Redesigned from the ground up in 2017 for the 2018 model year, the largest unibody sport utility vehicle from Chevrolet received a refresh for 2022. The Detroit-based automaker performed a more substantial update for 2024, which features a truck-inspired front end that brings the Traverse closer to the Silverado-based Tahoe and Suburban body-on-frame SUVs.
Scheduled to go on sale in early 2024, the redesigned crossover is described as being "all-new" by the Golden Bowtie. In truth, it still features the C1XX platform of the 2023 model. Said architecture also underpins the GMC Acadia, Buick Enclave, and Cadillac XT6.
Rather than a 3.6L naturally-aspirated V6 or a 2.0L turbocharged I4, the Traverse now comes with a 2.5L turbocharged I4. It's a completely new engine for General Motors, a force-fed lump that carries regular production order code LK0. Think of it as the smaller brother of the 2.7L turbocharged I4 in the Silverado 1500 full-size pickup truck and mid-size Colorado.
The largest automaker of the Big Three in Detroit estimates 315 horsepower on full song. Peak torque is estimated at 317 pound-feet, which is 430 Nm if you prefer metric units. That's more power and torque than both previous engines. The V6 puts out a respectable 310 hp and 266 lb-ft (360 Nm), whereas the 2.0-liter mill has 257 hp and 295 lb-ft (400 Nm) to its name.
Another welcomed change is the automatic transmission. Rather than the nine speeds of 2023 and earlier models, the 2024 flaunts eight speeds. The 9T65 was likely dropped because of its abysmal reliability. However, we don't know if the eight-speed transmission of the 2024 Chevrolet Traverse is based on the 9T65 or a clean-sheet design. Knowing GM, the eight-speed is probably a derivative of the 9T65.
Gifted with a steering column-mounted shifter, the Traverse comes by default with front-wheel drive. All-wheel drive is available, of course. Opting for the Z71 trim level, which is new for the Traverse, gets you a twin-clutch system optimized for off-road scenarios.
Twin-clutch AWD isn't exactly new, though. Ford has been using it for years now. The most notable applications include the Focus RS and Bronco Sport Badlands. Even the Maverick Tremor features the twin-clutch rear differential of the Bronco Sport Badlands.
In the United States, prospective customers will be presented with four trim levels in total. The LS opens the list with eight seats as standard. Seven seats come standard in the LT, Z71, and range-topping RS grades.
Chevrolet further sweetens the deal with a maximum towing capacity of 5,000 pounds (2,268 kilograms), a trailering rating that matches the body-on-frame 2024 model year Jeep Wrangler. Speaking of which, is the Z71 worth considering for the occasional venture off the beaten path?
All-terrain rubber, a wider track, more ground clearance, and red tow hooks up front – in addition to the twin-clutch AWD – make the Traverse Z71 a pretty good proposition for off-road scenarios. Buyers more interested in interior space may be tempted by the RS trim level, which boasts one-touch folding second-row seats and power folding third-row seats.
Regardless of grade, the Traverse offers up to 97.6 cubic feet (make that 2,764 liters) of cargo capacity. Oh, and another thing. Can you believe the standard infotainment system is a best-in-class unit due to its 17.7-inch diagonal touchscreen? Completely massive, but then again, the Traverse is a completely massive crossover.
As with the soon-to-be-discontinued 2023 model, the 2024 Chevrolet Traverse will be manufactured in Michigan at the Lansing Delta Township assembly plant.
After a 1:43 scale model of a Ferrari 250 GTO sparked Mircea's interest for cars when he was a kid, an early internship at Top Gear sealed his career path. He's most interested in muscle cars and American trucks, but he takes a passing interest in quirky kei cars as well. Full profile
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