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Chevy Traverse Sales Take Second Place Thanks to Toyota, Sort Of, During Q3 2023 (Read On)

Chevy Traverse sales increased in the United States, Canada, and Mexico, but decreased in South Korea and Colombia during the third quarter of 2023.

Chevrolet Traverse Sales - Q3 2023 - United States

In the United States, Chevrolet Traverse deliveries totaled 32,318 units in Q3 2023, an increase of about 27 percent compared to 25,388 units sold in Q3 2022.

In the first nine months of the year, Traverse sales increased about 45 percent to 100,999 units.
MODEL Q3 2023 / Q3 2022 Q3 2023 Q3 2022YTD 2023 / YTD 2022 YTD 2023 YTD 2022
TRAVERSE +27.30% 32,318 25,388 +44.92% 100,999 69,694

Chevrolet Traverse Sales - Q3 2023 - Canada

In Canada, Chevrolet Traverse deliveries totaled 1,432 units in Q3 2023, an increase of about 43 percent compared to 998 units sold in Q3 2022.

In the first nine months of the year, Traverse sales increased about 63 percent to 4,382 units.
MODEL Q3 2023 / Q3 2022 Q3 2023 Q3 2022YTD 2023 / YTD 2022 YTD 2023 YTD 2022
TRAVERSE +43.48% 1,432 998 +62.60% 4,382 2,695

Chevrolet Traverse Sales - Q3 2023 - South Korea

In South Korea, Chevrolet Traverse deliveries totaled 227 units in Q3 2023, a decrease of about 76 percent compared to 932 units sold in Q3 2022.

In the first nine months of the year, Traverse sales decreased about 36 percent to 835 units.
MODEL Q3 2023 / Q3 2022 Q3 2023 Q3 2022YTD 2023 / YTD 2022 YTD 2023 YTD 2022
TRAVERSE -75.64% 227 932 -36.26% 835 1,310

Chevrolet Traverse Sales - Q3 2023 - Mexico

In Mexico, Chevrolet Traverse deliveries totaled 144 units in Q3 2023, an increase of about 57 percent compared to 92 units sold in Q3 2022.

In the first nine months of the year, Traverse sales decreased about 1 percent to 372 units.
MODEL Q3 2023 / Q3 2022 Q3 2023 Q3 2022YTD 2023 / YTD 2022 YTD 2023 YTD 2022
TRAVERSE +56.52% 144 92 -0.53% 372 374

Chevrolet Traverse Sales - Q3 2023 - Colombia

In Colombia, Chevrolet Traverse deliveries totaled 39 units in Q3 2023, a decrease of about 26 percent compared to 53 units sold in Q3 2022.

In the first nine months of the year, Traverse sales decreased about 26 percent to 134 units.
MODEL Q3 2023 / Q3 2022 Q3 2023 Q3 2022YTD 2023 / YTD 2022 YTD 2023 YTD 2022
TRAVERSE -26.42% 39 53 -25.56% 134 180

Shown here is the Chevy Traverse in the Premier trim. An all-new, next generation model debuted for 2024.

Competitive Sales Comparison (USA)

Chevy Traverse sales bumped the Bow Tie’s three-row full-size crossover up to second place among a dozen entries during the third quarter of 2023 when ranked by sales volume, though there’s a reason for moving up a spot from last quarter and placing ahead of Toyota this time around. We’ll explain below.

The Ford Explorer (see running Ford Explorer sales) moved up a spot, too, taking first place in spite of a 37 percent drop to 33,709 units. The Chevy Traverse (see running Chevy Traverse sales) followed in second place with a 27 percent bump to 32,318 units, and within 1.4K deliveries of first. The Kia Telluride placed third with a 13 percent swell to 28,697 units, while the Honda Pilot took fourth with a three percent dip to 26,614 units. The VW Atlas placed fifth with a similar three slip to 24,908 units. The rest of the segment entries each recorded less than 20K deliveries.

