The Chevrolet Traverse is a full-size
crossover SUV
A crossover, crossover SUV, or crossover utility vehicle (CUV) is a type of automobile with an increased ride height that is built on unibody chassis construction shared with passenger cars, as opposed to traditional sport utility vehicles ...
with three-row seating built by
General Motors. It is built on the same platform as the
GMC Acadia and
Buick Enclave, known as the
Lambda platform for first generation, and the
C1XX for second generation. It also shares the C1XX platform with the
Cadillac XT6. It is the successor to the
TrailBlazer body-on-frame SUV and
Uplander minivan.
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
The Chevrolet Blazer is an automobile nameplate used by General Motors for its Chevrolet brand since 1969 for several SUV models:
* Full-size Chevrolet K5 Blazer, based on the C/K pickup chassis and built from 1969 to 1995 (renamed Blazer in 1992 ...
as part of Chevrolet's plans to expand its SUV lineup.
The Traverse name was originally used for a
concept car
A concept car (also known as a concept vehicle, show vehicle or prototype) is a car made to showcase new styling and/or new technology. They are often exhibited at motor shows to gauge customer reaction to new and radical designs which may or ...
at the
2003 North American International Auto Show in Detroit, but that concept gave way when the
Equinox
A solar equinox is a moment in time when the Sun crosses the Earth's equator, which is to say, appears zenith, directly above the equator, rather than north or south of the equator. On the day of the equinox, the Sun appears to rise "due east" ...
launched for the 2005 model year.
Powertrain
The Chevrolet Traverse features the
LLT engine, a
DOHC
An overhead camshaft (OHC) engine is a piston engine where the camshaft is located in the cylinder head above the combustion chamber. This contrasts with earlier overhead valve engines (OHV), where the camshaft is located below the combustion ch ...
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
An automatic transmission (sometimes abbreviated to auto or AT) is a multi-speed transmission (mechanics), transmission used in internal combustion engine-based motor vehicles that does not require any input from the driver to change forward gea ...
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 2.0-liter 4-cylinder turbo engine for the 2018 model year (RPO code LTG), 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 3.6-liter V6 engine (RPO code LFY). The updated 3.6-liter 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.
Marketing
The Traverse was part of a
product placement
Product placement, also known as embedded marketing, is a marketing technique where references to specific brands or products are incorporated into another work, such as a film or television program, with specific promotional intent. Much of th ...
by GM in the NBC drama ''
My Own Worst Enemy'', along with the new
Chevrolet Camaro
The Chevrolet Camaro is a mid-size American automobile manufactured by Chevrolet, classified as a pony car. It first went on sale on September 29, 1966, for the 1967 model year and was designed to compete with the Ford Mustang. The Camaro sh ...
; 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
Lyft, Inc. offers mobility as a service, ride-hailing, vehicles for hire, motorized scooters, a bicycle-sharing system, rental cars, and food delivery in the United States and select cities in Canada. Lyft sets fares, which vary using a ...
at the
Walt Disney World
The Walt Disney World Resort, also called Walt Disney World or Disney World, is an entertainment resort complex in Bay Lake and Lake Buena Vista, Florida, United States, near the cities of Orlando and Kissimmee. Opened on October 1, 1971, ...
Resort in Florida.
Gothic black colors of the Chevrolet Traverse are commonly used by federal agencies, such as Secret Service.
First generation (2009)
The 2009 Chevrolet Traverse debuted at the
2008 Chicago Auto Show and the Traverse had arrived at every Chevrolet dealer in October 2008. The first Traverse was built at GM's
Spring Hill, Tennessee, assembly plant during 2009, until its production was moved to GM's
Delta Township, Michigan assembly plant in 2010.
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 Chevrolet Malibu is a mid-size car manufactured and marketed by Chevrolet from 1964 to 1983 and again since 1997. The Malibu began as a trim-level of the Chevrolet Chevelle, becoming its own model line in 1978. Originally a rear-wheel-dr ...
. The Traverse has unique sheet metal different from the other Lambda crossovers, with the exception of the doors.
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
The Chevrolet Camaro is a mid-size American automobile manufactured by Chevrolet, classified as a pony car. It first went on sale on September 29, 1966, for the 1967 model year and was designed to compete with the Ford Mustang. The Camaro share ...
-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
A touchscreen or touch screen is the assembly of both an input ('touch panel') and output ('display') device. The touch panel is normally layered on the top of an electronic visual display of an information processing system. The display is ofte ...
and
MyLink radios are standard, as well as wood interior trim. Both
cloth
Textile is an umbrella term that includes various fiber-based materials, including fibers, yarns, filaments, threads, different fabric types, etc. At first, the word "textiles" only referred to woven fabrics. However, weaving is not the ...
and
leather
Leather is a strong, flexible and durable material obtained from the tanning, or chemical treatment, of animal skins and hides to prevent decay. The most common leathers come from cattle, sheep, goats, equine animals, buffalo, pigs and ho ...
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
Front-wheel drive (FWD) is a form of engine and transmission layout used in motor vehicles, where the engine drives the front wheels only. Most modern front-wheel drive vehicles feature a transverse engine, rather than the conventional longi ...
and
all-wheel drive
An all-wheel drive vehicle (AWD vehicle) is one with a powertrain capable of providing power to all its wheels, whether full-time or on-demand.
