Situated between the compact Equinox and the full-size Tahoe in Chevrolet's lineup, the Traverse is emerging as a buyer's favorite in the growing midsize crossover category.
And for good reason. The Traverse has plenty of versatility in its DNA—you'll find the option of all-wheel drive and the flexibility of seating for seven or eight passengers. A Traverse can also tow up to 5,200 pounds, which should be enough for a good-size boat or smaller camper.
The Traverse comes with a single engine—a 3.6-liter V6 powers that produces 288 horsepower with dual exhausts or 281 horsepower with a single exhaust.
Your first major choice is between front-wheel and all-wheel drive. We often advise buyers who don't need all-wheel drive against the extra weight, added cost and decreased fuel efficiency, but you'll pay only a slight mileage penalty here—a front-wheel drive Traverse, rated at 17 mpg city and 24 mpg highway, beats the all-wheel drive by only 1 mpg in each category.
Trim levels at Chevrolet tend to range from Spartan to luxurious, and can create dramatically different ownership experiences. As with most Chevy products, therefore, we suggest skipping the entry-level $31,670 LS. Either LT—priced from $34,885 and $37,740—is nicely equipped, while the $42,130 LTZ includes upscale features that aren't necessarily standard on luxury-class SUVs.
If you need eight-passenger seating, it's standard on the LS and 1LT, and optional on the 2LT. The LTZ limits passenger capacity to seven.
Choose your Chevrolet Traverse >>
The Traverse is an excellent compromise for families who want full-size functionality—like seating for eight and a decent tow rating—with midsize dimensions.
