If you are asking “is a chevy traverse a good car,” you are likely a shopper comparing three-row family SUVs. Families considering a three-row SUV will find the Chevy Traverse offers generous passenger space and a smooth ride for daily commutes and road trips. This article provides a detailed, balanced look at its strengths and weaknesses to help you decide.
We will examine key areas like reliability, safety, and fuel economy. You will get a clear picture of what it’s like to own one.
Is A Chevy Traverse A Good Car
Overall, the Chevy Traverse is a very good car for buyers who prioritize space and comfort above all else. It excels at being a practical people- and cargo-hauler. However, it faces strong competition in areas like interior refinement and driving dynamics.
Its value proposition is strongest for large families needing maximum utility. Let’s break down the specifics to see where it shines and where it might fall short for your needs.
Key Strengths Of The Chevy Traverse
The Traverse has several compelling advantages that keep it popular in a crowded market. These benefits are primarily focused on practicality and comfort.
Spacious Interior And Cargo Room
The Traverse’s greatest asset is its interior volume. It offers best-in-class passenger and cargo space in many configurations.
- Comfortable seating for up to eight passengers across three rows.
- The third-row is genuinely usable for adults on shorter trips, unlike many rivals.
- Behind the third row, you get 23 cubic feet of cargo space, enough for several suitcases.
- With both rear rows folded, maximum cargo space expands to an enormous 98 cubic feet.
Smooth And Comfortable Ride Quality
Engineers tuned the Traverse for comfort, making it an excellent long-distance cruiser. The suspension absorbs bumps effectively, providing a relaxed driving experience.
Road and wind noise are well-managed, contributing to a quiet cabin. This is a major plus for family trips where passenger comfort is key.
Strong V6 Engine Performance
Every Traverse is powered by a 3.6-liter V6 engine paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission. This combination provides ample power for merging and passing.
- Produces 310 horsepower and 266 lb-ft of torque.
- Delivers confident acceleration, even when the vehicle is fully loaded.
- The transmission shifts smoothly in most driving conditions.
Good Towing Capacity For Its Class
When properly equipped, the Traverse can tow up to 5,000 pounds. This is a competitive figure, allowing you to pull a small boat, camper, or utility trailer with confidence.
Potential Drawbacks And Weaknesses
No vehicle is perfect, and the Traverse has some notable shortcomings that shoppers should consider. These often relate to its interior quality and technology.
Interior Material Quality
While spacious, the cabin uses a fair amount of hard plastics on lower dash and door surfaces. Some competitors offer a more upscale, soft-touch feel in this price range.
The design is functional rather than luxurious. It may not feel as special as some newer rivals from brands like Kia or Hyundai.
Fuel Economy Considerations
The powerful V6 engine comes with a fuel economy trade-off. The Traverse gets an EPA-estimated 18 mpg in the city and 27 mpg on the highway for front-wheel-drive models.
These numbers are decent for a large SUV but can be bested by some turbo-four or hybrid competitors. All-wheel-drive models see a slight decrease in efficiency.
Infotainment System Usability
The standard Chevrolet Infotainment 3 system is feature-rich but can feel dated. The graphics and menu structure are not as intuitive as systems from other manufacturers.
- Standard touchscreen size is 8 inches, which is adequate.
- Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are now standard, a major plus.
- Some physical buttons remain, which is helpful for adjusting climate control on the go.
Reliability And Ownership Costs
Understanding long-term costs is crucial when deciding if a car is a good fit. The Traverse has a mixed reliability record that potential owners should research.
Predicted Reliability Ratings
Major automotive publishers have given the Traverse average to below-average reliability scores in recent years. Common issues reported have included:
- Problems with the transmission, such as rough shifting or hesitation.
- Electrical gremlins related to the infotainment system or power accessories.
- Premature wear on some interior components.
It’s advisable to check the specific model year you are considering for any recurring problems. Newer models may have addressed some past concerns.
Cost Of Maintenance And Repairs
General Motors parts are widely available, which can help keep repair costs reasonable. Scheduled maintenance costs are typical for the class.
However, addressing major issues like transmission work can be expensive. Considering an extended warranty might be a wise choice for long-term peace of mind.
Depreciation And Resale Value
The Traverse tends to depreciate at a rate similar to most American SUVs. It holds its value reasonably well but not as strongly as some Japanese competitors like the Toyota Highlander or Honda Pilot.
Buying a slightly used model can offer significant savings over a new one, providing excellent value.
Safety Features And Ratings
Safety is paramount for family vehicles. The Chevy Traverse comes with a robust suite of standard and available safety technology.
Standard Safety Suite
Every new Traverse includes Chevrolet’s Safety Assist package. This is a good foundation of driver aids:
- Automatic Emergency Braking with Pedestrian Detection
- Forward Collision Alert
- Lane Keep Assist with Lane Departure Warning
- Following Distance Indicator
- IntelliBeam automatic high beams
Crash Test Performance
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) awarded the Traverse an overall 5-Star safety rating. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) has given it mostly top marks, though some model years missed the Top Safety Pick award due to headlight performance.
