All-New 2024 Chevy Traverse Z71 Incoming: Exclusive
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General Motors will debut an all-new third-generation crossover with the launch of the upcoming 2024 Chevy Traverse, set to usher in a long list of changes affecting the exterior, interior, powertrain, and trim level lineup. Now, GM Authority has learned that the 2024 Chevy Traverse’s trim level changes will include the addition of a new off-road-oriented Z71 variant.
GM Authority originally anticipated the addition of a new Activ trim in conjunction with the 2024 Chevy Traverse debut. Now, however, it seems as though Chevy is taking things a step further with an ever more-capable Z71 variant for the full-size crossover.
2024 Chevy Traverse prototype
As one might expect from the forthcoming 2024 Chevy Traverse Z71, the new variant will be equipped with a plethora of special upgrades and features to help it perform out on the trail. It will include all-wheel drive as standard, while we expect more robust suspension bits, an elevated ride height, all-terrain tires, red recovery hooks, and skid plates to help protect vital mechanical components.
When it launches, the new 2024 Chevy Traverse Z71 will likely prove to be a worthy rival to the off-road-focused competition, including the Ford Explorer Timberline, the Jeep Grand Cherokee L, the Honda Pilot TrailSport, and the Nissan Pathfinder Rock Creek Edition.
2024 Chevy Traverse prototype
In addition to introducing a new Z71 trim level, the next-gen 2024 Chevy Traverse may also delete the High Country trim level, which serves as the range-topping trim in the current Traverse lineup. As for the powertrain offerings, the next-gen model may carry over the naturally aspirated 3.6L V6 LFY gasoline, or it may introduce an entirely new powertrain, such as the turbocharged 2.7L I4 L3B gasoline engine.
Under the skin, the 2024 Chevy Traverse is expected to ride on an updated version of the GM C1 platform known as C1-2. As GM Authority exclusively covered previously, the start of regular production (SORP) is expected to begin this coming December at the GM Lansing Delta Township plant in Michigan.
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Do people really want to take their Traverse off-road? Equivalent to a Ford Raptor minivan (if they still made one). We know it’s just going to be an “appearance” package but still, does this fill a need?
Z71 is only off-road on the sticker. You get a plastic skid plate, and highway tires that technically have an m&S rating
What’s the difference between a highway tire and a off road tire to you? I’d argue an 8 ply wrangler eagle is more off road than a toyo 4 ply open country pretender. Thickness, tred, sidewall height and compound are all important. Today’s mild AT’s do better off road then yesterday’s lugs due to computer modeled treds and compounds that stick to rocks without needing excessive lugs. Being good on road is just a bonus. Unfortunately the OEM tire will probably still be 4 ply, but if they keep it on 17″ rims it will be a vast improvement
Yes, rugged variants are hot right now. Makes sense for GM to jump in.
Please do not get rid of the 3.6ltr, bump up the torque & HP to (350 ea)
The 4 cylinder is too small, turbo lag & all
Plus, the 3.6 is as bullet proof as the old 3.8ltr
Listen to the customers this time, it’s probably going “E” in 25-26 anyway
Go out with a bang !!!
Yes. Especially in the north country. I’ll trade in my 2023 for one, but only if they keep the 3.6.
I don’t think words can describe how sick I am of hearing “the Traverse doesn’t need to off-road.” It’s completely obnoxious.
There’s no rule listed anywhere saying that only trucks and Jeeps are allowed to be more than just SUV-shaped pavement pounders. Technically, one of the points of moving from sedans to SUVs, even crossover ones, is supposed to be more capability. And a big part of capability is feeling like you can go more places than just where the road lies. Even if you don’t actually go there that often, the equipment and abilities should still be there. And not everyone has the money to own a second vehicle just for weekend mudding. But even if they do, why should they have to spend it when it’s more intelligent to just have one vehicle that does everything? In fact, the new Traverse’s off-road trim still probably won’t be everything it should be.
Still, I didn’t buy a Traverse just to get a lifted minivan. If all I wanted was three rows of seating and cargo space, a minivan is what I would have gotten. I want an SUV that does everything.
Yes, I do regularly. 2018 traverse LS AWD with 31″ cooper discovery AT1 tires. I use it as a farm vehicle because the suburban has become too expensive. Couple of notes
-While lower to the ground than a truck, the shorter wheelbase keeps it from bottoming out. I’ve bottomed out less with the traverse than my 09 Silverado. It’s also more agile.
-the AWD system has an off road mode that uses the brakes for limited slip. It’s superbly tuning and will pull through places a side by side with only a limited slip diff will. Also, the SUV body gives it a side by side perfect 50/50 weight distribution.
-the bottom is well protected already. Remember the traverse has a frame welded to the unibody. It’s technically a “space frame” vehicle. I’ve bashed it a couple times to no effect. I’m a little worried about if a log rolled what it would do to the oil pan, but thats the only plate I am really missing.
-improvements, my lip spoiler drags incessantly, and it could use 1″ spacers I’m the struts to raise ride height. I may get to that soon.
The issue I have with my 2021 Acadia AT4 is bottom clearance. I can generally get around some areas on the beach but can’t get through the deep troughs or really soft sand; when I air down its even worse and there are no real lift kits for that truck (yes there is one but its only for the front and just levels the look of the truck). Its a lease but not wanting to buy it out because of its limited use in that regard. As I said the Tahoe/Yukons are too big.
I mean, the Acadia AT4 is a thing.
GM has too many off-roaders now.
And none of them are any good off-road. They missed the bus with the Blazer and they aren’t catching up now.
I’m happy they are doing this assuming they isn’t purely an appearance trim. I hope GM makes an Equinox z71 as well.