The first-ever 2024 Toyota Grand Highlander

The big news we referenced above is that the ever-popular Toyota Highlander is now joined by first-ever 2025 Toyota Grand Highlander, a direct rival to the Chevy Traverse. While the two models share a name, the Grand Highlander is quite a bit larger than the “regular” Highlander. In fact, the Grand Highlander is mechanically similar to the first-ever 2024 Lexus TX, which debuted over the summer as a direct rival to the Cadillac XT6.

The point of all that is that sales of Toyota entry in this space is now split between its two Highlander models. So while the Highlander placed seventh this time around with a 44 percent drop in sales to 17,997, the Grand Highlander moved 15,554 units for a combined 33,551 deliveries. Overall, that places Toyota ahead of the Traverse, something the Japanese automaker has done relatively consistently over the past few years with the Highlander. For its part, however, Traverse was within about 1.2K deliveries of outselling the Highlander duo.

Having two entries now puts Toyota in the company of the Hyundai-Kia conglomerate, which fields the Hyundai Palisade and the Kia Telluride. The Palisade placed sixth with a four percent sales slip to 19,410, joining the third place Telluride for a combined sales volume of 48,107, taking the segment crown.

Sales Numbers - Mainstream Large Three-Row Crossovers - Q3 2023 - USA

MODEL Q3 23 / Q3 22 Q3 23 Q3 22 Q3 23 SHARE Q3 22 SHARE YTD 23 / YTD 22 YTD 23 YTD 22
FORD EXPLORER -36.79% 33,709 53,326 13% 20% -11.59% 138,132 156,243
CHEVROLET TRAVERSE +27.30% 32,318 25,388 13% 10% +44.92% 100,999 69,694
KIA TELLURIDE +12.97% 28,697 25,403 11% 10% +16.16% 83,981 72,296
HONDA PILOT -3.28% 26,614 27,517 10% 10% +11.42% 82,397 73,952
VOLKSWAGEN ATLAS -3.41% 24,908 25,787 10% 10% -1.00% 65,536 66,199
HYUNDAI PALISADE -3.52% 19,410 20,119 8% 8% -7.68% 58,857 63,756
TOYOTA HIGHLANDER -44.23% 17,997 32,272 7% 12% -15.98% 138,178 164,451
DODGE DURANGO -13.77% 16,473 19,104 6% 7% +35.50% 53,582 39,543
TOYOTA GRAND HIGHLANDER * 15,554 * 6% 0% * 24,376 0
NISSAN PATHFINDER +2.97% 13,699 13,304 5% 5% +50.18% 56,442 37,582
SUBARU ASCENT -8.95% 13,740 15,091 5% 6% +1.87% 46,881 46,022
MAZDA CX-90 * 11,564 * 5% 0% * 17,268 0
MAZDA CX-9 -98.89% 81 7,289 0% 3% -25.69% 17,440 23,469
TOTAL -3.72% 254,764 264,600 +8.71% 884,069 813,207

From a segment share standpoint, the Traverse earned a 13 percent share, up three percentage points year-over-year. The Explorer posted a 13 percent segment share as well, down seven percentage points. The Telluride held an 11 point share, up one percentage point, while the Pilot and Atlas each maintained a 10 percent share.

The mainstream large three-row crossover segment contracted four percent to 254,764 units in Q3 2023, meaning Chevy Traverse sales significantly outperformed the segment average.

It’s worth noting that combining sales of the Chevy Traverse with those of the GMC Acadia (see running GMC Acadia sales), which we typically categorize as being in a smaller segment, gives GM 47,716 deliveries to keep GM in second, behind Hyundai-Kia by less than 400 units but ahead of Ford and the Toyotas.

Incidentally, Ford beats out Toyota even with it having just one model in this segment, though it wins by a mere 158 units.

Sales Numbers - GM Mainstream Three-Row Crossovers - Q3 2023 - USA

MODEL Q3 23 / Q3 22 Q3 23 Q3 22 YTD 23 / YTD 22 YTD 23 YTD 22
CHEVROLET TRAVERSE +27.30% 32,318 25,388 +44.92% 100,999 69,694
GMC ACADIA +6.89% 15,398 14,406 +42.17% 55,548 39,072
TOTAL +19.91% 47,716 39,794 +43.93% 156,547 108,766

Hyundai-Kia, represented by the Hyundai Palisade and Kia Telluride, saw 48,107 deliveries for a combined 19 percent segment share for first place overall.

