Last week, we showed you the first spy shots of prototypes of the upcoming 2021 Chevrolet Traverse refresh. Today, we have photos of the 2021 Traverse Redline undergoing testing in Michigan alongside its regular, non-Redline brother.
The refresh, or as GM calls it, mid-cycle enhancement (MCE), promises to bring new styling in line with the aesthetics introduced with the 2019 Chevrolet Blazer.
Compared to the white 2021 Chevrolet Traverse refresh prototype we featured last week, this black model features larger wheels finished in black with red hashmarks, rather than the smaller silver wheels of the white model. There are also trapezoidal exhaust tips, as opposed to the round tips seen on the white model. This suggests that this black prototype is likely equipped with the Redline Edition package.
For reference, the 2018, 2019 and 2020 model year Redline Edition package was offered exclusively on the Premier trim level, and included the following content:
- 20-inch Gloss Black painted aluminum wheels with Red accents
- Gloss Black window surround
- Dark tail lamps
- Black mirror caps and door handles
- Black painted rocker and wheel openings with Black Ice inserts
- Black Ice grille and license plate applique
- Black Ice fog lamp bezels
- Black Traverse badges with red outline
- Black Chevrolet bowtie badging
- Black roof rails
- Dual Skyscape 2-panel power sunroof
- Trailering equipment
We expect the upcoming 2021 Chevrolet Traverse Redline Edition to offer the same equipment as the current Traverse Redline Edition.
Despite the presence of camouflage on the front and rear ends, we find the Traverse refresh takes various cues from the Chevrolet Blazer when it comes to both the front and rear fascias. Looking ahead, the Blazer will provide styling cues for the full breadth of Chevrolet’s utility models, the first example of which will be seen when the upcoming Trailblazer arrives next year. The refreshed 2021 Chevrolet Equinox is expected to offer new Blazer-esque styling as well.
Back to the 2021 Chevrolet Traverse refresh prototype spied here, we find the front end seems to be hiding a two-tiered lighting arrangement reminiscent of the nose on the latest Blazer. The upper lighting signature utilizes thin LEDs, plus a pair of projector beam lights below. These lower lights are different from the fog lights seen on the current Traverse, as not only are they placed higher on the fascia, but they will also be used as the primary headlamps going forward.
The 2021 Chevrolet Traverse refresh is expected to adopt the design language introduced by the 2019 Chevrolet Blazer, pictured here
Meanwhile, it looks like the rear end will receive a fresh tail lamp design and inner tail lamp graphic element.
It’s not yet immediately obvious what lies under the sheet metal in terms of possible mechanical updates.
The 2021 Chevrolet Traverse should drop next year, so we’re sure to hear more about the full-sizer as the debut and ensuing launch approach. In the meantime, subscribe to GM Authority for more Chevrolet Traverse news, Chevrolet news and around-the-clock GM news coverage.
About Chevrolet Traverse
The Chevrolet Traverse is a full-size crossover utility vehicle (CUV). It is the biggest Chevrolet crossover currently offered, slotting above the subcompact Chevrolet Trax and compact Chevrolet Equinox. It will also slot above the much-rumored, future Chevrolet Blazer.
The current model was introduced for the 2018 model year and represents the second generation of the Traverse nameplate. It rides on the extended-length GM C1 platform shared with the second-generation Buick Enclave. A shorter variant of the same platform underpins the second-gen GMC Acadia, first-gen Cadillac XT5 and all-new 2019 Chevy Blazer.
Compared to its first-generation predecessor, the second-gen Traverse is an all-new vehicle that is larger, lighter, sleeker and more modern. It also introduces new trim levels, including High Country and RS - neither of which were present on the first-generation model.
The Chevrolet Traverse is built at the GM Delta Lansing Township factory in Michigan operated by GM USA. It is currently the only plant that builds the Traverse in any part of the world.
Related News & Info
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- Chevrolet Traverse info
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Comments
It will definitely be a better looking than the current version. Just like 17 Acadia and Blazer it will have a silky smooth 3.6L V6. It might not handle as good as 17 Acadia but sill, it will handle corners very well.
Iii… ‘M not sure how I feel about the Blazer “design language.” The Traverse now is a far more substantial, certain design. It has confidence. The new “Blazer” look is not that. It’s trying too hard. It would be great if they didn’t hamper the Traverse’s style with this.
Hope it’s a V8 rumble underneath the commo also….
GM has failed to offer a better performing 3.6 liter without going to the twin turbo 3.0 liter or 3.6 liter TT. It costs very little in development costs for GM to stroke the 3.6, which will give more lower end torque and feel like a lot more HP even though it will only be about 10 or 12 more HP at normal everyday driving speeds. With a longer stroke on the 3.6, the shift points in the transmission can be set to happen at a lower RPM, which reduces noise, fuel burn and engine heat and wear over the life of the engine. The emissions will probably drop as well, with a 3.7 or 3.75 liter engines, because of the lower normal RPM in everyday driving. For the longer stroke Redline version, GM can install a hotter cam with the stroked 3.6 liter, for real performance, boosting HP by about 20 HP. I would gladly pay an extra few hundred dollars to get a higher torque 3.6 ( 3.75 liter ) without spending $2,000 extra for the twin turbo 3.0 or 3.6 liter TT versions.
Make it Voltec and give it another 100 hp and better mpg. Oh wait…. “All or nothing” ….. So nothing!