2023 Chevrolet Traverse

Overview

The Chevrolet Traverse is an adequate and frugal three-row family SUV offering voluminous seating room, loads of cargo space, handsome styling, and a sense of athleticism that belies its size. Propulsion is provided by GM’s peppy GM’s 3.6-liter V-6, which is mated to a smooth-shifting nine-speed automatic transmission and paired with either front- or all-wheel drive. While pricing and interior materials are appropriately matched for the base LS model, the lack of premium-quality furnishings and finishes becomes increasingly apparent with each step up in trim level. Rivals of the Traverse offer a richer experience as a result of having better cabin materials and interior execution—the 10Best-winning Kia Telluride being a prime example. Others in this large and varied segment, like the Ford Bronco, offer more trail-conquering capability and curbside cool. Still others, like the Jeep Grand Cherokee L, can be outfitted to deliver both more luxury and capability. That’s how we came to rank the Traverse 24th in the 27-strong mid-size SUV segment.

What’s New for 2023?

Following its refresh in 2022, Chevy gives the Traverse a couple of minor updates for the 2023 model year. For starters, it gets two new colors: Sterling Gray Metallic and Radiant Red Tintcoat. In addition to the two new hues, select trim levels of the third-rower now feature a wrapped steering wheel instead of the standard urethane unit.

Pricing and Which One to Buy

We recommend the Traverse’s base LS trim level because it’s a strong value proposition for those in the market for three-row family transportation. Standard equipment includes LED headlights with automatic high-beams, heated side mirrors, three months of SiriusXM Radio, a whopping 10 cupholders, a suite of driver-assistance features like automated emergency braking, and more. Those who wish to add more ritzy creature comforts–such as heated front seats, a heated steering wheel, a Bose 10-speaker sound system, a power-adjustable passenger’s seat, or a power rear liftgate–will need to pay more for the LT just to make those options available, and even more than that to get them as standard features on the pricier Premier or High Country models. However, these more expensive trims don’t strike us as worthy of the investment given that rival SUVs that simply do premium better than the Chevy.

Engine, Transmission, and Performance

A standard 310 horsepower V-6 engine gives the Traverse its legs, and a slick-shifting nine-speed automatic transmission changes gears unobtrusively. The V-6 pulls well; a Traverse we tested previously proved to be on the quicker end of its class. The cabin is so quiet that you need to steal a glance at the tachometer to ensure the engine is running while at a stoplight. Speaking of which, the Traverse features one of the most seamless automatic stop/start features we’ve tested. When parking or maneuvering at low speed, the Traverse feels every bit its size. Pick up the pace, however, and the big Chevy feels smaller than it is—poised, if not overtly athletic. Steering effort is low, but the system is precise and makes aiming the big SUV easy. The Traverse’s suspension is tuned for a good balance between handling and ride comfort.

Fuel Economy and Real-World MPG

Judge the Traverse by its class-average EPA-estimated fuel-economy numbers, and you’d be doing so with only half the information. In our real-world 75-mph highway fuel-economy testing, the all-wheel-drive Traverse High Country delivered 27 mpg, among the best highway fuel consumption in its class. Front-wheel drive models received ratings of 18 city and 27 highway which falls to 17 city and 25 highway for models with all-wheel drive. For more information about the Traverse’s fuel economy, visit the EPA’s website.

Interior, Comfort, and Cargo

The Traverse provides spacious accommodations for seven or eight passengers, including a third row sized for adults. Chevrolet’s six-tier model lineup allows the Traverse to reach a broad swath of the market and appeal to a wide range of buyers. The materials in the top-level High Country are handsome but fall slightly short of expectations given that version’s lofty price. Fold down the second- and third-row seats and it becomes a cargo-hauling champ with more space than any of its rivals. Six carry-on suitcases fit behind the third row, which means it wins at carrying both people and their luggage. It offers the most first-row cubby storage in its class as well.

The Car and Driver Difference

Infotainment and Connectivity

Chevy blessed the Traverse’s cabin with a bounty of USB ports and an easy-to-use infotainment system with colorful graphics, a high-mounted touchscreen, and standard wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto capability. An infotainment system that responds quickly to user inputs and a standard Wi-Fi hotspot make this a tech-savvy SUV.

How to Buy and Maintain a Car

Safety and Driver-Assistance Features

Unfortunately, the most advanced driver-assistance features–including adaptive cruise control and a 360-degree camera–are only available on the two highest-priced trims. Comparatively, some rivals offer such features as standard. For more information about the Traverse’s crash-test results, visit the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) websites. Key safety features include:

Standard automated emergency braking with pedestrian detection Standard lane-departure warning with lane-keeping assist Available adaptive cruise control

Warranty and Maintenance Coverage

The only thing that distinguishes the Traverse from its peers in terms of maintenance coverage is a free initial maintenance visit. Otherwise, the warranty coverage offered by Chevrolet is average for the segment.

Limited warranty covers 3 years or 36,000 miles Powertrain warranty covers 5 years or 60,000 miles Complimentary maintenance is covered for the first visit

Specifications

VEHICLE TYPE: front-engine, front-/all-wheel-drive, 7-passenger, 4-door hatchback

PRICE AS TESTED: $52,995 (base price: $52,995)

ENGINE TYPE: DOHC 24-valve V-6, aluminum block and heads, direct fuel injection

Displacement: 218 cu in, 3564 cc
Power: 310 hp @ 6800 rpm
Torque: 266 lb-ft @ 2800 rpm

TRANSMISSION: 9-speed automatic with manual shifting mode

DIMENSIONS:
Wheelbase: 120.9 in
Length: 204.3 in
Width: 78.6 in Height: 70.7 in
Passenger volume: 157 cu ft
Cargo volume: 23 cu ft
Curb weight: 4680 lb

C/D TEST RESULTS:

Zero to 60 mph: 6.5 sec

Zero to 100 mph: 17.3 sec

Zero to 120 mph: 31.7 sec

Rolling start, 5-60 mph: 6.8 sec

Top gear, 30-50 mph: 3.2 sec

Top gear, 50-70 mph: 4.6 sec

Standing ¼-mile: 15.1 sec @ 94 mph

Top speed (governor limited): 130 mph

Braking, 70-0 mph: 176 ft

Roadholding, 300-ft-dia skidpad: 0.83 g

C/D FUEL ECONOMY:

Observed: 21 mpg

75-mph highway driving: 27 mpg

Highway range: 580 miles

EPA FUEL ECONOMY:

Combined/city/highway: 20/17/25 mpg

More Features and Specs