With plenty of passenger room and loads of available features, the Chevrolet Traverse remains a popular model with larger families.
Pricing and Equipment
The 2017 Chevrolet Traverse starts at $32,195 (destination fees included) in its LS trim with front-wheel drive – buyers looking for all-wheel drive will shell out an additional $2,000.
With its target audience being more established families, most buyers will likely lean toward the 1LT trim, which starts at $34,995 and includes:
- 18-inch alloy wheels
- 6.5-inch touchscreen audio system with six speakers
- Rear parking sensors
- Remote start
Unfortunately, advanced safety items, like forward collision alert and lane departure warning, require buyers to move up to the 2LT trim, and even then they’re still not standard.
Performance Pros
Though it’s a little old-school in some key areas, the 2017 Traverse is still competitive.
- We found its ride quality impressive, despite this model's age
- For a larger crossover weighing around 5,000 pounds, it handles corners well
- 5,200-pound towing capacity with front-wheel drive should be plenty for most families
Performance Cons
- No hybrid or four-cylinder powertrains to boost fuel economy
- The 3.6-liter V6 engine is smooth, but even with 288 horsepower and 270 pound-feet of torque, it works harder than we expected when going uphill or accelerating
- Though it handles well, its up to 4,956-pound curb weight makes itself known at times
Interior Pros
- We found the cabin surprisingly void of road and wind noise
- Seats are supportive and comfortable, making them great for long trips
- The third row is easy to access for children
Interior Cons
- The cabin's unexciting styling and simple layout hasn't aged well
- Lifting items over its high cargo floor can become frustrating
- Lacks the max cargo room of a minivan
The Most Pleasant Surprise
Despite lacking some modern technology, the Traverse is surprisingly easy to drive and its ride is very controlled. Its peaceful cabin was also quite a surprise considering there is no noise-canceling technology in use.
The Least Pleasant Surprise
The lack of eagerness from its V6 engine was a bit of a turn off, especially considering the fuel economy tradeoff from a turbocharged four-cylinder. In 2018, Chevy will solve this problem with two new engines: a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder and a more powerful 3.6-liter V6
The Bottom Line
Its looks and technology are a little dated – this all ends with the redesigned 2018 model – but the Traverse is still a solid choice for large families looking for a comfortable three-row crossover.
