The Chevrolet Traverse is celebrating its 15th anniversary this year, but it’s easy to overlook as newer models such as the Kia Telluride and Toyota Grand Highlander have been grabbing headlines.
Chevy is now fighting back with a vastly improved crossover that sports a Tahoe-inspired design as well as a tech-infused cabin. It also has something that has been sadly missing: a personality.
While the second-generation Traverse was one of GM’s best-looking crossovers, the redesigned model ups the ante with a more adventurous design and four distinct trims.
More: 2024 Chevy Traverse Debuts With Rugged New Z71 Trim And Turbo Power
Pictures: Michael Gauthier / CarScoops
The most notable is the all-new Z71, which features a rugged front end with an aluminum skid plate and red tow hooks. The model also sports a wider track, a lifted suspension, and 18-inch wheels wrapped in Goodyear Wrangler all-terrain tires.
It’s nice to see some actual off-road capability has been added to the lineup, but the street-focused Traverse RS is pretty compelling too. It commands attention thanks to gloss black cladding, a matching grille, and 22-inch wheels wrapped in Continental CrossContact rubber.
A Spacious And Significantly Improved Interior
Pictures: Michael Gauthier / CarScoops
While the Traverse has always offered plenty of room, the interior has left something to be desired. That’s no longer the case as the redesigned crossover punches above its weight and features a surprisingly upscale cabin.
The cockpit is dominated by screens as drivers sit behind an 11-inch digital instrument cluster and find a 17.7-inch infotainment system on their right. The latter is angled towards the driver and is a full 10.7 inches larger than the previous display.
That’s a huge difference and the infotainment system features Google built-in. This provides drivers with easy access to Google Maps, Google Assistant, and the Google Play Store.
Despite the focus on screens, Chevrolet wisely decided to keep a handful of physical controls. Besides the volume knob, there are dedicated climate controls on the minimalist center stack.
Materials look and feel much better, and there are soft touch accents, metallic flourishes, and high quality plastics. Even the gloss black trim is far nicer than in other GM products such as the 2024 Buick Encore GX. That being said, the red carbon effect trim feels out of place and looks a little tacky.
On the bright side, the front seats are comfortable and spacious. They also have plenty of bolstering, which should keep you in place when exploring the outdoors in the new Z71.
Second-row passengers will find plenty of head- and legroom as well as impressive views out a massive panoramic glass roof. Chevrolet hasn’t released full equipment details, but higher-end variants have rear climate controls and available heated rear seats. Other highlights include USB-C charging ports, ceiling-mounted air vents, and door panels that don’t feel like an afterthought.
The second-row easily slides forward to provide access to the third-row and power seats are available as an option. It’s also worth mentioning that second-row seats can be moved even when a child seat is installed.
Entry into the third-row is relatively easy for adults and once back there, they’ll find plenty of headroom. Legroom is a bit tight with the second-row slid all the way back, but that’s the worst case scenario. Speaking of space, the side panels are sculpted to help maximize room. While third-row occupants will find cup holders and charging ports on each side, there isn’t much to look at thanks to the adventurous C-pillar.
When you need cargo room, the third-row easily folds down with a pull of a strap. For the ultimate in convenience, the Traverse can be equipped with a power folding second- and third-row. This makes lowering or raising the seats as easy as hitting a button in the cargo compartment.
We’ll learn full details closer to launch, but Chevy is promising a best-in-class maximum cargo capacity of 98 cubic feet (2,775 liters). That slightly edges out the 97.5 cubic feet (2,761 liters) offered by the Toyota Grand Highlander, while demolishing the 87 cubic feet (2,464 liters) found in the Kia Telluride. It’s also worth mentioning there’s a sizable storage compartment hidden beneath the rear load floor.
An All-New Turbocharged Engine With More Power And Torque
Chevrolet hasn’t said much about the Traverse’s all-new engine, but it’s a turbocharged 2.5-liter four-cylinder that pumps out an estimated 315 hp (235 kW / 319 PS) and 317 lb-ft (429 Nm) of torque. Despite the reduced cylinder count, it packs an extra 5 hp (4 kW / 5 PS) and 51 lb-ft (69 lb-ft) of torque.
The latter increase is particularly noteworthy and it should help to improve acceleration as well as the towing experience. Speaking of which, the model can haul trailers weighing up to 5,000 lbs (2,268 kg).
The engine is connected to an eight-speed automatic transmission, which sends power to the front wheels. Two different all-wheel drives systems are available including an off-road focused, twin-clutch setup that is unique to the Z71.
When you’d prefer not to drive, there’s the newly available Super Cruise semi-autonomous driving system. Besides allowing for hands-free operation, the system works while towing and can perform automatic lane changes.
While Super Cruise will likely prove to be a costly upgrade, the crossover comes with a host of standard driver assistance systems including Forward Collision Alert, Automatic Emergency Braking, IntelliBeam High Beam Assist, and Lane Keep Assist with Lane Departure Warning. Buyers will also find Adaptive Cruise Control, Lane Change Alert with Side Blind Zone Alert, Rear Cross Traffic Braking, and Traffic Sign Recognition technology.
The 2024 Chevrolet Traverse will be launched early next year and be built at the Lansing Delta Township Assembly in Michigan.