Chevrolet Traverse
Three-row midsize SUV · 2009–present. 105,835 units sold in the US in 2024
How it began
General Motors created the Traverse for Chevrolet. Its 2008 debut statement quoted Ed Peper, then the brand’s general manager. For the second generation, MY2018, technical interviews identified Dean Perelli as chief engineer and Rich Scheer as exterior design director; Chevrolet’s release quoted John Cafaro as executive director of Global Chevrolet Design. The third-generation MY2024 release quoted Phil Zak as executive design director for Global Chevrolet.
The first Traverse shared GM’s Lambda platform with the Buick Enclave, GMC Acadia and Saturn Outlook. GM’s own factory history says Spring Hill, Tennessee, produced it from September 2008 through November 2009. Production moved to Lansing Delta Township, Michigan, in 2009; GM’s current factory list still identifies that plant as its assembly site.
It was unveiled in February 2008 at the Chicago Auto Show as a 2009 model. GM’s factory history dates Spring Hill production from September 2008.
The English verb traverse means to go or travel across or over. That common meaning does not establish why Chevrolet chose the name; the cited releases do not explain that decision.
In 2007, U.S. crossover sales rose 16 percent while the overall market fell 3 percent. The Traverse added three rows to Chevrolet’s crossover family alongside the two-row Equinox, competing with models such as the Ford Flex and Dodge Journey. Ed Peper highlighted third-row room for adults. In its original test, MotorWeek emphasized cargo space and family-hauling capability with better fuel economy than a large SUV.
Generation by generation
- Gen. 12009–2017 · Lambda
The three-row crossover Chevrolet was missing
Photo: IFCAR · Public domain What changed. It was an all-new model: GM's fourth SUV on the Lambda platform, with front- or all-wheel drive and seating for seven or eight. It used a 3.6-liter V6 with a 6-speed automatic and could tow 5,200 pounds. Prices ran from $28,990 to $41,810. For 2013 it got a new Malibu-style front end, nicer interior materials, the MyLink system with a 6.5-inch screen, and a front center airbag.
The innovation. Its direct-injection 3.6-liter V6, new to large American crossovers, made 281 hp (288 hp with the LTZ's dual exhaust) while improving fuel economy. From 2013 it added an airbag that inflates between the driver and front passenger in a side crash, so they do not strike each other.
If you buy one usedFor specified 2009 V6 Traverses, GM11340C was historical timing-chain special coverage for ten years or 120,000 miles from original in-service date, whichever came first; diagnosis can require chain replacement or ECM updating. Verify actual records and any current GM eligibility. Check belt cables 14V266 (2009–2014), side-airbag wiring 14V118 (2009–2013), curtain attachments 21V246 and driver inflators 21V782/22V246/23V334 with distinct years. GM’s January 2015 notice to identified recipients of potentially incorrect March–October 2014 wiring repairs required a second repair and immediate stop/tow if the airbag warning appeared. Confirm whether that notice and required follow-up apply to the VIN. - Gen. 22018–2024 (Limited)
Lighter, longer, with RS and High Country trims
Photo: Kevauto · CC BY-SA 4.0 What changed. It was redesigned from scratch on a new platform, introduced by Chevrolet in January 2017. The wheelbase grew 2 inches, with 11% more third-row space and 17% more cargo room behind it. The 3.6-liter V6 rose to 310 hp with a 9-speed automatic, and the RS trim introduced a 257 hp 2.0 turbo. The upscale High Country also arrived, with standard twin-clutch all-wheel drive.
The innovation. It shed 362 pounds versus the previous model, using high-strength steels and 120 feet of structural adhesive in an all-steel body. The passenger-side Smart Slide seat tips and slides for third-row access. An unoccupied forward-facing child seat can remain in place when properly installed with LATCH.
If you buy one usedSelected campaigns include 20V668 on 2018–2020 start/stop accumulators, with inspection and replacement if endcap bolts are missing; 19V643 on specified 2020 right-hand engine-compartment frame rails, whose published remedy includes vehicle replacement if necessary; 21V246 curtain attachments on specified 2018–2019 vehicles; and 22V210 on 2020–2022 roof-rail airbag connectors. These are distinct hardware conditions and repairs. Confirm actual VIN eligibility and completion records. - Gen. 32024–present
Turbo power, a Z71 and a giant screen
Photo: MercurySable99 · CC BY-SA 4.0 What changed. Redesigned from the ground up and revealed on July 17, 2023, it swapped the V6 for a 2.5-liter turbo four with an 8-speed automatic. It introduced the Z71 trim, with more than 1 inch of extra ground clearance, twin-clutch all-wheel drive and a skid plate. It offers Super Cruise hands-free driving on compatible roads and 98 cubic feet of maximum cargo space.
The innovation. A 17.7-inch touchscreen is standard, described by Chevrolet as more than twice the size of the previous model’s largest screen. Buckle to Drive temporarily delays shifting out of Park when the driver or front passenger is unbuckled. Chevrolet’s instructions explain that the lock times out after 20 seconds even if the belt remains unbuckled.
If you buy one usedExact NHTSA Chevrolet/Traverse queries for 2024 and 2025 each returned zero on November 3, 2026; that dated observation does not clear every alias/body or an actual VIN. Certain 2026 vehicles have 26V696 for insufficient seatback recliner-pivot welds. The published free remedy replaces the affected driver/front-passenger seatback frame; owner notices are expected December 7, 2026. Confirm current instructions, availability and the actual VIN before buying.
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Chevrolet Equinox2005–present
Chevrolet Trax2015–present
Chevrolet Tahoe1995–present
Ford F-Series (F-150)1948–present
Toyota RAV41994–present (US from 1996)
Honda CR-V1995–present
Ram 15001981–present
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