2021 Chevy Traverse Review

　　

2021 Chevrolet Traverse Review

byKurt NiebuhrSenior Vehicle Test Editor

　　Kurt Niebuhr has worked in the automotive industry since 2005. A automotive photographer by trade, Kurt is now one of zzdcar' 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 When not dreaming about getting his racing license or trying to buy out-of-date film for his cameras, Kurt can usually be found cursing at his 1966 Mustang.

　　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 DriveCost 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 $3.04 per gallon for regular unleaded in North Dakota.

Monthly estimates based on costs in North Dakota

　　$172/mo  for Traverse L

　　Traverse L

　　L 4dr SUV (3.6L 6cyl 9A) - $29,800 MSRPLS 4dr SUV (3.6L 6cyl 9A) - $32,900 MSRPLS 4dr SUV AWD (3.6L 6cyl 9A) - $34,900 MSRPLS Fleet 4dr SUV (3.6L 6cyl 9A) - $33,900 MSRPLS Fleet 4dr SUV AWD (3.6L 6cyl 9A) - $35,900 MSRPLT Cloth 4dr SUV (3.6L 6cyl 9A) (Most Popular) - $35,400 MSRPLT Cloth 4dr SUV AWD (3.6L 6cyl 9A) - $39,200 MSRPLT Fleet 4dr SUV (3.6L 6cyl 9A) - $36,300 MSRPLT Fleet 4dr SUV AWD (3.6L 6cyl 9A) - $38,300 MSRPLT Leather 4dr SUV (3.6L 6cyl 9A) - $39,100 MSRPLT Leather 4dr SUV AWD (3.6L 6cyl 9A) - $41,100 MSRPRS 4dr SUV (3.6L 6cyl 9A) - $43,700 MSRPRS 4dr SUV AWD (3.6L 6cyl 9A) - $45,800 MSRPPremier 4dr SUV (3.6L 6cyl 9A) - $45,800 MSRPPremier 4dr SUV AWD (3.6L 6cyl 9A) - $48,400 MSRPHigh Country 4dr SUV (3.6L 6cyl 9A) - $50,900 MSRPHigh Country 4dr SUV AWD (3.6L 6cyl 9A) - $53,100 MSRP

　　vs

　　$229/mo

　　Avg. Large SUV

　　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.

　　zzdcar Expert Rating

　　Our VerdictThe zzdcar 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

　　zzdcar 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

8.0/10

　　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

8.0/10

　　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 zzdcar 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)

　　

2021 Traverse Highlights

Trim: LLSLS FleetLT ClothLT FleetLT LeatherRSPremierHigh CountryL

　　

Base MSRP	$29,800
Engine Type	Gas
Combined MPG	21 MPG
Cost to Drive	$172/month
Seating	8 seats
Cargo Capacity All Seats In Place	23.0 cu.ft.
Drivetrain	front wheel drive
Warranty	3 years / 36,000 miles