Chevrolet Traverse Review

Vehicle Overview

The Chevrolet Traverse has always been one of the most practical SUVs in Chevy’s lineup. For 2025, it’s completely reimagined — boasting bold truck-inspired styling, a new turbocharged powertrain, and cutting-edge interior tech.

Now built on GM’s C1XX-2 platform, the new Traverse blurs the line between crossover and SUV, offering best-in-class passenger room, serious towing ability, and advanced safety.

Key Specifications

The switch to a 2.5L turbo engine delivers more power and better efficiency than the old V6, while AWD variants gain extra traction and capability.

Exterior Design

The 2025 Traverse adopts a completely new, rugged appearance — closer to the Tahoe than the outgoing model.

Squared-off proportions with upright stance

Split LED lighting signature and wide grille

Sculpted hood with strong shoulder lines

Blacked-out details on RS; red tow hooks on Z71

Optional two-tone paint and 20- or 22-inch wheels

Hands-free power liftgate (LT+)

New truck-inspired rear design with bold “TRAVERSE” lettering

The design finally gives the Traverse the presence and toughness its size deserves.

Interior, Comfort & Materials

Inside, the Traverse takes a tech-forward and family-first approach, offering more refinement, space, and practicality.

17.7-inch infotainment touchscreen (standard on all trims)

11.0-inch digital instrument cluster

Wireless Apple CarPlay & Android Auto

Flat-bottom steering wheel (RS, Z71)

Soft-touch dashboard and ambient lighting

Heated and ventilated front seats (RS, Z71)

Heated second-row seats (optional)

Tri-zone automatic climate control

2nd-row captain’s chairs (standard on RS, Z71)

Best-in-class 3rd-row space for adults

The cabin is spacious, premium, and intuitive, combining technology and practicality seamlessly.

Features & Infotainment

17.7-inch HD color touchscreen (largest in segment)

11-inch digital cluster display

Google Built-In (Assistant, Maps, Play Store)

Alexa Built-In voice control

Wi-Fi hotspot capability

Wireless phone charging pad

6-speaker standard / 10-speaker Bose audio (RS)

USB-C ports in all three rows

Keyless entry and remote start

Over-the-air software updates

This is Chevy’s most connected SUV ever, making long drives easier and more entertaining.

Safety & Ratings

The 2025 Traverse offers Chevy Safety Assist across all trims and introduces new features for added protection.

Standard Safety Features

Automatic Emergency Braking

Front Pedestrian and Bicyclist Braking

Lane Keep Assist with Lane Departure Warning

Forward Collision Alert

Following Distance Indicator

IntelliBeam auto high beams

Available / Trim-Specific Features

Adaptive Cruise Control

Rear Cross-Traffic Braking

Side Blind Zone Alert

HD Surround Vision

Rear Park Assist

Reverse Automatic Braking

Intersection Automatic Emergency Braking

New for 2025

GM’s Super Cruise (hands-free driving on 400,000+ miles of highways)

Driving Performance & Handling

The new Traverse combines smooth road manners with genuine capability.

Turbo 2.5L engine delivers strong torque for towing or passing

Smooth 8-speed automatic with responsive shifts

Available Twin-Clutch AWD system (Z71) for enhanced traction

Z71 trim adds skid plates, off-road tires, and tuned suspension

RS trim tuned for sportier steering and firm ride

Quiet cabin with improved sound insulation

Overall, it’s more powerful, composed, and refined than before — with trims for both comfort and adventure.

Fuel Efficiency

Despite its size and power boost, the new turbo engine improves real-world economy over the previous V6.

Practicality & Everyday Usability

22.9 cu ft cargo space (3rd row up)

97.6 cu ft total cargo capacity (folded)

Hidden underfloor storage compartment

Power liftgate (hands-free available)

Flat-folding rear seats

Roof rails for cargo or outdoor gear

Generous cabin storage and multiple USB ports

With room for 8 passengers and nearly 100 cu ft of cargo space, the Traverse remains one of the most versatile SUVs in its class.

