The 2024 model year is expected to debut the next-generation Chevy Traverse crossover, which will likely introduce a long list of changes and updates over the current second generation. Now, GM Authority has learned that GM is currently considering the addition of a new Activ trim level with the debut of the upcoming next-gen full-size crossover.
Current-generation Chevy Traverse
For those readers who may be unaware, Chevy’s Activ trim level is associated with a more rugged, “active lifestyle” approach in terms of overall trim level cadence and equipment. However, unlike the Activ trims on offer for smaller crossovers like the Chevy Trailblazer and Chevy Trax, which could be considered more as light all-terrain vehicles, this new Activ trim for the larger next-gen Chevy Traverse would likely entail more extensive off-roader-centric upgrades, including things like beefier suspension, General Grabber AT tires, a tucked-under exhaust system, and a modified rear fascia for greater ground clearance.
To note, a similar approach is also under consideration for the next-generation Chevy Equinox, as GM Authority exclusively covered prior.
Current-generation Chevy Traverse
Indeed, the off-roader segment looks as though it isn’t losing steam when it comes to popularity, which would make an Activ trim level for the next-generation Chevy Traverse a sensible direction for the nameplate.
In terms of sales, the Chevy Traverse ranks mid-pack in the Mainstream Large Three-Row Crossover segment, with 27,271 units sold in Q4 of the 2022 calendar year.
2022 Sales Numbers - Mainstream Large Three-Row Crossovers - USA
| MODEL | Q4 22 / Q4 21 | Q4 22 | Q4 21 | Q4 22 SHARE | Q4 21 SHARE | YTD 22 / YTD 21 | YTD 22 | YTD 21 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| TOYOTA HIGHLANDER | +3.16% | 58,354 | 56,564 | 21% | 20% | -15.65% | 222,805 | 264,128 |
| FORD EXPLORER | -13.85% | 51,430 | 59,697 | 18% | 21% | -5.55% | 207,673 | 219,871 |
| KIA TELLURIDE | +20.08% | 27,595 | 22,981 | 10% | 8% | +6.60% | 99,891 | 93,705 |
| CHEVROLET TRAVERSE | +23.67% | 27,271 | 22,052 | 10% | 8% | -16.59% | 96,965 | 116,250 |
| HONDA PILOT | -9.79% | 25,615 | 28,395 | 9% | 10% | -30.40% | 99,567 | 143,062 |
| NISSAN PATHFINDER | +63.04% | 20,280 | 12,439 | 7% | 4% | +40.02% | 57,862 | 41,324 |
| HYUNDAI PALISADE | -13.42% | 18,932 | 21,866 | 7% | 8% | -4.45% | 82,688 | 86,539 |
| SUBARU ASCENT | +4.40% | 17,682 | 16,937 | 6% | 6% | +6.21% | 63,704 | 59,980 |
| DODGE DURANGO | +22.19% | 15,890 | 13,004 | 6% | 5% | -15.93% | 55,433 | 65,935 |
| MAZDA CX-9 | +95.14% | 11,111 | 5,694 | 4% | 2% | +0.25% | 34,580 | 34,493 |
| VOLKSWAGEN ATLAS | -76.54% | 5,366 | 22,872 | 2% | 8% | -29.10% | 82,025 | 115,687 |
| TOTAL | -1.05% | 279,526 | 282,501 | -11.10% | 1,103,193 | 1,240,974 |
For now, the next-gen Traverse is expected to continue to ride on the GM C1 platform. Originally slated to receive a refresh for the 2021 model year, the current-generation Chevy Traverse was instead refreshed during the 2022 model year due to complications arising from the COVID-19 pandemic.
Current-generation Chevy Traverse
As a reminder, the current second-gen Chevy Traverse cradles the naturally aspirated 3.6L V6 LFY gasoline engine, which is rated at 310 horsepower and 266 pound-feet of torque. Production takes place at the GM Lansing Delta Township plant in Michigan.
Looking ahead, the next-gen Chevy Traverse is expected to be the first of three overhauled GM full-size crossovers set to launch, with the next-gen GMC Acadia and next-gen Buick Enclave in tow. Production of the 2024 Chevy Traverse will begin this coming December, per a GM Authority exclusive.
