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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  Shouldve stayed FORD!! - 2009 Chevrolet Traverse
  By Mark - September 1 - 1:29 pm

  Should have stayed Ford, decided to try Chevy, very disappointed with the performance and reliability. The Check engine light has come on over 7 times in less than 6 months, first few times they said the gas cap was not put on properly. Over 35 yrs of driving time, I know how to put a gas cap on. The 4th time a fuel injector was replaced, the 5th time back to Gas cap, 6th time they replaced a coil and spark plugs, 7th time yep you guessed it, Gas Cap. We like this vehicle, we are not happy with the performance, we got a lemon, working with GM to get it replaced. I know "Good Luck". GM had their chance, going back to Ford especially if they give me my money. Shouldve have stayed FORD.

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  A little disappointed - 2009 Chevrolet Traverse
  By Nell - August 10 - 10:20 am

  Front headrests are VERY uncomfortable. The 2nd row (bench seating) can be moved forward and back, we thought this was great until we realized the the track it runs on creates a little crevice on the floor. Weve lost kids DS games in there not to mention the "stuff" that is getting stuck in there. Also when moving the seat to get to third row, it crushes the mat on the floor, it does not accommodate for that - bad design. The car drives great on the highway but does not shift down very smoothly making city driving a little jerky. We almost bought the Ford Flex and are having buyers remorse. Traverse still kinda looks like our old van on the outside.

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  Warning: Airbag Sensor Problems! - 2009 Chevrolet Traverse
  By PAW483 - August 6 - 11:05 pm

  We bought our Chevy Traverse LTZ on January 2, 2009. We bought this because it was very similar to our Cadillac SRX which was also fully loaded (and it actually has a real 3rd row!). We did some research and found that the safety rating was perfect and the airbag system was top of the line. We wanted this to be our family vehicle. However, within two weeks of our purchase we made a cross country trip to Chicago for a family members funeral (I dont fly and always drive.) Thats when I first notice our "CHECK AIRBAG SYSTEM" warning light came on. Well, to make a long story short. This problem has happened 5 times and they have made repair attempts and the problem still occurs. (See Below).

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  No Spare Tire or Donut .. Really! - 2009 Chevrolet Traverse
  By disappointed MOM - July 7 - 10:22 pm

  Lots of good features, but safety and reliability are my main concern, so when I discovered that my brand new traverse, not an inexpensive vehicle, does not include a spare tire, a donut or even a place to attach one, I was shocked. It doesnt really matter that onstar can send help if you have a flat.. If you have no tire, and have to towed, what are the occupants of this 7 passenger vehicle to do? wait by the side of the road? taxis are often not available in rural areas. For this kind of money, I am just appalled that gm would even produce a vehicle without BASIC family saftey items such as a spare tire. Moms, families, beware of the danger of being stranded at all times.

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  HELP - 2009 Chevrolet Traverse
  By DEB T - September 6 - 9:16 pm

  Just picked this car up yesterday and am not so happy today -- why doesnt steering wheel tilt? is this feature a thing of the past---too bad if it is. Also, I am 5,3" and the head rest makes me lean forward - I had a stiff neck after my ride home -- I cannot sit back because the head rest forces me to lean forward with head down -- cant rest my back/ shoulders on the seat -- is there something wrong with the head rest or me? I want to cry - it was so uncomfortable ---anyone else have this problem?

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  Works great for a specific segment - 2017 Chevrolet Traverse
  By TraverseReviewGuy - February 21 - 9:22 pm

  Had my 2015 Town and Country in the shop and had to rent a vehicle for the week. Closest thing they had that was similar in size was the 2017 LT Chevy Traverse. The vehicle has TONS of room, and overall was a very smooth and comfortable ride. Im not sure why people are complaining about the acceleration. If buying one, I would go into the purchase decision knowing that I am buying it for safety and cargo capacity, not acceleration. With nearly 300 HP, it accelerates just fine. No, you wont blow a sports car away, but it will handle basic driving tasks just fine (i.e., city driving and passing on the highway). That said, the vehicle falls very short in terms of modern technology, as well as some basic amenities most family oriented vehicles seem to have. The center console seems intrusive and not really functional. The cargo door does not automatically raise or lower itself, and there doesnt seem to be a way to control this from the drivers seat either. The center entertainment console looks like it is a 1st generation console; possibly from the early 2000s. The gauge cluster gives you trip information and mileage, thats it. No distance-to-empty, which even our 2011 Sonata (base model) has. The rear view camera seems a bit slow to respond, but works okay. Climate control seems lacking, though is very effective. For example, there are climate control knobs for rear passengers, but if theyre kids (in our case), they cant reach them. In our mini-van they can reach them fine. No dual-zone controls for the driver / passenger either. With that said, the air-conditioning and heating works excellent. Overall, I cant imagine anyone buying this SUV unless they were only concerned with cargo capacity. Unless you step up to the Premier level, the vehicle is simply out-classed by competitors (my opinion).

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

  Best value for a big SUV.