Always verify the latest ratings for the specific model year you are evaluating.
Available Advanced Driver Aids
Higher trim levels offer additional peace of mind with features like:
- Adaptive Cruise Control for highway driving.
- Enhanced Parking Assist with automatic braking.
- Rear Camera Mirror, which provides a wider, unobstructed view.
- Blind Zone Steering Assist, which can help correct if you begin to change lanes with a vehicle in your blind spot.
Comparing The Chevy Traverse To Key Rivals
To truly answer “is this a good car,” you must see how it stacks up against the competition. Here’s a quick comparison with two main rivals.
Chevy Traverse Vs. Toyota Highlander
The Toyota Highlander is often the benchmark for reliability and resale.
- Highlander Pros: Renowned reliability, available hybrid powertrain (superior fuel economy), strong resale value.
- Highlander Cons: Less spacious third row and cargo area, often a higher purchase price for comparable features.
- Choose Traverse if: Maximum interior space is your top priority.
Chevy Traverse Vs. Honda Pilot
The Honda Pilot is another spacious and family-focused contender.
- Pilot Pros: More refined interior materials, smooth V6 engine, clever interior storage solutions.
- Pilot Cons: Slightly less maximum cargo space, infotainment system can also be fussy.
- Choose Traverse if: You prefer its styling or find it offers better value in your local market.
Chevy Traverse Vs. Ford Explorer
The Ford Explorer offers more powertrain choices, including a turbocharged engine and a hybrid.
- Explorer Pros: Sportier handling options, available powerful turbo engines, rear-wheel-drive platform.
- Explorer Cons: Third-row and cargo space are less generous, interior quality can be inconsistent.
- Choose Traverse if: You value a smoother ride and more usable space over sporty performance.
Who Should Buy A Chevy Traverse
The Traverse is an ideal choice for a specific set of buyers. It’s not for everyone, but it fits certain needs perfectly.
The Ideal Traverse Buyer Profile
You are likely a great candidate for the Traverse if you:
- Regularly need to transport 7 or 8 passengers in reasonable comfort.
- Frequently fill the cargo area with sports gear, luggage, or Costco hauls.
- Prioritize a comfortable, quiet ride over sporty handling.
- Take multiple long road trips each year and value cabin comfort.
- Need substantial towing capacity without stepping up to a truck-based SUV.
When To Consider Other Options
You might want to look at other SUVs if your priorities include:
- Top-Tier Reliability: Consider Toyota Highlander or Honda Pilot.
- Best Fuel Economy: Look at the Highlander Hybrid or other hybrid/electric SUVs.
- Luxurious Interior: Explore the Kia Telluride, Hyundai Palisade, or premium brands.
- Sporty Driving: Test drive the Ford Explorer ST or Mazda CX-90.
Final Verdict And Recommendations
So, is the Chevy Traverse a good car? The answer is a qualified yes. It excels in its core mission: providing spacious, comfortable transportation for large families at a competitive price.
Its weaknesses in interior refinement and average reliability scores are real considerations. But for the right buyer, its strengths easily outweigh these drawbacks.
Recommended Trim Levels
For the best value, we recommend the mid-level LT Cloth or LT Leather trims. They add important comfort and convenience features without the steep price jump of the top trims. The optional Convenience and Driver Confidence II packages are worth considering for added safety tech.
The top-tier High Country trim offers a more luxurious feel but ventures into a higher price bracket where competition intensifies.
Consider Buying Used Or Certified Pre-Owned
Given its depreciation curve, a 2-3 year old Certified Pre-Owned (CPO) Traverse is an excellent value. You get a vehicle that’s still under warranty, with most of the new-car features, for a significantly lower price. A thorough pre-purchase inspection is always advised for any used vehicle.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is The Chevy Traverse A Reliable Vehicle?
The Chevy Traverse has recieved average to below-average reliability ratings from some experts in past years. It’s crucial to research the specific model year, as reliability can vary. Newer models may show improvement, and a Certified Pre-Owned model with a warranty can mitigate concerns.
What Are The Common Problems With The Chevy Traverse?
Some commonly reported issues include transmission shifting problems, electrical faults with the infotainment system, and occasional power steering concerns. Regular maintenance and addressing any recalls promptly are important for long-term ownership.
How Does The Chevy Traverse Handle In Snow?
With its available all-wheel-drive system and good ground clearance, the Traverse handles competently in snow and light winter conditions. For severe winter climates, a dedicated set of winter tires is highly recommended for any vehicle to maximize safety and traction.
Is The Chevy Traverse Good For Long Road Trips?
Yes, the Traverse is an excellent road trip vehicle. Its comfortable ride, quiet cabin, spacious interior, and large cargo capacity make it ideal for long journeys. The standard driver assists also help reduce fatigue on highway drives.
What Is The Fuel Economy Of The Chevy Traverse?
For front-wheel-drive models, the EPA estimates are 18 mpg city and 27 mpg highway. All-wheel-drive models are rated at 17 mpg city and 25 mpg highway. Real-world mileage will vary based on driving habits, load, and conditions.