2023 Chevrolet Traverse: Specs, Prices, Ratings, and Reviews (2024)

Every Traverse is powered by a 3.6-liter V6 engine that produces 310 horsepower and 266 pound-feet of torque. A nine-speed automatic transmission sends power to the front wheels. The Traverse is EPA-rated at 18 miles per gallon city, 27 mpg highway, and 21 combined.

All-wheel drive is optional on all trims at an average cost of $2,000. With either front- or all-wheel drive, the Traverse can tow up to 5,000 pounds.

The Traverse is a full-size, three-row crossover with plenty of space for passengers and cargo. The LS offers seating for eight, while the others come with second-row captain's chairs for a seven-passenger capacity.

Cargo space has always been the Traverse's strong suit. Buyers get 32 cubic feet of it behind the third row and 57.9 cubic feet with it folded. With the second row down as well, the Traverse can handle up to 98.2 cubic feet of family gear. Only a van or the very largest SUVs can carry more.

Every Traverse comes equipped with lane-keeping assist, automatic high beams, a following distance indicator, and automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection. The Safety Package for the LS ($790) adds rear parking sensors, blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert, and turn signals in the side mirrors. These items are standard starting with the LT Cloth.

The LT Premium Package for the LT Leather ($3,795) includes adaptive cruise control, surround-view cameras, a rearview camera mirror, a rear camera washer, sonar-enhanced automatic emergency braking, and rear pedestrian alert. These features are standard on the RS, Premier, and High Country. A vibrating safety alert in the driver seat is exclusive to the high country.

The standard infotainment system includes a seven-inch touchscreen, six speakers, six USB ports, Bluetooth for two active phones, satellite radio, wi-fi capability, and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility.

Navigation and an eight-inch touchscreen are included in the LT Cloth's available Convenience and Driver Confidence Package ($1,295). These upgrades are part of the LT Premium Package for the LT Leather, along with a 10-speaker Bose system and a household-style power outlet.

All of the above and a second power outlet are standard starting with the RS. The Premier and High Country also get wireless phone charging.

The first LT model picks up fog lamps, an eight-way power driver seat, a leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob, body-color side mirrors, chrome exterior accents, and standard roof rails.

In addition to its infotainment upgrades, the Convenience and Driver Confidence Package contains heated front seats, remote start, a power liftgate, and a universal home remote.

The Premier piles on the luxury trappings: perforated leather upholstery, ventilated front seats with driver memory, heated second-row seats, and a power-adjustable steering wheel. The exterior receives additional chrome trim, adaptive LED headlights, auto-dimming side mirrors, and bright-finish 20-inch wheels. The sunroof remains optional.

The Premier Redline Edition ($2,495) comes with gloss black trim and wheels with red accents, plus the sunroof and a Trailering Equipment Package.

Compare Traverse Trims Side-By-Side

On the inside, the Traverse really feels and looks like an old option. Few lines, a center console that juts out of the dashboard, and some below-average materials puts the SUV behind competitors. Even in higher trim levels that come with upscale touches, the Traverse doesn’t impress with its design like others.

A True Minivan Rival. The majority of midsize SUVs aren’t that roomy on the inside, but the Traverse bucks that trend with an enormous cabin. The SUV offers one of the largest interiors in the class. The Traverse may not be the most stylish or the most upscale, but it is one of the roomiest.

The Traverse has seating for up to eight people and it’s not a wink, wink situation, as the SUV really can accommodate passengers comfortably in all three rows. The front two seats are comfortable and well-cushioned, offering a wide range of adjustability. In the second row, passengers are treated to 38 inches of legroom. The third row has 33 inches of legroom, which is enough for most adults.

Cargo capacity is also impressive. The Traverse has 23 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seats, which opens up to 58 cubic feet of cargo space behind the second row. In total, the SUV offers up to 98.2 cubic feet of cargo space. This is one of the largest figures for the midsize segment.

Well-Equipped Trims. Most of the time, base trims only come with a few features with shoppers having to move up to a mid-level model to get more modern amenities. That isn’t the case with the base Traverse LS.

Even the LS trim comes with a 7-inch touchscreen, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a six-speaker audio system, a 3.5-inch driver information center, and tri-zone automatic climate control. The Traverse also comes with family-friendly features like six USB ports and 10 cupholders, an interior humidity sensor, and two umbrella holders. You’ll also find an extensive list of safety features that includes pedestrian detection, lane-keeping assist, forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and lane departure warning.

While the range-topping High Country and sporty mid-level RS trims are enticing, we think the LT Leather trim is the way to go. It brings nice touches like leather upholstery, heated front seats, a heated steering wheel, remote start, a universal garage door opener, a six-way power-adjustable passenger seat, a power rear liftgate, and an 8-inch touchscreen.

Strong V6 Engine. Underneath the long hood, consumers get a 3.6-liter V6 engine that produces 310 horsepower. While the Traverse’s 21 mpg combined fuel economy rating with front-wheel drive is below average for the class, the performance from the engine is enjoyable and the nine-speed automatic transmission operates smoothly. Plus, the Traverse can tow a respectable 5,000 pounds.

The way the Traverse rides over bumps and potholes results in a comfortable ride. The midsize SUV does so by using its large weight to its advantage and thanks to its comfort-forward suspension.

The major issue with the Traverse is its all-wheel-drive system. Drivers can control the AWD system via a dated manual pushbutton mode whereas the majority of rivals don’t require drivers to push any buttons in inclement weather or rough terrain to engage the AWD system. We believe the Traverse does this as a way to save fuel, but that clearly doesn’t work.

Final Thoughts. Consumers that prioritize interior space over everything else will find the 2023 Chevrolet Traverse to be a competitive option. It doesn’t have the upscale design or standout features as rivals, but it has a powerful V6 engine, well-equipped trims, and a generous cargo area.

In comparison, the Kia Telluride remains a standout option in the class. It has a stylish design, high-tech features, upscale trims, and a few rugged models. The Jeep Grand Cherokee L is a roomy, tech-filled, upscale, and rugged SUV that’s available with a 357-hp V8 engine.

Check 2023 Chevrolet Traverse Prices Near You