why ads?

Popular at KBB.com

The 40 mpg Cars of 2013

2011 Chevrolet Traverse

Please enter a valid mileage

Curious about the newer model? Check out the 2013 Chevrolet Traverse

Overview

Trading in or Selling? Know where you stand with the most up-to-date Kelley Blue Book Value at your fingertips. See your car's value

Buying this car?

2011 Chevrolet Traverse Review

By KBB.com Editors

KBB Expert Rating: 6.9

Despite a drop off in full-size SUV sales, American families are not getting any smaller. They still need the room and power of a big SUV, but with better fuel economy and handling. Keenly aware that many Americans have an inescapable need for seven-passenger transportation, Chevrolet created the Traverse, a crossover SUV offering maximum interior space, mid-level towing ability and fuel economy numbers that reach into the mid twenties. The Traverse combines contemporary styling, one of the best accident avoidance system in the business and an interior worthy of a high-end luxury car – all at a Chevrolet price.

You'll Like This Car If...

If you're looking for a big family vehicle with excellent safety ratings, the ability to tow 5,400 pounds and reasonably good fuel economy for its size, the 2011 Chevrolet Traverse may be the best game in town.

You May Not Like This Car If...

Those who absolutely must have a V8 won't find one offered on the Traverse. Styling is a bit more contemporary than its stable mates at Buick and GMC, but resale values fall slightly below those held by the Toyota Highlander and Honda Pilot.

What's New for 2011

Changes for 2011 are limited to some new paint colors, a relocated USB port and the availability of heated cloth seats on LT models.

Driving the Traverse

Driving Impressions The 2011 Chevrolet Traverse delivers a surprisingly smooth ride, has adept handling and offers strong acceleration with very respectable gas mileage. To push the envelope, we tested our Traverse on...

an enclosed track running a series of obstacle avoidance tests. Driven back-to-back against the Toyota Highlander, the Traverse exhibited superior skills in almost every situation. In one test, we accelerated to 45 miles per hour and without braking executed a quick left-right maneuver on wet pavement around an orange pylon strategically placed to represent a sudden obstacle in the road. To our great surprise (and relief) the StabiliTrak stability control system worked so efficiently it made small work of the test, allowing us to return immediately to our lane without any loss of control.

Favorite Features

StabiliTrak Stability Control with Rollover Mitigation Technology
Although you'll never know it until you have to use it, this technology could very well save your life. It drastically improves the Traverse's ability to remain composed in even the most radical emergency maneuvers.

Smart Slide Second Row Seat
This easy and convenient feature allows the second row seat bottom to flip up and the seat to slide forward, creating a wide pathway to the third-row seat.

2011 Chevrolet Traverse Details

Interior

Tasteful design, high-quality materials and one of the most accommodating interiors in the class are the hallmarks of Chevrolet's largest crossover SUV. Second-row seats that slide fore and aft improve leg room while permitting easy entry in to the third-row seat. And unlike many third-row seats, the Traverse's can actually accommodate two adults in comfort while affording them full side-curtain airbag protection. Storage bins and cup holders abound, and there is enough room behind the third row seat to accommodate two golf bags. Chevrolet has also gone to great lengths to silence the Traverse's cabin which remains remarkable quiet, even at highway speeds.

Exterior

The most noticeable difference between the Traverse and its sister vehicles, the Buick Enclave and GMC Acadia, can be found up front, where Chevrolet's recently introduced Malibu-inspired split-grille face is prominently displayed. The rear quarter window is also different, sharply angled upwards at its bottom edge. With its big wheels pushed to the outer edges of the chassis, the Traverse presents an image of size and stability. Wide rear door openings make it easy for passengers to enter and exit the third-row seat, and an electrically-powered rear hatch aids access to the cargo area. Available convex insets built into the upper corner of each side mirror help expose objects ordinarily masked by blind spots.

