Chevrolet Traverse
The Chevrolet Traverse is a seven or eight seat full-size crossover SUV built by General Motors. It is built on the same platform as the GMC Acadia and Buick Enclave. It also shares the C1XX platform with the Cadillac XT6. It is the successor to the Chevrolet TrailBlazer SUV and Uplander minivan.
Originally marketed as a full-size crossover SUV, the Traverse was built at GM's Spring Hill, Tennessee, assembly plant during 2009, but then production of the Traverse had moved to GM's Delta Township, Michigan, assembly plant in 2010.
The 2009 Chevrolet Traverse debuted at the 2008 Chicago Auto Show and the Traverse had arrived at every Chevrolet dealer in October 2008.
The second generation model debuted in showrooms in the summer of 2017. Starting with the 2019 model year, the Traverse was slotted above the new mid-size Chevrolet Blazer as part of Chevrolet's plans to expand its SUV lineup.
Powertrain
The Chevrolet Traverse features the LLT engine, a DOHC V6 with VVT and direct injection. The other Lambda-based vehicles also have this powertrain in the 2009 model year. A 6-speed automatic transmission gives power to the front or all wheels. The Traverse delivers with the torque at 266 lb·ft. in the LS and LT models. The LTZ model, with dual exhaust, delivers and the torque comes in at 270 lb·ft. The Traverse received a 2.0L 4-cylinder Turbo engine for the 2018 model year, available only on the RS trim level. The 2.0L 4-cylinder Turbo engine was short-lived, with Chevrolet discontinuing the engine for the Traverse in April 2019. 2018 also saw an updated 3.6L V6 engine. The updated 3.6L engine features increased power, and engine start-stop technology. Starting for the 2018 model year, A 9-speed 9T65 transmission was used across all trim levels and engine options.| Year | Exhaust | Engine | Power | Torque | Transmission |
| 2009–2017 | Single | 3.6 L LLT V6 | 281 hp | 266 lb·ft | 6-speed 6T75 |
| 2009–2017 | Dual | 3.6 L LLT V6 | 288 hp | 270 lb·ft | 6-speed 6T75 |
| 2018-2019 | Dual | 3.6L LFY V6 | 310 hp | 266 lb·ft | 9-speed 9T65 |
| 2018-2019 | Dual | 2.0L LTG 4-cylinder Turbo | 257 HP | 295 lb·ft | 9-speed 9T65 |
Design
The Traverse name was originally used for a concept car at the 2003 North American International Auto Show in Detroit, but that concept gave way when the Chevrolet Equinox launched for the 2005 model year. The production Traverse's design was inspired by the 2005 Chevrolet Sequel concept, and has a chevron-shaped grille similar to the 2008 Chevrolet Malibu. The Traverse has unique sheet metal different from the other Lambda crossovers, with the exception of the doors.Marketing
The Traverse was part of a product placement by GM in the NBC drama My Own Worst Enemy, along with the new Chevrolet Camaro; the show was cancelled in mid-November 2008. The vehicle also appears on the remake of Hawaii Five-0 and The Mentalist.The Traverse is also used in the Minnie Van Service in conjunction with Lyft at the Walt Disney World Resort in Florida.
Gothic black colors of the Chevrolet Traverse are commonly used by federal agencies, such as Secret Service.
First generation (2009–2017)
2010
On the LT models, the early 2010 update removed the "TRAVERSE" badges on the front doors. Beginning on late 2010 models, the GM logos were removed from the vehicle's front doors.2013 facelift
A facelift of the Chevrolet Traverse was unveiled at the 2012 New York International Auto Show. The 2013 Traverse receives a new grille and front fascia, a redesigned rear liftgate, and reworked Camaro-inspired tail lights, and the transmission has been reworked for improved shift quality and timing. Pictures were released by GM on March 28, 2012. Chevrolet's new color touchscreen and MyLink radios are standard, as well as wood interior trim. Both cloth and leather seating surfaces will be available, depending on the model. Cloth is standard on the LS and 1LT models, and leather is standard on the LTZ. Both are available on the 2LT model. Some new wheels will be available, and models will continue to be offered in both front-wheel drive and all-wheel drive versions, ranging from the base LS to the top-of-the-line LTZ. Base price for the 2013 Traverse LS is at $30,510. A Bose audio system will be standard on 2LT and LTZ models.2014
While there were no cosmetic changes made for the 2014 model year, Chevrolet did add new features to the Traverse: Forward Collision Alert and Lane Departure Warning. Also, the audio system feature was updated, with a dual charge USB port now located at the rear of the center console.2015
No cosmetic changes. Only two new features, a revised 18-inch wheel appearance and Siri Eyes Free, were added. Siren Red Tintcoat, Sable Metallic, and Blue Velvet Metallic became available as exterior colors, while Ebony/Saddle Up became available as an interior color option.2016
The 2016 Traverse received minor changes. The trim level were reduced to LS, LT1, LT2, and LTZ. New features include OnStar 4G LTE connectivity with Wi-Fi hotspot, Iridescent Pearl and Mosaic Black Metallic as color palettes, Leather and Driver Confidence Packages for the LT trims, and 20-inch aluminum wheel designs, painted and machined finishes.2017
For the 2017 model year, the Traverse LTZ trim is renamed to Premier. However, most of the features from the 2016 model year Traverse had been carried over to the 2017 Traverse models.Safety
| Overall: | |
| Frontal Driver: | |
| Frontal Passenger: | |
| Side Driver: | |
| Side Passenger: | |
| Side Pole Driver: | |
| Rollover AWD: | 15.5% |
| Category | Rating |
