2012 Chevy Traverse Review
2012 Chevy Traverse Review
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Edmunds' Expert Review
by the Edmunds Experts
Pros
- Compliant ride
- seating for as many as eight passengers
- adult-friendly third-row seat
- massive cargo area
- top safety scores.
Cons
- Large size hampers maneuverability
- some minor interior annoyances
- compromised rear visibility.
What’s new
There are no significant changes for the 2012 Chevrolet Traverse.
Edmunds says
With its stylish good looks, spacious cabin, carlike handling and decent fuel economy, the 2012 Chevrolet Traverse has much to offer buyers who need maximum passenger capacity in a more maneuverable package.
Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2012 Chevrolet Traverse LS 4dr SUV (3.6L 6cyl 6A) 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 $3.36 per gallon for regular unleaded in Ohio.
Monthly estimates based on costs in Ohio
$208/mo for Traverse LS
Traverse LS
vs
$196/mo
Avg. Midsize SUV
Vehicle overview
While the average American family has 2.6 kids, sometimes you end up with a Brady Bunch-sized clan. If you can relate, and you need something bigger than the typical midsize sedan to cart around your brood, the 2012 Chevrolet Traverse is worth a look.
One of the best modern family haulers to come out in the last few years, the Traverse is a large crossover that boasts a refined ride and an enormous cabin that can fit as many as eight adults. Thanks to its carlike unibody architecture, it's lighter and more maneuverable than traditional SUVs like Chevy's Tahoe. The Traverse has other advantages as well, including more interior space than other competing crossovers, decent fuel economy and top crash test scores.
It's important to note, however, that the 2012 Traverse is actually one of three vehicles GM sells with this body style and 288-horsepower V6. The Buick Enclave and GMC Acadia differ in styling, interior design, some feature availability and the quality of some cabin materials, but otherwise they are mechanically identical. As for picking one, it really comes down to price, style and which dealer treats you best.
The Traverse does have some downsides. It's not as easy to drive or see out of as slightly smaller competitive crossovers. As such, you might be inclined to check out the more athletic Mazda CX-9 or our top choice, the well-rounded Ford Flex. Also worth noting are the Dodge Durango and Ford Explorer; they don't offer quite as much interior space as any of the above models, but each is certainly desirable in its own right.
All these choices may make your family hauler search a little tougher. But if Marcia, Greg, Peter, Jan, Bobby, Cindy, Mike and Carol all need to fit into one vehicle, the Traverse should work out well. You just won't be able to bring Alice.
Performance & mpg
There is only one engine/transmission combination available for the Chevrolet Traverse -- a 3.6-liter V6 mated to a six-speed automatic. Front-wheel drive or an available all-wheel-drive system round out the powertrain details.
In the LS and LT trims, the V6 produces 281 hp and 266 pound-feet of torque. In the more upmarket LTZ, output jumps to 288 hp and 270 lb-ft thanks to a dual-outlet exhaust. In our performance testing, a Traverse 2LT posted a sufficiently quick 0-60-mph time of 8.6 seconds; the LTZ did it in 8.2. Properly equipped, the Traverse will tow a respectable 5,200 pounds.
EPA fuel economy estimates for the front-wheel-drive Traverse are 17 mpg city/24 mpg highway and 19 mpg combined. All-wheel-drive Traverse models are very close at 16/23/19 mpg.
Safety
Antilock disc brakes, traction and stability control, front seat side-impact airbags and side curtain airbags for all three rows are all standard on the 2012 Chevrolet Traverse, as is GM's OnStar telematics service, including turn-by-turn navigation and hands-free phone connectivity. In Edmunds brake testing, a Traverse LTZ came to a stop from 60 mph in 130 feet; a Traverse 2LT with smaller tires did it in 135 feet. These distances are acceptable, but most competitors perform better.
In government crash tests, the Traverse earned a top five-star rating for overall performance, with four out of five stars being given for overall front-impact protection and five stars for overall side-impact protection. The Traverse also aced the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety crash tests, where it got the highest rating of "Good" in all frontal-offset, side-impact and roof-strength tests.
Driving
The 2012 Chevrolet Traverse provides a nice balance between secure handling and a comfortable ride. It's also a much nicer and easier vehicle to drive than a traditional SUV like the Tahoe. That said, the Traverse is still a beefy vehicle, and most competing crossover SUVs are a bit more agile and easier to see out of. We have no complaints about the 3.6-liter V6, as it provides willing acceleration in almost all situations and achieves pretty good fuel economy.
Interior
When it comes to keeping you and your passengers happy, the interior of the 2012 Chevrolet Traverse has a lot to offer. The design is attractive and, aside from tiny audio and climate control buttons, the layout of gauges and controls makes sense.
The passenger cabin offers seating for either seven passengers with the second-row captain's chairs or eight with the 60/40-split-folding second-row bench seat. Both arrangements provide good comfort for first- and second-row passengers. Even the third-row seats are adult-friendly, though buyers who expect to carry a full load of grown-ups regularly should know the Ford Flex feels more spacious back there for two people because of its boxy profile.