Warranty & Maintenance

One Complimentary Maintenance Visit included

Price & Value for Money

MSRP (2025 U.S.)

LS — $39,995

LT — $42,395

Z71 — $48,395

RS — $51,995

The Traverse offers full-size space and power at midsize pricing, especially when compared to competitors from Toyota, Honda, and Ford.

Comparison with Rivals

The Traverse edges out rivals with its power, cargo space, and class-leading technology.

Pros & Cons

Pros

Best-in-class cargo and passenger space

Strong new turbo engine with 5,000-lb towing capacity

Advanced 17.7-inch touchscreen standard

Off-road-ready Z71 trim

Super Cruise availability

Cons

No hybrid or plug-in option

Large size can make city parking tricky

Premium trims approach $55K

Overall Rating

4.8 / 5 Stars – The 2025 Chevrolet Traverse is bold, powerful, and family-focused. It blends big-SUV utility with modern design, cutting-edge tech, and improved efficiency.

Final Verdict

The Chevrolet Traverse has evolved into one of the best all-around three-row SUVs on the market. It’s ideal for families, adventurers, and long-distance travelers who want space, power, and comfort without stepping into a truck-based SUV.

More Chevrolet reviews: Chevrolet Blazer Review, Chevrolet Blazer EV Review and Chevrolet Bolt EUV Review.

With its rugged new Z71 trim, refined RS model, and class-leading interior space, the 2025 Traverse proves that Chevy still knows how to build the perfect family hauler.

2026 Chevrolet Traverse price by trim and all-wheel drive cost

The 2026 Chevrolet Traverse lineup spans four trims with a sizable spread between the entry model and the upper grades. Cars.com and iSeeCars list prices including destination at 42,695 dollars for LT, 50,795 dollars for Z71, 56,995 dollars for High Country and 57,295 dollars for RS. Those sources also put all-wheel drive at about 2,000 dollars extra across most of the lineup. Z71 is the exception in the way the range is structured because all-wheel drive is standard on that off-road-oriented trim rather than an added option.

Those prices put the Traverse close to several other three-row SUVs at the entry level. Edmunds and iSeeCars list the 2026 Honda Pilot Sport from 42,395 dollars, while Edmunds and Cars.com list the Toyota Grand Highlander gas model from 42,260 dollars and its hybrid from 45,610 dollars. For buyers considering a more expensive General Motors alternative, Edmunds and TrueCar list the 2026 Buick Enclave Preferred from about 48,095 dollars. The comparison is useful because it shows where the Traverse sits before adding all-wheel drive or moving into its higher trims.

2026 Chevrolet Traverse safety, recall and ownership costs

Safety information for the 2026 Traverse includes a 5.0 out of 5 overall crash rating from NHTSA. The model has also been recalled once by NHTSA for the 2026 model year, according to the NHTSA information carried in the Cars.com recall listing. The issue concerns vehicles whose radio may not have been set to the correct production status needed to download the electronic owner's manual. The stated concern is that affected owners may lack the manual needed to operate the vehicle safely, making recall-status verification a sensible step for shoppers considering a specific vehicle.

Running costs are also worth budgeting separately from the purchase price. Insurify put national US full-coverage car insurance at 243 dollars per month, or 2,922 dollars per year, in September 2026. CNBC Select cited about 208 dollars per month, while Experian's 2026 average was 2,241 dollars per year, supporting a national band of roughly 185 to 245 dollars per month. Fuel prices were also elevated late in the year: AAA reported a national average of about 4.48 dollars per gallon for regular gasoline on September 21, 2026, while the EIA forecast a 3.84 dollar full-year 2026 average.

Our cost calculators can put these national figures against a specific Traverse trim, and our guide to choosing a family car covers the rest of the shortlist.

Specifications, prices and equipment were current at publication and vary by model year, trim and market. Verify final details with a franchised dealer before ordering. Read how we review cars and our editorial policy.