2025 Chevrolet Traverse review

Chevrolet substantially improved the third-generation Traverse, especially regarding the technology. In addition, it is more powerful, efficient, and capable off-road.

Good looks draw people to the Traverse, and when they open a door, a huge interior beckons. Digital instrumentation, a 17.7-inch touchscreen infotainment system with an intuitive Google Built-In interface, and three rows of comfortable seats promise simplicity and ease of use.

Under the hood, a standard turbocharged 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine supplies more horsepower and torque than the previous model's V6. In addition, it returns slightly better fuel economy. With the Z71 trim, the Traverse includes modifications that offer more off-roading capability than other versions of the SUV.

Driver-assistance technology is standard on all versions of the Traverse, and when you want the tech to take over, a Super Cruise hands-free driving system is available.

The second-generation Traverse replaced a design nearly a decade old, and it was a better SUV in every way. Chevrolet offered it in more trim levels, adding the sporty RS and luxurious High Country variants to the lineup. Early on, a turbocharged four-cylinder engine was available with the RS trim, but Chevy canceled it in 2020 in favor of the V6 powering the other versions of the SUV.

As expected, the second-generation Traverse was roomy, comfortable, and commodious. Adults fit in the third-row seat, and the generous cargo area was perfect for road trips.

Chevrolet upgraded the Traverse's tech over the seven years of production (the 2024 Traverse Limited was a continuation of this model). In particular, the infotainment systems were simple and easy to use, if not class-leading in screen size. However, Chevy resisted making all of the driver-assistance systems available on all versions of the SUV.

With the original Traverse three-row crossover SUV, Chevrolet took the age-old advice to go big or go home. Sized like a minivan, styled like an SUV, and engineered to drive more like a car than a truck, the first-generation Traverse proved appealing. It had a nice price, a larger interior than most rivals, and a strong V6 engine that returned decent fuel economy. Cargo space was cavernous for the class and exceeded even that of Chevy's own Tahoe full-size SUV. 

Chevrolet didn't make many changes to the Traverse. Significant updates arrived in 2013, including revised styling, a refined interior, and new technology. Small but impactful tech improvements continued in the years after, making the newer first-gen Traverses more appealing choices today.

Ultimately, Chevy sold this version of the Traverse for nine years straight before a redesign arrived.