General Motors unveiled the 2024 Chevy Traverse Z71 in July of 2023, offering up a new off-roader trim level in conjunction with the launch of the all-new third-generation crossover. As expected, the Traverse Z71 features enhanced rough-stuff capabilities thanks to a selection of unique technology and equipment. Now, GM is showcasing the Traverse Z71’s off-road goodies in a series of brief new videos.
Some of the 2024 Traverse Z71’s highlight features include an advanced twin-clutch all-wheel drive system, Terrain mode, and Hill Descent Control, all of which are highlighted in the “Off-Road Performance” video. Another video, “Off-Road Capability”, emphasizes the vehicle’s all-terrain tires and specialized off-road suspension. The specific model seen in both videos is equipped with a panoramic sunroof (RPO code CAJ) and a sleek Sterling Gray Metallic (paint code GXD) paint finish.
As covered previously, the 2024 Chevy Traverse boasts improved approach and departure angles, measured at 21 degrees and 24 degrees, respectively. The higher approach and departure angles are a significant improvement over the rest of the lineup, and make the Traverse Z71 competitive with rivals like the 2024 Ford Explorer Timberline.
Mechanically, the Traverse Z71 is powered by the turbocharged 2.5L I4 LK0 gasoline engine, capable of delivering 328 horsepower and 326 pound-feet of torque. This represents a significant increase in torque compared to the outgoing 3.6L V6 LFY engine. The engine is paired with the GM eight-speed automatic transmission.
In terms of design, the Traverse Z71 shows off Chevy’s “High Brow” design language, which includes a truck-inspired front fascia and dual-tier headlight configuration. The interior incorporates a 17.7-inch diagonal color infotainment touchscreen and redesigned ergonomic spaces.
Also notable is the 2024 Chevy Traverse Z71’s designation as the first unibody vehicle to wear a Z71 badge. Historically, Chevy’s Z71 lineup was restricted exclusively to body-on-frame vehicles.
As a reminder, the 2024 Chevy Traverse rides on the GM C1 platform and is produced at the GM Lansing Delta Township plant in Michigan.
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Comments
Problem is the demonstration is on a road.
I’ll take the V-6 any day over that in-line four. I doubt it has four bolt mains, forged rods and crankshaft, forged pistons, huge oil sump , etc., you know, the good stuff to give it a chance to survive when people start beating on them. Let’s see how many make it past 100,000 miles.
This 4 does have 4 bolt mains, powder metal rods (which debatably is better than forged) steel ring inserts in forged hypereutic pistons, and a 5.5qt sump. It’s built better than ecoturds. In reality, the high feature V6 it replaced was less reliable than small blocks. They should have revamped rhe 4.3 instead.
Almost all engines from recent years should easily make 150,000 miles. All new vehicles now require synthetic oil which has played a large part in making engines last much longer. All automaker should have required synthetic all for all of their engines many years before they did. I don’t think most people understand how much better synthetic oil is than conventional oil, the difference is very significant. From the earliest long term real word data and anecdotes from Mobil 1 in the 70’s it was immediately obvious just what a huge difference synthetic oil could make in the durability of internal combustion engines.
Bruce the 2.0T in my 2020 Equinox is also a very robust reliable engine… people need to forget the 70s, 80s and 90s when most four cylinders where used for commuter cars not performance and definitely not for and SUV/CUV that make this kind of power. Just because is has a turbo doesn’t mean it will break keep up with your oil changes and maintenance and it will last!
I have to wonder how many of these will actually be going off road. I’ll bet it’s a very low percentage
Joe Y: That very low percentage would likely be less than 2% of “Traverse” drivers would ever go off road. Unless like Beachy29579 said, they consider Walmart’s parking lot off road.
A trip around the Walmart parking lot is where 99% of them will go off-road.
But, hey, owners can lie about all their woodsy adventures, like most of these poseurs do.
Those videos are a poor display of off roading. A Toyota Corolla could have pulled that off with no problem. How about going up and down a few steep hills with loose rock, gravel or sand to see how the 4 x 4 system will handle and react. Also how about demonstrating going through some mud or water so we can see if it can handle that. You know somewhere around 3 to 6 inches. Also, maybe drive it over some obstacles that you might encounter while you are off roading. Because if this is a display of this new Z71off-road capability Chevy can keep it. I don’t do hard core off roading like some but what I described is what I encounter on my journey’s when I go to my camping spots with my 2023 Jeep Grand Cherokee 4X4. And it handles these things perfectly. I had the older version of the Traverse AWD and it did ok but was not great. That is why I traded for the Jeep and it has been a blessing going off road.
It’s got some nice off roading features. I never understand the hate that so many have to these family haulers that try to add some off road capabilities. The 99% of people don’t need it, it’ll only be driven to Walmart. Get over it.
They aren’t meant to compete with true off road vehicle. For some they will and do take several trips a year to go camping, to drive in areas with no paved roads, to go skiing in areas with a lot of snow.
For me that may be 10-15 days of the year yet why not have the extra off road ability compared to a standard trim.
This Z71 looks great, and I’m willing to pay that premium for the trim.
Well said Beach Bum, people who need hard core off road capability will not be looking at the Z71.
Agreed, there are advantages to having the extras on vehicles. Could be the occasional weather, camping trip or whatever. I can remember back many years ago, always choosing the heavy duty options when looking to purchase. Going with off road 4wd packages almost always have the heavy duty cooling, suspension items etc.
It didn’t do anything in the video my FWD Grand Caravan couldn’t easily do.
Not impressed.
…or any rental car, either.
There are very few roads a rental car or company car can’t handle. 🙂
Bruce the 2.0T in my 2020 Equinox is also a very robust reliable engine… people need to forget the 70s, 80s and 90s when most four cylinders where used for commuter cars not performance and definitely not for and SUV/CUV that make this kind of power. Just because is has a turbo doesn’t mean it will break keep up with your oil changes and maintenance and it will last!
Picked up my Z71 yesterday. Really like the look and the performance of the super cruise. A little sluggish on the low end but it responds well with more acceleration.