Buying a midsized SUV these days can feel like drinking from a fire hose given the seemingly mile-long list of available options. Therefore, a model needs some characteristics that separate it from the pack. The three-row, midsized Chevrolet Traverse, which slots between the smaller midsize Equinox and full-sized Tahoe in the Bow Tie’s lineup, has such a distinction — the Traverse has one of the most spacious cabins in the class, making it a strong choice for those who need plenty of passenger and cargo hauling capability.
Its spaciousness is particularly important given the Traverse is decidedly average in many critical categories when stacked up against its competitors, but the model has made a notable step forward with its 2022 model year refresh. And average in the ultra-competitive midsize SUV segment means it is still a reasonable choice for those needing a family hauler and accommodating daily driver.
2023 Chevrolet Traverse
- GM Teen Driver
- Wi-Fi Hotspot
- 3.6-Liter V-6
- Digital Rearview Mirror
- Hands-Free Liftgate
- Heated Rear Seats
- Model: 2023 Traverse
- Engine:: 3.6-liter V-6
- Power Output: 310 HP
- Torque: 266 LB.-FT.
- Range: 20-21 Combined MPG
- Transmission: 9-Speed Automatic
- Driveline: FWD/AWD
- Cavernous Cargo Area
- Third-Row Is Usable For Adults
- More Sprightly Than Many Rivals
- Cheaper Interior Materials
- Rivals Offer More Features
- Not A Strong Value Proposition
2023 Chevrolet Traverse Performance And Capability
The 2023 Traverse is available in six trim levels, including:
- LS
- LT Cloth
- LT Leather
- RS
- Premier
- High Country
All Traverse models are powered by a 3.6-liter V-6 delivering 310 horsepower and 266 pound-feet of torque with standard front-wheel drive and all-wheel drive capability available in all trims. The Traverse offers slightly more power than many of its V-6-powered rivals, which much make do with under 300 ponies. That translates to more sprightly performance in the Chevy, which can run from 0-60 mph in 6.8 seconds and onto the quarter-mile mark in 15.1 seconds. The V-6 pairs with a nine-speed automatic transmission that provides buttery smooth transitions around town.
The Traverse is rated for 21 combined mpg (18 city/27 highway) in FWD models while all-wheel drive capability lowers that figure to 20 combined mpg (17 city/25 highway), which is average in its class. The auto start/stop feature equipped helps mileage, and unlike some other systems, it doesn’t judder the SUV when the engine fully kicks on.
As standard, the Traverse can tow just 1,500 pounds regardless of drivetrain, but buyers can opt for the Trailering Equipment Package which ups its hauling capability to 5,000 pounds. The equipment package, which includes a trailer hitch, GM’s Hitch Guidance System, and a heavy-duty cooling system, is standard on Premier and High Country trims.
On the road, the Traverse’s suspension strikes a balance — it’s softly sprung to deliver a smooth ride, but it’s taut enough to deliver respectable agility in the corners without seemingly falling over. The steering is light but quick enough to maneuver the sizeable SUV around urban areas or tight parking lots. The Traverse may not have the standout handling of its smaller sibling, the Equinox, but for family hauling or the daily commute, most drivers will be pleased with its overall performance.
Exterior Design
The Traverse’s 2022 model year facelift included a refreshed grille, a larger and blacked-out lower intake, new wheel designs, slimmer headlights with integrated turn signals, revamped fog light housings, and updated rear LED lighting. Otherwise, the Traverse mostly retains the styling of its current generation introduced for the 2018 model year.
That includes a notable character line in profile, a rear-sloping and wide C-pillar, and a squared-off rear with a wide liftgate and rear fender flares. Eighteen-inch wheels are standard in the LS and LT trims while 20-inch aluminum iterations are equipped in RS, Premier, and High Country models and available for LT Leather trim. The Traverse is fairly restrained in its exterior styling, but it is handsome overall. And underneath its attractive and inoffensive skin, it hides a hugely spacious interior.
Length | 205.9 in. |
|---|---|
Width | 78.6 in. |
Height | 70.7 in. |
Wheelbase | 120.9 in. |
Ground Clearance | 7.5 in. |
Curb Weight | 6,610 lbs. |
Exterior Colors |
|---|
Sterling Gray |
Summit White |
Northsky Blue |
Mosaic Black |
Interior Quality And Technology
The Traverse comes standard with three rows, but seating upholstery and capacity are dependent on which boxes are ticked at the dealer. The base LS trim comes standard with a second-row bench seat for seating up to eight, while all other models are fitted with second-row captain’s chairs. However, those needing more passenger space and more-than-base features can get the second-row bench equipped in either LT trim.
No matter the seating arrangement, the Traverse’s sizeable cabin has room for adults in all three rows with 33.5 inches of third-row legroom and 39 inches of headroom. GM’s Smart Slide second-row seats ease accessing the third row with a latch that slides the second-row seat forward with a single pull.
