2017 Chevy Traverse Review

Name: 2017 Chevrolet Traverse Review
Brand: Chevrolet
Rating: 3.8 (34 reviews)

Price Range: $7,995 - $23,998

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Edmunds' Expert Review

by Alan Rider

Pros

Smooth ride even when the road isn't
Can accommodate up to eight passengers
Plenty of cargo space behind the third row
Peace of mind that comes with top safety scores

Cons

As cumbersome to drive as its size suggests
Infotainment and climate controls are behind the times in design and functionality
Underwhelming acceleration, particularly with many passengers aboard

What’s new

For 2017, the Chevrolet Traverse's formerly top-of-the-line LTZ trim is now called Premier. Otherwise, the Traverse is unchanged.

Vehicle overview

If you're looking to transport a passel of passengers or a boatload of belongings, a crossover SUV such as the 2017 Chevrolet Traverse could work out well. Much of the Traverse's appeal comes from its spacious interior, with seating for up to eight passengers in three rows of seats. Fold those second- and third-row seats down, and you have a humongous cargo hold rivaled only by the Chevy's mechanical twin, the Buick Enclave.

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For sale near Des Moines, IA

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2017 Chevrolet Traverse
LT 4dr SUV w/2LT
$15,608
- 78,893 miles
- 7 Seats, 15 City / 22 Hwy MPG
- Deery Brothers Chevrolet (13 mi away)
- Back-up camera
- Bluetooth
- Third-row seating
- Power Driver Seat
- Tire Pressure Warnin...
Close
Located in Pleasant Hill, IA
AutoCheck Vehicle History Summary Unavailable.
Features and Specs:
18 Combined MPG (15 City/22 Highway)
Listing Information:
VIN: 1GNKRHKD5HJ179436
Stock: PJ7841B
Certified Pre-Owned: No
Listed since: 07-11-2025
Price Drop
2017 Chevrolet Traverse
LS 4dr SUV
$8,999
great price
$2,487 below market
- 115,751 miles
- No accidents, 2 owners, personal use
- 8 Seats, 15 City / 22 Hwy MPG
- Driveway (534 mi away)
- Home delivery*
- AWD/4WD
- Back-up camera
- Bluetooth
- Third-row seating
- Tire Pressure Warnin...
Close
Located in Farmington Hills, MI
3rd Row Seat,Back-Up Camera,Bluetooth,Satellite Radio,Tow Hitch,WiFi Hotspot,V6 Cylinder Engine,Steel Wheels,Power Door Locks,Satellite Radio,Floor Ma...
AutoCheck Vehicle History Summary
Accident Free Vehicle: Yes
Personal Use Only: Yes
History Provider: AutoCheck
Title Details: Clean Title
Salvage Vehicle: No
Frame Damage: No
Theft History: No
Lemon Status: No
Free History Report: No
Features and Specs:
17 Combined MPG (15 City/22 Highway)
Listing Information:
VIN: 1GNKVFED1HJ318814
Stock: HJ318814P
Certified Pre-Owned: No

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Although its Buick relative is a bit more upscale, the Traverse is far from being a poor second cousin. In fact, in upper trim levels, the Traverse can hold its own in terms of both aesthetics and content, with attractive finishes and many of the same high-end features. Other advantages to buying a Traverse include a comfortable ride and top scores in government and insurance industry crash tests. And though this big crossover's size and wide turning circle can make it a handful in situations like parking garages where space is at a premium, it's still much less cumbersome to drive than a full-size SUV such as Chevrolet's own Suburban.

As for 2017 model-year alternatives, the Honda Pilot is coming off an extensive redesign last year that included fresh new styling and a slightly larger third-row seat. The Ford Explorer isn't as roomy as the Traverse, but it does offer engine options that are more powerful or more fuel-efficient. Other recommended models include the redesigned GMC Acadia (it's smaller this year), the well-equipped Hyundai Santa Fe and the perennially popular Toyota Highlander. All are great choices, but the 2017 Chevrolet Traverse holds its own, particularly if abundant space is a priority for you.

