2021 Chevy Traverse Review

Name: 2021 Chevrolet Traverse Review
Brand: Chevrolet
Price: 16999 USD

Chevrolet Traverse High Country 4dr SUV Exterior

2019 Chevrolet Traverse LT Cloth 4dr SUV Exterior

Chevrolet Traverse Premier 4dr SUV Exterior Shown

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The Traverse is one of the largest three-row SUVs in the midsize class and provides plenty of passenger and cargo space. A quiet cabin, soft ride and impressive infotainment tech add to its appeal. On the downside, budget-grade interior materials and a lack of standard safety features can make it hard to justify paying Chevy's price. Overall, the Traverse is worth a look if maximum space is a priority, but there are better choices overall.

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2021 Chevrolet Traverse Review

byKurt Niebuhr^{Senior Vehicle Test Editor
Kurt Niebuhr has worked in the automotive industry since 2005. A automotive photographer by trade, Kurt is now one of Edmunds' high-performance test drivers. He's driven and photographed hundreds, if not thousands, of vehicles all over the world, so Kurt's library of automotive experiences would certainly make for a good book. When not dreaming about getting his racing license or trying to buy out-of-date film for his cameras, Kurt can usually be found cursing at his 1966 Mustang.}

Pros

Passenger room is generous in all three rows
Loads of space for any combination of passengers and cargo
Feature-rich infotainment system comes with standard Wi-Fi hotspot

Cons

Some safety features are only available on top trims
Quality of some interior panels and controls seems low-rent for this class

What's new

Chevy Safety Assist replaces Driver Confidence II package
Otherwise, the 2021 Traverse has no significant changes
Part of the second Traverse generation introduced for 2018

Overview

Size and style are the 2021 Chevrolet Traverse's calling cards. Though it competes with three-row midsize SUVs, the handsome eight-passenger Traverse is significantly larger inside than most alternatives. That pays dividends in terms of passenger comfort and a maximum cargo volume measurement of 98.2 cubic feet. A standard 310-horsepower V6 engine supplies robust acceleration and up to 5,000 pounds of towing capacity.

Cost to Drive^{Cost to drive estimates for the 2021 Chevrolet Traverse L 4dr SUV (3.6L 6cyl 9A) 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 $3.01 per gallon for regular unleaded in Virginia.}

Monthly estimates based on costs in Virginia

$171/mo

$222/mo

Avg. Large SUV

Calculate my fuel costs

There are downsides, however. It can't match many rivals in interior quality, and Chevrolet restricts important advanced driver safety features to the Traverse's higher trim levels. A planned refresh of the Traverse arrives for the 2022 model year, with updated styling, an upgraded infotainment system, and standard rather than optional safety features. But for more details and in-depth analysis of the 2021 Traverse, be sure to examine our Expert Rating.

Edmunds Expert Rating

Our Verdict^{The Edmunds Vehicle Testing Team evaluates a fresh batch of vehicles every week, pairing objective assessments at our test track with real-world driving on city streets, freeways and winding roads. The data we gather results in our Expert Ratings. They’re based on 30-plus scores that cover every aspect of the automotive experience.}

Average

7.4

out of 10

edmunds TESTED

Rated for you by America's best test team.

Performance

7.5/10

How does the Traverse drive? The Traverse's V6 engine provides strong acceleration when you really ask for it, but in general it tends to select a higher gear for fuel economy, which sometimes makes it feel less punchy. It took 7.1 seconds to accelerate to 60 mph in our testing, which is relatively quick for the three-row SUV class. The transmission's quick shifts are well suited to low-speed city driving, and the brakes have good stopping power despite a lack of pedal feel.

Handling isn't the Traverse's strong suit, and there's moderate body roll in turns due to its size and soft suspension. Class rivals such as the Honda Pilot and Mazda CX-9 feel more composed. But the steering feels good, with plenty of assist at low parking-lot speeds and hefty weight at highway speeds.

Comfort

8/10

How comfortable is the Traverse? If you're looking for comfortable and quiet family transport above all else, the Traverse should be on your short list. The seats are supportive enough for long rides, and there's enough legroom in all three rows for adults of average size. The ride is top-notch, with tall-sidewall tires and a soft suspension soaking up bumps and impacts. At highway speeds, the cabin stays relatively hushed, with just the slightest hint of wind noise over the side mirrors.

The Traverse's air conditioning cools the big cabin quickly, but the controls are a jumbled mess and some functions are buried in touchscreen menus. The heated seats and steering wheel could use more intensity.