| Moderate overlap frontal offset | Good |
| Small overlap frontal offset | Not tested1 |
| Side impact | Good |
| Roof strength | Good2 |
Second generation (2018–present)
On January 9, 2017, General Motors unveiled the second generation Traverse at the 2017 North American International Auto Show in Detroit. Introduced as a 2018 model, it went on sale in July 2017. While Chevrolet is making the vehicle available in North America, plans include expanding the Traverse to the Middle East, and selected South American countries. The Traverse was launched to the Russian market in 2018, and was sold in South Korea in the second half of 2019, where it is touted as a "Super SUV" and its largest Crossover SUV in that region.The updated Traverse adopted a more truck-like design, similar to the Tahoe, while taking some cues from the now mid-size Acadia, with the Chevrolet front grille design. It is similar in dimension to the first generation model, adding an extra 2.0 inches of wheelbase and 0.7 inch more overall length, and it loses to come in at a weight of. It remains an 8-seat passenger vehicle. As part of GM's plans to expand its range of crossovers by size in order to be competitive within the segments, Chevrolet re-positioned the Traverse as a full-size crossover SUV due to the launch of the mid-size Blazer that debuted in 2019.
There are 5 trim levels available for the 2nd generation Traverse: L, LS, LT, Premier, and High Country. All the trim levels are available in either Front Wheel Drive or All Wheel Drive drive type configurations except for the L trim level which is only available in FWD and the High Country trim level which is only available in AWD. In an addition, there are 2 types of AWD system available for this generation of Traverse: the standard AWD system that allows user to disconnect the prop-shaft until rear traction is needed and the twin-clutch Twinster version with two rear clutches to more directly apply torque to the rear wheel that needs it most, both are developed by GKN Driveline.
At the introductory period, a 310-horsepower 3.6L V6 gasoline engine was one of two engine options available, mated to a nine-speed automatic transmission with either Front Wheel Drive or All Wheel Drive. a 2.0L Turbocharged Inline 4 was the other available engine, but that could only be optioned in RS Front Wheel Drive models from 2017-2019.
The new Traverse gained some new technology, some of which is currently available on other models such as the Chevrolet Equinox, Chevrolet Tahoe, and Chevrolet Suburban. Some of this technology included: a hands-free power tailgate, the latest-generation Chevrolet MyLink infotainment systems with standard Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a power-folding 60/40 split third-row rear bench seat, and standard keyless access with push-button start.
Trim levels
The second-generation Chevrolet Traverse is offered in several different trim levels or all-wheel drive, and each offering their own distinct level of standard equipment:L: The L is the least expensive trim level of the Traverse. It offers the following standard equipment: a 3.6L V6 gasoline engine with Stop-Start Technology, a nine-speed automatic transmission, a dual-outlet exhaust system, Traction Mode Select, StabiliTrak Electronic Stability and Traction Control System, dual frontal and front and rear SRS side-impact airbags, tire pressure monitoring system with Tire Fill Alert, OnStar, LATCH system for rear child safety seats, Teen Driver Technology, a rear vision camera, LED daytime running lamps, High-Intensity Discharge headlamps, black power-adjustable and manually-folding exterior side view mirrors, exterior color-keyed door handles, a seven-inch Chevrolet MyLink infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Bluetooth with streaming audio, steering wheel-mounted audio system controls, six standard USB ports, a driver information center with a 3.5-inch monochrome display screen, a digital compass, keyless access with push-button start, a tri-zone automatic climate control system, interior lighting with theater dimming, premium cloth seating surfaces, eight-passenger seating, and ten standard cup holders.
LS: The LS is the second least expensive trim level of the Traverse. It adds deep-tinted glass and optional AWD to the base L.
LT Cloth: The LT Cloth adds comfort and convenience features to the LS, such as: eighteen-inch Bright Silver-finished aluminum-alloy wheels, exterior color-keyed heated, power-adjustable, and manually-folding exterior side view mirrors, front fog lamps, roof rails, SiriusXM Satellite Radio, seven-passenger seating with second-row rear captain's chairs, an eight-way, power-adjustable front driver's bucket seat with power lumbar support, a three-spoke, leather-wrapped steering wheel, and power windows with front driver's express up/down and front passenger's express up functionality.
LT Leather: The LT Leather adds luxury features to the LT Cloth, such as: Surround Vision with Bird's-Eye View, side blind zone and rear cross-traffic alert, rear park assist, twenty-inch machined aluminum-alloy wheels, an eight-inch Chevrolet MyLink infotainment system with GPS navigation, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto, a ten-speaker Bose premium audio system, leather-trimmed seating surfaces, an enhanced driver information center with a 4.2-inch color display, a six-way, power-adjustable front passenger's bucket seat with power lumbar support, heated dual front bucket seats, a 120-volt AC rear power outlet, and HomeLink.
