GM was planning to refresh the Chevy Traverse for the 2021 model year, but the COVID-19 pandemic pushed the mid-cycle enhancement back to the 2022 model year. As a result, the 2021 Chevy Traverse will see a few very minor changes and updates, one of which involves discontinuing the optional twin-clutch all-wheel-drive system.
Since launching the second-generation Traverse for the 2018 model year, Chevrolet has offered a unique AWD system for the range-topping High Country trim level. Whereas other Traverse trims offered “traditional” all-wheel-drive, opting for the AWD option on the Traverse High Country added a more advanced system with a twin-clutch, auto-locking rear differential (G99) that enables the vehicle to independently control torque to each rear wheel based on road conditions.
Now, sources familiar with The General’s product plans tell GM Authority that the twin-clutch, automatic locking rear differential that enables the advanced AWD system will be discontinued for the 2021 Chevy Traverse. As a result, the High Country model will switch to offering the regular AWD system, rather than the twin-clutch unit. The change, according to sources, will not be accompanied by a reduction in the MSRP.
All 2021 Chevy Traverse models will continue being powered by the naturally-aspirated 3.6L V6 LFY gasoline engine (310 horsepower, 266 pound-feet of torque) mated to GM’s nine-speed automatic transmission.
| Trim Level: | L | LS | LT Cloth | LT Leather | RS | Premier | High Country |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 Traverse: | FWD only | FWD/AWD | FWD/AWD | FWD/AWD | FWD/AWD | FWD/AWD | FWD/AWD |
| 2020 Traverse: | FWD only | FWD/AWD | FWD/AWD | FWD/AWD | FWD/AWD | FWD/AWD | FWD / Twin-Clutch AWD |
| 2019 Traverse: | FWD only | FWD/AWD | FWD/AWD | FWD/AWD | FWD/AWD | FWD/AWD | FWD / Twin-Clutch AWD |
| 2018 Traverse: | FWD only | FWD/AWD | FWD/AWD | FWD/AWD | FWD/AWD | FWD/AWD | FWD / Twin-Clutch AWD |
The twin-clutch system delivers superior traction and vehicle control in inclement driving environments, such as wet, muddy or snowy conditions, by reducing torque to a wheel where slip is detected, and diverting it to a wheel with greater traction. The system is also capable of enhancing handling and cornering in dry-road conditions. The system is also capable of enhancing handling and cornering in dry-road conditions, providing additional control around curves by sending torque to the outside wheel that is experiencing more traction-enhancing downward force, instead of the inside wheel.
The twin-clutch AWD system has been gradually making its way across a growing number of GM crossovers. Two Chevy models – the Traverse and Blazer – offer the twin-clutch system as a means to differentiate higher-end models from lesser ones. Other GM vehicles that offer the system include the GMC Acadia, Cadillac XT4, XT5 and XT6, second-gen Buick Enclave and all-new 2021 Buick Envision. It’s worth noting that the Enclave will expand the use of the twin-clutch system. for the 2021 model year.
Incidentally, Chevrolet is also dropping the twin-clutch AWD system on the range-topping Premier trim level of the 2021 Blazer; that leaves the RS as the only Blazer trim as well as the only Chevy vehicle to offer the twin-clutch AWD configuration. The reason for the discontinuation of the more advanced AWD systems in both the 2021 Chevy Traverse High Country and Blazer Premier is currently unclear, but we’ll keep our ears to the ground and report more as we have it, so be sure to subscribe to GM Authority for more Chevrolet Traverse news, Chevrolet news, and around-the-clock GM news coverage. Also be sure to check out detailed info on the 2022 Chevy Traverse.
Comments
Was it too troublesome? Was it an answer to a question that didn’t really need addressing? Too expensive?
I’m guessing that not enough people appreciated it or cared.
As with most vehicle features, most people don’t know about them or care about them. This includes the salesperson.
Are they trying to save $3? More likely.
Could also be a supplier issue. Or could be just as simple as cost / complexity cutting.
GM stated before that they’re accelerating cost cutting and looking at ways to reduce costs where it can across the board. I think it was in March when COVID halted everything.
EVs are their future (as they say) and pouring $20bn into that means reducing operational costs when no one could buy cars, and while you’re trying to recover from the 40ish day union strike. They’re playing the long game so they don’t end up like STALLANTIS or whatever PSAFCA is
People who buy/lease these could care less, so cut the higher cost system. It’s the very same as Equinox/Terrain dropping the 2.0T, so few care at all, there is no point in offering an option.
Today things like car play, lots of USB ports and bigger and bigger touch screens are the thing. Another big “shift” in consumer demand is quality? As Tesla has proven, quality of materials and assembly is not required.
Here is the deal. These things are not for off road and the standard 4 wheel system works very well to the point most people have no idea what it is. I have driven these in the snow and they do anything as,Ed of them with out it.
