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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  jiggy widit - 2010 Chevrolet Traverse
  By Mo-Town Nurse - July 4 - 10:15 am

  Had it about a week. Yes, it has some shortcomings ( I have been told I do too, imagine that) we are very happy with it. Plenty of room, quieter than the Trail Blazer trade-in. Looks good, comfortable, easy to drive and to ride in. Plenty of gadgets for "non-technos" to play with.

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  Bad Fuel Eco - 2010 Chevrolet Traverse
  By Ken Long - June 30 - 1:45 pm

  Great car but will not get the MPG as ad. best so far 13.9 city have not trip open road at this time. Trade Chevy Suburban. i got better city MPG on it. Wish i had it back. Thinking about return try out GM 60 day return policy see what happens.

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  Great SUV - but mileage not great - 2010 Chevrolet Traverse
  By darryl - June 21 - 10:24 pm

  The 2010 Traverse AWD vehicle has been a good car for my family. We love the room, the comfort of the seats, and the AWD. We have gone skiing 8 times with this car and it has never slipped once in the snow/ice. The handling of the car is very good considering its size and weight. We have not had one maintenance problem or "noises" yet but its too new. The 20" tires and the power side mirrors (fold in) are very nice to have. The Radio/DVD system are good. The nav could be improved on. The 3rd row seats fold down really easy (compared to our Odyssey) and it is nice that it splits (for skis). For the price I paid and for the features it is a good deal

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  Below average in fuel - 2010 Chevrolet Traverse
  By JOBY - June 20 - 8:36 pm

  I really like the performance but performance never give happy after buying. Now I am rethinking about Asian cars are best in fuel economy. One full tank ultra gas give me only 200 miles in city and highway driving, I am not too much crazy in diving but some times I accelerates bit. I am very comfortable with this vehicle except mileage.

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  Noise in rear? - 2009 Chevrolet Traverse
  By MARIAH - June 15 - 1:08 am

  I like my 09 traverse, but am confounded by a noise in the left rear. I have had it back to the dealer 3 times and they claim it is a suspension noise and not a problem. Im not convinced. Has anyone else experienced this noise? It is a Rather loud thump. Also the drivers seat lumbar control is no longer working. Taking it in for that and the washer heater recall.

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  An excellent vehicle for familes. - 2010 Chevrolet Traverse
  By farmerjohn - June 3 - 11:58 am

  We traded our Jeep Liberty in for the Traverse because we have two children and often drive to vacation destinations. The Traverse is a perfect alternative to a minivan, having lots of room for passengers and plenty more for cargo. Despite the extensive list of suggested improvements, this vehicle is a great vale compared to the others we looked at - the Acadia and the Enclave.

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  Better Than expected - 2010 Chevrolet Traverse
  By Brent - May 28 - 6:22 am

  I bought my Traverse almost 4 months ago and have put on 8,000 miles. We took 6 adults from Wisconsin to Maryland on a trip and averaged 19-20 MPG fully loaded. Everyone was comfortable and had room to move. If we would have had to take two vehicles we would have had to have been getting 40 MPG and would not have been comfortable. I drive this vehicle daily and average 22-23 MPG. I am very happy with its performance. During the first 2,000 miles I could only get about 18 MPG.

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  Cool mini van thats not a mini van! - 2010 Chevrolet Traverse
  By dustin - April 18 - 2:20 am

  Growing family. Researched Odyssey, Sienna, Acadia, Enclave. Chevy has done an exceptional job melding family car practicality and economy with cool car styling and pep together into one. My wife and I LOVE driving it, kids seem happy too. Traverse is the perfect fit for us based on style, comfort options and cost. "Like a minivan buts its not", is the best way to put it. Had to punch it while merging to avoid a big rig there was no problem, lots of pep, even felt sporty. Excellent safety! extremely low road noise even with the dual sunroofs. Bose sound system is totally worth your dollar. The DVD system is awesome, keeps the kiddos so happy on the road. It felt good to buy American.

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  traded in 05 Uplander van for 10 Travers - 2010 Chevrolet Traverse
  By jtbea - April 15 - 12:47 am

  The minivan had high miles, AC, door issues, and showing transmission issues plus we were tired of no tow power and also of mom van image. Traverse is all the Uplander was not. Great incentives, design and features, dealer added bluetooth and remote start. We added 2-tone black/gray leather seats, heat warmers and DVD player as dealer after-market installs.. thats the way to go folks! Custom leather design for no more money and to my taste and better quality leather. Just wish center row seats were removable or easier to get to 3rd row for my teenagers.

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  MPG Ratings Way Off - 2010 Chevrolet Traverse
  By Brad - April 8 - 9:51 pm

  I really like the car for its ride, looks and features, but my AWD is supposed to average 19 MPG and I dont get above 16 with 50% city and 50% highway. Averages 12 around town and 21 on highway versus the 16 and 23 advertised. And I am a conservative 58 year old driver.