2024 Chevrolet Traverse

This rejuvenated Traverse is bound to create a bigger blip on a family’s radar than the previous model. It has the presence, space, muscle and equipment to grab attention away from the strong competition coming out of Korea and Japan. One aspect we’re especially impressed by is the number of safety features. For example, blind-spot monitoring and a 360-degree camera system are both standard, whereas they might easily be optional in rival vehicles. An assisted parking system is also available. Chevrolet can consider the new Traverse a job well done.

We’ve logged hundreds of hours driving and evaluating this generation of 3-row SUVs, including the Chevrolet Traverse.

The third generation of Traverse debuts for the 2024 model year. It remains one of the roomiest in its class, with all-new exterior and interior styling plus a long list of new and better tech features. A new turbocharged drivetrain comes on board, and the lineup now includes an off-road-specialist Z71 trim level.

Others at the bigger end of the midsize 3-row SUV class are the Toyota Grand Highlander and Volkswagen Atlas. More commonly sized rivals include the Honda Pilot, Toyota Highlander, Kia Telluride, Hyundai Palisade, Subaru Ascent, Mazda CX-90, Ford Explorer, and Nissan Pathfinder. Most begin in the same mid-to-high-$30Ks bracket, although the Grand Highlander starts closer to $44K.

Before buying a new Traverse midsize 3-row SUV, check the Kelley Blue Book Fair Purchase Price to know what you should be paying. Historically, the Traverse hasn’t held its value as well as rivals from Honda, Toyota, or Subaru. Recouping more money when selling a vehicle can mean a bigger down payment and lower monthly payments on the next one.

The 2024 Chevy Traverse has the most powerful base engine in its class. The new turbocharged 2.5-liter 4-cylinder engine makes 328 horsepower and 326 lb-ft of torque, a meaningful boost over the 310 horses and 266 lb-ft of the previous model’s V6. That extra torque makes its presence felt when accelerating away from a standstill.

In general, we’ve found the new Traverse easy to drive. We like the seat comport and the outward vision, and the way the overall comfort can still keep body roll in check through the corners. We also took the Z71 version on an off-road course that Chevrolet had kindly laid on, but it was so undemanding that we could probably have done it in a Mini Countryman. We’re sure the Z71 is capable of much more.

Fuel Economy

The 2024 Traverse tops out at 23 mpg with front-wheel drive and 21 mpg with all-wheel drive. That’s a bit better than the outgoing model, and just on the higher side of what’s typical among 3-row midsize SUVs.

The previous Traverse had enough space in the third row to accommodate adults. So does this new model, although not quite as much. This layout makes sense to us because not many people with midsize 3-row SUVs will regularly transport seven or eight grown-ups. Better to keep the third row as a place for smaller family members and enhance the space and environment where the more mature will be spending their time.

The dashboard has undoubtedly been enhanced, with a standard 11-inch driver information display and a 17.7-inch infotainment touchscreen. Wi-Fi and wireless phone charging are also standard. We like these frequent reminders of how well-equipped the new Traverse is. There are plenty of smaller details, like how the two second-row captain’s chairs can slide forward to provide easy access to the third row, even if they have child seats installed.

We did find a few cheap, hard plastics in some places. And while piano black accents look nice when new, they scratch easily and collect finger marks in no time. We’d also like the choice of some brighter interior colors.

Chevrolet claims a best-in-class maximum cargo space of 98 cubic feet. That’s indisputably huge (the Toyota Grand Highlander comes close with 97.5 cubes), while we’ve found that even the space behind the third row is generous.

Because it’s based on the same platform as before, this latest generation of Traverse retains similar dimensions, which have made this 3-row midsize SUV one of the most spacious in its class for passengers and cargo alike. The front end’s sharp lines give the new Traverse a look similar to larger Chevy vehicles but also sufficiently distinct. The rear end is more squared-off now, enhancing practicality. We’d say this was a successful redesign.

360-degree camera system
We’re impressed to see this as standard in the 2024 Traverse. A midsize SUV isn’t always the easiest vehicle to maneuver, so being able to see all the way around it helps tremendously.

Safety Alert Seat
This tech is a bit of a General Motors specialty. The driver’s seat has a couple of little motors that create vibrations. The left motor activates if a hazard is on the left side, and the right motor performs a corresponding task. If the hazard is straight ahead, both motors click on. It saves the driver from looking at any alerts on the dash. And it’s another standard feature in the new Traverse, part of a whole raft of safety equipment.

Column change
By placing the gear shifter on the steering column, Chevrolet maximizes stowage space in the center console.

Big infotainment screen
Chevrolet has a 17.7-inch infotainment screen standard in the new Traverse, making the Honda Pilot’s largest 9-inch display look particularly behind the times. We also like the user-friendliness of the infotainment system and how Google Maps can migrate from the center screen to the driver’s cluster.

Super Cruise
First seen from Cadillac, this hands-free driving technology is now trickling down to Chevrolet. This optional feature combines adaptive cruise control and steering assistance, allowing drivers to keep their hands off the wheel and their feet off the pedals — on certain roads (many thousands of miles are already stored in the system, and more are being added) — and helps with changing lanes. Even more impressive, this feature works with trailers. Drivers must still keep their eyes engaged, though, or the system turns itself off.

Z71
For the first time in the Traverse lineup, a Z71 version is available. Like Z71 models of the Silverado truck and Tahoe SUV, this treatment bolsters the vehicle’s off-road prowess. Starting with all-wheel drive as standard, the Z71 also fits a dedicated suspension, all-terrain tires, tow hooks, and a skid plate. Ground clearance increases over the regular Traverse, and the all-wheel-drive system has switchable terrain modes.

Chevrolet swaps the outgoing Traverse’s V6 for a more muscular and efficient turbocharged 2.5-liter 4-cylinder engine, developing 328 hp and 326 lb-ft of torque. This force goes to the front wheels or an optional all-wheel-drive system (standard in the Z71) through an 8-speed automatic transmission. Maximum towing capability is 5,000 pounds, typical for this category.

3-Year/36,000-Mile Warranty

Chevrolet’s bumper-to-bumper warranty for its new vehicles lasts three years or 36,000 miles, whichever happens first. Powertrains are covered for five years or 60,000 miles. These are the usual arrangements for the class. The first service is also free, which isn’t so typical.

Safety Ratings

The Chevy Traverse received the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) top overall safety rating of five of five stars. Standard driver assistance features are quite comprehensive, including forward collision warning with automatic emergency braking and pedestrian/cyclist detection, blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert, and more.