Families searching for a three-row SUV often weigh the Chevy Traverse’s space against its driving dynamics. So, is the Chevy Traverse a good car? The answer depends heavily on what you prioritize in a large family hauler.
This comprehensive review will break down everything you need to know. We’ll look at its powerful engine, massive cargo room, and comfortable seating. We’ll also examine its fuel economy, interior materials, and how it compares to rivals.
By the end, you’ll have a clear picture of whether the Traverse is the right SUV for your family’s needs and budget.
Is The Chevy Traverse A Good Car
Overall, the Chevy Traverse is a very good car for families who need maximum passenger and cargo space above all else. It excels in practicality, offering one of the largest interiors in its class. However, it makes some compromises in driving refinement and interior luxury to achieve that goal.
Its strengths are significant. You get a smooth V6 engine, easy access to the third row, and an impressive amount of storage. Its weaknesses include a firm ride on some road surfaces and cabin materials that can feel a bit plain compared to some competitors.
For the right buyer, these trade-offs are more than acceptable. If you regularly carry seven or eight people or need to haul gear for trips, the Traverse’s advantages are hard to beat.
Key Strengths Of The Chevy Traverse
- Spacious third-row seating fit for adults
- Class-leading maximum cargo capacity
- Smooth and powerful standard V6 engine
- Straightforward and user-friendly infotainment system
- Strong safety ratings and available driver aids
Potential Weaknesses To Consider
- Ride quality can be firm, especially on lower trims
- Interior materials lack premium feel in base models
- Fuel economy is average for the class
- Some rivals offer more engaging driving dynamics
- Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone integration
- A 4G LTE Wi-Fi hotspot
- Six USB ports (more are available on higher trims)
- A six-speaker audio system
- Automatic Emergency Braking
- Forward Collision Alert
- Front Pedestrian Braking
- Lane Keep Assist with Lane Departure Warning
- Following Distance Indicator
- IntelliBeam automatic high beams
- Transporting 7-8 people regularly
- Carrying lots of luggage, sports gear, or camping equipment
- Wanting a simple, powerful V6 engine
- Needing easy access to the third row
Performance And Engine Specifications
Every Chevy Traverse is powered by a 3.6-liter V6 engine. It produces 310 horsepower and 266 lb-ft of torque. This engine pairs with a nine-speed automatic transmission. Front-wheel drive is standard, with all-wheel drive available as an option.
The powertrain is one of the Traverse’s highlights. The V6 provides confident acceleration for merging and passing, even when the SUV is fully loaded. The transmission shifts smoothly, contributing to a relaxed driving experience.
Towing capacity is respectable. When properly equipped, the Traverse can tow up to 5,000 pounds. This is sufficient for a small boat, camper, or a load of toys for the weekend.
Real-World Fuel Economy
The EPA estimates for the Traverse are 18 mpg in the city and 27 mpg on the highway for FWD models. AWD models see a slight drop, rated at 17 mpg city/25 mpg highway. In real-world mixed driving, most owners report achieving low 20s, which is typical for this class.
Interior Space, Comfort, And Quality
This is where the Chevy Traverse truly shines. It is designed first and foremost for people and their stuff. The cabin is intelligently laid out with family life in mind.
Seating is comfortable for all three rows. The second row can be either a bench for eight-passenger capacity or captain’s chairs for seven. Access to the third row is easy, thanks to a simple slide-and-tilt mechanism on the second-row seats.
Unlike many three-row SUVs, the Traverse’s third row is genuinely usable for adults on medium-length trips. Headroom and legroom are surprisingly generous. The quality of materials varies by trim. Lower trims use more hard plastics, while higher trims like the Premier add soft-touch surfaces and leather.
Cargo Capacity And Practicality
Cargo space is a best-in-class feature. Behind the third row, you have 23 cubic feet of space—enough for several suitcases or a full grocery run. Fold the third row, and that expands to 58 cubic feet. With both rear rows folded flat, you get a cavernous 98 cubic feet.
Small storage solutions are plentiful. There’s a deep center console, large door bins, and a handy shelf under the load floor in the rear. The available hands-free power liftgate makes loading groceries a breeze when your arms are full.
Technology And Infotainment Features
Every Traverse comes with Chevrolet’s Infotainment 3 system. It features an 8-inch touchscreen (a 10-inch screen is available). The system is responsive and the menu structure is logical, making it easy to learn.
Standard features include:
Available upgrades include a premium Bose audio system, wireless charging, and a rear-seat entertainment system with dual screens. The available rear camera mirror is a useful feature for when the rear seats are occupied and your view is blocked.
Safety Ratings And Driver Assistance Features
The Chevy Traverse earns top marks in safety. It has a 5-Star Overall Safety Rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) also gives it top scores in most crashworthiness tests.
