“The Traverse is roomy and it rides smooth this is my 3rd one. It is good for travel. If you keep you maint. up it will last a long time.”
2017 Chevrolet Traverse: What's New, Specs & Features
Last updated August 4, 2026
The main change for the 2017 Chevrolet Traverse is at the top of the lineup, where Premier takes the place of LTZ. Otherwise, this is a light-update year for the first-generation Traverse, with only minor feature changes on the LT.
About the 2017 Chevrolet Traverse
1st generation (2009-2017), final year before the all-new 2018 redesign.
The 2017 Traverse is Chevrolet’s big family crossover for shoppers who want near-minivan space without moving to a minivan. Its core draw is people-and-cargo room: usable third-row seating, generous luggage space behind that third row, seating for up to eight on lower trims, and a smooth highway ride. Compared with many midsize rivals, the Traverse leans harder on space, comfort, and everyday family duty than on sporty handling or flashy design.
The 2017 Traverse remains a roomy three-row family SUV, with the LS focused on practical eight-passenger seating and straightforward features. The LT adds everyday conveniences such as a power driver's seat and rear parking sensors, while the luxury-leaning Premier brings leather seating, built-in navigation, heated and cooled front seats, and added driver warnings.
What changed, by category
Styling
The LTZ name was dropped, and Premier took its place as the top trim. The body and overall exterior design did not change.
Tech
On the LT, navigation changed from optional to standard, while smartphone integration moved from standard to optional.
2017 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 | 281 hp |
| Torque | 266 lb-ft | 266 lb-ft | 266 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 | |||
| Smartphone Interface | |||
| USB Ports | |||
| 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 2017 Chevrolet Traverse?
The biggest change is that Premier takes the place of LTZ as the top trim. The rest of the Traverse lineup receives only minor equipment revisions.
How is the 2017 Chevrolet Traverse different from the 2016 model?
The 2017 Traverse mainly changes the top trim from LTZ to Premier. The LT also gains standard navigation, while its smartphone integration changes from standard to optional; the engines, body, safety equipment, and basic touchscreen system otherwise carry over.
Did the 2017 Chevrolet Traverse get a new engine?
No, the 2017 Traverse keeps the same 3.6-liter V6 and six-speed automatic transmission. LS and LT models have 281 horsepower, while Premier has a 288-horsepower version with dual exhaust.
Is the 2017 Chevrolet Traverse the final year of the first generation?
Yes, 2017 is the final model year of the first-generation Chevrolet Traverse. An all-new second-generation Traverse followed for 2018.
What does the 2017 Traverse Premier add over the lower trims?
The 2017 Premier is the luxury-leaning top trim. Its notable equipment includes leather seating, built-in navigation, heated and cooled front seats, tri-zone climate control, and warnings for forward collisions, lane departures, blind spots, and rear cross traffic.
2017 Chevrolet Traverse Reviews
What owners are saying about the 2017 Chevrolet Traverse.
4.1
2017 Chevrolet Traverse
(478 reviews)
“Super comfortable. Great handling. Little slow to pick up speed. Radio/sound could be better quality.”
“I like my Chevy Traverse. I feel that it definitely helps with a bigger family, with smaller kids. As my kids are getting older, I'm realizing it's not meant for teenagers or adults for the back seats. Not too spacious in the back rows.”