Dan spent many years covering the go-fast, look-good, get-loud corners of the automotive universe. First, he served as editor of enthusiast magazines AutoSound and Honda Tuning, then as executive editor at SEMA News, the publishing arm of the trade group that produces the annual SEMA Show (yes, that show). As a contributor to Edmunds, he now likes to keep the volume low and the speed limit legal, providing expert car-shopping advice to drivers looking for the perfect match.
Pros
New engine is stronger, more efficient than outgoing V6
Impressive list of standard features
Super Cruise driver assist technology is among today's most advanced
Big infotainment touchscreen
Cons
Could use a hybrid or secondary power option
Four-cylinder gets loud under hard acceleration
Overly plastic materials and trim cheapens interior feel
What's new
Redesigned for 2024
Turbo four-cylinder engine replaces V6
Larger 17.7-inch infotainment screen
Kicks off the third Traverse generation
Overview
The redesigned 2024 Chevrolet Traverse remains one of today's roomiest midsize SUVs, thanks to its slightly longer overall length and wheelbase than its rivals. If you want maximum passenger room and cargo capacity with three rows, the Traverse makes a compelling case. It costs significantly less than its truck-based Tahoe counterpart, but it offers nearly the same space and flexibility. A new engine, a new trim level, upgraded infotainment and several driver assistance features are only a handful of the changes that should put this Chevy back in the discussion with other midsize SUV heavy-hitters.
Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2024 Chevrolet Traverse LS 4dr SUV (2.5L 4cyl Turbo 8A) and comparison vehicles are based on 15,000 miles per year (with a mix of 55% city and 45% highway driving) and energy estimates of N/A undefined in Virginia.
Edmunds spotlight: Big strides in style, tech and capability
With its square profile, upright front end and Camaro-esque grille and headlights, the redesigned Traverse trades its softer edges for a sportier and more rugged look. Sportier performance also sits under the hood, with a new turbocharged four-cylinder engine that's more powerful — the turbo helps develop 22% more low-end torque — and more efficient than the V6 it replaces. A 17.7-inch touchscreen display raises the bar in the infotainment arms race, while Google Android software makes for fast responses and streamlined connectivity with Google apps, such as Maps and Play for navigation and music. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are still included for those who prefer to mirror their phone's features. For 2024, the Traverse also gets an off-road-oriented Z71 trim level. An added inch of ground clearance and fortified components make the Traverse one of the few family three-rows that can get you into the backcountry.
Competitors to consider
The Traverse's roomy cabin and cargo versatility remains its strength, but now it's backed up by modern technology and more power. That gives it an edge on class leaders like the Kia Telluride, Hyundai Palisade and Toyota Grand Highlander, which also offer plenty of features and tech but with smaller interiors. That said, the Chevy's cabin pales compared to the classier materials found in the Telluride, Palisade or Mazda CX-90, nor does it drive as athletically as rivals like the CX-90 or Honda Pilot. The new Z71 trim gives the Traverse newfound capability in the dirt, however, the better to match off-road-oriented trims like the Ford Explorer Timberline or Kia Telluride X-Pro.
Which Traverse does Edmunds recommend?
The base trim comes with an impressive list of features, but we'd still recommend stepping up to the LT. It comes with a few notable extras — power-adjustable driver's seat, wireless phone charger, second-row captain's chairs (which you can swap to a split-configuration bench seat if you prefer maximum passenger capacity) — but also offers desirable options such as premium Bose audio and the Super Cruise hands-free driving system.
Helpful trims summary and side-by-side comparison chart
Chevrolet Traverse models
The 2024 Chevrolet Traverse is available in four trim levels: LS, LT, Z71 and RS. A 2.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder (328 horsepower, 326 lb-ft of torque) is the sole engine offering, paired with an eight-speed transmission and front-wheel drive. All-wheel drive is optional on all but the Z71, where it comes standard.
