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The 40 mpg Cars of 2013

2014 Chevrolet Traverse

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Overview

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2014 Chevrolet Traverse Review

By KBB.com Editors

KBB Expert Rating: 8.0

As fuel prices fluctuate and more people downsize, a stream of buyers are shying away from thirsty, truck-based SUVs as the family hauler of choice. This has spawned a hot market for crossover sport-utility vehicles, which have room for growing families like a traditional SUV, but offer a sedan-like ride and better fuel-efficiency. The poster child for this segment could easily be the Chevrolet Traverse. Since debuting in 2009, the Traverse has shined as an alternative to both traditional SUVs and the oft-stigmatized minivan. Since then, vehicles such as the Ford Explorer and Nissan Pathfinder have softened from their rugged ways to join the crossover-SUV party that also includes the Honda Pilot, Toyota Highlander and Mazda CX-9. Though the cast grows, the Traverse more than holds its own.

You'll Like This Car If...

If you desire a vehicle that holds up to eight passengers and offers better fuel economy and a more comfortable ride than a traditional SUV, all with a starting price under $32,000, the 2014 Traverse is a tempting choice.

You May Not Like This Car If...

If you need to haul heavy toys like boats and RVs, look to a traditional body-on-frame SUV like the Chevrolet Tahoe. The Dodge Durango, meanwhile, offers a V8 in a segment that otherwise relies on V6 engines. If the high mileage is tantamount, the Nissan Pathfinder achieves up to 26 mpg.

KBB Expert Ratings

Overall Rating

8.0
Driving Dynamics

7.6
Comfort & Convenience

7.0
Design: Interior & Exterior

7.2
Value

7.0
Safety

9.8

How It Ranks

#12

out of 14

MPG

#7

out of 15

Horsepower

View all rankings

Consumer Rating

8.5 out of 10

View all
consumer ratings

2014 Chevrolet Traverse Low/wide front photo

What's New for 2014

For 2014 the Traverse adds twin USB ports for 2nd-row passengers to keep electronic devices powered up. Forward-collision alert and lane-departure warning are added to the Traverse's roster of safety features.

Driving the Traverse

2014 Chevrolet Traverse Front angle view photo

Driving Impressions Even with its formidable and growing competition, the Chevy Traverse is one of our favorite crossover SUVs to drive. Its V6 engine is smooth and strong, and easily gets the...

vehicle up to speed in both front-wheel-drive (FWD) and all-wheel-drive (AWD) form. The Traverse is larger than its competitors but doesn't feel bloated or overwhelming on the road. The view to the front and sides is commanding and the ride is comfortable. As is the case with other 3-row SUVs, rear visibility is hindered to the left and right due to the Traverse's last row of seats and small windows. When tested in a setting far from the Traverse's comfort zone – a track – this big crossover-ute felt planted during hard cornering and braking, even on slick pavement. It's not as dynamic as the sporty Mazda CX-9, however, with comfort justifiably the priority over corner-carving.

Favorite Features

SMART SLIDE 2ND-ROW SEAT
Getting into a 3rd-row seat can be a hassle, especially for less-than-limber adults. This feature makes reaching that last row easier with a one-hand operation that creates easy access.

ADDITIONAL USB INPUTS
Here's a feature that's largely forgotten about – right until you need it. When your kid's tablet or MP3 player runs out of juice, the dual USB power inputs in back can make the difference between tears and cheers.

2014 Chevrolet Traverse Details

2014 Chevrolet Traverse Dashboard, center console, gear shifter view photo

Interior

The 2014 Chevy Traverse has three rows of seats and can be had in 7- or 8-passenger configuration. Lower trims are built for eight with a bench in the second row, while upper trims can seat seven with a pair of roomy captain's chairs in the second row. Interior comfort varies with trim level. Base LS models make do with cloth seating and manual-adjust front seats, while top-line LTZ models are luxury-like with perforated leather seats that are heated and cooled up front. No matter what trim you choose, the Traverse is big enough for adults to sit in the third row and still have room for groceries.

Exterior

The Traverse is going on five years in its current design, but its styling is holding up well thanks to tweaks to the front and rear that came last year. Where others are blocky (Honda Pilot) and brawny (Ford Explorer), the 2014 Traverse retains its pleasing, rounded (maybe too rounded at the rear) shape. Entry-level LS models ride on 17-inch steel wheels, LT models are emboldened with 18-inch aluminum-alloy versions, and the top 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. Lower trims have a manual liftgate, while more expensive trims feature a power-operated one.

Notable Equipment

Standard Equipment

No matter which trim you choose, the 2014 Traverse offers quite a bit for the money beyond sheer space. Spend the least on an LS version and you'll still drive away with keyless entry, a rear-vision backup camera, AM/FM/CD/satellite audio with a 6.5-inch touch-screen display. LT trims add interior wood treatments, 18-inch wheels, a power driver's seat and leather-wrapped steering wheel, while LTZ versions bring heated/cooled front seats, a heated steering wheel, leather, and Forward Collision Alert and Lane Departure Warning. For the all-important cup holders, you get 10 for 7-passenger configurations and a dozen for 8-passenger models.

