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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  My New Car - Love it - 2009 Chevrolet Traverse
  By Sherri - November 29 - 11:10 am

  This car is quiet and fun to drive. I love the DVD system with the wireless headphones for the kids. The interior space is not much smaller than my Ford Expedition that I traded in. I actually have more cargo room while all 7 seats are up than before.

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  A Real Test Drive..... - 2009 Chevrolet Traverse
  By lk - October 4 - 11:06 am

  Lets talk Turkey. I love this car. I had researched it and looked at it and when my 1998 145,000ml Chevy Blazer finally gave out this was the car I headed to. 2 days ago I was driving the middle lane when a car pulled out from my right to cross over 3 lanes in front of me. I laid on my horn and steered left as the car that pulled out still was crossing left with no signal. I slammed on my breaks thinking that I should have gotten gap protection when the entire car locked up and stopped me from smashing into this guys rear end. I have never been that close to an accident and that second I thanked god I was in this car. I know that sounds dramatic, but what if my kids were with me? good car.

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  lots of room in a user friendly package - 2018 Chevrolet Traverse
  By Tom - September 30 - 3:17 pm

  Amazing volume inside, room for everything. Very comfortable ride, responsive especially considering the size of the vehicle. Good steering, brakes. Found transmission very effective, did not jump gears too much on twisting holy back road lanes. Engine has solid power, moves the vehicle with good authority.Handled bumps large and small with aplomb. Seats comfy, start stop feature presented no difficulties or balkiness. Wife commented that the car drove a lot smaller than its size.

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  Hi Tech Hauler - 2018 Chevrolet Traverse
  By Robert Rubel - September 3 - 10:59 am

  Traded a really good Ford Escape for the Traverse because my wife wanted more seats and cargo room. Test drove many 7 passenger SUVS but the Traverse had the best combo of room and features. Immediately took it on an extensive road trip out west and it performed like a champ. Better driving characteristics than more expensive SUVs. Better gas mileage than I expected: 24.6 combined, doing 75-80 on the highway.

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  Chevrolet Traverse -- one fine vehicle! - 2017 Chevrolet Traverse
  By Brian M. - August 18 - 5:41 am

  You get a lot of vehicle for the money! Our 2012 Traverse was a great vehicle that gave us no trouble and fully expect the same from the new Traverse.

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  Never purchase this vehicle. horrible - 2010 Chevrolet Traverse
  By Sarah - August 12 - 1:04 am

  This car has been in the shop more than the road. Its currently in the shop now due to a blown motor. How does a motor go out like this? Ive had to have the AC/Heater repaired, had not heat or air in it, vehicle kept going out of alignment. the check engine light would not go off. This has been the worse vehicle Ive ever purchased.

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  Chevy Traverses are unsafe at any speed. - 2012 Chevrolet Traverse
  By Motso - July 18 - 6:01 am

  This is a dangerous car, heres why. The transmission wont down shift after a stop. Here is a typical scenario, you pull up to a stop sign on a 55 mph road. You see a vehicle coming, its 1/4 to 3/8 mile away, in most cars its safe to pull out and accelerate smartly (dont doddle). Not in a Chevy Traverse car should you do this because the transmission never down shifted while you sat at the stop sign. Heres what will happen, the higher gear will put you out in front of traffic but you wont have torque (power) to go fast/er. You sit and wait to get splatted. What you can do with your children in the back seat or the other couple youre going out to dinner with is FLOOR IT and over-ride the computer. Now youre peeling rubber and driving like a maniac 16 YO who snuck some of Dads beer while he tries to impress the girls on the corner. This lack of transmission down shifting scenario is a known problem that GM refuses to fix. Better to buy another brand vehicle and live. Another problem, the AC can only be run when the computer says it can. I had all my windows fog up on Rt. 95 at 65 mph with another couple in the car! I could not see to drive! The other guy quickly undid his seat belt and hand wiped the windshield in front of me so I could see out (like we used to do with 1950s & 1960s vehicles). After the excitement everyone commented on what an unsafe POS the Traverse is. Most Traverse problems including the 2 mentioned can be easily fixed "IF" GM would change the computer programming. Then again, they sell more cars if the ones already sold get destroyed in car crashes dont they? There will never be another GM car in our driveway. I dont know how many or what other GM models have similar problems. Im going back to buying foreign cars because they are safe at every speed. Update: I have since successfully sued GM under the lemon law. I took the money and purchased a GM extended warranty. I did this because the trade in value was so horrendously low that I refused to allow GM to screw me twice. GM will now have the pleasure of paying for repairs my POS Traverse incurs :-).

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  Great vehicle, an SUV worth a look - 2009 Chevrolet Traverse
  By Jim - May 21 - 5:53 am

  Test drove several SUVs, and some lower- cost offerings like Forester. They were good, but if youre in the need of large-ish SUV, take a Traverse for a test drive, I was sold. Its very comfortable, quiet and nimble for its size. High-end powertrain and engineering all around. Great for larger families and if you rate safety high on the list.

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  I SIMPLY LOVE IT! - 2009 Chevrolet Traverse
  By Gord T - January 13 - 4:46 pm

  This vehicle has everything I want in a car! Several people have commented on its looks and functionality. Fun to drive and rides beautifully on the highway. GM has produced a winner here. If they turn out a few more cars of this quality they should have no trouble surviving their tough times.

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  Positives outweigh negatives - 2016 Chevrolet Traverse
  By Richinbk - January 5 - 5:07 pm

  I got a very basic model so theres nothing too impressive to mention except that the truck is roomy in all directions, rides very well and looks good. My only major complaint would be poor fuel mileage. Sticker claims i should be getting 19 city and 24 highway. Im actually getting about 12 or 13 mpg city and jury is out on highway mileage since I do mostly city driving. I have AWD so maybe thats the culprit. Otherwise, so far so good. Cant wait to take it on a nice road trip.