LS
The base LS trim starts with a generous list of standard features and driver aids, including:
18-inch alloy wheels
Hands-free power liftgate
Cloth upholstery
Heated front seats
Heated steering wheel
Triple-zone climate control
11-inch digital gauge cluster
17.7-inch touchscreen
Navigation
Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone integration (with wireless connectivity)
Six-speaker audio system
Wi-Fi hotspot
A comprehensive bundle of driver assistance features also comes standard:
Forward collision warning with automatic braking and pedestrian detection (warns you of an impending collision and applies the brakes in certain scenarios)
Blind-spot warning with rear cross-traffic alert and intervention (warns you if a vehicle is in your blind spot during a lane change or while reversing and can automatically steer the car back into its lane if you try to change lanes while a car is in the vehicle's blind spot)
Lane keeping assistance (steers the Traverse back into its lane if it begins to drift over the lane marker)
Adaptive cruise control (maintains a driver-set distance between the Traverse and the car in front)
Rear parking sensors (alert you to obstacles that may not be visible behind the vehicle when parking)
360-degree camera system (gives you a top-down view of the Traverse and its surroundings for tight parking situations)
Safety alert seat (vibrates driver's seat to warn of potential collisions)
LT
Moving up to the LT adds a few more extra features but also opens up options unavailable on the base trim. Additional features include:
Roof rails
Power-adjustable driver's seat
Second-row captain's chairs
Wireless phone charger
120-volt power outlet for second row
Options include:
Eight-passenger seating (replaces captain's chairs with split-folding second-row bench seat)
20-inch wheels
Panoramic sunroof
Upgraded sport suspension
Synthetic leather upholstery
10-speaker Bose audio system
Super Cruise hands-free driving system
Automated parking system (steers into a parking spot with little or no driver intervention)
Trailering package (trailer hitch, upgraded system and touchscreen-based hitch guidance)
Midnight/Sport Edition (20-inch gloss black wheels, gloss black grille and exterior trim)
Z71
The Z71 comes with most of the LT's features and shares similar options, but it adds standard all-wheel drive, taller ground clearance and fortified off-road components such as:
All-terrain tires
Upgraded off-road suspension
Dual-clutch all-wheel-drive system
Aluminum underbody skid plate
Driver-selectable traction modes for various terrain
Trailering package (trailer hitch, upgraded system and touchscreen-based hitch guidance)
RS
The top-trim RS comes with nearly every feature offered in the Traverse lineup, adding upgrades such as:
22-inch wheels
Leather upholstery
Power-adjustable front passenger seat
Ventilated front seats
Heated rear seats
Power-folding third-row seat
Power liftgate with hands-free operation
Digital rearview mirror (allows you to see out the back even with a fully loaded cargo area)
10-speaker Bose audio system
Super Cruise hands-free driving system
Automated parking system (steers into a parking spot with little or no driver intervention)
Driver attention warning (issues an alert if sensors determine you are becoming fatigued)
Save as much as $1,493 with Edmunds Click on the trim you’re interested in to see what Edmunds suggests you should pay to get a good deal. Savings vary by trim; $1,493 refers to estimated savings off of MSRP for the RS trim.
*The Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price excludes destination freight charge, tax, title, license, dealer fees and optional equipment. Click here to see all Chevrolet vehicles' destination freight charges. Dealer sets the final price.
