The all-new 2024 Chevy Traverse introduces the nameplate’s third generation as a very different animal from the second-gen model that preceded it. A rugged, truck-like design, an off-road-oriented Z71 trim, and a major overhaul to the cabin are paired with a powerful jolt of extra torque under the hood from the only available 2024 Chevy Traverse engine.
This torquey new Chevy Traverse engine should make the 2024 model feel more responsive, fun to drive and muscular than prior models, while drawing power from a turbo-charged inline-four cylinder.
The LK0 engine in the Chevy Traverse
As a reminder, the 2024 Chevy Traverse engine features the all-new turbocharged 2.5L I4 LK0 gasoline powerplant, while the last-generation model was motivated instead by the atmospheric 3.6L V6 LFY engine. The table below summarizes the power and torque gains delivered by the LK0.
| 2.5L I-4 LK0 | 3.6L V-6 LFY | + / – LK0 | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Aspiration: | Turbocharged | Atmospheric | |
| Power (hp / kW @ RPM): | 328 | 310 | +18 |
| Torque (lb-ft / Nm @ RPM): | 326 | 266 | +60 |
The boosted four gives the 2024 Chevy Traverse a lot more “punch,” delivering (only) an additional 18 horsepower and a whopping 60 pound-feet of torque over and above what the LFY was able to offer. The torque rating is particularly noteworthy because it’s engine torque that drivers feel when they launch a vehicle off the line.
The LK0 engine is a slightly smaller variant of the turbocharged 2.7L I4 L3B gasoline engine, inheriting the robust torque and power capabilities of its 2.7L parent. Both engines are part of GM’s CSS or Cylinder Set Strategy. The engine family, which also doubles as a more streamlined way to engineer and manufacture engines, consists of several inline engines of various cylinder counts and displacements.
The turbocharged 2.7L L3B engine is highly regarded as a very capable engine for the task. It is well-proven in a variety of GM models, starting life out in the Chevy Silverado 1500 and GMC Sierra 1500 during the 2019 to present model years. The engine then made its way to GM’s newest midsize pickup trucks, the 2023 Chevy Colorado and 2023 GMC Canyon.
While GM Authority hasn’t yet had the opportunity to test the LK0 in the 2024 Chevy Traverse, we’re confident it won’t disappoint. In fact, we would be surprised if it didn’t do as good a job as the L3B.
Revealed in July, the exterior of the 2024 model year is as new as the latest Chevy Traverse engine, showcasing the newest iteration of Chevy’s “High Brow” design language. Inside the cockpit, the 17.7-inch diagonal color infotainment touchscreen is the standard interface for the entire trim range. Other notable features include a redesigned steering wheel, increased interior space, improved ergonomics, new colorways, and higher-quality materials.
Interestingly, the 2024 Chevy Traverse is equipped with the GM eight-speed automatic transmission as standard in place of the GM 9-speed automatic transmission previously used for cog swaps (we’ll tell you why engineers made this decision next week). Drivetrain options for the 2024 Traverse include both front-wheel drive and all-wheel drive. Additionally, the Traverse has a maximum trailering rating of 5,000 pounds, identical to that of the preceding generation.
We would be amiss if we didn’t mention that the 2024 Chevy Traverse gets an extra nine safety features standard across all trims compared to the 2023 Chevy Traverse. The long-wheelbase variant of the GM C1 platform, upgraded to use the GM Global B digital electrical architecture, underpins the all-new model.
Production of the 2024 Chevy Traverse is scheduled to kick off in December 2023 at the GM Lansing Delta Township plant in Michigan.
Subscribe to GM Authority for more Chevy Traverse news, Chevy news, GM business news, and around-the-clock GM news coverage.
Comments
We’ll see if it is more responsive as the downsized displacement with the same turbo will require more spool time and this turbo lag. While the 2.7 was relatively responsive, it still suffered a second of lag and almost 2 for full rated torque to come on tap. Well probably see a second and a half and almost 3 for this engine.
