2011 Chevrolet Traverse: What's New, Specs & Features
Last updated August 4, 2026
The 2011 Chevrolet Traverse is a carryover with no major changes from 2010. It keeps the same V6 powertrain, styling, safety equipment, and basic trim structure.
About the 2011 Chevrolet Traverse
1st generation (2009-2012 pre-refresh), third model year.
Chevrolet positioned the Traverse as the big-family crossover that delivered minivan-like room without a minivan look. The brochure leans on space for up to eight, an adult-friendly third row, large cargo capacity, and solid fuel economy for its size. Against rivals like the Honda Pilot and Toyota Highlander, Chevrolet’s pitch was simple: more room, easier everyday driving than a truck-based SUV, and enough towing and all-weather capability for family trips.
The 2011 Traverse is a roomy three-row family crossover with seating for seven or eight. LS covers the essentials, LT adds conveniences such as rear parking sensors and a power driver seat, and LTZ brings leather seating, heated and cooled front seats, a power liftgate, and a slightly stronger V6.
2011 Chevrolet Traverse specs and features by trim
| Feature | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | V6, 3.6 Liter | V6, 3.6 Liter | V6, 3.6 Liter |
| Transmission | Automatic, 6-Spd w/Overdrive & Shift Control | Automatic, 6-Spd w/Overdrive & Shift Control | Automatic, 6-Spd w/Overdrive & Shift Control |
| Drivetrain | 2WD | 2WD | AWD |
| Fuel Type | Gas | Gas | Gas |
| MPG City | 17 mpg | 17 mpg | 17 mpg |
| MPG Highway | 24 mpg | 24 mpg | 24 mpg |
| Horsepower | 281 hp | 281 hp | 288 hp |
| Torque | 266 lb-ft | 266 lb-ft | 270 lb-ft |
| Max Towing | 5200 lb | 5200 lb | 5200 lb |
| Trunk/Cargo | 116.4 cu-ft | 116.4 cu-ft | 116.4 cu-ft |
| Rear Legroom | 33.2 in | 33.2 in | 33.2 in |
| Seats | 8 | 8 | 7 |
| Doors | 4 | 4 | 4 |
| Rear Parking Sensors | |||
| Rear View Camera | |||
| Alloy Wheels | |||
| Heated Mirrors | |||
| Memory Exterior Mirrors | |||
| Panorama Moon Roof | |||
| Power Folding Exterior Mirrors | |||
| Power Liftgate/Trunk Release | |||
| Rear Spoiler | |||
| Roof Rails | |||
| Bluetooth | |||
| Navigation System | |||
| Premium Audio | |||
| Rear DVD Entertainment System | |||
| Satellite Radio | |||
| USB Ports | |||
| 115V Power Outlet | |||
| Auto-Dimming Interior Mirror | |||
| Cooled Seats | |||
| Dual Power Front Seats | |||
| Heated Front Seats | |||
| Integrated Garage Door Opener | |||
| Leather Seats | |||
| Leather-Wrapped Steering Wheel | |||
| Memory Driver's Seat | |||
| Power Driver Seat | |||
| Remote Start | |||
| Third Row Seat | |||
| Tri-Zone Automatic Air Conditioning | |||
Frequently asked questions
What changed on the 2011 Chevrolet Traverse compared with the 2010 model?
The 2011 Chevrolet Traverse received no major product changes from 2010. Minor details included a relocated USB input and heated cloth seats joining the LT options list, but the powertrain, styling, safety equipment, and overall lineup carried over.
Does the 2011 Chevrolet Traverse have the same engine as the 2010 model?
Yes. The 2011 Traverse keeps the 3.6-liter V6 and six-speed automatic transmission used for 2010, while LTZ retains its 288-horsepower version with dual exhaust.
Did the 2011 Chevrolet Traverse receive a styling or safety update?
No. The 2011 Traverse has no meaningful styling update or lineup-wide safety equipment change, so it looks and functions much like the 2010 model.
How many people does the 2011 Chevrolet Traverse seat?
The 2011 Chevrolet Traverse seats seven or eight people. The LS has an eight-passenger layout with split-folding bench seats in the second and third rows.
Which 2011 Chevrolet Traverse trim has the most comfort features?
The LTZ is the most comfort-focused 2011 Traverse trim. It has leather-appointed seating, heated and cooled front seats, tri-zone automatic climate control, a power liftgate, driver-seat memory, and Bose audio.