2021 Chevrolet Traverse

History/Overview

The Traverse has long been Chevrolet's option for buyers looking for three rows of seats all large enough to hold adults, along with tremendous amounts of cargo, but who aren't ready for the larger exterior size and more truck-like manners and construction of the Tahoe or Suburban. Like the rest of this large crossover class, it's the replacement for the minivan but without the sliding doors.

What’s New/Key Changes From Last Year

While an extensive refresh was expected for 2021, that effort was forced back to 2022. So changes are very small, consisting of the removal of the optional dual-clutch all-wheel drive system. A conventional AWD system is still offered.

Available Trims

Chevrolet Traverse is offered in LS and LT trims with front or all-wheel drive, and RS, True North, Premier, and High Country with all-wheel drive only. All get a 3.6L V6 making 310 hp and have a nine-speed automatic.

Standard Features

LS has seating for eight and 18-inch alloy wheels. It has a six-speaker audio system working through a 7.0-inch Chevrolet touchscreen infotainment system that can handle two Bluetooth devices as well as Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The steering wheel is tilt and telescope, and all windows have express down. Three-zone AC is standard as is a 3.5-inch driver dash information centre. The glass is deep tinted and there are variable speed wipers.

LT adds painted mirror caps and other trim, and the outside mirrors add turn signal indicators. A power liftgate is standard as are roof rails, while the driver info centre is upgraded to 4.2-inches. Seven-passenger seating is standard, while the driver seat gains power adjustment and both front seats are heated. The infotainment screen is enlarged to 8.0-inches and adds satellite radio, while the active safety suite adds lane change and blind spot alert, rear cross traffic, and park assist. Remote start is standard.

RS adds black 20-inch wheels and a unique RS grille with black accents and trim. A 120-V power outlet is standard, the passenger seat gains power adjustment, and the audio is a Bose premium system while the infotainment adds navigation. Following distance indicator, forward collision alert, front pedestrian, rear camera mirror, and HD surround vision are all added to the driver assistance suite. Leather seating is standard and the steering wheel is heated.

True North returns to body colour trim and adds an all-weather floormat package. It removes the driver assistance features of RS, with the exception of surround vision, and removes the heated wheel.

Premier adds back the safety equipment as well as auto-dimming exterior mirrors and a hands-free liftgate. LED headlights are included and the front seats are ventilated while the middle row outboard seats add seat heating. Wireless charging is also included.

High Country adds polished alloy wheels and a power-folding third row. It also gets adaptive cruise and enhanced automatic emergency braking. Perforated seat trim for the first and second rows is included.

Key Options

Important options on LT and True North include Safety Assist with heated wheel, automatic high beams, following distance indicator, forward collision alert, and lane keep assist. On all trims, various rear seat entertainment and appearance packages are available.

Fuel Economy

Front-drive Traverse is estimated to get 13.0 L/100 km city, 8.8 highway with AWD models estimated to get 13.6/9.6.

Competition

The Chevrolet Traverse competes with the Hyundai Palisade and Kia Telluride, as well as the Ford Explorer, Volkswagen Atlas, Buick Enclave, and Dodge Durango.