The Chevy Traverse is certainly a handsome vehicle straight from the factory, but the RS and Redline spec models take the large crossover’s appealing looks even further. To that end, these two Traverse variants sell faster than the Traverse does on average, GM Authority has learned from sources familiar with the matter.
Chevy Traverse RS
Chevy Traverse RS
For the uninitiated, the Chevrolet RS badge translates to “Rally Sport” and traditionally signifies a sportier appearance. As such, the Traverse RS receives upgrades including 20-inch Dark Android painted aluminum wheels, black exterior Chevrolet badging, black roof-mounted side rails, black window trim, black ice front grille and fog lamp bezels. Red RS badges are placed on the grille and on the liftgate.
Chevy Traverse RS
The Traverse RS is a trim level within the Traverse lineup. It’s based around the mid-range LT trim, therefore slotting between LT and the range-topping Premier and High Country trims. The Traverse RS has a starting price of $44,895 – an additional $13,900 more than the base L model.
| L | LS | LT | RS | Premier | High Country |
|---|
Despite its sportier appearance, the 2020 and 2021 Traverse RS are mechanically identical to the other Traverse trims levels. Power is derived from GM’s 3.6L LFY V6 gasoline engine rated at 310 horsepower and 266 pound-feet of torque. The atmospheric six is mated to a nine-speed automatic transmission. Front-wheel-drive is standard and all-wheel-drive is optional. For model years 2018 and (partial) 2019, the Traverse RS was exclusively available with the turbocharged 2.0L LTG I4 gasoline engine rated at 257 horsepower and 295 pound-feet of torque. The engine was deleted mid-2019 model year.
Chevy Traverse Redline Edition
Chevy Traverse Redline Edition
Meanwhile, the Traverse Redline Edition is a standalone package available only on the range-topping Premier trim level for an additional $2,495 over the starting MSRP of $45,245.
Chevy Traverse Redline Edition
The package includes 20-inch Gloss Black painted aluminum wheels with red accents, gloss black window surrounds, dark tail lamps, black mirror caps and door handles, black rocker and wheel openings with matching inserts, black ice grille and license plate appliques, black ice fog lamp bezels, and black Traverse badges with red outlines. Also included are black Chevrolet Bowties, Black roof rails, a Dual Skyscape 2-panel power sunroof, and trailering equipment.
Chevy Traverse Redline Edition
Like the Traverse RS, the Traverse Redline is also powered by the same 3.6L LFY V6 motor and nine-speed automatic transmission. FWD is standard while AWD is optional.
Sporty Looks Sell The Fastest
It’s not surprising that two of the sportiest-looking Traverse models sell faster than other models within the Traverse family.
Chevy Traverse sales fell 15 percent to 125,546 units during the 2020 calendar year in the United States. The slump was predominantly caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, which caused GM and most other automakers to lose about two months’ worth of production during the first half of 2020.
The 2022 Chevy Traverse refresh was initially planned for 2021 MY
Refreshing Incoming
GM was planning to refresh the Chevy Traverse for the 2021 model year, but COVID-19-related complications resulted in the update being pushed back to the 2022 model year. The 2022 Chevy Traverse will feature revised exterior styling with different front and rear fascias along with improvements to the interior and cockpit. It will launch in the second half of the 2021 calendar year.
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Comments
I don’t think they sell in Canada at all, even Hyundai and Kia sells more on this area.
To be truthful, they missed completely port the Voltec to Traverse and provide a Electric motor all wheel drive ( like what Toyota does : with say a plug-in range of 30 miles ).
Safely technology has to be standard across all trims regardless of price (big miss as Toyota market that we a great feature )
Electrification needs people to have confidence (example, people will have less confidence in buying a Pacifica hybrid vs people will buy a sienna with full confidence ). GM Volt was a good confidence builder for GM products on electrification. I am not sure Bolt is doing same, and there will be a good market for full size 7 passenger plug-in hybrid electric all wheel drive crossovers, I am waiting to see when Mitsubishi shows its new plug-in Outlander
Tree hugger noted.
The redline is the only way to get the dark taillights which I think is a tremendous improvement in looks.
Traverse is a terrible value. It’s a minivan without the standard safety gear.
They can at least make it look like an SUV.
Member 12 you have no clue…. I bet you never test drove a Traverse and compared it to the other lines.
It would make sense to have a compressed V6 and an adequate sporty suspension. But will GM ever bother ?
Traverse SS, XT6-V, or even GMC Terrain Typhoon…. We can only dream… True GM car enthusiasts really suffer these days. Love the General, but when I see Trackhawk Cherokees, Hellcat Durangos, Explorer ST’s, Turbo Macan;s and Cayennes, etc… It makes it really hard to stay with the brand… Come on GM! We need more performance, not just battery powered drones..
The 3rd row seating doesn’t have head support in the middle. Many SUVs don’t. Big safety concern and is preventing us from buying this for our family with 5 children.
I’m a Canadian and I currently own a Traverse RS, so it is available in the True North. I needed a replacement for my 2009 Pontiac Montana and I’m definitely enjoying this SUV more than the Montana. Seats fold flat so no longer need to remove them when loading her up.
There is a shoulder belt for the middle occupant of the third row seat, something I find reassuring, but you are correct there is no head rest. Which is surprising because this vehicle is totally up to code . . . GM would never let that slide. Maybe an option???
Oregonian here. We just got the Traverse Redline. The wife loves how it looks, but I’m unhappy with the lack of safety features that were standard in our 2004 Sienna. Not happy with show it handles in winter. There is no heating element for the front windshield. Windshield wiper fluid is frozen and won’t spray.
Hard to believe considering your stuck with those ugly oversized black wheels that suck in the Winter, dealer lots all around rarely seem to stock them and the vast majority of Traverses driving around are LT cloth or leather models and a great many Premiers and High Country versions.
What is really needed is a real sport model with a twin turbo 3.0 liter V6 and actual sport suspension instead of all black cosmetics and ridiculous tire sizes that do little for handling and cripple ride quality. GM has truly turned into Toyota these days which is not surprising considering who is slowly running the company into the ground!