Interior

7.5/10

How’s the interior? Despite its height, the Traverse is easy to get into and out of. There's not a significant step-up height, and the wide door openings make it easy for average-size adults to slide in and out. A tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel and multiple seat adjustments offer a commanding driving position, but some of our staff found the awkward placement of the driver's footrest uncomfortable.

There's a lot of room ― for heads, legs, elbows and shoulders ― in all three rows. This is one of the biggest cabins among three-row SUVs. But it's also one of the hardest to see around. The seats and giant pillars block the view to the rear sides, so it's helpful to have the Traverse's blind-spot monitoring, rearview camera and rear parking sensors.

Technology

8/10

How’s the tech? A standard Wi-Fi connection, a high-quality upgraded sound system and easy-to-use voice controls give the Traverse an edge among three-row SUVs. The navigation display is clear and detailed, if somewhat small compared to the size of the screen. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto come standard. Up to seven devices can connect to the onboard Wi-Fi, which should keep passengers happy on long drives.

Optional safety equipment delivers an acceptable experience, but you need to spring for the mid- to high-level trims for access. Given the Traverse's compromised rearward visibility, some of these systems (blind-spot monitoring, rear parking sensors) should be standard.

Storage

8.5/10

How’s the storage? The Traverse offers abundant space for adults, child seats, water bottles and whatever else you can think of. There's a 23 cubic feet of luggage space behind the upright third row, which is more than what most rivals offer. Fold both the second- and third-row seats and you have a massive 98.2 cubes. This goes for small-item storage as well, with big door pockets, a big center console and good-size cupholders offering plenty of nooks for your items. Child safety seats are also afforded plenty of room and easy to install with easily accessible anchor and tether points in the second-row captain's chairs and the third row.

Fitted with its optional trailering equipment, the Traverse can tow up to 5,000 pounds. That's right in line with most three-row rivals.

Fuel Economy

6.5/10

How’s the fuel economy? The EPA estimates that a front-wheel-drive Traverse will return 21 mpg combined (18 city/27 highway). That's right about in the middle of the averages for three-row crossovers. On our highway-heavy 115-mile evaluation route, the Traverse returned 21.8 mpg, slightly below expectations.

Value

6.5/10

Is the Traverse a good value? The Traverse's scheduled maintenance and warranties are about average for the class. Complimentary roadside assistance stretches for five years/60,000 miles, which is better than what some rivals offer. That’s impressive support, but the Chevy's build quality feels only average, and even a little low-rent, for its price.

Wildcard

5.5/10

The Traverse isn't the go-to three-row SUV if you're looking for a fun, lively driving experience. For that, you might look to the Mazda CX-9 or Ford Explorer. What the Chevy does excel at, however, is spacious six-adult-passenger transportation with a soft, comfortable and confident ride. You get the Traverse for carpooling, not canyon carving.

And while the Traverse does have some style, it's fairly bland compared to its rivals, which tend to have a more commanding road presence. There are a few available trim packages that give the Traverse a bit of a brutish look, but it's not the sleek or attractive choice in the segment.

Which Traverse does Edmunds recommend?

Chevrolet packages the 2021 Traverse in multiple trim levels ranging from basic to luxurious, but we recommend the LT Cloth or LT Leather, which provide the greatest array of standard and available equipment at a reasonable price. Whether you want the Chevy Safety Assist technologies, a set of 20-inch aluminum wheels, eight-passenger capacity or a rear-seat entertainment system, you'll find them available with the LT trim.

2021 Chevrolet Traverse models

The 2021 Chevrolet Traverse is available in seven trim levels: L, LS, LT Cloth, LT Leather, RS, Premier and High Country. All trims include a 3.6-liter V6 (310 horsepower, 266 lb-ft of torque), a nine-speed automatic transmission and front-wheel drive. All-wheel drive is an option for all but the base Traverse L.

L
The least expensive Traverse includes:

18-inch alloy wheels
Automatic headlights
Heated outside mirrors
Cloth upholstery
Second-row bench seat for eight-passenger seating
Triple-zone climate control
Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone integration
Onboard Wi-Fi
7-inch touchscreen

LS
Mainly, choosing LS trim buys access to optional equipment. It builds on the L trim with:

Dark-tinted rear privacy glass

LT Cloth
In addition to the LS trim features, the LT Cloth is offered in more colors and includes:

Foglights
Roof rails
Power-adjustable driver's seat
Second-row captain's chairs
Satellite radio

LT Leather
Besides leather seats, the LT Leather equips the Traverse with:

Heated front seats
Power-adjustable front passenger seat
Remote engine start
8-inch high-definition touchscreen
Blind-spot monitor with rear cross-traffic alert (warns you if a vehicle is in your blind spot during a lane change or while reversing)
Rear parking sensors
Power liftgate

