2024 Chevrolet Traverse: The Midsize SUV That Wants to Be a Truck

The 2024 Chevrolet Traverse is here, and it's not messing around. Chevy has given its three-row crossover a complete makeover, ditching the bland and boring look of the previous generation for a more rugged and truck-like appearance. It also has a new turbocharged four-cylinder engine that makes more power than the old V6, a new off-road-ready Z71 trim level, and a host of new tech and safety features.

But is this enough to make the Traverse stand out in the crowded and competitive midsize SUV segment? Or is it just another case of Chevy trying too hard to be cool? Let's find out.

A New Face for a New Generation

The first thing you'll notice about the 2024 Chevrolet Traverse is its new face. Chevy has taken cues from its larger SUVs like the Tahoe and Suburban, giving the Traverse a more squared-off grille, split headlights with LED accents, and a more muscular front bumper. The result is a more imposing, aggressive look that says, "I'm not here to play nice."

The side profile is also more angular and boxy than before, with sharper creases and larger wheel arches. The rear end features thin horizontal taillights that wrap around the tailgate, quad exhaust tips, and a roof spoiler. The Traverse looks more confident and assertive than ever before.

Chevy offers four trim levels for the 2024 Traverse: LS, LT, Z71, and RS. The LS is the base model with basic features like cloth seats, 18-inch wheels, and an 8-inch touchscreen. The LT adds some chrome accents, leather seats, heated front seats, a power liftgate, remote start, blind spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, lane keep assist, automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, wireless charging, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility, Wi-Fi hotspot, etc.

The Z71 is the first-ever off-road version of the Traverse, featuring all-wheel drive with a twin-clutch differential, off-road suspension, skid plates, tow hooks, 18-inch black wheels with all-terrain tires, Z71 badging and embroidery, hill descent control, trailering equipment, etc.

The RS is the sporty and stylish variant of the new Chevrolet Traverse, featuring blacked-out exterior elements like the grille, roof rails, moldings, etc., 22-inch high-gloss black wheels, RS badging, and deboss, jet black leather seats with red accents, sport-tuned suspension, three-spoke flat-bottom steering wheel, sunroof, etc.

A New Heart for a New Generation

The biggest change under the hood of the 2024 Chevrolet Traverse is the new turbocharged 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine that replaces the previous 3.6-liter V6 engine. The new engine makes an estimated 315 horsepower and 317 lb-ft of torque, which is more than the old V6's 310 horsepower and 266 lb-ft of torque. The new engine also pairs with an eight-speed automatic transmission instead of the nine-speed gearbox that was used before.

Chevy claims that the new engine is more efficient and refined than the old one, but it hasn't released any official fuel economy figures yet. We expect the 2024 Traverse to improve on the current model's EPA ratings of 18 mpg city, 27 mpg highway, and 21 mpg combined for the front-wheel-drive version and 17 mpg city, 25 mpg highway, and 20 mpg combined for the all-wheel-drive version.

The new engine also gives the 2024 Chevrolet Traverse a higher towing capacity of up to 5,000 pounds when equipped with the trailering package. That's more than most of its rivals like the Kia Telluride, Hyundai Palisade, Mazda CX-90, Ford Explorer, Toyota Highlander, and Honda Pilot.

A New Cabin for a New Generation

The interior of the 2024 Chevrolet Traverse is also revamped, with a more spacious and modern design. The dashboard is lower and sleeker than before, featuring a new 17.7-inch touchscreen infotainment system that is the largest in its class. The system supports wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility, wireless charging, Wi-Fi hotspot, and various apps. The Chevrolet Traverse also offers a new digital instrument cluster, a head-up display, a rearview camera mirror, a surround-view camera system, and a rear-seat entertainment system.

The Traverse has seating for up to eight passengers, with plenty of headroom and legroom in all three rows. The second row can be configured with either a bench seat or captain's chairs, while the third row is a 60/40 split-folding bench seat. The Traverse has a best-in-class cargo volume of 98 cubic feet with both rows folded down, which is more than enough to fit all your luggage and gear.

The Traverse also has a new Smart Sense Liftgate that opens automatically when it senses your presence. No need to wave your foot or fumble for keys. Just walk up to the back of the vehicle, and the liftgate will pop open.

The new Chevrolet Traverse also has a range of advanced safety features, such as automatic emergency braking, lane keep assist, blind spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, adaptive cruise control, and more. It also offers Super Cruise, a hands-free driving system that works on compatible highways. Super Cruise uses cameras, sensors, GPS, and maps to steer, accelerate, and brake the vehicle without requiring driver input. However, the driver still needs to pay attention to the road and be ready to take over if needed.

The Verdict

The 2024 Chevrolet Traverse is a big improvement over the previous generation. It has a more rugged, truck-like look that appeals to many SUV buyers. It has a new turbocharged four-cylinder engine that makes more power and torque than the old V6. It has a new off-road-ready Z71 trim level that adds some capability and character. It has a new 17.7-inch touchscreen infotainment system that is the largest in its class. It has a spacious and versatile interior that can accommodate up to eight passengers and plenty of cargo. It has a new Smart Sense Liftgate that opens automatically when it senses your presence. It has a range of advanced safety features, including Super Cruise.

However, the Traverse is not without its flaws. It still lacks some features that are available on some of its competitors, such as a hybrid or plug-in hybrid powertrain option, ventilated seats, heated rear seats, etc. It also faces stiff competition from other midsize SUVs that offer similar or better value, style, performance, efficiency, technology, safety, etc.

The 2024 Chevrolet Traverse is expected to go on sale in early 2024. The official pricing has not been announced yet, but it is estimated to start at around $37,000 for the base LS model.

Is the 2024 Chevrolet Traverse worth buying? That depends on your preferences and needs. If you're looking for a midsize SUV with a lot of space, power, tech, and safety features, and you don't mind paying a premium for them, then the Traverse might be a good choice. But if you're looking for something more efficient, affordable, or distinctive, then you might want to check out some of its rivals first.