We're all used to seeing nice $80,000+ SUVs and pickup trucks on sale. But what if we could cut that price in half and still be able to buy a decent seven- or eight-seater high-riding vehicle? Wouldn't that be nice? Well, Chevrolet thought about American (and Canadian!) families that don't want a minivan in their lives. Meet the brand-new Traverse that has all the potential to become your driveway's jewel of the crown.
An all-electric 835-hp Rivian R1S or a fancy V8-powered BMW X7 M60i are great family haulers for those willing to put down a generous deposit and pay a rather high monthly car payment.
But if you're the type of person who likes to live a bit more frugally, then there are other options out there. Buying a vehicle today may feel like too much of an expense, but virtually anyone needs a car in the US. People drive anywhere. Not because they necessarily want to but because they have to. Public transportation is just not good enough – yet. Hopefully, something will change in this regard.
But until something happens, let's see how you can move your entire family around safely without coughing up too much cash or settling for an uncool (yet practical) minivan.
One option you have is the all-new Chevy Traverse. It doesn't have a 3.6-liter V6 anymore, but it looks a lot better and comes in front of the world with a starting MSRP other brands surely already envy: $38,995, freight included.
Photo: Chevy
For that, you get a front-wheel-drive vehicle with seating for eight people, a six-speaker sound system, a power liftgate, a 17.7-inch LCD infotainment display with Google built-in compatibility (which means native access to Maps, voice assistant, and even personalized profiles for everyone who drives the SUV), remote start, heated cloth seats, and a heated steering wheel. There's even adaptive cruise control, and a 360-degree HD camera system included as standard.
The most affordable Traverse rides on 18-inch rims with all-season tires wrapped around them (and a spare in the trunk!). Granted, they look a bit small for such a big vehicle, but they'll work just fine. Going for the 20-inch wheels adds $1,785 to the MSRP because they can be selected only with the Midnight Edition, which darkens out the window trim.
A straightforward approach
The SUV is now powered by a turbocharged 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine that puts out 328 hp (18 hp more than the previous powerplant) and 326 lb-ft (442 Nm) of torque. The Silverado-derived powerplant is paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission, which the driver controls via a dedicated stalk on the steering column. GM tested a nine-speed gearbox, but they settled on the eight-speed one. The logic behind removing a gear was that it saved weight and made the transmission simpler.
Even the four available colors (Summit White, Mosaic Black Metallic, Sterling Gray Metallic, and Lakeshore Blue Metallic) are no-cost choices.
Photo: Chevy
Besides all that, you get a three-year or 36,000-mile bumper-to-bumper limited warranty and some safety systems that may come in handy when you least expect it. The intersection automatic emergency braking and pedestrian and cyclist braking (up to speeds of 50 mph) can help you avoid nasty outcomes.
In Canada, the new Traverse comes only with all-wheel drive. If you're in America and want to upgrade your Traverse LS to all-wheel drive, it'll cost you $2,000.
If you want wireless phone charging, then you'll have to spend $2,400 more for the LT trim. This variant also gives you the option to go for one of the two extra colors: the $495 Radiant Red Tintcoat or the $995 Iridescent Pearl Tricoat. Moreover, new $1,400 20-inch wheels become available.
More choices
The other two versions of the 2024 Traverse are the off-road-oriented Z71 and the almost fully loaded RS. The former adds the trailering package, all-terrain wheels, a beefed-up suspension, and all-wheel drive for $8,800, while the latter returns to front-wheel drive but increases the size of the wheels to 22 inches, adds the hands-free Super Cruise advanced driver-assistance system, the Bose audio system, and the rearview camera mirror.
Photo: Chevy
The all-wheel-drive Chevy Traverse Z71 starts at $47,795, making it less pricey than a Honda Pilot Trailsport. The front-wheel-drive RS will set you back at least $55,595 or $57,595 if you want all-wheel drive.
The fact that all trims hide the same powerplant under the hood isn't a minus. In fact, having the pickup truck-inspired four-cylinder is an advantage because it's going to feel smoother than what other brands like Toyota offer. The Grand Highlander's 2.4-liter mechanical beating heart is known for being a bit too guttural at times.
However, the coolest thing about this Chevy is its price. Paying $39,000 for a brand-new ride with lots of equipment that can move seven or eight people from point A to B safely and (somewhat) comfortably and look cool while doing so is a rare occurrence nowadays. I would not want to tow with it (even though you can!) while having six or seven passengers with me.
Still, the vehicle remains a good option for families and even commuters who want a larger vehicle. Just don't put too much strain on that four-pot.
Not much to think of
What's even better is that you won't have to wait months for one or deal with markups. Chevy wants these SUVs to reach as many Americans as possible. Dealers already have multiple units in stock. You could find your spec sitting on a showroom floor or in a parking lot!
Photo: Chevy
My favorite trim of the 2024 Chevrolet Traverse is the LT with the Lakeshore Blue Metallic exterior, all-wheel-drive, 20-inch wheels, gray (Gideon) interior, eight-passenger setup (that removes the second-row captain chairs), panoramic power sunroof, and the Trailering Package. All that translates into an MSRP of $47,330, which I honestly find enticing.
I would have added the 10-speaker Bose sound system to my spec, but it only comes with Super Cruise. That's an upgrade of over $3,000, which I would not stomach if I looked for an affordable family SUV.
If the new Traverse piqued your interest, then make sure to select your favorite build ahead of time and shop around. It's good to know what you want. That way, you will avoid unwanted upgrades.
Finally, don't fall for any dealership shenanigans. These pesky middlemen might want to buy all sorts of useless extras or pay a lot more for some accessories that are many times cheaper at third-party vendors. Also, shop around for good finance opportunities if you don't want to pay cash for the vehicle. Dealerships don't have a reputation for offering customers the best deals possible.
Car shows on TV and his father's Fiat Tempra may have been Florin's early influences, but nowadays he favors different things, like the power of an F-150 Raptor. He'll never be able to ignore the shape of a Ferrari though, especially a yellow one. Full profile
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