Sales Numbers - Hyundai - Kia Mainstream Large Three-Row Crossovers - Q3 2023 - USA

MODEL Q3 23 / Q3 22 Q3 23 Q3 22 YTD 23 / YTD 22 YTD 23 YTD 22
KIA TELLURIDE +12.97% 28,697 25,403 +16.16% 83,981 72,296
HYUNDAI PALISADE -3.52% 19,410 20,119 -7.68% 58,857 63,756
TOTAL +5.68% 48,107 45,522 +4.99% 142,838 136,052

Toyota’s two entries in this space, the Highlander and Grand Highlander, saw 33,551 combined deliveries for a 13 percent segment share, just behind Ford.

Sales Numbers - Toyota Mainstream Large Three-Row Crossovers - Q3 2023 - USA

MODEL Q3 23 / Q3 22 Q3 23 Q3 22 YTD 23 / YTD 22 YTD 23 YTD 22
TOYOTA HIGHLANDER -44.23% 17,997 32,272 -15.98% 138,178 164,451
TOYOTA GRAND HIGHLANDER * 15,554 * * 24,376 0
TOTAL +3.96% 33,551 32,272 -1.15% 162,554 164,451

Sales of the two Mazda entries, the CX-9 and CX-90, results in 11,645 cumulative deliveries for a combined five percent segment share, remaining in last place. As a reminder, the new 2024 Mazda CX-90 is the Japanese automaker’s new flagship three-row crossover, indirectly replacing the CX-9, which has been discontinued following the 2023 model year.

Sales Numbers - Mazda Mainstream Three-Row Crossovers - Q3 2023 - USA

MODEL Q3 23 / Q3 22 Q3 23 Q3 22 YTD 23 / YTD 22 YTD 23 YTD 22
MAZDA CX-9 -98.89% 81 7,289 -25.69% 17,440 23,469
MAZDA CX-90 * 11,564 * * 17,268 0
TOTAL +59.76% 11,645 7,289 +47.89% 34,708 23,469

For informational and comparative purposes, we also provide sales figures for crossover models that overlap  – either in price or seating capacity – with large three-row crossovers like the Traverse. These crossovers, which are generally smaller than the Traverse, are often cross-shopped with larger models like the Traverse, and include:

  • Midsize crossovers that offer three rows of seating, such as the GMC Acadia, Kia Sorento, and Mitsubishi Outlander.
  • Midsize crossovers with two rows of seating sold at a similar price point to the Traverse, including Nissan Murano, Ford Edge, GM’s own Chevy Blazer, and Hyundai Santa Fe.
  • Midsize and full-size crossover models that are sold under the same name, but whose sales are not broken out by their respective automaker, like the Jeep Grand Cherokee. Specifically, Jeep parent company, Stellantis, does not individually report sales figures of the two-row Grand Cherokee vs. that of the three-row Grand Cherokee L.

Sales Numbers - Overlapping Crossover Sales - Q3 2023 - USA

MODEL Q3 23 / Q3 22 Q3 23 Q3 22 YTD 23 / YTD 22 YTD 23 YTD 22
JEEP GRAND CHEROKEE +51.71% 57,915 38,176 +5.98% 182,871 172,545
HYUNDAI SANTA FE +24.03% 35,020 28,234 +11.65% 96,162 86,129
FORD EDGE +49.76% 24,217 16,170 +4.55% 70,701 67,623
CHEVROLET BLAZER -11.40% 15,515 17,511 -3.47% 48,858 50,615
GMC ACADIA +6.89% 15,398 14,406 +42.17% 55,548 39,072
MITSUBISHI OUTLANDER +30.12% 9,340 7,178 +9.98% 33,522 30,481
NISSAN MURANO -8.25% 5,118 5,578 +17.56% 26,306 22,377

The GM Authority Take

Chevy Traverse sales performance was quite healthy during the third quarter of 2023, outperforming its segment in spite of inventory constraints, while nipping at the heels of Toyota’s Highlander family. Combining sales of both of GM’s three-row mainstream crossovers, the Traverse and GMC Acadia, puts The General within striking distance of the Hyundai-Kia duo and their Hyundai Palisade and the Kia Telluride.

