2018-2023 Chevrolet Traverse: what to know before you buy?
Need space, versatility and power for your many family outings? In the three-row SUV segment, the Chevrolet Traverse is a model to consider.
You may have heard that a new generation has debuted in 2024, now with only four cylinders. Not everyone will be happy with it, of course. So why not buy used? Here's what you need to know about the 2018 to 2023 Chevrolet Traverse...
This second-generation Traverse has not only adopted more modern, elegant lines but also a new, more powerful 3.6-liter V6 capable of delivering 310 hp, making it one of the most muscular SUVs in its class. Note that the maximum towing capacity has remained at 5,000 lb.
With the exception of the 2023 model year, entry-level versions are limited to front-wheel drive, while the others have all-wheel drive. All rely on a nine-speed automatic gearbox, which operates with varying degrees of efficiency, particularly with hesitations at low revs. Fuel consumption is hardly impressive, averaging 11 or 11.8 L/100 km depending on the number of drive wheels.
An RS version with a 2-liter turbocharged engine (257 hp) that runs on premium gasoline (10.5 L/100 km) was also offered, but only with the 2018-2019 Traverse, and only in front-wheel-drive configuration. A curious choice, and not the most reliable either. In fact, this is one of the reasons why the American magazine Consumer Reports ranks this Traverse among sixty or so used vehicles to be wary of. Other reasons include technical problems (notably with the transmission) and electronic problems early in the generation. Best avoided.
When it comes to cargo, the old Traverse can take a lot. Its trunk alone boasts a volume of 651 liters. Fold down all the rear seats, and you get 2,781 liters. It's hard to beat that without upgrading to a full-size SUV. In terms of equipment, the LS and LT versions are more rudimentary, especially the former. Then come the RS, Grande Expédition, Premier and High Country, the latter two offering maximum luxury.
Update
An update has been made for 2022. In addition to some cosmetic revisions, Chevrolet added technology features like Apple CarPlay and Android Auto wireless apps, as well as more standard driver assistance systems, such as automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection and lane keeping assist. Then, as previously mentioned, all-wheel drive became standard on all models in the final year of the generation.
On the safety front, the Traverse offers a range of systems to help stressed drivers and active families. For example, when parking or driving at low speed, Peripheral Vision technology displays a virtual top-down view of the vehicle thanks to four strategically placed cameras. In addition, the Teen Function lets you program a speed and radio volume limit, and then monitor your teen's habits to help him or her become a better driver. It will even prevent him/her from moving the gearshift lever from the park if his/her seatbelt is not fastened.
In conclusion, the Chevrolet Traverse has average reliability but, fortunately, low maintenance costs. With proper care, it can easily make it to 300,000 km. Some owners have complained of abnormal noises coming from the brakes, and Chevrolet has issued a service bulletin to correct the situation on 2018 to 2020 models.
As for the safety recalls, there are eight for the entire generation, most of them aimed at the Traverse 2020. The good news is that a relatively small number of units are affected in all cases. The most serious recall is the result of a possibly cracked frame rail. However, General Motors agreed to replace vehicles, not repair them, when an inspection revealed cracks.
Happy shopping!