Premier: The Premier is the "luxury" model of the Traverse, and adds the following features to the LT Leather: a dual-outlet exhaust system with rectangular exhaust tips, LED "D-Optic" projector-beam front headlamps, exterior color-keyed, power-adjustable, heated manually-folding exterior side view mirrors, exterior color-keyed body side molding with chrome inserts, chrome exterior door handles, twenty-inch Argent Metallic-finished aluminum-alloy wheels, a hands-free power tailgate with Chevrolet emblem projection, a driver's memory system, a power tilt-and-telescopic steering column, a heated leather-wrapped steering wheel, perforated leather-trimmed seating surfaces with heated and ventilated dual front bucket seats, heated second-row rear captain's chairs, and wireless charging for compatible devices.
High Country: The High Country is the top-of-the-line Traverse trim level, and adds the following features to the Premier, such as: standard All Wheel Drive, a tow package, IntelliBeam automatic front high beam assist, forward collision warning and lane departure warning, adaptive cruise control with autonomous emergency braking, twenty-inch polished aluminum-alloy wheels, a SkyScape panoramic moonroof, and a power-folding third-row 60/40 split rear bench seat.
There are also two appearance packages available on the 2nd generation Traverse:
RS: Based on the LT trim with leather seating adds black bowties, Black Ice grille and foglamp bezel, 20 inch Dark Android-painted aluminum wheels, Gloss Black window trims, and Black roof rails. The RS also has a turbocharged four-cylinder engine instead of the 3.6L V6 gasoline engine vs other trim levels. Beginning mid-way through the 2019 model year, the 3.6L V6 gasoline engine will be standard on all trim levels as the turbocharged four-cylinder engine will be discontinued.
Redline Edition: Available on the Premier in the following exterior colors only, adds Driver Confidence II package, dual SkyScape panoramic moonroof, black-chromed mirrorcaps and door handles, 20 inch gloss black wheels with red stripes, black bowties with red and black badging, Black Ice grille and foglamp bezel, gloss black window trim, black roof rails, smoked dark tailamps, and black-painted lower moldings with black ice inserts.
At time of introduction, the 2018 Chevrolet Traverse is available exclusively with a 3.6L V6 gasoline engine with Stop-Start technology, and a nine-speed automatic transmission. Future engine and transmission options may become available for the Traverse in the future. The RS Model will also be available after introduction, based on one of the LT trim levels, as will a new Redline Edition based on the Premier trim level.
MY 2019
There were no major changes. The Saddle Brown Metallic color will be replaced by Havana Brown Metallic and the Roadside Assistance package is available on all trim levels. The Blackout Package is added as an available option on LS, LT, and Premier trim levels. The 2019 model year Traverse will also be the final year that the 2.0L I-4 LTG turbo engine is being offered for this vehicle.MY 2020
The 2020 model year Traverse saw new changes, which will also carry over to the 2021 model year due to GM’s decision to temporarily halt production in the wake of the Coronavirus pandemic. The 2.0L I-4 LTG turbo engine was discontinued for the 2020 model year and replaced by a 3.6L V6 gasoline engine which is already standard on other trim levels. Also the MyLink system was replaced by the Infotainment 3 system and buckle-to-drive feature was added to the teen driver system standard on all trim levels. Three new colors were also added to the color palette for the 2020 model year.MY 2021
The 2021 model year Traverse will not see any major changes and will remain similar to the 2020 model. Initially, a facelifted version of the Traverse was planned to go on sale in late 2020 as a 2021 model year vehicle but the launch of the facelift was postponed to 2021 as a 2022 model year vehicle due to COVID-19 pandemic as General Motors temporarily suspended the production of many vehicle models. The 2021 model year will also be the fourth and final model year of the current outgoing Traverse as it will be replaced by the upcoming facelifted version of the Traverse for the 2022 model year.MY 2022 Facelift
Originally planned for the 2021 model year, Chevrolet is giving the Traverse a refreshed look, adopting a grille similar to the upcoming redesigned Suburban/Tahoe vehicles, and featuring thin LED headlights and taillights, and new daytime running lights with integrated LED turn signals. Also new are interior seating options, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and a new available eight-inch infotainment display. Several safety features are now standard: Automatic Emergency Braking, Front Pedestrian Braking, Forward Collision Alert, Lane Keep Assist with Lane Departure Warning, IntelliBeam auto high beams, and a Following Distance Indicator. Advanced Adaptive Cruise Control is added to the 3LT, RS and Premier trims, while GM's Safety Alert Seat is now standard on Premier and High Country models. These changes were based on feedback from consumers. The updated Traverse was to go on sale in late 2020, but will be delayed to the 2021 calendar year, due to the COVID-19 outbreak, where it will go on sale as a 2022 model instead.The 2022 Traverse is expected to retain the 3.6-liter V6 gasoline engine from the outgoing model with a 9-speed automatic transmission.