Every model comes with Chevrolet’s Safety Assist suite standard. This includes:
Available advanced safety features include Adaptive Cruise Control, a HD Surround Vision camera system, and Rear Cross Traffic Alert. These features provide an extra layer of confidence on long family road trips.
Trim Level Breakdown And Value
The Chevy Traverse is offered in several trim levels: LS, LT, RS, Z71, and Premier. Each caters to slightly different needs and budgets.
The base LS is well-equipped for a starting price. It includes tri-zone climate control, the Infotainment 3 system, and the full Safety Assist suite. The LT adds more convenience features, while the RS and Z71 trims offer more sporty or off-road styled appearances.
The top Premier trim focuses on luxury. It features leather seating, ventilated front seats, a power-folding third row, and the surround-view camera system. For most families, the mid-level LT offers the best balance of features and value.
Ownership Costs: Depreciation And Reliability
The Traverse has average depreciation for the segment, holding its value similarly to most mainstream rivals. Its reliability scores from sources like J.D. Power are about average. Some earlier model years had issues with the transmission, but these seem to have been addressed in newer models.
Routine maintenance costs are predictable. It’s always wise to check the specific model year’s reliability reports for any recurring problems. The standard warranty is a 3-year/36,000-mile bumper-to-bumper and a 5-year/60,000-mile powertrain warranty.
How It Compares To Key Competitors
To truly understand if the Traverse is a good car, you need to see how it stacks up against alternatives.
Chevy Traverse vs. Honda Pilot
The Honda Pilot is a top competitor known for its refined ride and excellent reliability. The Pilot’s interior is slightly more upscale, and it may have a slight edge in resale value. However, the Traverse offers more passenger space in the third row and significantly more maximum cargo room.
Chevy Traverse vs. Toyota Highlander
The Toyota Highlander is often praised for its hybrid efficiency and strong reputation. The Highlander feels more car-like to drive and gets better fuel economy, especially in hybrid form. But again, the Traverse is the clear winner on interior spaciousness and cargo versatility.
Chevy Traverse vs. Ford Explorer
The Ford Explorer offers optional turbocharged engines for more performance and a available rear-wheel-drive platform. The Explorer can feel more engaging for the driver. The Traverse, however, provides a more comfortable third-row experience and a simpler, more user-friendly infotainment layout.
Who Is The Chevy Traverse Best For?
The Chevy Traverse is an ideal choice for a specific set of buyers. It’s perfect for large families who regularly use all three rows of seating and need that space to be truly comfortable. It’s also excellent for anyone who prioritizes cargo hauling ability above sporty handling.
If your primary needs are:
Then the Traverse should be at the top of your list.
Who Might Want To Look Elsewhere?
You might prefer a competitor if you value a plush, quiet ride above all else, as some rivals are more refined. If you seek a luxurious interior with premium materials, you may want to consider brands like Kia Telluride or Hyundai Palisade. Drivers wanting sporty performance or the highest possible fuel economy might also find better options elsewhere.
Final Verdict And Recommendation
So, is the Chevy Traverse a good car? For the right family, it’s an excellent choice. It delivers on its core promise of space and practicality better than almost anything else in its price range. The strong V6 engine, easy-to-use tech, and high safety scores add to its appeal.
We recommend test driving the Traverse back-to-back with its main rivals. Pay close attention to the ride comfort on your local roads and assess the interior materials. For most families focused on space and value, the Chevy Traverse’s strengths will far outweigh its compromises, making it a very smart purchase.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Chevy Traverse reliable?
Recent model years of the Chevy Traverse have shown average to above-average reliability. It’s important to research the specific model year you’re considering, as early versions of the current generation had some teething problems. Overall, it’s considered a dependable family SUV.
How many miles per gallon does a Chevy Traverse get?
The front-wheel-drive Chevy Traverse gets an EPA-estimated 18 mpg in the city and 27 mpg on the highway. The all-wheel-drive model is rated for 17 mpg city/25 mpg highway. Real-world combined driving typically results in fuel economy in the low 20s.
What are the main problems with the Chevy Traverse?
Some common issues reported by owners include a slightly firm ride quality, some interior rattles or squeaks over time, and in earlier model years, occasional transmission shudder. Regular maintenance and choosing a well-cared-for used model can help mitigate these concerns.
Is the third row in the Chevy Traverse comfortable for adults?
Yes, the third row in the Chevy Traverse is one of the most spacious in the class. It offers sufficient headroom and legroom for most adults to ride comfortably for moderate trips, which is a key advantage over many competitors whose third rows are only suitable for children.
What is the difference between the Traverse and the Suburban?
The Chevy Suburban is a full-size, body-on-frame SUV that is larger, more powerful, and has greater towing capacity than the Traverse. The Traverse is a mid-size, unibody crossover SUV. It is more maneuverable, gets better fuel economy, and is generally more affordable while still offering excellent space.