The most common forms of all-wheel drive are:
;1x1 : All unicycles Reflecting one axle with one ...
versions, ranging from the base LS to the top-of-the-line LTZ. 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
:
1 vehicle structure rated "Good"
:
2 strength-to-weight ratio: 4.00
File:09 Chevrolet Traverse.jpg, Front
File:2011 Chevrolet Traverse LS 3.6L, rear 5.12.19.jpg, Rear
File:2017 Chevrolet Traverse LS AWD, 08-14-2022.jpg, Front
File:2015 Chevrolet Traverse LT 3.6L rear 6.9.18.jpg, Rear
Second generation (2018)

On January 23, 2017, General Motors unveiled the second generation Traverse at the
2017 North American International Auto Show in
Detroit
Detroit ( , ; , ) is the largest city in the U.S. state of Michigan. It is also the largest U.S. city on the United States–Canada border, and the seat of government of Wayne County. The City of Detroit had a population of 639,111 at ...
. 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
South Korea, officially the Republic of Korea (ROK), is a country in East Asia, constituting the southern part of the Korea, Korean Peninsula and sharing a Korean Demilitarized Zone, land border with North Korea. Its western border is formed ...
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 (or 7-seat optional) passenger vehicle.
There are 5 trim levels available for the 2nd generation Traverse: L, LS, LT, Premier, and High Country (see below for trim level content). All the trim levels are available in either Front Wheel Drive (FWD) or All Wheel Drive (AWD) 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 (available only with High Country trim) with two rear clutches to more directly apply torque to the rear wheel that needs it most, both are developed by
GKN Driveline
GKN Automotive is a multinational manufacturer of driveline components, all-wheel drive systems and plug-in hybrid systems for the automotive industry. It employs around 27,500 people across 51 manufacturing facilities and 6 technology centres i ...
.
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
The Chevrolet Tahoe, and its badge engineered GMC Yukon counterpart, are full-size SUVs from General Motors, offered since 1994 and 1991, respectively. Since 1982, Chevrolet and GMC sold two different-sized SUVs under their 'Blazer' and 'Ji ...
, 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
Android Auto is a mobile app developed by Google to mirror features of an Android device, such as a smartphone, on a car's dashboard information and entertainment head unit.
Once an Android device is paired with the car's head unit, the syste ...
, 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 (all of which are available in
front-wheel drive
Front-wheel drive (FWD) is a form of engine and transmission layout used in motor vehicles, where the engine drives the front wheels only. Most modern front-wheel drive vehicles feature a transverse engine, rather than the conventional longi ...
(FWD) or
all-wheel drive
An all-wheel drive vehicle (AWD vehicle) is one with a powertrain capable of providing power to all its wheels, whether full-time or on-demand.
The most common forms of all-wheel drive are:
;1x1 : All unicycles Reflecting one axle with one ...
(AWD), except for the base L, which is only available with FWD, and the top-of-the-line High Country, which is only available with AWD), 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
OnStar Corporation is a subsidiary of General Motors that provides subscription-based communications, in-vehicle security, emergency services, turn-by-turn navigation, and remote diagnostics systems throughout the United States, Canada, China ...
, LATCH system for rear child safety seats, Teen Driver Technology, a rear vision camera, LED daytime running lamps, High-Intensity Discharge (HID) 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
Android Auto is a mobile app developed by Google to mirror features of an Android device, such as a smartphone, on a car's dashboard information and entertainment head unit.
Once an Android device is paired with the car's head unit, the syste ...
, 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
Sirius XM Holdings Inc. is an American broadcasting company headquartered in Midtown Manhattan, New York City that provides satellite radio and online radio services operating in the United States. It was formed by the 2008 merger of Sirius Sat ...
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: 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 (exclusive to the RS trim level) will be discontinued.
Redline Edition: Available on the Premier, the Redline Edition 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.
Model year changes
For 2019 model year, the Blackout Package was added as an available option on LS, LT, and Premier trim levels. The 2.0L I4 turbo engine (exclusive to the RS trim level) was discontinued for the 2020 model year (starting midway through the 2019 model year).
[“GM Discontinues 2.0L Turbo Engine In Chevrolet Traverse”](_blank)
from GM Authority (April 21, 2019) Also, the MyLink system was replaced by the Infotainment 3 system and a buckle-to-drive feature was added to the Teen Driver system. For the 2021 model year, the optional rear seat infotainment (which was available on LT, RS, Premier, Redline Edition, and High Country trim levels) was discontinued on the Traverse.
2022 facelift
Originally planned for the 2021 model year, Chevrolet gave the Traverse a refreshed look for 2022, adopting a grille similar to the redesigned Suburban/Tahoe vehicles, and featuring thin LED headlights and taillights, plus 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 was delayed due to production issues caused by the COVID-19 outbreak. It went on sale in late 2021 as a 2022 model instead. The 2022 Traverse retained the 3.6-liter V6 gasoline engine with the 9-speed automatic transmission.
File:2022 Chevrolet Traverse (facelift), front.jpg, 2022 Chevrolet Traverse (facelift)
File:2022 Chevrolet Traverse LS (facelift), rear.jpg, 2022 Chevrolet Traverse LS (facelift)
Sales
References
External links
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Traverse
Cars introduced in 2008
2010s cars
2020s cars
Full-size sport utility vehicles
Mid-size sport utility vehicles
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Front-wheel-drive vehicles
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Motor vehicles manufactured in the United States
Vehicles built in Lansing, Michigan