However, Toyota’s addition of a model to its lineup in the form of the Grand Highlander just goes to show how lucrative it is. Stellantis did this nearly three years ago when it debuted the Jeep Grand Cherokee L, an extended length, three-row variant of its popular Jeep Grand Cherokee in order to join in on this segment alongside the Dodge Durango. However, as we noted above, Stellantis does not break out sales data for the two-row Grand Cherokee vs. that of the three-row Grand Cherokee L, so the latter is not included in our quarterly report.

GM’s answer hasn’t been to similarly fill out its lineup, giving the full-size, three-row Traverse a midsize, two-row variant in the form of the Blazer. In spite of the Traverse’s solid sales, supply remains low, continuing to potentially limit would-be gains. Inventory was at 19 days supply in August, up just one day from the 18 days supply in July. As a reminder, a 60-day supply is considered optimal in the U.S. auto industry by many automotive sales organizations such as the National Automotive Dealers Association (NADA). That means a 60-day inventory level gives dealerships enough inventory on hand to sustain sales volume for roughly the next 60 days, or nearly two months.

We posit that Traverse sales will continue to grow in the future, as Chevy launches the overhauled 2024 Traverse as a substantially more attractive product that should result in more interest and in a higher sales volume. That growth, however, won’t come before a dip typically associated with the launch of an all-new model. Making enough units to satisfy demand and getting them to dealers will be vital for the next-gen model’s success, especially given that GM expects the 2024 Traverse to attract more male buyers.

About Chevrolet Traverse

The 2023 Chevy Traverse arrives largely unchanged from the refreshed 2022 Chevy Traverse as the current generation’s final model year before the all-new gen lands in the first half of 2023.

The current Traverse received high praise from. For instance, the 2020 Chevy Traverse was listed as one of the best certified pre-owned three-row crossovers by Kelley Blue Book. Additionally, Consumer Reports hailed the 2022 Chevy Traverse as the easiest model to drive in the midsize three-row utility segment. In January, Consumer Reports gave the 2023 Chevy Traverse a “recommended” rating.

The all-new, next-generation 2024 Chevy Traverse in the sporty RS trim

In July, GM revealed the all-new 2024 Chevy Traverse. Key features include a design that evokes “a rugged, ready-for-anything presence,” a fully overhauled cabin with a “best-in-class” 17.7-inch diagonal color infotainment touchscreen, and the addition of the vaunted GM Super Cruise system for the first time ever.

Four trim levels are available for the 2024 Chevy Traverse, including LS, LT, and RS, plus a new off-road focused Z71 trim for the first time ever on the three-row large crossover. The High Country trim has been dropped, though we still expect the third-gen Chevy Traverse to offer a high-end Premier trim sometime in the near future.

The all-new, next-generation 2024 Chevy Traverse in the off-road focused Z71 trim offered for the first time on the large crossover

The 2024 Traverse offers a single powertrain choice in the form of the all-new turbocharged 2.5L I4 LK0 gasoline engine developing 315 horsepower and 317 pound-feet of torque, representing a 19 percent boost in torque compared to the outgoing 3.6L V6 LFY engine. The maximum trailering rating for the all-new, third-generation Traverse stays the same at 5,000 pounds.

An eight-speed automatic transmission drives the front wheels as standard on the 2024 Traverse while all-wheel drive is optional, with Chevy offering a Z71-exclusive “off-road-capable” twin-clutch AWD system.

Last week, GM Authority was first to report that GM will offer a carryover 2024 Chevy Traverse Limited model prior to the introduction of the next-generation version of the three-row large crossover. It’s currently unclear if production of the 2024 Traverse will begin in December, as was originally anticipated, though that seems unlikely at this point.