2024 Chevrolet Traverse Z71 4dr SUV AWD (2.5L 4cyl Turbo 8A)
I have driven 1800 miles in luxury! Its turning radius is spectacular, no complaints especially since I I’ve in the Country and depend on making sharp turns and when I’m in the city; the U-turn is a breeze. I have the 2nd row captain seating with three car seats and I don’t have to scrunch down to get my grandchildren safely in the car. I enjoy the Auto Powered Headlights especially on … the County roads. The Safety features make me feel as if I have a full level of security while driving and while entering and exiting. This SUV replaces a 2020 Acadia which gives me AWD, more room, a taller vehicle, smoother drive and its efficiency is by far the best.! The 9 speed with 5,000 towing capacity is all we need and more. It’s so quiet to drive and the Super Cruise and Cruise Control are impressive. For a woman not wanting to give my SUV permission to drive itself was a game changer. I never thought in a million years that this clutch driver would ever allow a car to drive me anywhere let alone with anyone else in my vehicle-so that’s why I ask my passengers if it’s alright for me to use this feature before I just start driving without hands on the wheel. The first time using it was just by myself and I was amazed on how reactive to the vehicle spacing, speed control and fluid control this vehicle was capable of driving. The second time using it was when I was taking my 30 year old daughter and her 8 year old daughter and I asked my daughter, “Honey do you remember watching The Jetsons” and how they would fly in the air to drive around but all they had to do was push a few buttons?” Well, is it okay to drive you and your daughter without hands?” So, 3 generations of women had a blast watching the car do what it was meant to do…drive safely, with caution and ease. The safety features are a plus. The comfortability is superb, my fuel economy is 28 city/30-32 Hwy. the heated steering wheel is very nice on the cooler mornings, and the storage is just what we need; whether if it’s with the seats all up or the third row is down and yes, we’ve put a double air mattress in the back with the two rows down and slept well. I like having both the manual and touchscreen availability for comfort control, gearing controls and radio too. Bose radio included. Honestly, the only con I have found is not one single thing. Bravo Chevrolet! This Z71 looks like a Tahoe and drives so smooth. I love it and so does our family!
To be or not to be
3 out of 5 stars
JoeWannaKnow, 09/01/2024
2024 Chevrolet Traverse RS 4dr SUV AWD (2.5L 4cyl Turbo 8A)
Like:
1. Looks
2. Ride and handling
3. Interior design
Don Like:
1. Noisy engine
2. Transmission shift pattern
3. Lack of some tech functionality that was expected
4. Paddle shifters that does not function as paddle shifters
5. Higher fuel consumption than second generation
Traverse Z71 is a HUGE WIN for GM/Chevrolet!
5 out of 5 stars
Chevrolet Traverse Z71 Lover!, 07/13/2024
2024 Chevrolet Traverse Z71 4dr SUV AWD (2.5L 4cyl Turbo 8A)
I had been following the development and finally the release of the 2024 Chevrolet Traverse Z71. This vehicle is everything that GM/Chevrolet has promised it to be! I was especially attracted to it's newly redesigned rugged styling, mine has skid plates as well as tow hooks. This vehicle rides well on long distance trips, has comfortable seating, as well as a PHENOMINAL Super Cruise … option which basically drives the vehicle for you! I also love my panoramic sun/moonroof with the electronically retracting shade. The Traverse rides well in the city and everyday traffic driving. Everywhere that I've driven this vehicle, people have inquired about "what type of vehicle is this?" The power from the new 4 cylinder turbo engine was surprising, despite what critics had been saying in the comments on various GM/Chevrolet forums. I've had my Radiant Red Tintcoat Z71 for a little over a month now and I'm still enjoying it so far.
I was initially suffering from sticker shock but now feel that I've definitely made a great decision in purchasing this vehicle.
Almost Perfect
5 out of 5 stars
Barney Rubel, 07/27/2024
2024 Chevrolet Traverse RS 4dr SUV (2.5L 4cyl Turbo 8A)
We have just over 2000 miles on our RS, which is our third Traverse. We drove from Illinois to Houston, and I will say that super cruise is one of those things that you didn't you needed until you got it. It makes interstate driving much less tiring and I think safer as it allows you to better monitor what is going on around you. The tech is great. I can just say the destination and … away we go, no punching in addresses. My one gripe is the tailgate. The kick was so much better. The new gate is not hands free to close, which is when you really need it. And you need to stay away from the back of the car if you have the key and you don't want the tailgate to open. Also, the driver screen could be better designed. But most importantly the car swallows cargo like nothing else.
*The Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price excludes destination freight charge, tax, title, license, dealer fees and optional equipment. Click here to see all Chevrolet vehicles' destination freight charges. Dealer sets the final price.
The redesigned 2024 Chevrolet Traverse might technically be a midsize SUV, but it's one of the most spacious out there with three rows of usable seating and generous cargo space. If you have plenty of young ones to haul around but don't want to commit to the truck-based Chevy Tahoe, the Traverse is your best bet.