A few option packages are available for the LT trims, including:

Chevy Safety Assist

Forward collision warning with automatic braking (warns you of an impending collision and applies the brakes in certain scenarios)
Lane keeping assist (steers the Traverse back into its lane if it begins to drift over the lane marker)

LT Premium package (LT Leather only):

20-inch wheels
Integrated navigation system
10-speaker premium audio system
Digital rearview mirror (allows you to see out the back even with a fully loaded cargo area)
360-degree camera system (gives you a top-down view of the Traverse and its surroundings for tight parking situations)

RS
Equipped like the LT Leather with the Premium and Chevy Safety Assist packages, the sporty RS also includes:

20-inch dark-finish wheels
Blacked-out styling cues and accents
Heated steering wheel

Premier
Includes the safety and comfort features of the RS, plus:

LED headlights
Hands-free liftgate
Power-adjustable steering wheel
Ventilated front seats
Heated rear seats
Wireless device charging

High Country
This is the top-of-the-line version of the Traverse, featuring:

Trailering enhancements (trailer hitch, upgraded system and touchscreen-based hitch guidance)
Panoramic sunroof
Power-folding third-row seat
Adaptive cruise control (maintains a driver-set distance between the Traverse and the car in front)
Enhanced automatic emergency braking (works at higher vehicle speeds)

Also Consider

Build Your 2024 Traverse

At a Glance:

5 Trims
$37,600starting MSRP

Build & Price Chevrolet.com

*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.

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

^{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

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

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

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 2021 Chevrolet Traverse.

5 (68%)

4 (7%)

3 (18%)

2 (7%)

1 (0%)

4.4

28 reviews

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Most helpful consumer reviews

Was completely in love with this SUV...

April, 08/04/2021

2021 Chevrolet Traverse LS 4dr SUV AWD (3.6L 6cyl 9A)

Until today. Don't get me wrong there are so many things I love about this car. It's gorgeous, and it has enough room to accommodate my family. Gas mileage I'd fairly decent for size and being a V6. I've had brake noise since the day I bought it. Learned that GM has a document or regarding the issue. Not a huge deal. Took it in to the shop to address this. Since it normally does …

Compares well to segment leaders

Aaron, 06/18/2021

2021 Chevrolet Traverse LT Cloth 4dr SUV (3.6L 6cyl 9A)

I felt very comfortable with purchasing a 2021 Traverse LT. My parents have a 2019 Highlander XLE and my sister has the 2020 Kia Telluride SX. My main reason for my purchase, it was the only 7 seat SUV with captains chairs under $40k. Does it have the refinement of my family members' cars, no. However it didn't have the price tag either. The engine on the Traverse is awesome. It is …

Big, comfortable, reasonably fast highway cruiser

Den, 03/10/2021

2021 Chevrolet Traverse Premier 4dr SUV AWD (3.6L 6cyl 9A)

If you are looking for a comfortable ride, this is it. I just love Chevy internal ergonomics, to me it looks clean and properly placed. Its a big crossover though, it could barely fit in my garage. 😁

I Love This SUV!!

NorCalMom44, 03/30/2021

2021 Chevrolet Traverse LS 4dr SUV (3.6L 6cyl 9A)

I previously had a 2012 Traverse that I loved but decided I wanted something smaller and more fuel efficient so I bought a new Honda CRV in 2018 (which was small but did not get the great gas mileage it claimed). I hated that car pretty much the entire time I had it and finally traded it in on a new 2021 Traverse. I love my new Traverse! It’s so comfortable and safe feeling and has …

See all 28 reviews of the Chevrolet Traverse

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2021 Traverse Highlights

Trim:

Base MSRP Excludes Destination Fee	$29,800
Engine Type	Gas
Combined MPG	21 MPG
Cost to Drive	$171/month
Seating	8 seats
Cargo Capacity All Seats In Place	23.0 cu.ft.
Drivetrain	front wheel drive
Warranty	3 years / 36,000 miles

See all features & specs

Safety

Our experts like the Traverse models:

Teen Driver Mode: Limits some systems, prevents the driver from deactivating safety features, and reports driving behavior to the Traverse's owner.
Side Blind Zone Alert: Alerts you if a vehicle in the next lane over is in your blind spot. Helps to prevent collisions.
Front Automatic Braking: Warns if a front impact is imminent and applies the brakes if you don't respond in time.

NHTSA Overall Rating

The National Highway Transportation Safety Administration offers independent analysis.

Frontal Barrier Crash Rating
Overall4 / 5
Driver5 / 5
Passenger4 / 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
Good
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
Acceptable
Roof Strength Test
Good
Rear Crash Protection / Head Restraint
Good

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