The Traverse’s pièce de resistance is its extremely accommodating cargo hold that can fit up to 23 cubic feet of stuff even with the third row of seats in place. Fold the rear row away and that figure swells to a massive 57 cubic feet, making the Traverse a midsize SUV with full-size-like cargo capability.
That spaciousness is vital given the Traverse’s cabin otherwise fails to impress.
A seven-inch touchscreen is standard with upper models featuring an eight-inch screen and 4.2-inch digital instrument cluster while many rivals offer a larger center screen or even dual 12.0-inch displays. To its credit, GM’s infotainment system is intuitive, provides quick responses, and controls are easy to reach from the driver’s seat. The Traverse also comes with generous standard connectivity, including wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, SiriusXM, a Wi-Fi hotspot, and six USB ports spread throughout the cabin.
Cloth seats are standard in the LS and aptly named LS Cloth trim, with other models receiving leather upholstery. Going up in the trim scale adds amenities like heated front seats and steering wheel, remote engine start, a power liftgate, a digital rearview mirror, a 10-speaker Bose audio system, ventilated front seats, heated rear seats, or a panoramic sunroof.
But despite generous features in upper trims, interior quality is lacking many rivals with the Chevy sporting cheaper-feeling plastics and a less sturdy feel. This becomes particularly notable given the Traverse offers less standard features and subpar materials in upper trims that cost about the same as more upscale and amenity-rich rivals.
Seating Capacity | 8 |
|---|---|
Headroom (front) | 42.8 in. |
Headroom (second row) | 40 in. |
Headroom (third row) | 39 in. |
Legroom (front) | 41 in. |
Legroom (second row) | 38.4 in. |
Legroom (third row) | 33.5 in. |
Shoulder room (front) | 61.9 in. |
Shoulder room (second row) | 62.2 in. |
Shoulder room (third row) | 57.5 in. |
Cargo Room | 23 cubic feet |
2023 Chevrolet Traverse Price And Availability
The 2023 Traverse is available now with prices ranging from $35,915 for the base version up to $53,395 for the top-tier High Country. Its pricing structure is on par with much of the three-row midsized SUV segment, though, as mentioned, the Traverse offers fewer standard features and quality materials (but more spaciousness) than much of its competition.
Trim | Price |
|---|---|
LS | $35,915 |
LT Cloth | $38,440 |
LT Leather | $42,135 |
RS | $46,440 |
Premier | $48,595 |
High Country | $53,395 |
Safety
The 2023 Traverse received f4/5 stars from the NHTSA for its overall safety rating with 5/5 stars for overall frontal crash, 5/5 stars for overall side crash, and 4/5 stars for rollover. As standard, the Traverse comes with automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection, forward collision alert and lane-keep assist. LT trim adds rear parking sensors and blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert with a 360-degree camera and digital rearview mirror available and standard in upper trims.
Main Competition
The Traverse’s spacious cabin is the most appealing factor in its crowded segment. Its cavernous cargo area offers 23 cubic feet of space, leading the three-row midsize SUV segment in which many models offer around 17-19 cubic feet behind the third row, including the Kia Telluride, Ford Explorer, and Honda Pilot. And that doesn’t equate to a loss in third-row passenger space, which is more than many rivals.
The 310 horsepower offered in the Traverse is also more than you’ll get from the equivalent Kia, Honda, Toyota, Nissan, or Subaru, though the Ford Explorer is available with a turbo V-6 offering up to 410 horsepower (standard models offer 300 horsepower).
For spaciousness, the Chevy is undoubtedly a leader, but it trails the top players in its class in standard features and material quality without any true savings on the sticker price. For those who need spaciousness more in line with a full-size SUV, handsome looks, and a functional cabin layout, the Traverse certainly fits the bill. But overall, there are models that offer better value for money, extra amenities, and more upmarket interiors for a loss in cabin roominess.
FAQ
Q: How reliable is the Chevrolet Traverse?
The 2022 refresh brought about some much-needed changes. The predicted reliability scores for the Chevy Traverse according to Consumer Reports have since improved, with the 2023 model getting a score of 3/5.
Q: How much will a 2023 Chevrolet Traverse cost
The 2023 Chevrolet costs between $35,915 for the base version up to $53,395 for the top-tier High Country.
Q: Is Chevy coming out with a new Traverse?
According to GM Authority, an all-new Chevy Traverse is expected for the 2024 model year.
Q: Is A Traverse A Good car?
The Chevy Traverse trails the competition when it comes to interior quality, and tech features, but makes up for it with the biggest cargo room in the class at 23 cubic feet.
Q: What is the mileage of a Chevy Traverse RS?
All Chevy Traverse models pack the same 3.6-liter six-cylinder powertrain which carries an EPA rating of 17 mpg city, 25 mpg on the highway, and 20 mpg combined.