With no High Country, what will the top near-luxury trim be? Or maybe with Acadia moving up in size, they don’t want to infringe with a lux trim.
I hope those aren’t photos of the Z71 variant. Rims too large. Tires have no sidewall.
For me, even if not Z71, I wouldn’t want those rims and tires. Again, too large and no sidewall. Pot holes are everywhere these days.
These things never see anything but city streets and highway. The off-road thing is just stupid.
Neither do the majority of “Jeeps” however…
Ever since G.M. got bought out and made the C.E.O. a woman it’s gone down hill
They are Chinese electric
Don’t buy GM
GM needs a mid size off roader for us weekend off road types. We tool around the mall and to and from work but then want to hit the beach or trail on weekends etc. The Tahoes and Yukons are too big. Maybe compete with the Explorer and Jeep who have better clearances.
Well, I definitely need that then. I’ll be able to go through the mall parking lot and not even slow down for those little speed bumps.
It had better be RWD-biased with an L3B, otherwise it’s just lipstick.
I have high hopes for this vehicle, but am prepared to be sorely disappointed.
Every traverse made since 2009 is junk. Brand new 2022 traverse are still having the same problems they have been having for ten years. Save your money don’t buy American
My 2014 Acadia has 140,000 miles on it and has regularly towed ~4,300 lbs, plus running close to its max GCVWR.
I’d like to see a Highlander or Pilot do the same. Last person I knew towing my model trailer with a Pilot overheated backing it into their driveway.
Stop conflating the 2007-2011 initial bad run to the revised Lambdas and C1XXs.
My wife and I used our 2009 enclave cxl on two track and dirt trails in Michigan, you should’ve seen the looks of the people on their ATVs.
Comments aren’t available in your 2.5T post, but I have to assume the 2.5T is the “H.O.” 4 cylinder for FWD/AWD applications like this and the 2.7 will stay rwd. It’s the only thing that makes sense because there can’t be much size or power capability between the 2.5 and 2.7.
Sadly, what GM really needed was an i6 Turbo for Tahoes, Silverado’s and maybe a few others.
Sounds like a really bad idea when the competition has turbo V6s and hybrid-assist torque powerplants available or coming online. Maybe as a base-level engine it would make some sense putting out ~260 HP / 330 lb-ft or something like that, but to not offer a competitive high-output (300+ HP / 390+ lb-ft) would be a major oversight. These vehicles need the 2.7L L3B — especially if the Colorado/Canyon have it.
However, a 2.5L turbo like this would make a GREAT high output Equinox/Terrain engine or Trailblazer/Envision sized vehicle’s standard powerplant.
Can we get a better 6-cylinder engine?
Translation- it will have ridiculously oversized wheels with little in the way of sidewall and most likely will be black or a dull android finish, have cheap black plastic splattered all over the place on the exterior and will 99 % of the time never see anything but paved roads.
You can’t fake off road so if they plan to do this do it right!
Why does my 2023 Traverse not have sensors in my front bumper I ca drive right through my garage door and I gives me notice and skid on a bike crossed in front of me and if I had not seen him I would have run over the kid no indication that anyone was in front of me my 2020 Pacifica had way more safety features than my Traverse rear hatch very hard to open sensor to open rear lift gate hardly ever works even my rear sensors just works part time and it just gives a red arrow with a faint noise when an object is crossing my rear I think you people had better have a look at the Chrysler Pacificas and see all the nice safety features they have you
People are just on the cheap
Do you think you are writing to GM? You’re not.
The only sensors you should need to not drive through your garage door are on either side of and slightly above your nose. If those are damaged and incapable of telling you you’re about to hit your garage door you shouldn’t be driving your Traverse.
I own a 2010 Tavares and a 2012 suburban 5.3 . I would say if your interested in the real world comparison you would interview me.
I couldn’t decide between them both, they both have their own idiosyncrasies.
They both have a different feel, but get the same MPG.
My Traverse AWD, my suburban 4×4 drive multi displacement, 6 speed automatic.
I’ve owned a 89 suburban 35o fi and a 2000 suburban 454 vortec .
I’ve had 6 4×4 chev trucks in my life.
I don’t think Awd is made for serious off-road applications.
I own an 88 K5, a 2005 Trailblazer and a 2018 Traverse. It’s pretty easy to see where they went off the rails. Mostly by taking the rails out from under the truck. I like my 2nd gen Traverse but an offroader it is not. And GM isn’t fooling anyone. They had a huge opportunity with the Blazer, knowing full well the Bronco – it’s traditional nameplate rival – was coming back as a strong (if misguided) Wrangler competitor. What’d they do? Introduced another crossover into an already-successful – and crowded – lineup of crossovers. Right before turning their last truck-based SUVs I to crossovers too.
Bad decision after bad decision.
I too have had 3 K5’s, 75 ,78 and 92, and just simply made to go off road, the Travers is a nice family truckster, but if you are going to use the Z71 badge , why not go all in on that model and actually compete with the competition. Right now I have a 2008 Hummer H2, 370000kms. Still ticking, but now what?
I was hoping the Blazer name rezerreckted a 2 door Tahoe would be the answer. Oh well, there just selling a badge, and memory, nothing real!
I like my 2nd gen Traverse LT. It’s the only good-looking crossover out there. I’m not digging the body lines of this 3rd gen. You can’t tell precisely, of course, but it looks softer than the 2nd gen and that’s not the direction they should take the Traverse in. At the same time it looks like it’s trying really hard to be a 4Runner.
Weird, almost like they should have based the current Blazer off the old or new Colorado platform. They could have had a 4Runner or Bronco competitor. Instead we get another road going SUV that’s similar to the Equinox.