2024 Chevrolet Traverse

Down the sides, bulging fenders and sculpted rocker panels add more visual interest than the plain sides of its predecessor, but the rear end of the greenhouse marks the clearest distinction for the 2024 model. Instead of body-color C-pillars, the rear quarter windows flare out behind the rear doors and wrap around the rear end, as if it’s wearing big performance sunglasses in reverse. RS trims black out 22-inch wheels and other trim elements, while Z71 trims wrap all-terrain tires around 18-inch wheels. The Z71 has one inch more of ground clearance and a wider track. 

Inside, the lower dash accentuates the openness of the cabin. A curved wall of screens visually cocoons the driver, and a larger 17.7-inch touchscreen sits over thin horizontal vents and climate buttons and dials. A new console design opens up more space for side-by-side cupholders and an available wireless smartphone charger. That space comes from Chevy migrating a new electronic gear shifter from the console to a stalk on the steering column. 

For what it’s worth, the outgoing V-6 in the 2023 Traverse made 310 hp and 266 lb-ft, and earned the same tow rating of 5,000 pounds. 

Is the Chevrolet Traverse 4WD?

From its column-mounted shifter, the Traverse engages the gears of a new 8-speed automatic transmission that shuttle power to the front wheels or to an all-wheel-drive system that offers a simple front-rear torque split in most versions. In the Z71, the AWD setup’s upgraded to a twin-clutch system that can split power between the rear wheels as well, for more precise power application and better handling.

We haven’t tested a base Traverse yet, but the Z71 and RS have responsive steering and good compliance on the road, though their size never vanishes. With a MacPherson front and a five-link rear suspension, the Traverse uses its heft to its advantage. It smothers big bumps and lousy terrain even with the largest wheel option available. 

It’s better in Z71 trim, with its all-terrain off-road gear but smaller, more pliant tires. It moves like it’s doing water aerobics as it steps down into a bump and glides past it, thanks to hydraulic rebound control damper. What’s going on at ground level remains at least a level or two removed from the cabin. Its 18-inch wheels don’t generate as much road noise as might be expected, and the standard terrain drive mode and towing package set it up for more than the usual three-row crossover duty.

That’s less true in the Traverse RS, which gives up some of that isolation for firmer suspension tuning and more steering heft, not to mention a set of low-profile 22-inch tires that file off bumps more abruptly than the Z71 does. It’s on the fringe of what big crossover-SUV buyers might want, but the Traverse RS still handles within reasonably taut limits.

The Traverse sports 44.3 inches of front legroom, and it’s nearly as good in row two, where it cashes in on 41.5 inches of legroom and wide-swinging doors for fantastic access. Trade out the standard bench for the twin captain’s chairs and the walk-through that divides them, and the Traverse becomes the uber-Uber machine, even with the panoramic roof that still grants plenty of headroom to tall passengers.

Row three is less happy for adults. It’s usable for 6-footers, but the bottom cushion sits low and it’s short, though headroom remains ample thanks to a bump up into the headliner. Even in the rearmost seats, passengers get USB-C ports and cupholders.

The flat-ish cargo area measures up to 97.6 cubic feet when the middle and rear seats are folded down; the middles sit higher, so the load floor has gaps and height differentials. Behind the third row, the 22.9 cubic-foot cargo area opens to 56.6 cubes with row three stowed, and there’s secret storage under the cargo floor. 

The Traverse wears a better grade of trim in the top versions now, and even the RS seems tasteful enough, even with its red-and-black trim.

All Traverse SUVs now come with automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitors, a surround-view camera system, and a driver seat that vibrates when the vehicle departs its lane.

On the options list, the Traverse now offers a rear camera mirror and Super Cruise, GM’s driver assistance which uses up to 400,000 miles of mapped roads to deliver hands-free driving. Super Cruise lets the driver drop their hands from the wheel while cameras and sensors govern the steering, cruise control, and brakes, nibbling across the lane even on 50-mph winding roads and avoiding traffic safely. There’s a loss of control that never will feel comfortable for many drivers, but it’s one of the best thought-out of the driver-assist systems, provided it’s used as intended: as backup.

Which Chevrolet Traverse should I buy?

Spend a little more—$41,395 to be exact—and get into the Traverse LT, which has a power driver seat, roof rails, wireless smartphone charging, a power tailgate, more soft-touch interior trim, a sliding second-row seat whether it’s a bench or twin captain’s chairs. Options include Super Cruise and a power sunroof, as well as synthetic leather upholstery. 

If a modicum of off-road ability is a must, the $47,795 Traverse Z71 wears 265/65R18 all-terrain tires, has the spiffy twin-clutch AWD system, a skid plate, tow hooks, and 18-inch wheels with a trailer-tow package.

Both the LT and Z71 have options for automatic park assist, Bose audio, and a rear camera mirror.

How much is a fully loaded Chevrolet Traverse?

It’s $55,595 for the Traverse RS, which comes with 22-inch all-season tires, perforated leather upholstery, power-folding third-row seats, a panoramic roof, ambient lighting, and Bose audio. Chevy hasn’t announced a High Country model—yet.