2024 Chevrolet Traverse: Now With More SUVness

Competes with: [Deep breath] Buick Enclave, Ford Explorer, GMC Acadia, Honda Pilot, Hyundai Palisade, Kia Telluride, Mazda CX-90, Nissan Pathfinder, Subaru Ascent, Toyota Highlander and Grand Highlander, Volkswagen Atlas

Looks like: A more aggressive version of the current Traverse, almost a baby Tahoe

Powertrain: 315-horsepower, turbocharged 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine; front- or all-wheel drive; eight-speed automatic transmission

Hits dealerships: Early 2024

Chevrolet wants the third generation of its three-row Traverse SUV “to act and look more like an SUV,” which sounds like a bit of an underhanded goal. But when the first generation arrived as a 2009 model, it was essentially a minivan sans sliding doors. The subsequent redesign made it look more like an SUV, but the updated 2024 Traverse takes things even further.

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Styling updates aside, the Traverse also adds an on-trend off-road trim, the model’s first Z71 variant, and all variants get an all-new standard 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine that’s more powerful than the outgoing V-6. Technological updates include a standard 17.7-inch touchscreen display and available Super Cruise hands-free driving with automatic lane changing. It’s a welcome set of updates in what is a very competitive class of vehicles, but will it be enough?

New Engine, Two Flavors of All-Wheel Drive

Under the hood of every 2024 Traverse is an all-new, turbocharged 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine. According to GM’s estimates, it produces 315 horsepower and 317 pounds-feet of torque; that’s 5 hp and 51 pounds-feet more than the previous model’s standard V-6. Fuel economy estimates aren’t available yet, but Chevy is confident the new engine will be more efficient, too. Interestingly, the Traverse doesn’t get a version of the new turbo 2.7-liter four from the also-redesigned Colorado, but the 2.5-liter should be plenty. Towing capacity remains at 5,000 pounds when properly equipped.

As before, the Traverse will be available in either front- or all-wheel drive. The base LS, LT and range-topping RS are available with either drivetrain, while the Z71 comes standard with a unique twin-clutch AWD system and Chevy’s single-pedal Terrain mode for off-roading.

What About the Z71?

Off-road (or, more often, soft-road) three-row SUVs are currently en vogue, and Chevrolet had a plethora of tried-and-true off-road trims to choose from for the new Traverse. It went for the least aggressive Z71, but that’s probably enough for most shoppers.

Besides the unique AWD system and extra Terrain mode, the Z71 is lifted more than an inch compared to the rest of the Traverse lineup and rides on all-terrain tires wrapped around trim-specific 18-inch wheels. The front styling is also slightly different to improve the SUV’s approach angle and includes red tow hooks and an aluminum front skid plate. The suspension has unique damping for improved ride, and the track is also slightly wider than other Traverses, which should improve stability. As an added bonus, the available trailering package is standard on the Z71.

The result is a Traverse that, on paper, is a bit more capable off-road and roughly on par with the Kia Telluride X-Pro, Honda Pilot TrailSport, Ford Explorer Timberline and Nissan Pathfinder Rock Creek.

RS Now Top Dawg

Atop the Traverse lineup for 2024 is the sportier RS. While it has the same powertrain as other Traverse trims, it gets unique 22-inch wheels that are significantly larger than the 20-inchers of the previous RS, plus a sport-tuned suspension. It also gets more aggressive exterior looks with lots of blacked-out trim, and inside, it has a unique flat-bottomed steering wheel and red interior accents. The RS also offers standard power-folding second- and third-row seats for added convenience. The Traverse-first AutoSense power liftgate is also standard on the RS (but available on lower trims).

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Tech Upgrades Highlight Improved Interior

The Traverse’s interior has always been on the roomier side but fell behind competitors on the technological front. The new Traverse’s standard 17.7-inch standard touchscreen display should go a long way to rectifying that. The system includes standard wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone connectivity, though wireless smartphone charging is optional. It also comes with Google Built-In.

Another differentiator will be the available Super Cruise hands-free driving system, which includes automatic lane changing and functions while towing. Other updates include an 11-inch digital gauge cluster and a new column-mounted gear selector that opens up space in the center console.

While roominess has never been an issue for the Traverse, Chevrolet has improved one key aspect: The second-row seats now tilt and slide for third-row access on both sides of the Traverse instead of just one. Seating is for either seven or eight, depending on trim level. Most trims come standard with second-row captain’s chairs.

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Pricing and Release Date

Chevrolet says the new Traverse will be available in early 2024. More details, including pricing and fuel economy, will be announced closer to that date, so stay tuned.

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