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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  2010 Traverse LT - 2009 Chevrolet Traverse
  By Mike - August 10 - 12:39 pm

  Overall I like the vehicle however, Chev lies about MPG. I have the AWD and although I realize it wont be as good as the FWD it isnt anywhere near what its supposed to be. Took it on a trip to NC mostly HGWY driving MPG is a paltry 17.5 a gallon - personally I think thats poor. I will be trading ASAP when financially feasible. Now I know why they are offering 0% financing for so long on this vehicle. If gas mileage is important run from this vehicle.

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  Not what I was expecting - 2010 Chevrolet Traverse
  By BillW - July 19 - 11:19 am

  Odyssey was totaled in accident. Rented Traverse for trip to Reno from KC. Swallowed the gear, lots of room for 4. Smooth and relatively quiet on open road. Seats are not comfortable - rear seats dont recline and headrests pushed our heads forward. Mileage NO WHERE near what GM advertises. Shame too, as we were considering replacing our van with this vehicle. Checked it off our list after 4100 mile trip on open roads and avg 19.6 mpg. I could get 28 out of our van between KC & St. Louis. To be used primarily as a family trip vehicle, there are better cars available.

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  Performance - 2010 Chevrolet Traverse
  By Fern - July 18 - 4:12 pm

  I have 2200 miles on the vehicle. I was driving on the highway and the transmission stalled and did not move into the higher gear. Someone could have ran into the back of me. The engine light came on. I drove the truck directly to the dealer and they could not explain why the truck acted that way. This is the first American car I have purchased, and it is my last.

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  Like it but I dont love it - 2009 Chevrolet Traverse
  By Daphne - July 6 - 2:16 pm

  I recently purchased my certified 2009 Traverse. I am already thinking its time to unload the truck. I think I need to purchase a 2010. The truck is making a whining noise that sounds like the power steering. I also noticed that the brakes tried to lock up this weekend. Last but not least, the dealership has inspected my car 2xs already. Today, will be the third time. This is costing me time and money. I havent received my tags yet and the 30 day tags they issued expire tomorrow. I think its time to stop being nice. I do like the ride, the room and Im proud to drive and American made vehicle.

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  AC Comes in and Out - 2010 Chevrolet Traverse
  By GM - June 21 - 10:02 pm

  Does not get fuel mileage as rated. Has AC problem that the dealer cannot correct. At a red light or stop sign or setting still that AC will stop cooling. At low RPM. When you get back to highway speed the AC starts cooling again. Dealer is trying to tell me this is the way it was engineered. I disagree.

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  Give me better gas mileage and quality - 2009 Chevrolet Traverse
  By Brian - June 18 - 3:10 pm

  I love the vehicle, however it has not been without problems. One of the A/C ducts were inoperable and needed to be replaced. Next, the engine light kept coming on, ended up having to have the timing chains replaced. Gas mileage is not what was advertised. Struggle to average 17 MPG. Driving is pretty much a mix of hwy/city with slightly more city. Aside from those problems I do enjoy the drive, handling, interior design, storage space. It just stinks that Ive had to deal with these problems, now my concern is longevity, will the vehicle hold of for years to come w/o additional problems.

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  Back pain from seats - 2009 Chevrolet Traverse
  By Frank - June 5 - 11:53 am

  I drove this traverse for the first time from NY. To Florida taking the family to Disney and was very uncomfortable because the head rest is bent forward and the only way to get the head rest to align at proper angle is by reclining the back of the seat to an over relaxed recline. Anyway the day after arriving my back went out and I couldnt even stand up. Vac ruined. Just drove the car yesterday for 20 minutes and my back hurts today as I write. Also dealer sticker says 17 -24 mpg we avg 12.5 mpg city- on Disney trip 2400 miles round trip we avg 16.7 all highway. GM is deceitful, buy Ford.

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  I want my Yukon back! - 2010 Chevrolet Traverse
  By LK - April 30 - 8:32 pm

  I downsized from a Yukon to save gas and I am very disappointed with this vehicle. Its only getting about 3 - 4 miles per mile better mileage than the Yukon and it rates nowhere near the Yukon from my experience in the week I have owned the Traverse. Buy a Yukon or Tahoe instead and you will be happier.

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  Passenger side Power window - 2009 Chevrolet Traverse
  By Wykke - March 5 - 7:35 pm

  After purchasing my 2009 traverse, I noticed the passenger side Power window going up slower than the other windows, also making a groaning sound as if it might not make it all the way closed. I took it to dealer and they said it was the power regulator and that they would order one. When it came in, I had the regulator rplaced. This did not help the problem. I went back and this time they said that the window was out of alignment and they aligned and lubed it. This still did not help they problem so I took it back again. this time, they said that it was normal for the window to operate slower and make a moaning noise. I still have the problem and will let my lawyer solve the problem.

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  Unreliable - 2010 Chevrolet Traverse
  By Patrick - March 3 - 8:41 pm

  I have approximately 2,200 miles on this vehicle and it is in the shop for the 4th time. Engine light comes on and car does not run properly. The dealers service department cant figure it out, but stated that GM has had this problem on a number of cars. I have had similar problems with my Tahoe.