Standard safety features on all 2017 Chevy Traverse models include antilock disc brakes, traction and stability control, front-seat side airbags and full-length side curtain airbags, and a rearview camera. OnStar is also standard and includes automatic crash notification, on-demand roadside assistance, remote door unlocking, stolen vehicle assistance and turn-by-turn navigation.

A center airbag between the front seats, which is designed to protect occupants from colliding with one another in the event of a side impact, is an option on the 1LS trim level and standard on the LT and Premier. Rear parking sensors are standard on the LT and Premier. A blind-spot and rear cross-traffic monitoring system is also standard on the Premier, as are forward collision alert and lane departure warning. The latter two are available as options on 2LT models.

In Edmunds brake testing, an all-wheel-drive Premier required 119 feet to stop from 60 mph, a better-than-average result for a large three-row crossover SUV.

In government crash tests, the Traverse earned a top five-star (out of five) rating for overall performance, with five stars for total front-impact protection and five stars for total side-impact protection. The Traverse also fared well in Insurance Institute for Highway Safety crash tests, in which it received the highest rating of Good in the moderate-overlap frontal-offset, side-impact and roof strength tests. The Traverse's seat/head restraint design was also rated Good for whiplash protection in rear impacts.

Edmunds' Expert Rating

Do you need a big three-row crossover SUV that can shuttle lots of people and cargo? The 2017 Chevrolet Traverse is made for you. Besides its utilitarian abilities, it's also pleasant to drive and will make the most of your money with its abundant features.

Driving

From behind the wheel, the 2017 Chevrolet Traverse's 3.6-liter V6 engine provides perfectly acceptable performance around town. But in situations in which strong acceleration is required, such as passing slower vehicles on a stretch of a winding back road, it can seem a little weak-kneed. This tendency is amplified by the six-speed automatic transmission. It shifts smoothly, but it can take its time in situations that require a downshift to generate a quick burst of speed.

In terms of road manners, the Traverse tackles the open highway with aplomb. The suspension delivers an exceptionally comfortable ride quality, and the body structure and sound-deadening materials keep wind and road noise at bay. Handling is confident but not particularly sporty. You should also keep in mind that this is a large vehicle with a 40-foot turning circle, and it's not going to be as maneuverable in tight quarters as some of its slightly smaller crossover competitors.

Interior

When it comes to interior room, the 2017 Chevrolet Traverse handily bests most of its competitors. Front seat occupants are afforded abundant head- and legroom. Second-row passengers enjoy comfortable accommodations, though the low height of the bottom cushion might make taller passengers wish for a little more legroom, a fault that can easily be remedied by sliding those seats rearward. Not surprisingly, doing so eats into legroom for denizens of the third row.

On the upside, the third-row bench is actually capable of holding larger kids and even smaller adults with those second-row seats scooted forward. Getting back there is made easier by large rear doors, though the release to slide the second-row seats forward can be difficult to access. Buyers intending to make frequent use of the Traverse's way-back seats might want to measure it against the third row of the redesigned Honda Pilot for comparison.

Elsewhere, the Chevy Traverse's cabin gets generally high marks thanks to a handsome design and good quality materials. The overall look ranges from likable enough to downright deluxe on the top-of-the-line Premier model. As in many seven- and eight-passenger vehicles, the view out the back suffers with all the seats occupied, a fact that makes the standard rearview camera a welcome feature.

The dash's central element is the 6.5-inch touchscreen that displays the image from the rearview camera and hosts the controls for Chevrolet's MyLink infotainment system. The system's operation is relatively intuitive, but the low mounting position that requires the driver to look away from the road and the system's occasional slow response to touch inputs earn it a demerit in our view. Another downside are the touch-sensitive buttons surrounding the display, which might look cool but don't work as well as more traditional versions.