When it comes time to load the Traverse up for a road trip, you'll find a healthy 24 cubic feet of suitcase space behind the third-row seat. For larger loads, fold both the second- and third-row seats down and you get a flat load floor and an impressive 116 cubic feet of cargo room. To get more cargo room, you'd have to buy a minivan or a Suburban.
2012 Chevrolet Traverse models
The 2012 Chevrolet Traverse is a large crossover SUV available in LS, LT and LTZ trim levels. Standard equipment on the LS includes 17-inch steel wheels, eight-passenger seating, split-folding second- and third-row bench seats, a tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel, air-conditioning, full power accessories, OnStar and a six-speaker sound system with a CD player, satellite radio and an auxiliary audio jack.
The midrange LT trim level is actually comprised of a choice of two sub-trims: the well-equipped 1LT and the more upscale 2LT. The 1LT package offers 18-inch alloy wheels, rear parking sensors, heated mirrors, an eight-way power driver seat, Bluetooth and a leather-wrapped steering wheel. Select the 2LT and you'll get all that plus an auto-dimming driver-side mirror, a power liftgate, tri-zone automatic climate control, remote ignition, seven-passenger seating (featuring second-row captain's chairs), a rearview camera (integrated into the rearview mirror) and a 10-speaker Bose sound system with a USB/iPod interface and rear audio system controls.
The Traverse LTZ ups the luxury ante with 20-inch wheels, power-folding mirrors, leather upholstery, and heated and ventilated front seats with driver memory functions. Some of the standard features on upper trim levels can be added to the lower ones via option packages. Other highlights from the add-ons list include a navigation system, dual sunroofs and a rear-seat DVD entertainment system.
2024 Chevy Traverse First Drive: Big Improvements Everywhere Except the Interior
Reliability Ratings by RepairPal
3.5 out of 5 stars3.5/5Above Average
#22 out of 32 among Midsize SUVs
RepairPal Reliability Ratings are based on the actual cost, frequency, and severity of unscheduled repairs and maintenance on make/model data for select 2008-2022 vehicles. The reliability of a specific vehicle may vary depending on its maintenance and driving history, model year, trim, and features.
Cost
The average total annual cost for unscheduled repairs and maintenance across all model years of the Chevrolet Traverse from 2008-2022.$574/yr
vs. $485/yr
for Average Midsize SUV
for Average Midsize SUV
Frequency
The average number of times this model is brought into the shop for unscheduled repairs and maintenance in a single year. RepairPal calculates this metric by tracking millions of unique vehicles over multiple years to determine an average number of visits per year (omitting small routine visits, e.g., oil changes).1.02x/yr
vs. 1.18x/yr
for Average Midsize SUV
for Average Midsize SUV
Severity
The probability that a repair will be a major issue, meaning the repair costs 3x the average annual repair cost for all models. This threshold will be higher for vehicles that have higher labor rates and parts costs (such as a premium brand).16.5%
vs. 13.5%
for Average Midsize SUV
for Average Midsize SUV
powered by RepairPal Based on RepairPal reliability data as of 8/23/2023. Ratings are provided by RepairPal and Edmunds is not responsible for their accuracy.
Consumer reviews
Read what other owners think about the Used 2012 Chevrolet Traverse.
5 star(34%)
4 star(11%)
3 star(13%)
2 star(24%)
1 star(18%)
38 reviews
Trending topics in reviews
Most helpful consumer reviews
1 out of 5 stars
This engine holds a bad secret
Domonic Webster, 04/14/2018
2012 Chevrolet Traverse LTZ 4dr SUV AWD (3.6L 6cyl 6A)
While this vehicle has many great features it hides a bad thing that will sink you. The engine has timing chains that have a known defect. I wish I knew this before I spent my money. The repair cost is a new engine which will cost about $5,000 and takes about 8-15 hours to replace. When all is said and done you will spend $10,000 to repair. If you own a earlier version 2007-2009 it’s … covered. If you buy a 2012 it will not be.
1 out of 5 stars
Just Another Traverse Horror Story
HJP, 01/31/2019
2012 Chevrolet Traverse LT 4dr SUV w/2LT (3.6L 6cyl 6A)
Words will fail to express the complete disappointment we have for this vehicle and for GM's unwillingness to do anything about it. Bought it used in the Fall of 2014. Gave us some hiccups over the 4 years and e.g., @ ~50K miles we drove it e.g., power steering pump failed completely (not uncommon for these vehicles). Otherwise great car up for the spouse. Good size, handled well in … modest snow. MPG was horrible but an overall smooth, quiet comfortable ride. She loved it.....Up until the transmission failed catastrophically and w/o warning late in the fall of 2018 @ ~115K miles. As described in other posts and throughout the web the car - again w/o power warning decelerated the dash lit up with all types of warning messages and pretty little lights. Door locks began to lock and unlock and warning chimes started sounding. Was not sure if the car needed a mechanic or a priest to perform an exorcism. This car has been faithfully maintained with the same dealer for all 4 years. Was initially told the original battery may have done bad things to the transmission control unit which in turn smoked the tranny. Replaced the battery since that was the recommendation ~$450!. Yup - tranny was smoked. Still owed 18 mos on the loan so - after much deliberation and saving for the repair - we elected to replace to the transmission. Some headaches with the install - getting the new TCU to talk to the main computer. They get that solved and dealer tech takes the car out on the road to test the repair and the motor seizes up! Again no warning, nothing!. Mechanic tells me he is sorry and is sympathetic and advises me to call GM.... something about how the transmission must have stressed the motor even though there was not data to support the engine over revving or otherwise being stressed. I am now $4K into a repair with nothing to show for it and now looking at another $7K to replace the motor... and, oh, we still owe $6K on the original loan. So, all in, looking at $17.5K on a 7 year old vehicle. BTW $17K was was we paid for it in 2014!!!! Not holding out hope that my good friends at GM Customer Service (the incident is now at Tier 2 Cust Service) will do anything - why would they, right? I am a 5 time Chev owner - just bought a Silverado from them.... There is just no way that a vehicle at this age and miles should have failed so completely - not in this day and age. GM should be ashamed!
