The Chevrolet Traverse is a midsize crossover sport utility vehicle (SUV) produced by General Motors under the Chevrolet marque. Introduced for the 2010 model year, the Traverse replaced the Chevrolet Uplander and the Chevrolet TrailBlazer SUV in Chevrolet’s lineup.
First generation (2009–2017)
- Production: Began in 2009 at the General Motors plant in Oshawa, Ontario, Canada.
- Platform: Based on the GM Lambda platform, which is also used for the GMC Acadia, Buick Enclave, and Chevrolet Suburban (first generation).
- Powertrain: Standard engine was a 3.6‑liter V6 gasoline engine, delivering 281 hp and 266 lb‑ft of torque, paired with a six‑speed automatic transmission. From 2012, an optional 3.6‑liter V6 with GM’s eAssist mild‑hybrid system was offered, providing a modest increase in fuel efficiency.
- Seating and capacity: Configurable for up to eight passengers with three rows of seating; a second‑row bench or optional captain’s chairs were available.
- Cargo space: With all seats in use, 23 cu ft of cargo volume; up to 57 cu ft with the second‑row seat folded, and a maximum of 107 cu ft when the third row is folded flat.
- Safety: Received a five‑star overall rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and “Good” ratings in most categories from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) for frontal and side crash tests.
Second generation (2018–present)
- Production: Commenced in 2017 at the General Motors plant in Silao, Guanajuato, Mexico.
- Platform: Utilizes the GM C1XX platform, shared with the second‑generation GMC Acadia.
- Powertrain options:
- 3.6‑liter V6 gasoline engine, 310 hp and 266 lb‑ft of torque, coupled with a nine‑speed automatic transmission (standard).
- From the 2022 model year, a 2.0‑liter turbocharged inline‑four engine offering 257 hp and 295 lb‑ft of torque became available as an alternative to the V6.
- Hybrid variant: As of the 2023 model year, Chevrolet introduced a plug‑in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV) version of the Traverse, featuring an electric motor paired with the V6 engine and a 13.6 kWh battery, providing an estimated electric‑only range of up to 30 mi (48 km).
- Seating and capacity: Remains an eight‑passenger vehicle with optional second‑row captain’s chairs reducing capacity to seven. The interior includes an adjustable third‑row seat and a configurable cargo floor.
- Technology: Standard equipment includes an 8‑inch Chevrolet Infotainment 3 system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a rear‑view camera, and Chevrolet’s MyLink connectivity suite. Higher trims offer a 10‑inch touchscreen, head‑up display, wireless charging, and advanced driver‑assist features such as adaptive cruise control, lane‑keep assist, and automatic emergency braking.
- Safety: The 2023 model received a five‑star overall rating from NHTSA and “Superior” ratings in IIHS crash‑avoidance tests for models equipped with the available safety suite.
Market and sales
The Traverse is sold primarily in North America, with the United States and Canada comprising the majority of its market. It competes with other midsize crossovers such as the Honda Pilot, Toyota Highlander, Ford Explorer, and Kia Sorento. Annual U.S. sales peaked in 2017 with approximately 159,000 units and have since stabilized around 80,000–100,000 units per year through the early 2020s.
Dimensions (2023 model year)
- Wheelbase: 119.1 in (3,025 mm)
- Length: 200.0 in (5,080 mm)
- Width (excluding mirrors): 78.0 in (1,981 mm)
- Height: 69.9 in (1,775 mm)
- Curb weight: 4,500–4,800 lb (2,042–2,177 kg) depending on configuration and powertrain.
Trim levels (U.S. market, 2023)
- L
- LS
- LT
- Premier (including the previously offered High Country trim, now rebranded under the Premier nameplate).
The Chevrolet Traverse continues to be positioned as a family‑oriented vehicle offering three rows of seating, a balance of passenger space, cargo capacity, and a range of powertrain options that include conventional gasoline, turbocharged, and plug‑in hybrid configurations.
