“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.”
Chevrolet Traverse: Trims, Generations & Buyer's Guide
Last updated August 4, 2026
The Chevrolet Traverse is a large three-row family SUV known for its roomy passenger area, adult-friendly third row, and generous cargo space. It combines everyday comfort with useful towing ability and, in recent years, straightforward large-screen technology.
Since 2009, the Traverse has focused on giving families SUV space without the truck-like feel of a traditional large SUV. Each generation has kept passenger and cargo room at the center of the formula while improving comfort, safety, and cabin technology. Recent versions look tougher and offer more distinct personalities, but space and everyday versatility remain the common thread.
Strengths
- The third row is roomy enough for adults, which makes all three seating rows genuinely useful.
- Cargo space is a major advantage, reaching 97.6 cubic feet with the rear seats folded in the 2027 model.
- The cabin is built around family use, with generous passenger room and seating for seven or eight in 2027.
- It has useful pulling ability for trips and recreation, with the 2027 model rated to tow up to 5,000 pounds.
- Recent models keep key information and controls easy to see through large dashboard screens.
- The lineup covers practical, street-focused, off-road, and comfort-oriented versions without losing the Traverse’s core focus on space.
Who it's for
The Traverse fits families who regularly carry children, adults, luggage, or bulky gear and want a third row that is more than an occasional-use space. It also suits road trips, carpools, and daily errands, especially for shoppers who need substantial room but prefer the easier-going feel of a family crossover over a truck-based SUV.
Chevrolet Traverse lineup
LT is the practical family-focused choice and serves as the starting point in recent lineups. RS, part of the family since the 2018 redesign, is the pick for a sportier, street-focused appearance rather than added off-road hardware. Z71 joined with the 2024 redesign and stands apart with permanent off-road equipment for shoppers who expect to leave the pavement. High Country is the comfort-oriented premium trim, making it the step up for a more upscale take on the same roomy SUV.
Chevrolet Traverse generations
From 2009 to 2027, the Traverse spans three generations. The current 3rd Generation arrived for 2024, following the 2nd Generation (2018–2023).
3rd Generation (2024–Present)
This generation has a tougher SUV shape, a turbocharged four-cylinder engine in place of the previous V6, an eight-speed automatic, and much larger dashboard screens. It also introduced the off-road-focused Z71 trim.
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2027
A cabin-facing camera becomes standard and shows the second and third rows on the center screen. Z71, RS, and High Country receive revised wheel designs.
2026
The Traverse carries over with the same four-trim lineup and core hardware as 2025.
2025Trim changes
High Country returns and LS leaves the lineup, making LT the entry trim. LT also gains standard trailering equipment.
2024New generation
The redesigned Traverse gets a turbocharged four-cylinder engine, an eight-speed automatic, much larger displays, more standard safety features, and the first Z71 trim. The previous-generation SUV is also sold this year as the Traverse Limited.
2nd Generation (2018–2023)
The second-generation Traverse is lighter and roomier than the original, with a stronger V6, a nine-speed automatic, and updated touchscreen technology. It received a broad styling and safety update for 2022.
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2023
Most trims above LS gain wrapped interior touch points. The V6, styling, safety suite, and trim lineup otherwise carry over.
2022Mid-cycle update
Chevrolet refreshes the front and rear styling, adds standard LED lighting and a standard safety suite, and introduces wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
2021
The safety suite gets a new name and becomes standard on RS, Premier, and High Country, but the planned styling update is delayed until 2022.
2020
The RS drops its turbo four-cylinder, making the V6 and nine-speed automatic standard across the lineup.
2019
The RS gains a V6 and AWD setup, while an LT Premium package and wider access to an 8-inch touchscreen join the equipment list.
2018New generation
The full redesign brings a lighter structure, more passenger and cargo room, a stronger V6, a nine-speed automatic, and Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. RS and High Country trims debut.
1st Generation (2009–2017)
The original Traverse launched as a roomy three-row crossover with a 3.6-liter V6, a six-speed automatic, and front- or all-wheel drive. A major 2013 refresh modernized its exterior, dashboard, technology, and safety equipment.
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2017Trim changes
The top LTZ trim continues under the Premier name. The rest of the lineup carries over for this generation’s final year.
2016
A new LS Base trim joins below the regular LS.
2015
A minor touchscreen-system update reaches some versions, with no meaningful styling, powertrain, or safety changes across the lineup.
