“I love the Chevy Traverse! Excellent vehicle. Great gas mileage. Very luxurious and sporty”
2018 Chevrolet Traverse: What's New, Specs & Features
Last updated August 4, 2026
The 2018 Chevrolet Traverse is fully redesigned as the first model of its second generation. The headline change is a lighter, roomier body, joined by revised engines, a new 9-speed automatic, and major cabin technology upgrades.
About the 2018 Chevrolet Traverse
2nd generation (2018-2023), first year of this generation
Chevrolet positioned the 2018 Traverse as a roomy family three-row SUV that blends full-size passenger and cargo space with easier everyday driving than a truck-based SUV. The big selling points were usable space in all three rows, strong V6 power, family-friendly seating flexibility, and easy-to-use tech. Against rivals, Chevrolet leaned hardest on interior room, third-row comfort, and cargo capacity, while also giving buyers a wide trim spread from simple family transport to near-luxury.
The 2018 Traverse lineup stretches from the straightforward eight-seat L and LS to the family-focused LT with second-row captain’s chairs. The new RS adds blacked-out styling and an exclusive turbocharged four-cylinder, while Premier emphasizes comfort with ventilated front seats and a hands-free liftgate. The new range-topping High Country has standard AWD, adaptive cruise control, automatic emergency braking, towing equipment, and a power-folding third row.
What changed, by category
Structural
A full second-generation redesign brings a lighter structure and more room in the second and third rows.
Powertrain
A stronger 3.6-liter V6 is paired with a new 9-speed automatic. The new RS trim uses an exclusive 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder, also with the 9-speed automatic.
Styling
The Traverse receives a complete exterior and interior redesign. The new RS adds a sportier look with black exterior trim, while the new High Country introduces a more upscale cabin theme.
Tech
Apple CarPlay and Android Auto become standard across the lineup. Every trim also has tri-zone automatic climate control, keyless entry and start, and selectable driving modes.
Safety
The new High Country adds adaptive cruise control and automatic emergency braking, while the base L includes Chevrolet’s Teen Driver system.
2018 Chevrolet Traverse specs and features by trim
| Feature | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | V6, 3.6 Liter | V6, 3.6 Liter | V6, 3.6 Liter | 4-Cyl, Turbo, 2.0 Liter | V6, 3.6 Liter | V6, 3.6 Liter |
| Transmission | Automatic, 9-Spd | Automatic, 9-Spd | Automatic, 9-Spd | Automatic, 9-Spd | Automatic, 9-Spd | Automatic, 9-Spd |
| Drivetrain | FWD | FWD | FWD | FWD | AWD | AWD |
| Fuel Type | Gas | Gas | Gas | Gas | Gas | Gas |
| MPG City | 18 mpg | 18 mpg | 18 mpg | 20 mpg | 18 mpg | 17 mpg |
| MPG Highway | 27 mpg | 27 mpg | 27 mpg | 26 mpg | 27 mpg | 25 mpg |
| Horsepower | 305 hp | 305 hp | 305 hp | 252 hp | 305 hp | 305 hp |
| Torque | 260 lb-ft | 260 lb-ft | 260 lb-ft | 260 lb-ft | 260 lb-ft | 260 lb-ft |
| Max Towing | 5200 lb | 5200 lb | 5200 lb | 5200 lb | 5200 lb | 5200 lb |
| Trunk/Cargo | 98.2 cu-ft | 98.2 cu-ft | 98.2 cu-ft | 98.2 cu-ft | 98.2 cu-ft | 98.2 cu-ft |
| Rear Legroom | 33.5 in | 33.5 in | 33.5 in | 33.5 in | 33.5 in | 33.5 in |
| Seats | 8 | 8 | 8 | 7 | 7 | 7 |
| Doors | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 |
| Adaptive Cruise Control | ||||||
| Automatic High Beams | ||||||
| Blindspot Sensors | ||||||
| Cruise Control | ||||||
| Lane Departure Warning | ||||||
| Park Assist | ||||||
| Rear View Camera | ||||||
| 360 Camera | ||||||
| Alloy Wheels | ||||||
| Auto-Dimming Exterior Mirrors | ||||||
| Fog Lights | ||||||
| HID Headlights | ||||||
| LED Headlights | ||||||
| Memory Exterior Mirrors | ||||||
| Panorama Moon Roof | ||||||
| Power Close Liftgate/Trunk | ||||||
| Power Liftgate/Trunk Release | ||||||
| Privacy Glass | ||||||
| Roof Rails | ||||||
| Side Steps | ||||||
| Trailer Hitch Receiver | ||||||
| Navigation System | ||||||
| Smartphone Interface | ||||||
| Subwoofer | ||||||
| Auto-Dimming Interior Mirror | ||||||
| Cooled Seats | ||||||
| Dual Power Front Seats | ||||||
| Folding Rear Seat | ||||||
| Heated Front Seats | ||||||
| Heated Rear Seats | ||||||
| Heated Steering Wheel | ||||||
| Integrated Garage Door Opener | ||||||
| Leather Seats | ||||||
| Leather-Wrapped Steering Wheel | ||||||
| Memory Driver's Seat | ||||||
| Memory Steering Wheel | ||||||
| Power Driver Seat | ||||||
| Power Folding Third Row Seat | ||||||
| Power Steering | ||||||
| Remote Start | ||||||
| Third Row Seat | ||||||
| Tilt Wheel | ||||||
| Tilt/Telescoping Steering Wheel | ||||||
Frequently asked questions
Is the 2018 Chevrolet Traverse a redesigned model?
Yes. The 2018 Traverse begins the model’s second generation with a lighter structure, more second- and third-row room, revised engines, a 9-speed automatic, and upgraded cabin technology.
What engines does the 2018 Chevrolet Traverse have?
Most 2018 Traverse trims use a 305-horsepower 3.6-liter V6, while the RS has an exclusive 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder. Both are paired with a 9-speed automatic transmission.
Which Chevrolet Traverse trims were added for 2018?
The L, RS, and High Country trims were added for 2018. The RS has blacked-out styling and a turbocharged four-cylinder, while High Country is the luxury-focused range topper with standard AWD and added driver-assistance features.
Does the 2018 Chevrolet Traverse have Apple CarPlay and Android Auto?
Yes. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard throughout the 2018 Traverse lineup, starting with the base model’s 7-inch touchscreen.
What is the main difference between the 2018 and 2017 Chevrolet Traverse?
The 2018 Traverse is a complete redesign rather than a minor update. Compared with 2017, it has a lighter and roomier body, a stronger V6, a 9-speed automatic, newer infotainment, and an expanded trim lineup.
2018 Chevrolet Traverse Reviews
What owners are saying about the 2018 Chevrolet Traverse.
4.4
2018 Chevrolet Traverse
(513 reviews)
“I would highly recommend the Traverse because of the AWD and ability to get around in adverse conditions. The 2018 Traverse is comfortable and well thought out for passenger ease into the third row with the captain seats in the second row.”
“The newly redesigned Traverse has more room behind the third row seat than the Tahoe and has a smaller profile for ease of parking in garages. It has all the great safety and tech features available, perfect for a growing family or someone looking to downsize from a large SUV while still having plenty of cargo room.”