2013 Chevrolet Traverse: What's New, Specs & Features

Last updated August 4, 2026

The biggest change for the 2013 Chevrolet Traverse is a major mid-cycle refresh that brings redesigned exterior styling and a much more modern cabin. It also gains more standard technology, added safety features, and revised ride tuning, while keeping the same 3.6-liter V6 and six-speed automatic.

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About the 2013 Chevrolet Traverse

1st generation (2009-2017), major 2013 refresh year.

The Traverse is Chevrolet’s family-focused three-row crossover for people who need real passenger and cargo space without stepping into a minivan. Chevrolet’s 2013 brochure leans on seating for up to eight, easy third-row access, big cargo room, smooth V6 power, and available AWD. Its core appeal is straightforward: lots of room for people and gear, useful family features, and road-trip comfort in an SUV shape that looks more traditional than a van.

The LS is the practical eight-seat version, with V6 power, a 6.5-inch touchscreen, Bluetooth, a USB input, and a rearview camera. LT adds everyday conveniences such as a power driver’s seat, remote start, and rear park assist, while LTZ brings leather seating, heated and cooled front seats, Bose audio, a power liftgate, and added driver alerts.

What changed, by category

Styling

Chevrolet redesigned the front and rear with a new hood, grille, bumper treatment, liftgate, and taillamps. Inside, the Traverse received softer-touch materials, a new center control panel, and larger climate controls.

Tech

Every trim received a 6.5-inch color touchscreen, Bluetooth phone connectivity, a USB input, and a rearview camera. Chevrolet’s MyLink touchscreen system was added to 2LT and LTZ.

Safety

A new front-center airbag was introduced to help protect the front occupants in a side impact. LTZ also gained blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alerts.

Structural

Chevrolet revised the suspension and steering tuning to improve ride control and make the Traverse smoother at low speeds.

2013 Chevrolet Traverse specs and features by trim

Feature	2013 Chevrolet TraverseLS0 in stock	2013 Chevrolet TraverseLT1 in stock	2013 Chevrolet TraverseLTZ0 in stock
Engine	V6, 3.6 Liter	V6, 3.6 Liter	V6, 3.6 Liter
Transmission	Automatic, 6-Spd	Automatic, 6-Spd	Automatic, 6-Spd
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	116.3 cu-ft	116.3 cu-ft	116.3 cu-ft
Rear Legroom	33.2 in	33.2 in	33.2 in
Seats	8	8	7
Doors	4	4	4
Safety & Security
Blindspot Sensors
Rear Parking Sensors
Rear View Camera
Exterior Features
Alloy Wheels
Auto-Dimming Exterior Mirrors
Fog Lights
Heated Mirrors
Memory Exterior Mirrors
Panorama Moon Roof
Power Liftgate/Trunk Release
Rear Spoiler
Roof Rails
Entertainment & Electronics
Front DVD Entertainment System
Navigation System
Premium Audio
Rear DVD Entertainment System
Satellite Radio
Smartphone Interface
Touch Screen Monitor
USB Ports
Video Input
Comfort & Convenience
115V Power Outlet
Auto-Dimming Interior Mirror
Cooled Seats
Dual Power Front Seats
Heated Front Seats
Heated Steering Wheel
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

How the 2014 Chevrolet Traverse compares

The biggest change for the 2014 Chevrolet Traverse is the addition of two rear USB charging ports on every trim. Otherwise, it is a light update with no redesign or drivetrain changes.

See the full 2014 changes

Frequently asked questions

What is the biggest change to the 2013 Chevrolet Traverse?

The biggest change is a major exterior and interior refresh. The 2013 Traverse has redesigned front and rear styling, a more modern dashboard, improved cabin materials, and simpler climate controls.

Is the 2013 Chevrolet Traverse significantly different from the 2012 model?

Yes. The 2013 Traverse feels substantially newer than the 2012 because of its redesigned exterior and cabin, broader standard technology, added safety equipment, and revised suspension and steering tuning.

Did the 2013 Chevrolet Traverse get a new engine?

No. The 2013 Traverse keeps the 3.6-liter V6 and six-speed automatic from 2012. The major updates focus on styling, cabin design, technology, safety, and ride tuning.

What technology became standard on the 2013 Chevrolet Traverse?

A 6.5-inch color touchscreen, Bluetooth phone connectivity, a USB input, and a rearview camera are standard across the 2013 Traverse lineup. Upper versions add Chevrolet’s MyLink touchscreen system and other upgraded equipment.

What safety features were added to the 2013 Chevrolet Traverse?

The 2013 Traverse introduced a front-center airbag designed to help protect the front occupants in a side impact. LTZ also gained blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alerts.