3 out of 5 stars
Traction DANGER!!!
Cece, 09/10/2018
2012 Chevrolet Traverse LS 4dr SUV (3.6L 6cyl 6A)
Today 9/9/2018 I was on my way to church this morning. I get not even a third of the way there and my car takes me from 45 mph to a quick 15 mph without warning!!!!!!!!!!!! I pulled over and just shut my car off because I was scared. This is not the first time that this has happened to me. The last time it happened I was on the highway coming back from chemotherapy and I had my kids in … the car. THIS IS NOT SAFE!!!!! Whenever I did call my dealership and took it up there for them to see, I could not duplicate the issue. I do not feel safe in my car and I honestly don't want it anymore. I need to have a car that I can depend on to get to my appointments. I have already had to fight one HUGE monster with my health, I surely don't need anything else to happen to me or my children.
1 out of 5 stars
GM should be embarrassed.
Jeff Chyko, 02/01/2019
2012 Chevrolet Traverse LS 4dr SUV AWD (3.6L 6cyl 6A)
I purchase vehicles for long term. I am currently driving my second Chevy 2500 series truck with over 200k miles. Could never say anything bad about the trucks. So, I had no problem agreeing to purchase our 2012 Traverse as certified pre-owned from a dealer in 2013 with under 20k miles with the hopes of driving it to 200k miles. Not the case. Well before 100k miles we loose AWD and have … to replace the entier rear end. We opted for a 7000 mile salvage rear end ($1800) over the dealers (chevrolet of Wasilla)($3600) rear end. Work is done by Chevrolet of Wasilla with salvaged rear. Before a year goes by my wife comes home from a dealer oil change with a $3500 estimate to replace the entire power steering system. I’ve never had to replace an entire steering system on any vehicle, pump maybe. Come to learn this is a common defect in GM vehicles dating back to 2009. GM does a “hush” special warranty but our vehicle is not covered even though the system is still garbage. 10 months and 13,000 miles after our rear end replacement, the new one is leaking fluid. Not covered becuase it’s 1000 over the warranty. Facing $7000 of repairs, I refuse to put any money to such a bad vehicle. Starting to learn Traverses have a bad reputation as money pits. I’m really hoping the dealer will step up to help us out of the vehicle and into a Tahoe. Also hoping that Tahoe’s are still reliable. Shame on GM for producing such garbage and not standing behind it. Is that the thanks tax paying citizens get from a company who needed a bail out to keep going? You can’t produce a vehicle that can make 200k miles with regular maintenance and minor repairs.? When you design a bad steerign system you don’t attempt to correct it? Embarrassment to America, nice job.
2012 Traverse Highlights
LS
Base MSRP Excludes Destination Fee | $29,660 |
---|---|
Engine Type | Gas |
Combined MPG | 19 MPG |
Cost to Drive | $208/month |
Seating | 8 seats |
Cargo Capacity All Seats In Place | 24.4 cu.ft. |
Drivetrain | front wheel drive |
Warranty | 3 years / 36,000 miles |
Safety
Key safety features on the Traverse include:
- Back-up camera
- Alarm
- Tire Pressure Warning
- Stability Control
- Post-collision safety system
NHTSA Overall Rating
5 out of 5 starsThe National Highway Transportation Safety Administration offers independent analysis.
- Frontal Barrier Crash RatingOverall4 / 5Driver5 / 5Passenger4 / 5
- Side Crash RatingOverall5 / 5
- Side Barrier RatingOverall5 / 5Driver5 / 5Passenger5 / 5
- Combined Side Barrier & Pole RatingsFront Seat5 / 5Back Seat5 / 5
- RolloverRollover4 / 5Dynamic Test ResultNo TipRisk Of Rollover16.9%
IIHS Rating
The Insurance Institute of Highway Safety uses extensive crash tests to determine car safety.
- Small Overlap Front Driver-Side TestNot Tested
- Small Overlap Front Passenger-Side TestNot Tested
- Moderate Overlap Front Test – OriginalGood
- Moderate Overlap Front Test – UpdatedNot Tested
- Side Impact Test – OriginalGood
- Side Impact Test – UpdatedNot Tested
- Roof Strength TestGood
- Rear Crash Protection / Head RestraintGood
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