The interior's most prominent strong point is its abundant storage space. Even with the third-row seats up, it can swallow more luggage than many rivals. With the second and third-row seats folded down, its cavernous cargo hold can haul more than anything in its class, save for its Buick sibling.

Compare 2017 Chevrolet Traverse trim levels

Helpful trims summary and side-by-side comparison chart

2017 Chevrolet Traverse models

The 2017 Chevrolet Traverse is a crossover SUV with seating for seven or eight passengers, depending on the second-row seating configuration. There are essentially three main trim levels: LS, LT and Premier. However, the LS is further divided into Base (1SM) and LS, and the LT is subdivided into 1LT and 2LT variants.

Standard features on the entry-level LS Base (1SM) include 17-inch steel wheels, automatic headlights, roof rails, a rear spoiler, front and rear air-conditioning, 60/40-split folding second- and third-row seats, a tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel, cruise control, Bluetooth phone connectivity, the OnStar telematics system (with 4G LTE and Wi-Fi hot spot), a rearview camera, a 6.5-inch touchscreen display and a six-speaker sound system with a CD player, an auxiliary audio input jack, a USB audio interface and two additional USB charge-only ports. The Base LS model is offered only with front-wheel drive.

The LS (1LS) model adds satellite radio. All-wheel drive and other extra-cost options not offered on the 1SM are available on the 1LS.

Stepping up to the 1LT trim adds 18-inch alloy wheels, foglights, heated mirrors, rear parking sensors, remote start, an occupant-protection airbag mounted between the front seats, an eight-way power driver seat (with two-way power lumbar) and a leather-wrapped steering wheel.

The Traverse 2LT includes all of the above, plus an auto-dimming rearview mirror, a power liftgate, tri-zone automatic climate control, heated front seats, second-row captain's chairs (the second-row bench seat is still available as an option), and rear-seat audio controls and headphone jacks. You also get the MyLink infotainment interface, which includes Bluetooth audio connectivity, voice controls, internet radio app integration and a 10-speaker Bose audio system. A Graphite Edition package equips the 2LT with 20-inch wheels, special exterior trim and a navigation system.

The top-of-the-line Premier model comes with 20-inch alloy wheels, power-folding mirrors, a blind-spot monitoring system, a rear cross-traffic alert system, forward collision warning and lane departure alert. Inside, the Premier boasts leather upholstery, driver memory settings, an eight-way power front passenger seat, ventilated front seats, a heated steering wheel and a navigation system. The second-row captain's chairs are mandatory.

Some of the upper trim levels' standard features are available as options on lesser models. Also available, depending on trim level, are a panoramic sunroof, a 10-speaker Bose surround-sound audio system, a rear-seat entertainment system (including a household-style electrical outlet) and a towing package.

The 2017 Chevrolet Traverse features a 3.6-liter V6 engine that produces 281 horsepower and 266 pound-feet of torque in the LS and LT trim levels. The Premier model's dual exhaust outlets bump output up to 288 hp and 270 lb-ft. A six-speed automatic is the only available transmission, but buyers have a choice of standard front-wheel or optional all-wheel drive in all but the Base LS model (which is front-wheel-drive only).

In Edmunds testing, an all-wheel-drive Premier sprinted to 60 mph in 8.1 seconds, which is a bit slow for a large crossover. EPA fuel economy estimates are 18 mpg combined (15 city/22 highway) with front-wheel drive and 17 mpg combined (15 city/22 highway) with all-wheel drive. These are average fuel economy numbers for a large, V6-powered crossover.

Properly equipped, the 2017 Traverse can tow 5,200 pounds, a higher-than-average figure for this class.

Cost to Drive

Monthly estimates based on costs in Iowa

$205/mo

$171/mo

Avg. Midsize SUV

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Reliability Ratings by RepairPal

3.5/5Above 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

$574/yr

vs. $485/yr
for Average Midsize SUV

Frequency

1.02x/yr

vs. 1.18x/yr
for Average Midsize SUV

Severity

16.5%

vs. 13.5%
for Average Midsize SUV

Chevrolet Traverse Owner Reviews

3.8

34 reviews

5(38%)

4(26%)

3(21%)

2(6%)

1(9%)

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Most Helpful Owner Reviews

A good size and ride vehicle with too many CONS.

