“Nice, roomy not too big not too small. Easy to drive. A bit pricey but worth it. Good gas mileage.”
2021 Chevrolet Traverse: What's New, Specs & Features
Last updated August 4, 2026
The main change for the 2021 Chevrolet Traverse is broader use of the Chevy Safety Assist package, which is standard on RS, Premier and High Country and optional on LT. Otherwise, this is a quiet carryover year with no major styling, powertrain or technology updates.
About the 2021 Chevrolet Traverse
2nd generation (2018-2023), fourth model year, just before the 2022 exterior refresh
The 2021 Traverse is Chevrolet’s roomy family-focused three-row midsize SUV. Its core appeal is simple: a strong standard V6, very generous passenger and cargo space, easy-to-use infotainment and a soft, quiet highway ride. Compared with rivals, Chevrolet leans on the Traverse’s size advantage inside, especially for families who want real third-row usefulness and big cargo capacity without moving up to a full-size SUV.
The 2021 lineup ranges from straightforward eight-seat L and LS models to the sport-styled RS, which has black exterior details, a Bose 10-speaker audio system and an 8-inch touchscreen. Premier emphasizes comfort with ventilated front seats and heated second-row seats, while High Country adds adaptive cruise control, trailering equipment, perforated leather and a dual-panel sunroof.
What changed, by category
Safety
Chevy Safety Assist replaced the older Driver Confidence II name. The package is standard on RS, Premier and High Country, while LT models may have it as optional equipment.
2021 Chevrolet Traverse specs and features by trim
| Feature | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | V6, 3.6 Liter | V6, 3.6 Liter | V6, 3.6 Liter | V6, 3.6 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 | 18 mpg | 18 mpg | 18 mpg |
| MPG Highway | 27 mpg | 27 mpg | 27 mpg | 27 mpg | 27 mpg | 27 mpg |
| Horsepower | 310 hp | 310 hp | 310 hp | 310 hp | 310 hp | 310 hp |
| Torque | 266 lb-ft | 266 lb-ft | 266 lb-ft | 266 lb-ft | 266 lb-ft | 266 lb-ft |
| Max Towing | 1500 lb | 1500 lb | 1500 lb | 1500 lb | 5000 lb | 5000 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 | ||||||
| Alarm System | ||||||
| Automatic Emergency Braking | ||||||
| Automatic High Beams | ||||||
| Blindspot Sensors | ||||||
| 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 | ||||||
| Front DVD Entertainment System | ||||||
| Navigation System | ||||||
| Rear DVD Entertainment System | ||||||
| Satellite Radio | ||||||
| Smartphone Interface | ||||||
| Subwoofer | ||||||
| Touch Screen Monitor | ||||||
| Dual Power Front Seats | ||||||
| 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 | ||||||
| Remote Start | ||||||
| Third Row Seat | ||||||
| Tilt Wheel | ||||||
| Tilt/Telescoping Steering Wheel | ||||||
| Ventilated Front Seats | ||||||
Frequently asked questions
What is the main change to the 2021 Chevrolet Traverse?
The main change is broader use of Chevy Safety Assist. It is standard on RS, Premier and High Country, and it was optional on LT models; the rest of the Traverse is largely unchanged from 2020.
Was the 2021 Chevrolet Traverse redesigned?
No, the 2021 Traverse was not redesigned. It keeps the second-generation body introduced for 2018, and the planned exterior refresh arrived for 2022 instead.
Did the 2021 Chevrolet Traverse get a different engine or transmission?
No, the 2021 Traverse keeps the 3.6-liter V6 and nine-speed automatic transmission across the lineup. There was no powertrain change for this model year.
Which 2021 Chevrolet Traverse trims have Chevy Safety Assist?
Chevy Safety Assist is standard on the 2021 Traverse RS, Premier and High Country. LT models may also have the package as optional equipment, so equipment should be checked on an individual used vehicle.
How different is the 2021 Chevrolet Traverse from the 2020 model?
The 2021 Traverse is only slightly different from the 2020 model. Its key update is the Chevy Safety Assist package name and its trim availability; the body, V6 powertrain and infotainment lineup otherwise carry over without major changes.
2021 Chevrolet Traverse Reviews
What owners are saying about the 2021 Chevrolet Traverse.
4.4
2021 Chevrolet Traverse
(144 reviews)
“Love the Chevy Traverse! Super fun to drive, very comfortable and roomy for my family.”
“The Traverse is a quality, comfortable and reliable vehicle that is also easy on the eye.”