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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  Best vehicle Ive ever owned. - 2012 Chevrolet Traverse
  By Robert Moore - February 22 - 3:12 am

  Ive owned this vehicle for 3 years and just went out of warranty (36,755 miles). Best thing is I never used the warranty for anything. I am a very picky person, drives my wife crazy, if something doesnt work like its supposed to I get it fixed. I have not taken this vehicle to the dealership for anything except a recall on the seatbelt harness. We were looking for a 2nd car and found a BMW X5 with a straight 6 for a decent price so we gave it a test drive. The Traverse has spoiled us. The BMW was gutless compared to it. We expected it to be a little sportier it is a BMW after all, but were very disappointed. It just made us love our Traverse even more.

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  Extremely impressed - 2015 Chevrolet Traverse
  By vvk - January 21 - 6:35 pm

  I must say that I am extremely impressed with the 2015 Traverse LT we ended up leasing. It has a firm, well damped ride that we like, pretty good steering and drivetrain. The automatic transmission is fairly good at not driving us crazy -- all of our other cars have been manual transmission. The equipment we got was exactly what we wanted, including heated cloth seats. Interior is very well made and we love the color scheme. It is very roomy, even in the third row -- three adults across are an easy fit. The second row captains chairs allow us to have child seats and still have people get into the third row without hassle of removing child seats. Very good family car.

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  Love it except for---- - 2013 Chevrolet Traverse
  By wrdsr824 - January 20 - 9:57 am

  Bought our 2013 Traverse LT new, left over 13. Love everything about it but since we travel there is no way to hang clothes between the front and second seats. Clothes hooks are behind 2nd row seat and you have to choose luggage or clothes behind 2nd row. We usually put the seats down and put luggage behind the front seats since just 2 of us are traveling. Only have 11k on the car but getting ready to trade for something that works better. Probably go back to a Highlander since I have owned 2 and had great luck with both. No there are no grab handles in ours.

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  Looks good, spacious interior. Not real impressed overall. - 2011 Chevrolet Traverse
  By scole134 - January 17 - 8:06 am

  Ive had my Traverse for less than a year & Im dying to trade it in for something else. I love the look of the Traverse, but after owning one for a while now, the disappointments keep adding up. For one, its horrible to drive in cold weather. It handles great, but the front defrost is the most useless thing ever made. The vent is like a foot wide & doesnt seem to blow outward at all. I can let the car warm up for a half hour & still have to scrape the sides of the windshield. Also, the heating system is flawed. When I change the temperature, it doesnt actually change, sometimes taking as long as 20 minutes to go from cold to hot. And now the check engine light is on because of a sensor.

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  Do Not Buy 2011 Traverse - 2011 Chevrolet Traverse
  By suv_reviewer - January 13 - 3:44 pm

  2011 Traverse 2LT FWD has gone from bad to worse... Engine was replaced at 55,000 miles under warranty, then Air Conditioner was replaced not under warranty. Now at 70,000 miles dealer service says Fuel Injector #5 needs replacing not under warranty but Fuel Injector System was serviced by same dealer 4 days ago. Traverse is worst GM vehicle I have ever owned and I have owned lots over the past 50 years. I will never buy another Traverse and recommend you do not buy either.

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  Great SUV, few downsides - 2015 Chevrolet Traverse
  By arisaperstein - January 6 - 7:47 am

  We recently leased a 2015 Traverse AWD 2LT. The ride is probably the most comfortable I have ever experienced in an SUV, and I have had several from different manufacturers.

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  Serves our purpose well, but... transmission repair at 117k miles... really? - 2009 Chevrolet Traverse
  By asianteacher - December 27 - 10:41 am

  I am displeased. Our Traverse has been a vehicle that we brought to the dealership most because of recalls, back jobs, and now a shot transmission at just 117k (min $1,500, max 3k+ repair cost)? Our other cars certainly did better! I usually dont complain but we are not happy. I found out that this transmission problem is a common issue, I dont understand why it isnt a recall! We bought this because Americans help Americans especially in GMs dark times. But now we realized, whos going to help us now? We dont have the budget for this now, so our Traverse is sitting in the garage. If you insist in getting this, get an extended warranty.

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  I LOVE MY TRAVERSE !!!! - 2015 Chevrolet Traverse
  By captv - December 6 - 6:45 pm

  This the second Traverse we have had. The 2011 is now with my daughter, I loved it so much and could not find any vehicle comparable in price and features so I leased a 2015 for myself. Im not worried about it being a GM product. I think they are under so much scrutiny and by now the employees have to know that they cant afford any more screw-ups. So far (about 8 weeks) I have had zero problems with my new Traverse (and we only had one minor, easily corrected issue with the 2011). What can I say, I smile every time I drive the car. It is truly fun and great looking.

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  Very satisfied until 92,000 - 2010 Chevrolet Traverse
  By bobby22345 - December 2 - 9:33 am

  Bought this Traverse used @ 9000 miles. Really like the car until I took in for an oil change @ 92,000 miles. Advised that one strut was leaking. Replaced both cost $699.00, re-placed brakes $199.00 (which I understand), dealer very liberal in replacing water pump parts @ N/C. rebuilt steering box @ N/C still needs steering gear repaired @ $1289.00 advised today that the timing chain belt needs replacing $2000.00. This car was built in Tenn. Evidently they wanted to use all of their parts before closing the plant whether they were of good quality or not. I feel that this car needs re-built. Not a happy camper!!

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  Ridiculous piece of trash - 2009 Chevrolet Traverse
  By sherrypisces - October 22 - 4:22 pm

  I purchased my 2009 Traverse used last year and it was exactly what I wanted and needed for my family. Well, from the beginning I had problems with the car. I was experiencing a stalling type of drive. I would be driving along and all of a sudden the car would jerk and go extremely slow almost killing myself and my family. At times the vehicle would jerk and lose all power and shut off in the middle of the highway, street, anywhere! I have put so much money into this vehicle that I am embarrassed to say. I dont know what to do or who to contact because this is not a safe vehicle. Do Not, I repeat, Do Not purchase the 2009 Chevy Traverse EVER!