Optional Equipment

Options vary across trim levels for the 2014 Traverse, but all models can be had with all-wheel drive for better traction instead of the standard front-wheel drive. Other available features are navigation with traffic data, blind-spot monitoring with a rear cross-traffic alert system (standard on LTZ trim), a power liftgate, 10-speaker Bose audio, a rear-seat DVD system, and a dual-panel sunroof. Chevrolet's MyLink Touch telematics system combines Bluetooth audio streaming, hands-free phone communication, voice recognition, and compatibility with apps such as Pandora. GM's OnStar Directions and Connections service can be extended by subscription after six months of free coverage.

Under the Hood

The 2014 Chevy Traverse uses a sophisticated 3.6-liter V6 with direct-injection and variable-valve-timing technology that helps it achieve a good 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. The Traverse is 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 2014 Chevrolet Traverse LS has a Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) of $31,670. AWD adds $2,000 to the bottom line. A fully loaded Chevy Traverse LTZ can push the price to over $45,000. The 2014 Traverse's starting price is slightly higher than competitors such as the Ford Explorer, Honda Pilot, Hyundai Santa Fe and Nissan Pathfinder, all of which are also slightly smaller. Buyers searching for the bargain haulers in this segment should check out the Kia Sorento (starting under $25,000) and Dodge Journey (around $20,000 with 7-passenger seating). Before buying, be sure to check the Fair Purchase Price to see what others in your area are paying for a 2014 Traverse. Down the road, we expect the Traverse's resale value to be in line the Ford Explorer, but not as high as the Toyota Highlander or Honda Pilot.

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2014 Chevrolet Traverse Consumer Reviews

Overall Rating

8.5

Out of 10

Based on 194 Ratings for the 2009 - 2014 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

Excellent highway car and very comfortable

By Eddie (GA) on Thursday, August 01, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 72,000

10 10.0

overall rating 10 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

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

Pros: "Roomy, good power,good handling, good 3rd seat"

Cons: "outward visibility, rear wiper switch"

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

"I bought this Traverse because I needed to carry 7 but wanted better gas milage than with the typical large SUV. It has fulfilled this very well. It's a bit large for tight spots in town but the back-up sensors help a lot. On the highway the ride and handling are excellent, even on tight mountain roads. Milage wise it has always been very close to the EPA figures. Everything inside works very well and I think it has the best 3rd-row seat of any vehicle. The only bad point has been several re-calls, but that seems common with most cars nowadays."

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great vehicle..took a 1200 mile trip first month

By Jim (WI) on Saturday, July 20, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 12,000

10 10.0

overall rating 10 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

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

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

"pulled a 24' pontoon boat 700 miles.pulls great , not much for mileage. best was 14mpg. not many large vehicles will do that."

3 people out of 3 found this review helpful

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Car performance, SUV utility

By U Moore (VA) on Tuesday, July 16, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 50,000

10 9.0

overall rating 9 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 9/10
Value: 9/10
Reliability: Not Rated
Quality: 9/10
Performance: 10/10
Styling: 10/10
Comfort: 10/10

Pros: "Car-like handling and acceleration."

Cons: "Truck-like fuel economy and weight."

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

"I bought the AWD Traverse LT as my wife's older SUV finally died. Having always driven sedans and sports coupes, I was turned off by big SUVs and especially minivans. The Traverse we bought was a former corporate rental, but it was in fine condition and had been well maintained. My wife loves the space and features (just some of the robust options are dual climate controls, rear view camera with parking assist, remote start, cooled/heated seats, bose stereo, and many more) and I love the fact that it handles and accelerates like a car, but it is as practical as some larger SUVs. The well appointed interior is a middle finger to past criticisms by auto journalists of "low rent" GM interiors. I would easily put it against many more expensive luxury crossover interiors. And despite having plenty of buttons and knobs in the center console, it's not busy and cheesy looking. The exterior is athletic but not overdone, a good balance for this type of car. The few downsides are weight and fuel economy. At a portly 4800 pounds, it approaches pick-up trucks in heft. The fuel economy could also be better as we average 17mpg. The aforementioned heft, and the AWD certainly dock the fuel economy. Bottom line: If you want a practical car that can seat 7, tow 5,000 pounds, but handles like a much smaller vehicle, you can't go wrong with the traverse."

6 people out of 6 found this review helpful

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Best vehicle ever, love it, love it, love it

By c-los (TX) on Monday, May 20, 2013

I own this car
Reason: Sales - My approximate mileage is 5

10 10.0

overall rating 10 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

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

Pros: "great room, good gas milage, beautiful"

Cons: "dont have it in pink for the wife"

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

"love it love it love it love it love it love it love it love it love it love it love it..... you get the picture :D"

1 person out of 1 found this review helpful

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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."

4 people out of 5 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."

2 people out of 2 found this review helpful

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See all 194 reviews