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Comments
Bought a 2023 Traverse LT with the tow package in November. Rated to tow 5000#. How many 5000# trailers don’t have electric brakes??? So why did GM decide NOT to offer an integrated trailer brake controller??? Try towing your camper or boat with electric brakes and no brake controller on your Traverse and see what happens!! Good luck!
Most vehicles in this segment do not come with an integrated trailer brake. In fact, I’m not sure any of the 3-row crossovers do from the factory. Not sure where it is on the newer vehicles, but on my 2014 Acadia the trailer brake wire was tucked under the dash, behind and down-left of the steering wheel.
The aftermarkets (Tekonsha, etc.) are way better than the OEM units anyway.
It still has a 7 pin connector. I’d be curious and need to test it out as I’m sure the brake pins aren’t disconnected. It might all be controlled by the body control computer or just have a “dynamic gain” where the trailer brake gain is 0 when you lightly tap the brakes and 10 when you stomp it. You’ll need 2 people to test it. I wonder if there’s a setting in the touchscreen that if you go 5-7 pages deep you’ll find it.
Good car
Leave off the butch trim.
This is more a family vehicle and not an off road vehicle you will just end up with customers stuck or with broken oil pans.
I Dissagree as I own one and take it off road all the time. I got AT/S tires on it and it does good in mud and rutted roads, and the traction control uses the brakes very effectively to simulate an LSD. It’s our daily driver and trip vehicle as we keep the miles off the farm truck. Once again, I have the traverse because we need a 4WD. We live a mile off the nearest state owned highway, and need a vehicle that can also run supplies out to the truck and tractor in the fields. I’d like a suburban or a Colorado, but the traverse is significantly more affordable per trim level.
My notes with the traverse as an off road vehicle
-light weight and balenced so drives and feels almost like a side by side over most feilds
-1st on the 9 speed is low enough that without 4wLo the torque is more than enough not towing
-ground clearance is adequate, but the front chin spoiler could be a little less stiff over rocks. I’m thinking of spacers for the struts when I roll over 200K for an extra inch.
-the struts are terrible. They are way too tight, and need an extra inch of travel as it’s easy to get cantilevered with one wheel off on what I would considered mild hills. Thankfully the traction control makes that wheel off the ground not an issue. I’ll likely replace the shocks with Monroe brands when they wear out. Something a little softer definitely.
-a fuel tank and engine pan guard would be nice. The frame is low enough they are tucked up and I’ve bottomed out and not scrapped either, but a hidden log that would roll up into them would spell disaster.
In total we’re talking about $200-400 max in upgrades from the factory.
Also, “active?” EWW. Why not Z71? Or Z21? Something that sounds cool and has Chevy history as a performance or off road package? Active is for the trailblazer for college school students or skaters who wouldn’t know better and the active name performed better in test groups
I see no harm in an Activ Traverse. I like the sporty look of the Trailblazer and Trax Activ trims. No one is actually going to Moab with these, so I see no harm in expanding this trim level to Equinox and Traverse. Chevy crossovers NEED a little pizazz, imo.
there’s absolutely nothing offroad about the trailblazer and trax. not even in the slightest. however if the traverse actually does get some off-road equipment (albeit it still would be some very minor bumper tapering and the least aggressive offroad tires on the market) it would be worth seeing (potentially). but i’m definitely not holding my breath
The Trailblazer AWD Activ can go anywhere a compass or Renegade go, give or take an inch of ground clearance. I take mine out all the time, no asphalt or cement for miles. They go as off road as any average consumer would want to go. If you want to go off the grid, go get a Wrangler, Bronco, or… actually… I’m having a hard time coming up with any GM equivalent.
I’ve also tackled a foot of snow with proper tires with not much issue.
I wouldn’t consider those as offroaders either. granted i don’t count driving on a dirt road with a few ruts here and there off-roading either, as any vehicle can navigate that.
have they rectified the oil consumption problem with the valve seals yet?
Let give the customers a choice of interior colours that ugly black has been around forever i guess it is okay in a hearst but not very appealling to most customers