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The 40 mpg Cars of 2013

2013 Chevrolet Traverse

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Overview

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2013 Chevrolet Traverse Review

By KBB.com Editors

KBB Expert Rating: 8.1

As fuel prices rise and car buyers reconsider how much vehicle they really need, more people are finding themselves abandoning big, truck-based SUVs. But families continue to grow, commodities still need to be purchased, and both must be carried to and fro in some sort of personal vehicle. Enter the crossover sport-utility vehicle, a segment in which the 2013 Chevrolet Traverse is a rising star. Offering the roominess of a traditional SUV but car-like handling and better fuel economy, there's a lot to like about crossover SUVs in general and the Traverse in particular. While it can't tow the kind of payloads a Chevy Tahoe can or crawl over boulders like a Jeep, the Traverse can seat up to eight, drinks less gasoline than a traditional SUV, and starts at an appetizing price.

You'll Like This Car If...

If you need a vehicle that can hold eight passengers, tow 5,200 pounds and offer better fuel economy and a more comfortable ride than a traditional SUV, the 2013 Traverse will be welcome in your world.

You May Not Like This Car If...

If you need to tow really heavy loads or seat more than eight people, you'll need a heavy-duty, body-on-frame SUV like the Chevrolet Tahoe or a people-ferrying van. If you still must have a V8 engine in your crossover SUV, a 2013 Dodge Durango might be a better fit.

KBB Expert Ratings

Overall Rating

8.1
Driving Dynamics

7.7
Comfort & Convenience

7.1
Design: Interior & Exterior

7.3
Value

7.1
Safety

9.9

How It Ranks

#26

out of 33

MPG

#13

out of 33

Horsepower

View all rankings

Consumer Rating

8.5 out of 10

View all
consumer ratings

2013 Chevrolet Traverse Low/wide front photo

What's New for 2013

The 2013 Chevrolet Traverse has a design freshening that's most notable in the front fascia. The new Traverse also features the MyLink infotainment system and what Chevy says is the industry's first front-center airbag.

Driving the Traverse

2013 Chevrolet Traverse Front angle view photo

Driving Impressions Even with the proliferation of big crossover SUVs that are coming to market, the Traverse is one of our favorites. Its sole engine choice is a smooth and strong V6...

that easily shuffles this vehicle up to speed, whether in front- or all-wheel-drive form. At 205 inches in length, the Traverse is larger than its direct competitors but doesn't feel bloated on the road. The 2013 Chevy Traverse offers a comfortable and commanding ride in which the suspension tames bumps and the tall ride height affords good frontal views out. Rear visibility is hindered to the left and right due to the Traverse's small windows near the third row and its upward-sloping exterior design. Though the Traverse is not a track vehicle by any means, we had the chance to take one on such a road course and found it well-planted during hard cornering and braking maneuvers, even on slick pavement.

Favorite Features

SMART SLIDE SECOND-ROW SEAT
Getting into a third-row seat can be a hassle. This feature makes getting there much easier with its one-hand operation that creates easy access to the back.

HEATED AND COOLED FRONT SEATS
Standard on the top-line LTZ model, this creature comfort will keep your bottom happy in both the winter and summer.

2013 Chevrolet Traverse Details

2013 Chevrolet Traverse Dashboard, center console, gear shifter view photo

Interior

The 2013 Chevrolet Traverse has three rows of seats that can be configured for seven or eight passengers. In lower trims, the second row is a 3-across bench. Optional on mid-tier models and standard on the LTZ are captain's chairs in the second row. Depending on trim, the 2013 Traverse's interior can feel basic with cloth upholstery and manually adjusted seats to premium with power-operated, heated/ventilated seats wrapped in leather and tri-zone climate control. No matter the trim, the 2013 Traverse is roomy. Adults can fit into the third row without thinking they're in purgatory, though three across is a squeeze. Copious cargo space swallows shopping bags, luggage and lumber.

Exterior

The 2013 Traverse's new styling up front aims to bring cohesiveness to Chevrolet's family of vehicles. The tweaks include a horizontal grille, new elongated headlights and a power-dome hood. At just four years old, the Traverse still looks modern, and this year's updates keep it contemporary. The Traverse favors a friendly, more rounded shape versus the muscular lines of the Dodge Durango or the squared-off looks of the Honda Pilot. Entry-level LS models ride on 17-inch steel wheels, LT models are emboldened with 18-inch aluminum-alloy versions, and the top-line LTZ trim receives big 20-inch aluminum-alloy wheels. LTZ models are further set apart with dual exhaust outlets, body-color moldings and chrome accents.

Notable Equipment

Standard Equipment

Every 2013 Chevy Traverse comes with cruise control, AM/FM/CD/satellite audio system with auxiliary input and 6.5-inch touch-screen display, rearview camera, remote keyless entry, cruise control, and a steering wheel with built-in controls for audio and cruise control. You'll never thirst for cup holders in a Chevy Traverse: You get 10 for 7-passenger configurations and a dozen for models with 8-passenger seating. On the safety front, 2013 Traverse models have six or seven airbags depending on trim, systems to aid with traction and mitigate a rollover, and a 6-month trial of GM's OnStar communications service.

Optional Equipment

Many options on the 2013 Traverse vary by trim, but all models can be had with all-wheel drive (AWD) for better traction instead of the standard front-wheel drive (FWD). Other features include navigation system, blind-spot monitoring system with a rear cross-traffic alert system, 2-panel sunroof, power-operated liftgate, premium 10-speaker Bose surround-sound audio system, and rear-seat DVD entertainment system. Chevrolet's MyLink Touch telematics system combines Bluetooth audio streaming, hands-free phone communication, voice recognition, and compatibility with apps such as Pandora.

Under the Hood

Just one engine is offered in the 2013 Chevrolet Traverse models, but it's a good one: a sophisticated 3.6-liter V6 with direct-injection and variable-valve-timing technology that helps it achieve a nice balance of power and fuel economy. In LS and LT trims, the engine makes 281 horsepower. LTZ models have a dual-exhaust system that bumps that figure to 288 horsepower. All models use a smooth-shifting 6-speed automatic transmission with a manual-shift mode. All 2013 Traverse models are rated to tow a commendable 5,200 pounds, and all can run on regular unleaded fuel.

3.6-liter V6
281 horsepower @ 6,300 rpm
288 horsepower @ 6,300 rpm (dual exhaust)
266 lb-ft of torque @ 3,400 rpm
270 lb-ft of torque @ 3,400 rpm (dual exhaust)
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 17/24 mpg (FWD), 16/23 mpg (AWD)

Pricing Notes

The 2013 Chevrolet Traverse LS has a Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) of just over $31,000. AWD adds $2,000 to the bottom line. A fully loaded Chevy Traverse LTZ can push the price to over $45,000. The 2013 Traverse's starting price is slightly higher than competitors such as the Ford Explorer, Honda Pilot, Dodge Durango and Nissan Pathfinder, all of which are also slightly smaller. Before buying, be sure to check the Fair Purchase Price on KBB.com to see what others in your area are paying for a 2013 Traverse. Down the road, we expect the Traverse to hold its value relatively well, in line with the Explorer, better than the Durango, and not quite as well as the Honda Pilot.

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2013 Chevrolet Traverse Consumer Reviews

Overall Rating

8.5

Out of 10

Based on 189 Ratings for the 2009 - 2013 models.

Review this car

Value

8.5/10

Quality

8.6/10
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

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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

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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 1 found this review helpful

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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

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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

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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

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See all 189 reviews