The 2024 Traverse lineup deviates slightly from last year's. The LS is the budget-friendly model, followed by the LT, the off-road-oriented Z71 and the sport-infused RS. The Traverse goes up against some heavy hitters, including the Hyundai Palisade, Mazda CX-90 and the Edmunds Top Rated favorite, the updated Kia Telluride. These three offer excellent styling and technology, something Chevrolet has struggled with in the past. The new Traverse tackles that issue head-on and hopes to be even more competitive because of it.
What's under the Traverse's hood?
Folks expecting big displacement under the hood should look elsewhere. Gone is the 3.6-liter V6 from last year, replaced by a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine. However, the addition of a turbocharger means it puts out more power than the old V6 — a stout 328 horsepower and 326 lb-ft of torque. The only bummer here is that there is no other powerplant option up top. We'd love to see a hybrid option, a growing desire for many shoppers in this segment.
The Traverse is offered standard with front-wheel drive, but all-wheel drive is also available. Regardless of drivetrain, power gets to the pavement through an eight-speed automatic transmission.
The Z71 gets an upgraded twin-clutch all-wheel-drive system for better traction off-road, as well as a 1.2-inch lift, all-terrain tires, an improved approach angle, uniquely tuned shocks and a Terrain driving mode. Meanwhile, the RS gets a sport-tuned suspension, 22-inch wheels and a three-spoke flat-bottom steering wheel.
How does the Traverse drive?
While not everyone will be thrilled that the Traverse is now down to four cylinders, rest assured that this powertrain is up to the task of moving the big SUV. This turbocharged engine has enough grunt to get the job done. However, it can get unpleasantly noisy when you go full throttle, and you'll hear it even more because the rest of the Traverse is so quiet. Then again, the outgoing V6 wasn’t exactly an auditory masterpiece either.
From the driver’s seat, the Traverse feels very much like a big three-row SUV. The Mazda CX-90 and Kia Telluride, by contrast, pull off the illusion of driving like smaller SUVs than they actually are. If that’s what you’re after then the Chevy probably isn’t right for you. The steering feel is extremely light and the Traverse requires a good amount of input to turn.
How comfortable is the Traverse?
It's pretty comfy. The Traverse ably smooths out bumps and potholes. Even the RS trim, which has a sport-tuned suspension and big 22-inch wheels, is still a pleasant vehicle on the road.
How's the Traverse's interior?
Lots of space is the Traverse's calling card. Its second row can be configured with a bench seat or captain's chairs, and there is room for three adults in the third row. The captain's chairs' one-touch power seats slide forward quickly for easy access to the last row, even when a child seat is installed in the second row. If you want a power-folding third row or heated rear seats, you need to step up to the RS trim.
We’re not thrilled with the material choices in the new Traverse. Nothing feels cheap or flimsy, but the SUV is filled with black plastic. That’s only broken up by the bright red trim on the dash and door panels, which isn’t the most pleasing to look at. We also worry about the plastic-covered center console and its ability to attract fingerprints if you have kids. For the lower-priced trim levels, the interior materials feel appropriate; but for the nearly $60,000 RS, things should look nicer than they do.
How's the Traverse's tech?
Front passengers are treated to a big 17.7-inch infotainment display and an 11-inch digital gauge cluster, bringing the Traverse fully into the 21st century. The Traverse also gets a standard suite of driver aids that includes automatic emergency braking, forward collision warning and lane keeping assistance. There's also a new standard feature called Buckle to Drive, and it requires front-seat passengers to be strapped in before driving. Every Traverse also comes with blind-spot warning, adaptive cruise control, and rear cross-traffic warning and braking.
The coolest available tech to hit the Traverse is Super Cruise. This hands-free driving assist function works on most pre-mapped highways and takes care of the braking, steering and acceleration of the vehicle. Super Cruise is one of the best in the auto industry. It turns on and off with clear indications to the driver as it’s happening and now tackles gentle curves in the road better than it has in the past. However, drivers must pay attention at all times. Super Cruise is not a fully automated driving system, and you'll need to retake control in situations where a collision might be imminent.