2014
All trims gain two rear USB charging ports. Forward-collision and lane-departure alerts are added to the feature list for upper trims.
2013Mid-cycle update
The Traverse receives new front and rear styling, a redesigned dashboard, revised ride tuning, a standard color touchscreen and rearview camera, and a front-center airbag.
2012
The trim structure, V6, and six-speed automatic carry over with only minor equipment adjustments.
2011
Minor updates include a relocated USB input and heated cloth seats on the LT options list.
2010
The body, trim structure, and V6 drivetrain carry over, with only minor feature-package revisions on upper trims.
2009New generation
The Traverse debuts as a three-row crossover with a 3.6-liter V6, a six-speed automatic, and front- or all-wheel drive.
What's new by year
See what changed in a specific model year of the Chevrolet Traverse.
2027 Chevrolet Traverse2026 Chevrolet Traverse2025 Chevrolet Traverse2024 Chevrolet Traverse2023 Chevrolet Traverse2022 Chevrolet Traverse2021 Chevrolet Traverse2020 Chevrolet Traverse2019 Chevrolet Traverse2018 Chevrolet Traverse2017 Chevrolet Traverse2016 Chevrolet Traverse2015 Chevrolet Traverse2014 Chevrolet Traverse2013 Chevrolet Traverse2012 Chevrolet Traverse2011 Chevrolet Traverse2010 Chevrolet Traverse2009 Chevrolet Traverse
Frequently asked questions
Is the Chevrolet Traverse an SUV or a minivan?
The Chevrolet Traverse is a three-row SUV. It focuses on family-friendly passenger and cargo room, but it has a conventional SUV body rather than sliding doors or a minivan layout.
How many people does a Chevrolet Traverse seat?
The Chevrolet Traverse seats seven or eight, depending on the year, trim, and second-row layout. Base versions have commonly emphasized eight-passenger seating, while other versions use separate second-row seats for easier third-row access.
Is the Traverse roomy enough for adults in the third row?
Yes. The Traverse is known for an adult-friendly third row and generous cargo room. Newer models provide up to 97.6 cubic feet behind the front seats, making the cabin useful for both passengers and bulky family gear.
Who is the Chevrolet Traverse a good fit for?
The Traverse suits families who regularly use three rows and want more cargo space than many midsize SUVs provide. Its lineup also covers everyday comfort, street-focused styling, and light off-pavement travel without giving up the roomy cabin.
Does the Chevrolet Traverse come as a hybrid?
No. The Traverse models covered here use gasoline engines. First- and second-generation versions mainly use a 3.6-liter V6, while the redesigned third generation uses a 328-hp turbocharged 2.5-liter four-cylinder.
Is the Chevrolet Traverse front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive?
Both layouts exist. Traverse models have been sold with front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive, depending on the year and trim. In the newer lineup, Z71 is specifically built around an advanced all-wheel-drive system.
What are the main Chevrolet Traverse generations?
There are three. The first generation ran from 2009 through 2017, the roomier second generation from 2018 through 2023, and the third began in 2024 with a turbo four-cylinder, larger displays, more standard safety technology, and the first Z71.
Chevrolet Traverse Reviews
What owners are saying about the Chevrolet Traverse.
4.2
Chevrolet Traverse
(2,539 reviews)
“I love it but I am not terribly picky about cars. This version is affordable. I understand next year's version will no longer be affordable. That sucks.”
“Bad gas mileage but overall a reliable vehicle. It does experience a sudden loss in partial power occasionally due to an electrical issue not warranty covered. Tons of interior space and a very comfortable ride.”
“I love the comfort of the front and back seats. The features include a charging dock in car. The car drives smooth and is very safe. It is very family friendly or for anyone considering a comfy, affordable vehicle.”
“You can't go wrong! It has plenty of space, good on gas, also has great features inside.”
“Definitely a good vehicle for the price, I would say it's just a little smaller than a Tahoe. Great for kids and we love the roominess.”
Sources
- news.chevrolet.com — 2023 / Jul / 0717 Traverse
- media.chevrolet.com — Traverse / 2023 / 2023 Chevrolet Traverse
- media.chevrolet.com — Traverse / 2022 / 2022 Chevrolet Traverse 081821
- experience.gm.com — Chevrolet / Traverse / 2011 Chevrolet Traverse Owners
- chevrolet.com — Chevrolet / Traverse / 2009 Chevrolet Traverse Owners