I still would take the V6 growl over and give up the additional power.
The 2.5L I-4 Turbo is technically more modern than the 2.7L I-4 Turbo but is simpler and is installed in the big SUVs and pickups. Nevertheless, the V6 N/A is technically better!!!
But!!!
The Traverse MY2024 has the I-4 installed as a longitudinal engine as you can see in the picture – if that’s correct!
Then the 8-speed automatic is logical, because the 9-speed automatic can only be installed with transverse engines with FWD or AWD.
So has GM completely changed the concept of the MY2024 Traverse?
Longitudinal engine and RWD should actually be logical in this vehicle category! But you never know what GM is planning and doing…
The 3.6 L is a good engine. What is the mileage rating of this new engine? Is it better than the 3.6? As we all know the 2.7 does not get better mileage than the 5.3 so there’s no benefit other that a small cost savings. I will say if it’s true that this new setup in the 24 Traverse is longitudinal then I am a fan. A longitudinal setup is much easier to work on for both engine and transmission. I would almost buy one just for that reason. However I also like the refreshed Traverse look as long as I can get bright shiny wheels and trim instead of ugly black.
You know it will not get any better fuel economy unless you and I repeat PUPPY it around the city. Ask any used beer can hairdryer owner or even any turbomin owner.
You don’t have the correct horsepower and torque figures. Both have been revised since the introduction. Surprised you have them wrong
Along with higher fuel consumption, higher emissions, higher maintenance costs, lower reliability, and lower resale value.
GM can enjoy the higher and higher CAFE fines.
Onward to Chapter 7 thanks to Mary the Clown Barra
Yay! Another 4 cylinder turbo.. Bet that sounds great wide open throttle! Kinda like a 4 cycle motor cycle engine….Brappp Brraaaaapppp!! It’s cool it has one exhaust tip for each cylinder (more HP)…
Apparently you can still get the V6 in the 2024 Enclave.
This comments section is full of dumb @$$es. Just because the plastic engine cover is facing forward doesn’t mean it’s rwd dumb @$$es. People talking about the Enclave and XT6 don’t realize we still have three more months until 2024. GM never releases all variants of a vehicle in one month. We just the Traverse last month and the Acadia this month. The Enclave will probably be next month and the XT6 in November. Good God, it’s people like you all who still drive vehicles from Nonspecific Motors…
The specs may be better, but I will pass on a Turbo 4 cylinder with AFM [cylinder deactivation] pushing a 6,000+ lb vehicle. That is a recipe for long term disaster.
If pushed hard, the turbos will consume as much fuel or possibly even more, if they are making as much or more power as an NA engine. One fact is simple. If you want more energy (power), you need to burn more fuel. The beauty of these smaller turbos is that you have the power available when you want or need it but you also have the fuel savings available when you drive them softly. And you are defintely saving fuel at idle. In the Traverse, it seems like an optimal solution. let’s keep in mind this is a family vehicle and not a sports car or pony car. I have driven a Genesis GV 80 towing about 4000# of trailer and pontoon boat with a 2.5 liter turbo with about 300 HP and 310 lb.ft. of torque and it felt like it did not have to work hard at all. In fact it felt far superior to my 2013 Equinox 3.6 liter NA V6 pulling the same load. I suspect the Traverse with 328 and 326 respectively will also feel like it is not working hard to tow the same load and will handily out pull the 3.6 V6.
Hopefully this engine is better then the 3.6 in my 2022 that failed at 12,000 miles
I have one question; I’d like to know at what RPMs the engine is running at 80mph. I love our 2017 Traverse with the V6, and at 80mph the engine is barely spinning at 2,000. I’ve had 4-cylinder engines in heavy cars before and they are working too hard. Turbo or not, I’m skeptical about sticking a 4-banger in a 7-passenger vehicle with a tow hitch. And at 80mph, are you barely touching the gas pedal or do you have it floored?