Redesigned 2024 Chevrolet Traverse Loses the V6, Gains Technology
This three-row SUV undergoes an evolutionary update that adds function and design flair
The midsized, three-row Chevrolet Traverse is redesigned for the 2024 model year, adopting a more traditional SUV-ish appearance instead of the minivan-evoking style of its predecessor. It replaces the V6 with a more powerful turbocharged four-cylinder engine, the interior is outfitted with large screens, and it boasts a lengthy roster of standard active safety equipment.
There are four trims: LS, LT, Z71, and RS. The new Z71 may be familiar to Chevrolet enthusiasts, because it denotes an off-road package on other SUVs and trucks from the brand. This is the first time it is applied to the Traverse, bringing cosmetic enhancements and equipment upgrades to better tackle adventures that go beyond the comfort of pavement.
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Photo: Chevrolet Photo: Chevrolet
CR's Take
Chevrolet is sticking close to the formula established with the second-generation Traverse. This is a good thing, because the 2018-2023 Traverse earned a high road-test score, aided by its roomy and quiet interior, very comfortable ride, and responsive handling. Its size made it a smart alternative to full-sized SUVs for drivers who don’t need to tow large trailers.
The move to a turbocharged four-cylinder engine mirrors the direction some competitors are heading, such as the Toyota Highlander. The V6 had ample power, capable of 7.3-second 0-60 mph times, and it returned a fair 20 mpg overall. Improvements on both fronts would be welcomed.
From a features standpoint, the outgoing Traverse measured up well against its rivals, with a good mix of equipment and easy-to-use controls. But the cabin’s overall finish lagged some alternatives. Hopefully this is improved with the redesign. It certainly looks sharp with the large displays.
Overall, the retiring 2023 Traverse is a competitive and compelling three-row SUV. It is a CR recommended model. However, reliability and owner satisfaction, based on member surveys, are just average, and past reliability was a mixed bag. Time, and new surveys, will tell if there are meaningful improvements on those fronts.
Outside
The exterior is treated to an evolutionary design, with numerous fresh touches applied to a familiar silhouette. The grille and corner air scoops with fog lamps are bolder, looking more truck-like. The headlights have an even slimmer appearance, and the taillamps are modern and rather creatively sculpted.
One of the more distinctive elements is the revised C-pillar, behind the second-row doors. It now has an interesting puzzle-piece look that is a different take on the popular “floating roof” design seen on other SUVs, like the Lexus RX and Nissan Murano.
The sporty RS model is dressed with black trim throughout, including badging, moldings, grille, and roof rails. Plus it rides on large 22-inch black aluminum wheels. When approached at night with the key fob, the RS displays animated lighting to dazzle your passengers.
The Z71 stands tall, with an added inch of ground clearance to help with, uh, traversing trails. It has 18-inch wheels with all-terrain tires. (The smaller wheels allow more cushioning, and protective, sidewalls on the tires.) The front fascia is unique to allow more aggressive approach angles for ascending hills and crawling over obstacles without causing expensive damage. There is a skidplate up front to further protect the SUV, and red tow hooks add off-roading styling cues and can come in handy, should the driver push the Traverse beyond its capabilities.
Photo: Chevrolet Photo: Chevrolet
Inside
The exterior may seem more trucky than before, but the dashboard looks like a modern car with its standard 11-inch driver’s instrument display and 17.7-inch center infotainment screen. The minimalist dash does have a few physical buttons, which is always appreciated. The gear selector is column mounted to save space on the center console.
The base LS trim comes with seating for eight. With the LT, there is an option to replace the second-row center bench seat with captain’s chairs, changing capacity to seven passengers total. Choosing the LT brings a four-way power driver’s seat, wireless phone charging, hands-free power liftgate, roof rails, sliding second-row seats (to aid access to the third row), and the availability of the Super Cruise active driving assistance system and a sunroof.
Photo: Chevrolet Photo: Chevrolet
There are six USB ports to keep devices charged. The Traverse is equipped with OnStar telematics, providing cellular-based services like vehicle diagnostics, remote lock/unlock, and HD video streaming. Mobile WiFi is available.
Numerous upgrades are available through trims and packages, including a heated steering wheel, heated front and second-row seats, and leather upholstery.
Photo: Chevrolet Photo: Chevrolet
What Drives It
The next-generation Traverse ditches the 3.6-liter V6 for a 2.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder. Despite being a smaller engine, this powerplant has slightly more horsepower than the previous V6, rising from 310 hp to 315 hp for the 2024 model. Typical of turbos, torque makes greater gains, moving up from 266 lb.-ft. to 317 lb.-ft.
That engine is paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. As before, the next Traverse is rated for a maximum 5,000-pound towing capacity.
The Z71 uses a twin-clutch all-wheel-drive system to improve off-road traction. And this trim has unique suspension tuning to tackle the rough stuff, hill descent control, and driver-selectable terrain modes to dial in performance according to the road and trail conditions.
Active Safety and Driver Assistance
The Traverse comes with the Chevy Safety Assist suite of active safety and driver assistance features that includes automatic emergency braking with pedestrian and cyclist detection, lane departure warning, lane keeping assistance, and automatic high beams.
Other standard features include adaptive cruise control, blind spot warning, rear cross traffic warning with reverse automatic emergency braking and pedestrian detection, and sign recognition. Some safety warnings are communicated via vibrations to the driver’s seat.
In addition, the Traverse has a “Buckle to Drive” feature that requires both the driver and front passenger, if there is one, to fasten their seat belts before the SUV can be driven. It also has GM’s Teen Driver feature, controlled via an app, that allows parents to apply certain restrictions, such as speed and audio volume, and track a teen’s driving performance.
Available upgrades include a driver attention monitor, active parking assistance, and Super Cruise active driving assistance system that allows hands-free operation on many highways.
