2025 Chevrolet Traverse review

In the third-generation Traverse, a turbocharged 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine is the only powertrain option. However, this engine produces more horsepower (328) than the V6 available in the prior generation. Paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission with front-wheel drive or available all-wheel drive, the third-generation Traverse will tow up to 5,000 pounds while also carrying up to seven passengers when properly equipped.

The Traverse is up-to-date on tech, with a 17.7-inch center-mounted touchscreen infotainment system standard on all trim levels. In terms of available packages, there is the Z71 off-road package for adventuring. This package includes all-terrain tires and an off-road-tuned suspension. New for 2025, the available High Country trim includes leather upholstery, heated and ventilated front seats, and GM’s Super Cruise hands-free driver-assistance system. 

The second-generation Traverse built on the success of the first generation’s combination of car-like ride quality and traditional full-size SUV interior capacity. Spacious seating for up to seven passengers in three rows remained a hallmark of the model. 

Power for the second-generation Traverse came from an updated version of the same V6 engine for most models, though the sporty RS trim offered a turbocharged four-cylinder engine. All second-generation Traverse models come with a nine-speed automatic transmission and front-wheel drive standard, with all-wheel drive available on various trim levels. 

In the cabin, this generation of Traverse was equipped with a seven-inch touchscreen infotainment system featuring both Android Auto™ and Apple CarPlay® as well as GM’s OnStar® system with a subscription-based 4G connection and Wi-Fi. The infotainment system and OnStar are standard across the model’s trim range.

Chevrolet launched the Traverse as its second-largest SUV (after the Tahoe) in 2009, with seating for up to eight passengers in three rows, if buyers selected the available front-row bench seat. Power came from a V6 engine paired with a six-speed automatic transmission. Front-wheel drive was standard, with an optional all-wheel drive available. 

The first-generation Traverse was known for its smooth ride and spacious interior, which made it a compelling alternative to the full-size truck-based SUVs of its day. Generally speaking, the Traverse is known for easy access to the third-row seats, as well as an up-to-date interior. Infotainment tech was moving rapidly in the years of the first-generation Traverse, and by the final year, a 6.5-inch touchscreen infotainment system was standard, though smartphone integration like Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™ had not yet been adopted.