Notable Equipment

Standard Equipment

Every Traverse comes standard with six airbags, including full-length side curtain airbags, front side-impact airbags and front passenger airbags. Also standard are StabiliTrak stability control with roll mitigation technology, one year subscription to OnStar with Turn-by-turn navigation, AM/FM stereo with CD and XM Satellite Radio, power windows, mirrors and door locks, rear wiper washer, cruise control, 17-inch wheels, Smart Slide second row seat and flush-folding third-row seat.

Optional Equipment

Options vary by trim, which includes 1LT, 2LT and LTZ. Available features on most trims include remote start, a power rear liftgate (standard on 2LT and LTZ), Bose 10-speaker Surround Sound Audio system, DVD navigation, rear seat DVD entertainment system, all-wheel drive, second-row captain's chair seating, 115-volt three-prong outlet, two different rearview backup cameras (one for use with navigation, the other for vehicles without), Ultrasonic Rear Park Assist, heated windshield wiper fluid, Bluetooth hands-free phone connectivity, dual-zone climate control, HID headlamps, heated front seats (heated and cooled front seats standard on LTZ) and a dual panel glass moonroof.

Under the Hood

The 2011 Chevrolet Traverse is powered by a sophisticated 3.6-liter V6 engine with variable valve timing and direct injection technology for improved performance and fuel economy. While most owners will be just fine with the 281 horsepower found on the LS and LT trims, the LTZ features a dual exhaust which bumps the horsepower to 288. All trims feature a smooth-shifting six-speed automatic transmission with manual shift mode and can be equipped with Chevrolet's excellent Intelligent All-Wheel Drive system. Unlike many of GM's other engines, however, the Traverse is not E85 compatible.}

3.6-liter V6
281 horsepower @ 6300 rpm
288 horsepower @ 6300 rpm (dual exhaust)
266 lb.-ft of torque @ 3400 rpm
270 lb.-ft. of torque @ 3400 rpm (dual exhaust)
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 17/24 (FWD), 16/23 (AWD)

To compare current market prices, check out KBB.com's car classifieds to view the new and used Chevrolet Traverse vehicles for sale near you.

Trading in or Selling? Know where you stand with the most up-to-date Kelley Blue Book Value at your fingertips. See your car's value

Buying this car?

2011 Chevrolet Traverse Consumer Reviews

Overall Rating

8.5

Out of 10

Based on 190 Ratings for the 2009 - 2013 models.

Review this car

Value

8.5/10

Quality

8.7/10
Reliability

8.8/10

Performance

8.9/10
Comfort

9.0/10

Styling

8.9/10

Drives good has plenty of power,

By tee (AZ) on Monday, May 13, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 53,500

10 9.0

overall rating 9 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 9/10
Value: 9/10
Reliability: 8/10
Quality: 9/10
Performance: 10/10
Styling: 10/10
Comfort: 10/10

Pros: "driveability & power & inside space & looks good."

Cons: "worm air coming from air vents."

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 9

"when it is not hot enough to use the ac. with the heater controls complete off front and rear the air is hotter coming through the air vents than the outside air. And water pump failed and was replaced under a recall. Over all it is a very nice car. Inside features are handy and lots of cargo space when the seats are laid down."

2 people out of 3 found this review helpful

Was this review helpful to you? yes | no | report abuse

I love the vehicle. But has defroster issues

By Michelle (MI) on Tuesday, May 07, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 35,000

10 9.0

overall rating 9 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 9/10
Value: 10/10
Reliability: 10/10
Quality: 7/10
Performance: 9/10
Styling: 5/10
Comfort: 10/10

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 1

"I bought the vehicle in the summer. If I would have bought during the winter this would not have been a vehicle I would have purchased. The design of the defroster is a major issue. It is in the center of the dash and is very difficult for it to reach the drivers or passenger side of the vehicle. On most icy days I have to scrape the ice.I have taken the vehicle to service several times for this concern thinking there was an issue . Upon the completion of the service , each time the service department reported that this was the design of thr defroster. Other than this major defrost issue I love the vehicle. My sister sold her 2010 Traverse for the same reason after one winter season."

