“The vehicle we wound up with had a transmission that blew up in the first 2 weeks of ownership. The vehicle also had a severe oil leak and a leaky power steering issue.”
2016 Chevrolet Traverse: What's New, Specs & Features
Last updated August 4, 2026
The 2016 Chevrolet Traverse is mostly a carryover, with a new LS Base trim as the main change. There is no redesign or mechanical update.
About the 2016 Chevrolet Traverse
1st generation (2009-2017), later-cycle year after the 2013 styling update; two model years before the all-new 2018 Traverse.
Chevrolet sells the Traverse as a roomy family crossover built around seating for up to eight, very large cargo room, and a quieter, more comfortable ride than a truck-based SUV. Its appeal is practical more than flashy: lots of passenger space, useful road-trip comfort, and the chance to move into nicer trims without giving up the family-first three-row layout.
The 2016 Traverse remains a roomy three-row family SUV, with LS focused on practical basics such as seating for up to eight, rear climate control, a 6.5-inch touchscreen, and a rearview camera. LT adds everyday conveniences such as rear parking sensors, a power driver seat, and remote start. LTZ is the upscale version, with leather-trimmed seating, navigation, Bose audio, and driver alerts including forward collision and lane departure warnings.
What changed, by category
Trim lineup
A new LS Base trim joins the lineup below the regular LS, moving LS one step up in the range.
Tech
The LT's smartphone interface becomes standard instead of optional.
2016 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 | Automatic, 6-Spd | Automatic, 6-Spd |
| Drivetrain | FWD | FWD | AWD |
| Fuel Type | Gas | Gas | Gas |
| MPG City | 15 mpg | 15 mpg | 15 mpg |
| MPG Highway | 22 mpg | 22 mpg | 22 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 |
| Blindspot Sensors | |||
| Lane Departure Warning | |||
| Park Assist | |||
| Rear View Camera | |||
| Alloy Wheels | |||
| Auto-Dimming Exterior Mirrors | |||
| Fog Lights | |||
| Heated Mirrors | |||
| Memory Exterior Mirrors | |||
| Panorama Moon Roof | |||
| Power Folding Exterior Mirrors | |||
| Power Liftgate/Trunk Release | |||
| Rear Spoiler | |||
| Roof Rails | |||
| Front DVD Entertainment System | |||
| Navigation System | |||
| Premium Audio | |||
| Satellite Radio | |||
| Smartphone Interface | |||
| Touch Screen Monitor | |||
| Video Input | |||
| 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 | |||
| Wood Interior Trim | |||
Frequently asked questions
What is the biggest change to the 2016 Chevrolet Traverse?
The biggest change is the addition of an LS Base trim below the regular LS. Most of the Traverse lineup otherwise carries over from 2015.
Is the 2016 Chevrolet Traverse a redesign?
No, the 2016 Traverse is not a redesign. It remains part of the first generation and carries over the body, chassis, suspension, and overall interior layout.
Did the 2016 Chevrolet Traverse get a new engine or transmission?
No, the 2016 Traverse keeps its 3.6-liter V6 and six-speed automatic transmission. There is no confirmed powertrain change from 2015.
What technology changed on the 2016 Chevrolet Traverse LT?
The LT's smartphone interface became standard for 2016 instead of optional. There was no broader lineup-wide touchscreen or interior technology overhaul.
Is the 2016 Chevrolet Traverse substantially different from the 2015 model?
No, the 2016 Traverse is not substantially different from the 2015 model. Its notable updates are the new LS Base trim and a standard smartphone interface on LT, while the basic design and mechanical hardware carry over.
2016 Chevrolet Traverse Reviews
What owners are saying about the 2016 Chevrolet Traverse.
4.1
2016 Chevrolet Traverse
(328 reviews)
“I have really enjoyed riding comfort of this vehicle. The head rest is the only thing that bothers me.”
“Our first experience with this vehicle was when we rented it while traveling to another city; it was a terrific experience!”