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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  Is this really a Chevy? - 2009 Chevrolet Traverse
  By chevy guy - December 2 - 12:06 pm

  If you took the bowties off this SUV you would not believe it is a Chevy. My wife and I are very impressed. It was a leap of faith to order one without actually seeing one like it and driving it. We are not disappointed. Maybe I am too much of a Chevy man with some bias, but this is one great vehicle to drive and ride in with excellent build quality. We got the LTZ in Black Raven (I think that is what its called) and it has some metallic it in. Beautiful especially in the sun.

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  Sleeper vehicle - 2017 Chevrolet Traverse
  By FJDTraverse - November 21 - 6:43 pm

  The 2017 traverse is a great suv. It is very quiet on road. You can hold a conversation with someone. Over bumps I did not hear any suspension noise. Handling is very good there was not any body roll. I am told the second row captains chairs are comfortable. Acceleration is good, I go up one of the biggest hills in my town and I can feel the the acceleration (does not lag). The bose 10 speaker stereo is great, imaging is excellent. The goodyear fortera tires seem to ride well. People often confuse tire noise with vehicle noise. The body fit doors, etc are lined up well. I like the power liftgate. Gas mileage on the highway according to the mpg computer was 26 mpg at 55. The mosaic black metallic paint looks excellent. If your looking to buy a 3 row suv this is it. It has more room behind the 3rd row than the Tahoe which costs 15,000 more.

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  Great space and ride, poor reliability - 2012 Chevrolet Traverse
  By Kenneth - November 16 - 10:51 am

  Ive had this car since new, and now have about 75k miles on it. Here is a list of issues Ive had with the vehicle: 1) Computer issue forced the car into limp mode repeatedly - this occurred periodically between 20-30k miles. Took three service repairs before they replaced the computer and the problem went away. It once happened while I was on the highway, forcing me onto the shoulder - car would flash all sorts of warnings and then go into limp mode, and on a few occasions I would smell gas. Shutting down and restarting would reset it. 2) A/C line leak - the first time this happened the car was under warranty - probably around 30k miles. There was a hissing noise from the vent followed by the A/C stopping working. Warranty replacement of the lines (the whole line) fixed the problem. Now at 73k miles the problem has occurred again - same exact issue; 3) Radio stopped working - AM stations come in, but FM does not indicating that its likely a problem with the tuner. Its hard to beat this car for cargo space, and its a great hauler of people and things, but the maintenance issues have been horrendous.

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  Great SUV - 2009 Chevrolet Traverse
  By Ken Miller - October 22 - 9:46 am

  The Traverse handles much better than the other GM "clones" and the new direct injection engine revs so quick and willingly. Mileage is running 19/20 overall except when my son drives it and then it drops 2 mpg. Traded in a 2008 Mazda CX-9 and this is a far better vehicle.

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  Wife Loves It, Period! - 2009 Chevrolet Traverse
  By Rye Man Vtown - September 24 - 10:20 am

  My wife and I drive a VW Jetta and a Maxima and we needed to buy a SUV (NOo!!). But, our first baby is due in September and we needed a family car. So we went off and test numerous SUVs; Honda Pilot, Acura MDX, Infinity FX35, Mazda CX-9 and Nissan Murano. All most of them had the same options and features, but somehow the Chevy Traverse stood out from all of them. First, the design was eye catching (Generally I dont like the look of Chevy cars) sexy and aggressive at the same time; Second, the features where all comparable or even better than the other top-end models of the other manufactures I mention above. Finally, the price and interest rate from Chevy BEAT all competitors. GO USA!!

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  From MB back to GM - 2009 Chevrolet Traverse
  By Messina Mommy - August 27 - 2:16 pm

  I finally splurged and got the black on black Mercedes I had always wanted. As a single mom of 3 boys, I was ready to get into something sporty. After 7 months of driving a little tiny sedan (C300), I realized that it just wasnt practical. Having 3 boys (ages 17, 7, & 6), I need something thats tough, practical and can withstand how hard we are on our car. I went to a dealership with all intensive purposes of purchasing a Tahoe. I had 3 in the past and new I loved them. The dealer had the Traverse LTZ on the show room floor. I test drove it & was so relieved to have that Solid, Chevy SUV feeling back. Test drove the Tahoe & decided I loved the Traverse LT2 in silver! Love it! Get one!

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  buying a 2012 chevy traverse in 2017 - 2012 Chevrolet Traverse
  By billie - May 21 - 11:26 am

  it is a suv

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  Suprised after years of driving Hyundai Santa Fe - 2017 Chevrolet Traverse
  By Jenith Strickland - March 7 - 4:47 am

  Very nice interior, great ride, less road noise

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  New model traverse! - 2018 Chevrolet Traverse
  By Valerie - February 27 - 1:32 pm

  Great car, I love just about everything about it. The one thing I am disappointed in is the interior color. I dont care for the 2 tone color schemes and black was the only solid. Ive never had a black interior before and now I know why. Its VERY dark. Would never get it again.

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  Better than Highlander or Pilot - 2009 Chevrolet Traverse
  By car01 - January 1 - 12:53 am

  Looked at Highlander and Pilot and the Traverse beats both hands down. Has a very quiet and smooth ride. Exterior styling is superb. Overall build quality is very impressive. Dont assume Japanese competitors in the large midsize SUV segment are better, there not. The vehicle shows that GM can produce a world class vehicle for a reasonable cost.