1 person out of 1 found this review helpful

Was this review helpful to you? yes | no | report abuse

solid value

By materialman (LA) on Tuesday, April 30, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 29,000

10 9.0

overall rating 9 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 9/10
Value: 9/10
Reliability: 10/10
Quality: 9/10
Performance: 8/10
Styling: 8/10
Comfort: 9/10

Pros: "room, comfort, ride, mpg"

Cons: "steering could be a tad better"

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 10

"The Traverse is a solid value and continues the tradition of Chevrolet of providing good value for money spent. The vehicle is quiet at highway speeds and will get you 24 mpg on the highway. All passengers have room and sit well. There is ample space for cargo. The V-6 does a good job of moving the vehicle when passing. I feel I got my money's worth and have had no issues of any kind so far."

1 person out of 2 found this review helpful

Was this review helpful to you? yes | no | report abuse

Awesome Family Vehicle!

By Hoosier (IN) on Sunday, April 21, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 200

10 10.0

overall rating 10 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 10/10
Value: 8/10
Reliability: 10/10
Quality: 10/10
Performance: 10/10
Styling: 10/10
Comfort: 10/10

Pros: "roomy, stylish, handles great, nice cargo area."

Cons: "the price :("

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 10

"We just bought this vehicle yesterday 4-21-13 and couldnt' be happier. It is a smooth, refined and sporty ride. Didn't really like the price tag but all the others are charging the same. Easy to get in and out of (unlike the explorer) and plenty of pep on take-off. We got the 2LT pkg. were going to get a 1LT but wanted leather & liftgate so it was several thousand more. So far we love it and look forward to many years of reliability and service from this pricey family coach."

5 people out of 5 found this review helpful

Was this review helpful to you? yes | no | report abuse

worst vehicle I ever owned!

By Dukeydrew (PA) on Saturday, April 06, 2013

I owned and sold this car
Reason: poor reliability - My approximate mileage is 51,200

10 4.0

overall rating 4 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 4/10
Value: 5/10
Reliability: 2/10
Quality: 6/10
Performance: 7/10
Styling: 4/10
Comfort: 6/10

Pros: "nice room, powerful engine, ride"

Cons: "reliability"

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 2

"Bought a 2010 traverse used with 21000 miles on it. Clean Carfax history. Was nothing but trouble for the 2 years I owned it. These were all the things that needed replaced: 3 fuel injectors, computer module, transmission solenoid, catalytic converter, steering rack, transmission hose, brake pedal sensor, power steering hose and lumbar support in seat. My vehicle was in the shop for a total of 40 days in the 2 years I owned it. Forunately most of it occured during the warranty and was covered. I did file a used lemon law claim on it and got some money from GM. The final straw was a $1400 bill to get the steering and transmission and steering hoses fixed. Consumer reports rates the vehicle as a best buy but beware of faulty GM products!"

9 people out of 10 found this review helpful

Was this review helpful to you? yes | no | report abuse

2nd Chevy Traverse

By Buckeyebiker (FL) on Wednesday, April 03, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 16,000

10 10.0

overall rating 10 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 10/10
Value: 9/10
Reliability: 10/10
Quality: 10/10
Performance: 10/10
Styling: 10/10
Comfort: 10/10

Pros: "Drives like a smaller vehicle. Trouble free."

Cons: "Power passenger seat needs to be standard."

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 10

"We traded our 2009 Traverse LT1 with 56000 miles for a new 2012 Traverse LT2 which now has 16000 miles. Both vehicles were equiped with a towing package, backup camera and sun roof. While we do not tow, we like the extra cooling the tow package provides. We drive both highway and city roads with an avarage 22.3 mpg. Absolutly no warranty problems on either vehicle except to tighten a small clamp on the 2009. The LT2 has a power passenger seat which is much better than the standard seat on trips. The Traverse provides very easy city driving, sharp turning radius for U turns with no blind spots due to the inset spot mirrors. We love the center dash storage. This is a fun and safe vehicle to drive that can be seen by other drivers."

6 people out of 6 found this review helpful

Was this review helpful to you? yes | no | report abuse

See all 190 reviews