GerryC, 10/16/2017

2017 Chevrolet Traverse LT 4dr SUV w/1LT (3.6L 6cyl 6A)

CONS, NOT IN ANY PARTICULAR ORDER: 1st gas mileage., on busy streets, around 12 MPG. Best highway 23 MPG. 2nd the AC CIRC mode turns off every time you turn the key off, having to reset it every time you restart the car. 3rd the location and shape of the front roof columns obstruct your view of pedestrians and even some cars VERY DANGEROUS. 4th the shifting. Some times when shifting out … of 1st gear it kicks really bad, since brand new. BAD. 5th in case of a flat you have to place the regular tire in the cargo area. Impossible to do when you have luggage in it. This is HORRIBLE. NEW CONS: 6.- The location of the oil drain plug and the oil filter itself are a royal pain for DIY's The filter is a kind of difficult to put back in. When you remove the plug oil will run all over the frame of the vehicle. I now use a piece of plastic to act as a shield to avoid this mess. I saw a new Buick equivalent to the Traverse, and the filter and plug have been relocated and they look good now. I do not know if the Chevrolet engineers have done the same. A)This vehicle has incredible electrical issues that come and go by themselves, some of which have been: 7.- As I went on a trip my sons in law went by my house and found that the brake lights were on. They did not have the key, so they left it like that. When I returned they told me and I found the light out, so I thought that I had a dead battery, but not, the problem had corrected itself. 8.- A day after a heavy rain I went out in the Traverse and everything was normal. I stopped at a parking lot and when I came back the remote would not open the door. I got in with my key and tried to open the door with the switch, but nothing work, like if the battery was dead. Called a tow truck and they tried to jump start it, which I had tried already to no avail, and nothing, so they towed to my home. That night I tried it and it started fine, but no AC. The next morning I started and everything was working fine, except for the rear AC unit, which still is out after three months. 9.- The Service Air Bags light came on, and after a couple of weeks it went out and has not come back on. 10.- There is a fuse box under the glove under the dashboard, on the passenger side that is nearly impossible to work at. Good luck if one of those fuses blow. HORRIBLE LOCATION. B.- 11 The transmission is another problem. If you are driving at a normal speed and have to slow down, when you step back on the gas, many times, it will give you a good kick. PROS I liked the ride and the idea that the leg room in the second of seats can be adjusted to to accommodate passengers in all 3 rows.

Got this after the 2015 Journey

Jennifer, 10/17/2017

2017 Chevrolet Traverse LT 4dr SUV w/1LT (3.6L 6cyl 6A)

Coming from a 2015 Journey, I can say that overall, I prefer the 2017 Chevy Traverse so far.I have the LT1, which I understand to be the mid range model. Much roomier, wonderfully smooth ride, captains chairs in the middle row bring more comfort for the backseat passengers and also make it easier to access the 3rd row. I feel it has a classier interior with the dual brown/gray color …

Stepped up to something bigger

Adrian Q, 03/17/2017

2017 Chevrolet Traverse LT 4dr SUV AWD w/1LT (3.6L 6cyl 6A)

I traded in my 2010 Equinox since the equinox had started to have some rather costly repairs. So i figured to get something bigger with more space. And that is exactly what I got. Compared to the equinox, the Traverse has en enormous amount of space. Even with the third row up, there is still ample cargo room in the back. That and passengers in the third row can actually sit …

