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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  new SUV to replace worn out Mini-van - 2010 Chevrolet Traverse
  By jtbea - March 13 - 2:47 am

  tired of tired mini-van with no towing capacity... but loved the 3 rows of seats and DVD player and gas mileage of van. Happened upon the traverse and happily traded in. Added on everything but sunroof and backup camera...even 2-tone leather seating. Wife loves it and kids love it... and Dad doesnt mind driving it either!

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  Love this car! - 2010 Chevrolet Traverse
  By JB - March 5 - 9:30 am

  Terrific handling quick response plenty of cargo space for a one month visit across country. Weve driven this car 2500 miles from Midwest to FL and back, 20 mpg. City mpg is 16. Console between front seats is problematic. Any plug into cigarette lighter blocks easy access to to cup holders. Rear view for backing is not good. Rear blind spots too big. We dont have that rear view option, but a friend who has one in his 2009 Traverse says he doesnt use it.

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  2010 LT2 AWD - 2010 Chevrolet Traverse
  By minihorse - March 2 - 2:23 pm

  Only have 1100 miles on this traverse so far but have not had any problems. We have 6 children so a minimum 8 passenger was required. Much better gas economy than the 12 passenger Express. Is my wifes car and so far she is satisfied, time will tell.

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  I Love My Car - 2009 Chevrolet Traverse
  By Farm Girl - February 16 - 3:09 pm

  Ive had my 2LT Traverse for over a year now and am still LOVING it!! Its way fun to drive and plenty roomy inside. No complaints about quality or reliability at all. My mpg is averaging 18-19 even though I drive like a hellion on twisty-turny country roads. If my hubby drives on longer trips, hell get 22-23 mpg. I had a Ford Edge before this and its EPA estimates were the same, but it got better mileage in real life. I had the jerky tranny problem too for a long time, but at 20,000 miles it seems to have smoothed out nicely. I had trouble with the headrests also, but fixed it by raising them as high as theyll go. Oh, and the storage on the dash is perfect for sunglasses!

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  Best suv weve ever had - 2009 Chevrolet Traverse
  By pands from mo. - February 11 - 5:16 pm

  We love the interior, everything is Handy. The awd has gotten us through several bad snow storms. The leather heated seats are very comfortable and plenty of room for trips. Couldnt be ant happier.

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  Chevy Traverse - 2009 Chevrolet Traverse
  By 2009 Chevy Traverse - February 1 - 9:44 am

  My 2009 traverse is a year old and Im not impressed with the gas mileage. About 16 mpg is the best that I have got. Also, I have tan leather seats and the drivers and passengers seat have black on them, they have been replaced once and now they are doing it again. Its like the leather is not real leather. Even the dealership could not get the black off the leather. Very disappointing.

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  I like it except the headrest - 2010 Chevrolet Traverse
  By blendeng - January 26 - 2:14 pm

  Had this CUV for a week and like it. Its bigger than I thought but drives like a car. Acceleration is not bad. Traded in my minivan. Minivan had more trunk room but this CUV back is o.k. Overall, I would give this CUV a 7.8 out of 10. The biggest drawback is the front headrest. It pushes your head forward and can feel uncomfortable after awhile.

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  broke from the rain - wont turn off - 2010 Chevrolet Traverse
  By Carl Johnson - January 19 - 11:01 pm

  Vehicle sat in the driveway all day due to a bad rainstorm. Wife drove 1 mile to go to a meeting after the storm and the check engine light came on. Engine would NOT TURN OFF even after turning the key to the "OFF" position. You could still place the vehicle in gear and drive with the steering wheel locked!! Will take to the dealership tomorrow (AM) per their request. This is not the dealerships fault, but the manufacturer!! Possible moisture in one of the electrical contacts?? The streets were almost dry when she left (no puddles to drive through). How could this happen on a vehicle with only 386 miles???

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  Tire Chains Not Allowed - 2009 Chevrolet Traverse
  By BRYCE W KOPPER - December 21 - 7:51 pm

  We love our 2009 Traverse but if you dont live in the mountains where chains are sometimes required you dont realize the problem you will encounter. Tire chains will not work on the Traverse which could pose quite a problem if you want to go skiing and youre not allowed to go up the mountain because the stupid vehicle was built so you cant use chains. What does GM expect? To be pulled up the mountain by a team of donkeys? Im sorely disappointed with this flaw.

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  Really like it! - 2009 Chevrolet Traverse
  By The Dan - December 4 - 10:25 pm

  The Traverse rides great. It is quiet, sure footed, accelerates acceptably, and has very good fit and finish. I would highly recommend the Traverse to anyone. I have two complaints. It doesnt always know what gear it wants to be in and will sometimes have a bit of an acceleration lag when you have slowed down but then press the gas (like when the light changes from red to green). I will press the gas, then press the gas some more until it figures out what gear needs to be in and will then accelerate excessively. The other complaint is that it is surprisingly large and takes some getting use to.