How's the Traverse's storage?
The Traverse is one of the most capable SUVs in the three-row crossover class, starting with its 97.6 cubic feet of maximum storage with the two back rows folded. After seeing it in person, we can attest to the claims of the Traverse's commodious caboose. Passenger storage is similarly generous. There's plenty of room for smaller objects up front with a pass-through center console, a large cubby in front of the cupholders, and a deep center console.
When configured properly, the Traverse can tow up to 5,000 pounds, which is typical for this class of vehicle but a fair bit behind the king of this class, the Dodge Durango (8,700 pounds).
Edmunds says
The Chevrolet Traverse has long been a solid pick for shoppers wanting a spacious crossover SUV for both gear and people. Now that it's taken a huge step forward with the modern technology that many buyers desire. The top-trim RS doesn't offer enough to justify its high price tag but the LS and LT provide great bang for the buck.
FAQ
Is the Chevrolet Traverse a good car?
The Edmunds experts tested the 2024 Traverse both on the road and at the track. Edmunds’ consumer reviews show that the 2024 Traverse gets an average rating of 5 stars out of 5 (based on 11 reviews) What about cargo capacity? When you're thinking about carrying stuff in your new car, keep in mind that the Traverse has 22.9 cubic feet of trunk space. And then there's safety and reliability. Edmunds has all the latest NHTSA and IIHS crash-test scores, plus industry-leading expert and consumer reviews to help you understand what it's like to own and maintain a Chevrolet Traverse. Learn more
What's new in the 2024 Chevrolet Traverse?
According to Edmunds’ car experts, here’s what’s new for the 2024 Chevrolet Traverse:
To determine whether the Chevrolet Traverse is reliable, read Edmunds' authentic consumer reviews, which come from real owners and reveal what it's like to live with the Traverse. Look for specific complaints that keep popping up in the reviews, and be sure to compare the Traverse's 5-star average consumer rating to that of competing vehicles. Learn more
Is the 2024 Chevrolet Traverse a good car?
There's a lot to consider if you're wondering whether the 2024 Chevrolet Traverse is a good car. Our consumer reviews show that the 2024 Traverse gets an average rating of 5 stars out of 5 (based on 11 reviews). Safety scores, fuel economy, cargo capacity and feature availability should all be factors in determining whether the 2024 Traverse is a good car for you. Learn more
How much should I pay for a 2024 Chevrolet Traverse?
The least-expensive 2024 Chevrolet Traverse is the 2024 Chevrolet Traverse LS 4dr SUV (2.5L 4cyl Turbo 8A). Including destination charge, it arrives with a Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) of about $37,600.
Other versions include:
LS 4dr SUV (2.5L 4cyl Turbo 8A) which starts at $37,600
LS Fleet 4dr SUV (2.5L 4cyl Turbo 8A) which starts at $38,100
LS 4dr SUV AWD (2.5L 4cyl Turbo 8A) which starts at $39,600
LT 4dr SUV (2.5L 4cyl Turbo 8A) which starts at $40,000
LT 4dr SUV AWD (2.5L 4cyl Turbo 8A) which starts at $42,000
Z71 4dr SUV AWD (2.5L 4cyl Turbo 8A) which starts at $46,400
RS 4dr SUV (2.5L 4cyl Turbo 8A) which starts at $54,200
RS 4dr SUV AWD (2.5L 4cyl Turbo 8A) which starts at $56,200
What are the different models of Chevrolet Traverse?
If you're interested in the Chevrolet Traverse, the next question is, which Traverse model is right for you? Traverse variants include LS 4dr SUV (2.5L 4cyl Turbo 8A), LS Fleet 4dr SUV (2.5L 4cyl Turbo 8A), LS 4dr SUV AWD (2.5L 4cyl Turbo 8A), and LT 4dr SUV (2.5L 4cyl Turbo 8A). For a full list of Traverse models, check out Edmunds’ Features & Specs page. Learn more