Sleeper vehicle now owned for 19 months

FJDTraverse, 09/14/2016

2017 Chevrolet Traverse LT 4dr SUV AWD w/2LT (3.6L 6cyl 6A)

Handling is very good . Gas mileage is great if you know how to drive on the highway. If the road is level and you are traveling at 65 I have had gas mileage numbers at 25.5-26 mpg. If there are rolling hills then the mileage will be between 23.8 to 24.5 mpg. I traveled from Twin mountain NH on 302 to North Conway NH at 50 mph I averaged 28.8 mpg distance about 29 miles. Adults …

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2017 Traverse Highlights

Trim:

LS Base

Base MSRP Excludes Destination Fee	$28,700
Engine Type	Gas
Combined MPG	18 MPG
Cost to Drive	$205/month
Seating	8 seats
Cargo Capacity All Seats In Place	24.4 cu.ft.
Drivetrain	front wheel drive
Warranty	3 years / 36,000 miles

See all features & specs

Safety

Key safety features on the Traverse include:

Back-up camera
Blind Spot Monitoring
Lane Departure Warning
Alarm
Tire Pressure Warning
Stability Control
Post-collision safety system

NHTSA Overall Rating

The National Highway Transportation Safety Administration offers independent analysis.

Frontal Barrier Crash Rating
Overall5 / 5
Driver5 / 5
Passenger5 / 5
Side Crash Rating
Overall5 / 5
Side Barrier Rating
Overall5 / 5
Driver5 / 5
Passenger5 / 5
Combined Side Barrier & Pole Ratings
Front Seat5 / 5
Back Seat5 / 5
Rollover
Rollover4 / 5
Dynamic Test ResultNo Tip
Risk Of Rollover16.9%

IIHS Rating

The Insurance Institute of Highway Safety uses extensive crash tests to determine car safety.

Small Overlap Front Driver-Side Test
Not Tested
Small Overlap Front Passenger-Side Test
Not Tested
Moderate Overlap Front Test – Original
Good
Moderate Overlap Front Test – Updated
Not Tested
Side Impact Test – Original
Good
Side Impact Test – Updated
Not Tested
Roof Strength Test
Good
Rear Crash Protection / Head Restraint
Good

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2017 Chevy Traverse Review

Price & Payment

Edmunds' Expert Review

Pros

Cons

What’s new

Vehicle overview

For sale near Des Moines, IA

2017 Chevrolet Traverse
LT 4dr SUV w/2LT

2017 Chevrolet Traverse
LS 4dr SUV

AutoCheck Vehicle History Summary

Edmunds' Expert Rating

Driving

Interior

2017 Chevrolet Traverse models

Cost to Drive

Reliability Ratings by RepairPal

Cost

Frequency

Severity

Chevrolet Traverse Owner Reviews

Most Helpful Owner Reviews

Trending topics

A good size and ride vehicle with too many CONS.

Got this after the 2015 Journey

Stepped up to something bigger

Sleeper vehicle now owned for 19 months

2017 Traverse Highlights

Safety

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2017 Chevy Traverse Review

Price & Payment

Edmunds' Expert Review

Pros

Cons

What’s new

Vehicle overview

For sale near Des Moines, IA

2017 Chevrolet TraverseLT 4dr SUV w/2LT

2017 Chevrolet TraverseLS 4dr SUV

AutoCheck Vehicle History Summary

Edmunds' Expert Rating

Driving

Interior

2017 Chevrolet Traverse models

Cost to Drive

Reliability Ratings by RepairPal

Cost

Frequency

Severity

Chevrolet Traverse Owner Reviews

Most Helpful Owner Reviews

A good size and ride vehicle with too many CONS.

Got this after the 2015 Journey

Stepped up to something bigger

Sleeper vehicle now owned for 19 months

2017 Traverse Highlights

Safety

People who viewed this also viewed

Related Used 2017 Chevrolet Traverse info

Vehicle reviews of used models

Shop similar models

Shop used vehicles in your area

Popular new car reviews and ratings

Research other models of Chevrolet

Research similar vehicles

Other models

Join Edmunds

2017 Chevrolet Traverse
LT 4dr SUV w/2LT

2017 Chevrolet Traverse
LS 4dr SUV