Used 2021 Chevrolet Traverse

The Traverse is Chevrolet’s 3-row crossover SUV. It plays in the midsize SUV segment with the Honda Pilot, Toyota Highlander, and Ford Explorer, but is larger than those rivals. The Chevrolet Traverse is a tempting vehicle for families, thanks to its extra interior room and a starting price that undercuts most competitors. We also like its standard V6 engine, the ability to tow up to 5,000 pounds, and seating for seven or eight passengers.

Where the 2021 Traverse struggles is in some feature content. Unlike its competitors, active safety systems are not included on lower models. That means to get important aids like forward-collision warning and automatic emergency braking, you must choose a higher trim, thus spending more money and defeating the Traverse’s value proposition. Chevrolet has already announced that it’s rectifying this in the refreshed 2022 Traverse, on sale later in 2021.

Comparatively, two of the hottest new crossovers in the segment, the Kia Telluride and Hyundai Palisade, include a bevy of safety and driver assists including adaptive cruise control. To get active cruise on a Traverse, you must pay over $52,000 for the top High Country trim. Those competitors also offer more robust infotainment systems, while the all-new Toyota Highlander offers the choice of an efficient hybrid.

Whether you’re dropping the kids at soccer, commuting to work, or ferrying family on a road trip, the Chevrolet Traverse is quite capable. Like nearly every other 3-row crossover SUV except for maybe the Mazda CX-9 or Ford Explorer ST, the Traverse isn’t very spry. Nor will you experience a whoosh of acceleration. But that isn’t the point in such a family SUV. Playing the role of family hauler, the 2021 Traverse is comfortable, quiet, and roomy enough to keep cranky kids at arm’s length.

The Traverse’s standard V6 engine has good power and works well with the standard 9-speed automatic transmission. It is also rated to tow up to 5,000 pounds, similar to competitors like the Kia Telluride.

One of our biggest gripes pertains to when the Traverse is stopped. Like other new vehicles, it uses a start/stop system that cuts engine power at idle to save fuel. Unlike other vehicles, you can’t switch that start/stop function off. That can mean an irritating situation where the engine is constantly starting and stopping in instances like heavy traffic. Try before you buy — especially at several stoplights.

Class-leading interior space is one of the Traverse’s best traits and a reason it’s popular with growing families. All Traverse models have three rows of seats. If you go with the standard 2nd-row bench, there is seating for eight passengers. If you choose the more comfortable twin captain’s seats in the middle row, there’s room for seven. The last row is best suited for kids. Up front, the driver and passenger seats do well at accommodating a variety of body shapes.

The central infotainment touchscreen comes in a standard 7-inch size or an optional 8-inch version. Both are easy to use, similar to a large mobile phone. In addition to touch operation, there are physical controls for common functions like volume and audio-track adjustment. Smaller buttons adjust climate settings like fan speed. The Traverse’s MyLink infotainment system still works respectably well, but rivals like the Kia Telluride and Toyota Highlander offer larger screens that are more advanced and easier to see.

Stretching over 204 inches, the Traverse is the biggest kid in the midsize-SUV class. In fact, it’s about as long as the last Chevrolet Tahoe full-size SUV. Its extra size is especially evident in the stretched area behind the rear doors.

There are a few ways to make your Traverse further stand out. The sporty RS trim has blacked-out accents and big, 20-inch wheels. The Redline edition that’s exclusive to the high-end Premier model is even more aggressive with black and red accents, including on the wheels. Top-end High Country models go big on the chrome and feature a twin-panel power sunroof.

SMARTSLIDE 2ND-ROW SEAT
The Chevy Traverse’s SmartSlide 2nd-row seat makes accessing the last row less of a gymnastics routine. Just pull a handle and the seat raises and slides forward to open a larger entrance to the third row. Over the years it saves a lot of time and stress.

REAR CAMERA MIRROR
This optional innovation enables the rearview mirror to switch from a traditional glass mirror to an all-digital display connected to a rear camera. The benefit is a wide, clear image of what’s behind you.

The 2021 Chevrolet Traverse lineup is broad, spanning seven trims. The least expensive is the L and includes a V6 engine and some niceties like tri-zone climate control, six USB ports, and an infotainment system with a 7-inch touchscreen display and Apple CarPlay/Android Auto integration.

Stepping up one trim, the Traverse LS adds a traction-mode select, deep-tinted rear windows, and high-intensity headlights. Be aware that neither of these base models can be had with active safety features like automatic emergency braking and lane-keeping assist, features that are standard on rivals like the Honda Pilot, Toyota Highlander, Kia Telluride, Hyundai Palisade, and more.

If you’re set on a 2021 Traverse, we recommend getting at least the LT Cloth model, which adds a power-adjustable driver’s seat and heated outside mirrors.

Seven-passenger seating is standard (eight is optional).

After you’ve taken our advice and chosen at least an LT Cloth trim, we highly recommend adding these two options: the Convenience and Driver confidence package that includes remote start, an 8-inch touchscreen, heated front seats, and a power tailgate. With that package, you can now add Driver Confidence II, which includes the all-important active safety features we keep urging.

The LT Leather brings a plusher interior and blind-spot monitoring, but you’ll still have to pay extra for the aforementioned safety features.

The Traverse RS adds 20-inch wheels, the Driver Confidence II package, IntelliBeam automatic high-beam headlights, and the LT Premium package that’s optional on LT Leather trims. That package bundles an 8-inch display, Rear Camera Mirror, and 10-speaker Bose audio.

The Traverse Premier has heated/ventilated front seats, heated rear seats, a heated steering wheel, a hands-free tailgate, heated and auto-dimming side mirrors, LED headlights, a power-adjustable steering wheel, memory settings, perforated leather, and wireless phone charging.

The top-line Traverse High Country comes loaded with amenities that are optional on other models. Among them are a hitch-guidance trailering camera and a dual-panel sunroof. Exclusive on the High Country is adaptive cruise control, enhanced automatic emergency braking, power-folding 3rd-row seats, and 20-inch polished alloy wheels.

The Traverse uses a 3.6-liter V6 that makes a robust 310 horsepower. The engine is tied to a 9-speed automatic transmission.

The Traverse comes standard with front-wheel drive (FWD). All-wheel drive (AWD) is optional on all but base L models, and a good choice if you live where it snows, or roads can be slick. For maximum traction, the Traverse High Country adds a dual-clutch transfer system that can automatically adjust the amount of torque going to each rear wheel, further preventing slippage. The Chevy Traverse SUV is rated to tow up to 5,000 pounds when optioned with the trailering package.

The Traverse has an engine idle start/stop feature, but unlike those of rivals, it cannot be disabled.

3.6-liter V6
310 horsepower @ 6,800 rpm
266 lb-ft of torque @ 2,800 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 18/27 mpg (FWD), 17/25 mpg (AWD)