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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  2012 Traverse 30-Day Review - 2012 Chevrolet Traverse
  By nurseratched - July 8 - 7:58 am

  This is my daily commuter from the mountains to the city. The Traverse is exceptionally comfortable to drive and handles the steep and curvy mountain roads with ease. Plenty of passing power and, despite some of the other complaints, I think the visibility to the side and rear is fine. Ive never been in a quieter car...little to no road or wind noise. Everything is within easy reach and the interior is cavernous! Even though there is seating for 8 I dont use the 3rd row. The rear is strictly used for cargo and comes in handy with monthly trips to Costco! I looked at several other models and decided the Traverse topped them all.

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  Just Bought it Yester"night" - 2012 Chevrolet Traverse
  By americanmade2 - June 29 - 9:03 am

  We got back from the dealership last night with our new Traverse... lets say its a heap of alot better than our old 06 Durango! the interior quality is fantastic. Only good things to say about this amazing ride :)

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  15 mpg - GM told me thats not bad for this car - 2010 Chevrolet Traverse
  By ddufort13 - April 24 - 9:15 pm

  The Traverse has a good interior design, great handling and power, but I average 15 mpg vs the sticker that indicates an average on 19 mpg. I registered a complaint with GM, my service guy at Chevy indicated he only got 13 mpg. GM told me, and I quote, "The car is performing as per specifications. I see youre getting 15 mpg, and thats not bad for this car!!!" I told them they should advertise that. 15 mpg isnt that bad, even though they advertise 16-23 mpg. If you want performance with poor MPG, this is the SUV for you. If youre looking for performance and fuel economy stay away.

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  Just OK - 2011 Chevrolet Traverse
  By ripriley - February 26 - 12:03 pm

  Very disappointed with the MPG. We get 17 MPG combined. Quality is very good. Utility is not as good as our minivan was.

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  Affordable, Capable and Comfortable - 2012 Chevrolet Traverse
  By learhopper - January 14 - 4:43 pm

  Began vehicle search for an eight seat SUV with the Tahoe, but after seeing the lack of cargo room behind the third row seats, and the clunky removal of 3rd row seats (instead of folding down into the car floorboard) we ruled it out. The Traverse offered a surprising amount of room and a more affordable price. We were impressed with the Buick Enclave, but couldnt find one equipped like we wanted in our region and the price was more than the Traverse for a comparable cloth model. Drove the Honda Pilot and was very disappointed with road and wind noise - felt plastic/boxy. Liked the Nissan Armada, but too pricey. Elected to go for the Traverse 1LT with the All Star Package and AWD.

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  2009 Traverse - 2009 Chevrolet Traverse
  By tigger68 - January 8 - 8:41 pm

  We bought our traverse in June 2009 and I had one problem with a computer about a year ago. Then October 2011 came around and our check engine light came on. It was something I dont remember. We took it to the dealer and it was the timing chain and it had been recalled. They had the car for 10 days. Then we had the car back one day and I was driving home from work and it started smoking. We attempted to drive to dealer and did not make it. A transmission clamp broke. they fixed it and then we got it back. We had it back in 4 days. The fixed and have had some hesitation and now transmission module is out? Now back we go again! Dealer has been working with us at least!

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  2010 Traverse could improve some - 2010 Chevrolet Traverse
  By workingmom_33 - December 5 - 9:00 pm

  I bought my Traverse new in Aug 2010 and love it. It offers lots of room, great ride, and kid friendly. It is now 16 months old w/ less than 17k mi. I am disappointed to have the steering make a whistle noise when turning and the buttons on the a/c control panel are beginning to wear. Does anyone else have these same issues? Other than those issues, which I am hoping the dealership can resolve, I plan to keep for a while.

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  First month in SUV - 2012 Chevrolet Traverse
  By bigbro422 - November 29 - 11:53 am

  This is my first review and first SUV, The new Chevy Traverse is great, it is a family friendly and works for me being a disable driver. The lift gate is easy to use, cargo area great for my wheelchair. My children are growing so the adjustable seating on the second row is wonderful.

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  Wish I hit reverse before buying Traverse - 2009 Chevrolet Traverse
  By mom2x2 - November 28 - 10:12 pm

  I have been into the dealership 13 times in the past 2 months...nothing but issues with engine and powersteering. Was happy with car but this has thrown me over the edge. Do not feel comfortable driving my family of six in this vehicle. I would not recommend this vehicle to anyone. BEWARE

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  Do not like my new Traverse - 2011 Chevrolet Traverse
  By ldewar - November 5 - 1:07 pm

  I have had 3 GM mini vans before this vehicle and loved each of them. I wanted to buy another mini van, but GM stopped makeing them. I reluctantly bought this vehicle as it has only a few inches shorter wheelbase. I do not like the look of the exterior, the console takes up a lot of space--no longer can the passenger get up and move to the back while traveling. I find the seat design very uncomfortable and my back is in pain constantly and it rides a lot rougher than my mini vans did. The interior is smaller, etc. I do not like the large wheels and I get lousy gas mileage (19 mpg Hwy). My mini vans would get up to 26 mpg. Wish I hadnt bought it! It is peppy on the highway.