The Chevrolet Traverse is a large crossover SUV that offers comfort and utility, giving you plush seven or eight-passenger seating and an off-road-friendly all-wheel drive. It is an excellent people hauler with its spacious, three-row passenger-friendly cabin for people with big families or traveling companions, and its off-road capabilities are perfect for outdoor getaways.
First Generation (2009-2017)
For 2009, the Chevrolet Traverse is an all-new American made crossover, offered in both front-wheel-drive and all-wheel-drive configurations with three models: LS, LT, and LTZ. It features two front bucket seats and two different seating configurations for the second and third row seats. A 3.6-liter V6 engine is paired with a six-speed automatic transmission. It delivers 281 horsepower with 266 pound-feet of torque. The LTZ model delivers 288 horsepower and 270 lb-ft or torque. You will get a maximum 2,000 pounds of towing capacity for this first-generation Traverse. It offers a long list of safety features, such as side curtain overhead airbags, seat-mounted side-impact airbags, anti-lock brakes, and electronic traction and stability control, with OnStar telematics and a rearview camera.
In 2013, the Traverse received a facelift, which came with a new grille design, a new front fascia, a redesigned liftgate, and some new taillights. This model year was the first to get Chevy’s MyLink touchscreen multimedia system as part of the standard equipment.
In 2014, you will find additional safety features, such as collision alert and lane departure warning. In 2015, new exterior colors and new interior color options were added. A Wi-Fi hotspot comes available in 2016.
The top-of-the-range LTZ trim level was renamed Premier for the last year of the first-generation.
Second Generation (2018-Present)
Not too many changes in this generation, though trim levels jumped from three to eight. The standard engine remains a 3.6-liter V6, but now puts out 310 horsepower and 266 lb-ft of torque. The Traverse also ups its power with a contemporary nine-speed automatic transmission. A 2.0-liter turbo-four that makes 255 horsepower comes out in 2019. Towing capacity is up to a maximum 5000 pounds in this generation. Every model includes a 4G Wi-Fi hotspot, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto technology with a 7-inch touchscreen. Optional luxurious options, like leather upholstery and ventilated front seats are available.
The 2020 model year saw new changes that will carry over to the 2021 model year. The 2.0-liter turbo-four was discontinued and replaced by a 3.6-liter V6 gasoline engine. MyLink was replaced by the Infotainment 3 system. Three new colors were added to its lineup, including Stone Gray Metallic, Black Cherry Metallic, and Midnight Blue Metallic.
Early first-generation models in good condition start from as little as $3,000 on the used market, but you can pay over $50,000 for a high trim late model.