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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  Too many corners cut! - 2010 Chevrolet Traverse
  By dswiss - September 19 - 1:39 pm

  I bought my 2010 Traverse brand new and it now has about 65,000 miles on it. Thats averaging less than 12,000 miles per year. I have had quite a few nagging (and recurring) problems with this automobile, but it has served me relatively well as a commuting and family vehicle. First, the pros: - Good size with plenty of seating and storage options. I have 4 kids and we can all ride in the vehicle comfortably without too much trouble getting in and out. - General ride and handling are pretty good, but not great. Now, the cons: - The original dealer I bought the vehicle from was awful to deal with for service. They were a complete nightmare. They couldnt evaluate even simple problems. There were always new Service Reps when I went in (that type of turnover should be a clue). At one point they had my car for 4 days to evaluate a problem before they finally hooked it up to the "computer" to retrieve the error codes. Im no auto mechanic, but with todays technology shouldnt that be step number 1? - After one particularly terrible experience with the service department at this dealer, GM sent me a link to an online survey via email. I went out and took the survey and explained the horrible experience. The survey asked if I would like someone from GM/Chevrolet to contact me and I selected YES. I never heard back from anyone from GM/Chevrolet. - Eventually I switched dealerships for service and the new dealer has been significantly better. - I have had to replace a gear for one of the Heating/AC system actuator doors 4 times already. The same part failed over and over in a 3.5 year period. The last time they fixed it they must have used a higher quality part or done some other repair as this time that gear has lasted for almost 2.5 years... fingers crossed. - I had to replace the "throttle body" at about 42,000 miles. Ive never had to replace a throttle body on any car I have ever owned previously. Thankfully GM agreed that the throttle body shouldnt have gone bad that quickly and, since I was only a few thousand miles out of warranty, they agreed to cover the repair. - Recently I was informed that I need to replace the timing chains at only 62,000 miles. The estimated cost was almost $3,000. Once again, GM agreed that the timing chains should not need to be replaced at only 62k miles, but they only offered to cover $1,000 of the cost for this. - Other general design and aggravation issues exist with this vehicle as well. The rear windshield wiper can not be replaced DIY. In fact, last time I checked, car parts stores do not even stock the wiper blades and will tell you to go to the dealership to have it replaced. What a major pain in the neck. I also recently had a headlamp bulb that needed to be replaced. The manual states that you need to go to your dealership to have it replaced and after finding some instructional videos on YouTube I understand why. In order to simply change a headlamp build you have to jack up the car, remove the front tire on the side to be replaced and then remove a protective panel inside the wheel well just to get to the back of the headlamp assembly to change the bulb. Who in the heck designed this thing? Did someone win an 8th grade engineering design contest? - Most recently, the front windshield wiper motor failed and needs to be replaced. In summary, I have purchased new cars 6 times in my life and I have never had a vehicle that had this many issues where parts simply failed in such a short life span. It leads me to believe that lots of shortcuts were taken in the design and manufacturing of this car. I dont know if this is still an issue on newer model Traverses but my 2010 LS is simply not a very high quality automobile.

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  2010 Chevy Traverse LTZ AWD our 1st car pymnt - 2010 Chevrolet Traverse
  By Derrick E Stephens - August 28 - 5:22 pm

