but I got cheap. DO NOT BUY THIS CAR WITHOUT THE REAR CAMERA. Its a big car with a tiny rear window. If you dont have the camera you just cant see anything.

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  Traverse a dream - 2009 Chevrolet Traverse
  By JOEKATE - June 15 - 5:55 pm

  I own a Mercedes S 550 and am sorry I did not buy the Traverse first. The Mercedes would still be in Germany after all the issues. The Traverse is a dream and the storage space is unbelievable. Chevy finally gets it.

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  Buy American - 2009 Chevrolet Traverse
  By The New GM - June 14 - 10:43 am

  Great Car. High level of quality, similar to a luxury car. Looked at Honda Pilot and Toyota Highlander, the Traverse beat them all. Pilot and Highlander are over-rated. Friends who are owners of these vehicles drove in my Traverse and commented they liked this car better. This could very well be the start of the "New GM."