The all-new, next-generation 2024 Chevy Traverse in the RS trim

About The Numbers

Vince grew up in a GM family, likes manuals, and thinks this is the golden age of the automobile.

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Comments

  1. 2024 Traverse appears like a winner. But Highlander comes in hybrid and I will have to price it.

    Reply
    1. GM is trailing badly in the hybrid game. Leaping from ICE’s to EV’s is proving to be a big mistake as it leaves the EV-reluctant customer no choice except to go to Toyota or the South Korean brands. Sometimes the ‘moonshot’ strategy is the wrong one.

      Reply
      1. There are three ways to make more horse power in an internal combustion engine. More cubic inches/ liters, spin the engine faster, and forced induction (super charger or turbo charger). More stress is applied in all these.
        Turbo has latent heat after the engine is shut down, oil can crystallize in some instances. Frequent oil changes are usually required due to this.

        Reply
        1. You’re the authority on the topic. You think GM’s engineers are surprised every time a compression cycle happens? The whole internal combustion system is stressful and creates heat. These aren’t designed in some dude’s backyard. Things don’t happen by accident.

          Reply
          1. Is that why there are a hundred Corvettes sitting in Michigan waiting for rework? I’m lucky to have a 2022. So my point is dude engineers can make mistakes. Maybe you do not remember the Chevy Vega. It not an Offenhauser

            Reply
            1. Cosworth Jim, not Offenhauser.
              And you’re straying from your original point.
              “Beef up the internals” you said. My point is this is not retrofitting but engineered to be turbocharged from the start.

              Reply
              1. Offenhauser was a 4 banger in line. Cosworth and Ilmor worked for Offenhauser. Old Indy engine. Cosworth was aligned with Ford and Ilmor was Chevy A & B engine V8

                Reply
                1. Simply untrue and made-up.

                  Reply
                  1. I guess you do not know your history of the Indy 500 engines, I sent you a link with pictures. Offenhauser engine in the Indy 500 was a four cylinder in line turbo charged

                    Reply
                    1. I believe you may have memory issues, and i’m done reminding you of your own points. We are not talking about Indy cars – your point:
                      ” Maybe you do not remember the Chevy Vega. It not an Offenhauser”
                      Offenhauser had nothing to do with the Vega. Cosworth UK’s twin-cam 4 did.

                      It seems you have good internet service at the home.

                      Reply
                    2. I do have good internet service, thanks! I’m not like a person in DC now, you misunderstood or I didn’t explain it well for you to understand. Sorry you didn’t get it about the Vega quality of materials and workmanship. So two different things I was attempting to display.
                      1. 4 cylinder turbo charging
                      2. Quality workmanship

                      Sorry you didn’t get it. Go back and bust your knuckles now!

                      Reply
  2. I have a 2020 Acadia with V6, this will probably be my last
    GM vehicle, 2024’s have an inline turbo 4. Probably need
    Premium gas due to the turbo, hopefully they beefed up rods and crank for the bigger bang.

    Reply
    1. These new GM turbo motors are not engines with a tacked on turbo…they’re engineered as turbos from the start. They’re already proving their reliability and dependability in GM Fullsize pickups, midsize pickups – as well as with the 2.0L first available in Cadillac XT4 and then in Blazer, Acadia and XT5 now.

      Reply
      1. So do you need premium gasoline or higher octane than 87?

        Reply
        1. The 2.7t from the Silverado/Sierra and Colorado/Canyon is 87 octane. The 2.5t for the Traverse is based off the 2.7t. So I’d imagine it will also be 87 octane.

          Reply
    2. Premium not required. Last 4-banger by GM that required premium was the 2.0L Turbo LTG. Not sure about Cadillac models, but I don’t deal with them.

      Reply
  3. I recently rented a 2023 Chevrolet Traverse, It was only the base LT model. I was extremely impressed by it. Great power, good fuel mileage, tons of room. Extremely comfortable vehicle to drive. Base cloth seats were impressively comfortable. After driving this vehicle on a very long road trip. I wondered why there aren’t more on the road. I have rented other third row SUV’s before, all different manufacturers. This by far was the most impressive.

    Reply

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