  Ride is good and handles fine. 3rd row seats only for kids under 5ft 5inches middle are ok for over 6ft move front seats up. Materials cheap hate the plastic 2013 up is better materials remote start great. Acceleration is good for merging and passing 288 HP gets the job done. alot Wind Noise in driver and passenger needs sound damping like Buick Enclave. AWD is Great in snow especially in Rain no slippage, tires good(bridgestone) 50thsand plus, pricey now more option in2016-17 cost lower. Backup camera and sensors worth it. Navigation ok (outdated if you dont buy cd)No real problems use your phone. Sound system good, Bose in front, non Bose in rear. DVD works great no blueray. Car feels big but not too much once you get use to it, parking its just fine, same as minivan. Gas sucks 15mpg AWD mix highway 60% cty 40% Hwy with 2 people 21-22mpg with 6 people and luggage 18mpg if cursing at 70 to 75 above 75 to80 drops to 17mpg less , if alot of city driving expect 12.5 to 13mpg. I hd rack pinion replace(warranty), water pump(normal) brakes, Headlight 4 times poor design keep blowing out fuse box issue replace relay hope it fixes it. synthetic oil is best for this car and get Mobile 1 filter to go beyond 3thousand miles I go 6 to 7 and I have went 9 thousand no problem. Deprecation is real in this car it sucks, this car is meant to ride not sit around. 6 spd Transmission has had some issue sometimes slips out of 3rd back to second but its shift control module common issue in the transmission not car (transmission is in like 5 different type of gm cars) If I shift to park and back to drive its fine. The car handles well for its size, I would buy another one and not blink. We bought with 72thsnd 2014 and in 2017 we have 135 we average 20thsnd year, no real major issue. Keep up on maintenance we did tune up on time (100thsnd), Transmission fluid change (100thsnd) Air, cabin, everything in book we are following. GM not the best cars sometimes but I like them. I have owned 2 suburbans, Buick La sabre &Regal Pontiac Transport and chrysler town and country and 8 VW Jettas and all had well over 150thsand before i got ride or wore them out. I have recommended the Chevy Traverse to everyone and the other platforms as well. Buick Enclave is exactly the same except for "Fit and Finish" & Sound Damping in the cabin and chevy price is alot cheaper

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  Satisfied Customer - 2009 Chevrolet Traverse
  By Lovin Our Traverse - August 23 - 10:16 am

  My husband and I are so happy with our brand new 09 Traverse. It took us 3 weeks to negotiate the deal we got, but it was worth the (minor) hassle! We absolutely love the look of the vehicle. Even our 22 month old son must have a good feeling about the Traverse because he gets ridiculously happy when we put him in it. It feels like youre driving a car but it comes with the security of feeling like youre in a big truck. There are so many little details that make transportation so much nicer-like the rubber grips in the cup holders to keep beverages from going anywhere! Well done, GM.

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  X - 2012 Chevrolet Traverse
  By charles decker - January 14 - 2:29 pm

  Best value for a big SUV.

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  Worst vehicle Ive ever owned - 2010 Chevrolet Traverse
  By TRAVERSE IS a LEMON - January 8 - 5:07 pm

  Catalytic converters will go out, good chance will go through plugs and wires, front AC blower and a power steering pump. Vehicle was in the shop more then it was on the road. Uncomfortable, cheaply made and lots of mechanical issues. Would steer completely clear of a Traverse. Chevy fan my entire life and will never buy another.

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  Great Cross-over - 2009 Chevrolet Traverse
  By Orland Joe - November 3 - 1:06 am

  Was looking at the Equinox, but sure glad I waited for the Traverse to come out. What a great SUV to drive. Very quick and a good, smooth ride. Loads of features in the 2LT, like power lift gate, remote start, rear camera in mirror, reverse sensing alarm. The 5 year power train warranty also helped me with my decision to buy.

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  Bad Tires - 2009 Chevrolet Traverse
  By Concern driver - July 28 - 5:46 am

  We just purchased a Traverse. We are extremely happy with the vehicle, but last night while driving in the interstate one of the tires split in half while going 70 miles per hour. We are extremely concern with the quality of the factory tires in this vehicle.The tire was melting as I was exchanging it. To replace a tire is one of the most challenging task you will perform. The tools included are not the best for the job. Our main concern is the safety of our family and we are not sure with the tires on the vehicle. It remind us of 8 years ago when Firestone had to replace a lot of tires because of safety reasons, just after few lives were lost. Chevy, please look into this matter.

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  The Traverse, my first. - 2017 Chevrolet Traverse
  By Angela Amend - July 27 - 9:31 am

  MPG isnt great but I knew that going before hand.

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  Great car with a few problems - 2009 Chevrolet Traverse
  By Chevyforlife - June 30 - 9:13 pm

  Have owned car for 3 months, very stylish outside. Have LT1 version, interior seats are very nice though a bit uncomfortable especially for your lower back. No carpet in the back seats, basically a big floor mat latched down. I get 20.2 MPG. My biggest problem with the car is the location of the oil filter. I have changed oil on dozens of vehicles (new and old) but never had to change the filter from the top of the engine. There is not enough room to place a filter wrench on the filter, it took 3 hrs for 3 men to unloose the initial high torqued filter by hand. When the filter was loosened it went all over other components located underneath the filter. Otherwise a great car and roomy.

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  Reliable Confortable SUV - 2013 Chevrolet Traverse
  By Joel Garcia - April 12 - 10:12 pm