Now if this were a true performance vehicle or off road vehicle the need may arise.
It is a nice feature but if demand is nil then why offer it? The need to keep prices dow is important today as people price shop more than ever.
Customer gets inferior product, GM save $5 pre car. Gotta pay for the Lectrics!
Too bad. The twin-clutch diff was a good reason to upgrade to the top trim and gave the Chevy an AWD system on par with the Acura MDX SH-AWD. This move may make sense on paper and it’s likely accurate that few salesmen or consumers really cared but it’s one more step by GM to de contenting their vehicles to the point of being just a faceless commodity.
related to this article, FWD/twin clutch AWD system on the 2020 xt4 sport seems to be problematic. Ive had that system go out suggesting service 2 times within weeks after getting fixed meaning it is only working in 2wd which might be ok for summer but not winter. Now they claim they need to replace the whole read differential and am waiting weeks so far. If it has a short and they need to replace the whole rear differential that might be the WHY they are dropping this!
Sounds like the twin-clutch system is overly complicated and less reliable than the basic system. Going to the simpler, more reliable system sounds like a win for the customer.
It kind of sucks that Chevy is not lowering the price of the High Country accordingly. That just means they are earning higher margin on that trim. Such is business.
These are glorified minivans. If you’re buying one, you’ve basically thrown in the towel on any chance of a sporting ride, or something remotely capable off-pavement. I’m sure customers were more concerned about the number of cup holders than whether or not the AWD system was a twin-clutch setup.
I think it might be the same reason why Equinox and Terrain dropped the 2.0T. Then coming back for the refresh.
Here in the northern US, we MUST have AWD with twin clutch traction system, and/or locking differentials. WHAT the hell is GM thinking? STUPID MOVE, We dill now consider Dodge Durango or Jeep GC with locking differentials
Lived most of life in Buffalo. FWD is fine most days. Normal AWD is nice to have but not needed. The idea that u need twin clutch or locking differentials is not credible.
Live to dream.. imagine if Chevrolet drops the DCT used in the C8 Corvette for the 10-speed automatic that was used in the C7 Corvette, they could potentially shave $3-5K off the price of the C8 Corvette; one has to believe that people realize that with electronic slip differential there’s no real need for AWD and twin-clutch is not a necessity when you’re just planning to use your Traverse to get from home to work and not planning on any off-road excursions.
No C7 ever used the 10 spd. Auto. Initially (2014) a 6 spd. Was used, then the 8 spd.
Maybe I’m just not well versed in these things, but I’ve never understood why they don’t just keep offerings on hand? How much does it really cost to just keep offering something, even if it isn’t insanely popular? It would be one thing if literally no one went for it, but somehow, I doubt that’s the case.
But if they want to reduce, don’t DROP it! STANDARDIZE IT, and charge more! Just like when they dropped the better 1.4L on the Buick Encore for the weaker one. Why didn’t they just make the more powerful, more efficient one standard with the 2017 facelift, and charge the extra $500!? And they never even offered it for the Trax… their mainstream seller that costs less, overall…! It would be a win for the customers, and it still cuts down on offerings, if they must. If people are going to buy it, anyway, might as well give them better for it, if you already have it available.
Actually, why wasn’t the twin-clutch system standard as part of the redesign? Most other three-rows in this class use AWD systems that are at least more complicated than the old sensors-move-the-back-wheels-too. Subaru has symetrical, Kia has TVCC, Hyundai has HTRAC… Why wouldn’t they just bill it as an upgraded system to go with the new generation? Why wouldn’t they make it more of a talking point in their ads? Teach their sales reps about it, to talk it up? AWD is one of the crossover appeals. There had to be a better way to do this.
I have a kia sportage. Was told not to turn on awd unless there is ice on ground. Even dealer said not a great system.
I agree with Aaron.
Also would mention that since they are EXPANDING use of the DCT in the GMC lineup , they’re just viewing it as an upscale feature that the Chevy lineup is not worthy to have.
One more way to get you to pony up for the more expensive GMC lineup .
Lived in Buffalo as well. AWD or 4×4 is great but my FWD CUV did just as well with a good set of snow tires.
Quote- The change, according to sources, will not be accompanied by a reduction in the MSRP.
And here folks is the real reason. Profits above all else remember. GM cost cutting at it’s finest! Makes me wonder what else they are going to cut costs on with today’s vehicles.
This way, they can offer the new model year for the same price as the previous year so consumers think they’re getting a good deal. Kinda like “1/2 gallon” drinks are now 59 ounces, but still the same price so they can say “we haven’t raised the price for 3 years”. I’d have to agree that it makes the most sense to keep it for the RS trim, even though I’d venture to guess you’ll never see a Traverse in a situation where the dual clutch system is necessary instead of just nice to have. Not to mention that I still wouldn’t put the High Country trim level in the same group as an Acura.