The Chevrolet Traverse is a series of full-size crossover SUVs marketed by the Chevrolet brand of General Motors, and sold in the United States, Canada, Mexico, and the Middle East. The nameplate currently spans three generations.
Quick Facts
| First-Gen | Second-Gen | Third-Gen | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Model Years | 2009-2017 | 2018-2024 | 2024 – present |
| Platform | Lambda | C1 | C1-2 |
| Engines | 3.6L V6 LLT | Turbo 2.0L LTG, 3.6L V6 LFY | Turbo 2.5L LK0 |
| Transmissions | 6-speed auto | 9-speed auto | 8-speed auto |
| Production | GM Lansing Township plant, Michigan, USA | GM Lansing Township plant, Michigan, USA | GM Lansing Township plant, Michigan, USA |
| Size | Full-size | Full-size | Full-size |
| Availability | U.S.A., Canada, Mexico, Middle East, select South American markets |
Traverse Concept
2000 Chevrolet Traverse Concept
The Traverse nameplate was originally used for a concept car, which debuted at the 2000 Chicago Auto Show and aimed to eliminate the distinction between sedan, minivan and pickup.
See more about the 2000 Chevy Traverse concept.
First Generation
2010 Chevrolet Traverse LT
The first generation Chevrolet Traverse debuted at the 2008 Chicago Auto Show in February 2008, and reached dealership lots by October 2008. The Traverse’s design was inspired by the 2005 Chevrolet Sequel concept car, and featured a grille shape similar to that of the 2008 Malibu, as the two were both penned using the same design language.
The first-gen Traverse was based on GM Lambda platform, which it shared with the first-gen GMC Acadia, first-gen Buick Enclave and Saturn Outlook. Initially, the Traverse was manufactured at the GM Spring Hill plant in the Tennessee until the 2010 calendar year, when production was moved to the GM Delta Township plant in Michigan. Aside from the doors, most of the sheet metal was unique as compared to the other Lambda-based crossovers.
2014 Chevrolet Traverse LTZ
A mid-cycle refresh was introduced for the 2013 model year, and featured a revised front fascia, redesigned rear liftgate and Camaro-inspired taillights.
In the powertrain department, the first-gen Traverse was only offered with one engine and transmission option throughout its entire run: the naturally aspirated 3.6L LLT V6 gasoline engine, rated at 281 horsepower and 266 pound-feet of torque, was mated to the GM six-speed automatic transmission. It’s worth noting that the LLT V6 engine made 288 horsepower and 270 pound-feet of torque when equipped with the dual-exhaust system. FWD was standard while AWD was available.
The trim level lineup included LS, 1LT, 2LT and LTZ, and production spanned the 2009 thru the 2017 model years.
Second Generation
2018 Chevrolet Traverse RS
The second-generation Chevrolet Traverse was unveiled on January 23rd, 2017 at the 2017 North American International Auto Show in Detroit and went on sale in July 2017 as a 2018 model year vehicle. Originally launched in the North American market, the full-size crossover eventually expanded to the Russian market in 2018, followed by South Korea in 2019.
The second-gen Traverse rides on the long-wheelbase version of the GM C1 platform, which it shares most directly with the Buick Enclave. A different variant of the same architecture is also used on the Cadillac XT5, GMC Acadia, Cadillac XT6, and Chevrolet Blazer. Two models – the three-row Chevrolet Blazer and Buick Enclave – sold exclusively in China, use a variant of the C1 platform more directly shared with the aforementioned XT6.
Production of the second-gen Traverse place at the GM Delta Township plant in Michigan.
2021 Chevrolet Traverse Sport Edition
The trim lineup ranges from LS, LT Cloth, LT Leather, RS, Premier, and High Country. FWD and AWD is offered across the entire model lineup, although the LS trim is only available with FWD and the High Country trim is only available with AWD.
A mid-cycle refresh was introduced for the 2022 model year, one year later than it was originally planned due to complications related to the COVID-19 pandemic. The refreshed Traverse features a revised grille similar to that of the redesigned Tahoe, a new dual-level headlight arrangement inspired by the 2019 and newer Chevy Blazer, a new eight-inch infotainment display, and the inclusion of several standard safety technologies.
2022 Chevrolet Traverse Premier
In regards to powertrain, the second-gen Traverse originally launched with two powerplants. The first, available only on the RS trim, was the turbocharged 2.0L LTG I4 gasoline engine. It was rated at 257 horsepower and 295 pound-feet of torque. The boosted four-pot was dropped following the 2019 model year. The naturally aspirated 3.6L LFY V6 gasoline engine was standard across the entire lineup, and produced 310 horsepower and 266 pound-feet of torque. Regardless of engine option, all second-gen Traverse models are equipped with the GM nine-speed automatic transmission.
Third Generation
The third-generation Chevrolet Traverse was introduced for the 2024 model year. The overhaul includes an all-new exterior, all-new interior, a new powertrain, and new technologies.
| Assembly Location | GM Lansing Township Plant, Michigan, USA |
| Model Years | 2024 – present |
| Body Style | Full-Size Crossover SUV |
| Availability | U.S.A., Canada, Mexico, Middle East |
| Layout | Front-Engined, Transverse |
| Engine(s) | Turbo 2.5L I4 LK0 |
| Transmission(s) | 9-Speed Automatic |
| Drive Wheels | Front-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel Drive |
| Platform | C1-2 |
| Refresh(es) | 2027 (expected) |
The 2024 Traverse features the latest iteration of the Bow Tie brand’s “High Brow” design language with a tough, truck-inspired front fascia illuminating the road ahead with a dual-tier headlight configuration. The new design elements and body panel sculpturing create what Chevrolet describes as “a rugged, ready-for-anything presence.”
The 2024 Traverse is available in LS, LT, Z71 and RS trim levels. As first reported by GM Authority, the Premier and High Country trims have been dropped, but a Traverse Premier will launch for the 2025 model year.
Inside, the 2024 Chevy Traverse features a fully overhauled cabin with a “best-in-class” 17.7-inch diagonal color infotainment touchscreen equipped as standard across all trim levels. The cockpit sports a redesigned steering wheel while the cabin has more space overall, improved ergonomics, new colorways, and higher-quality materials.
Seating for seven or eight passengers is available, depending on trim level.
All 2024 Traverse trims are powered by a new turbocharged 2.5L I-4 LK0 engine – about which GM Authority was also first to report way before GM announced the vehicle. Essentially a smaller version of the turbo 2.7L I-4 L3B, the LK0 is rated at 328 horsepower and 326 pound-feet of torque, delivering more power and more trailering capability than the previous generation. The new engine is paired with GM’s eight-speed automatic on all trims, which is GM’s nine-speed gearbox with a forward gear removed. Front-wheel-drive is standard, while all-wheel-drive is available. The Traverse Z71 features an “off-road-capable” twin-clutch AWD system on the Z71.
For the third generation, GM’s C1 platform was upgraded to include the GM Global B electronic platform, making the 2024 Traverse capable of over-the-air (OTA) updates and running the latest technologies.
Sales
See Chevy Traverse sales numbers for global markets.
Discussion
Discuss the Traverse in our Chevy forum.
Traverse News
Chevy Traverse Deals Include Nationwide Lease In May 2025
Plus, special and local market leases on all-new three-row crossover.
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Chevy Traverse And GMC Acadia Get This Exterior Lighting Feature That The Buick Enclave Doesn’t
Lighting animation makes the distinction.
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