Chevrolet gave the Traverse a much-needed rethink for 2024, turning its popular three-row SUV into a larger, more technology-focused family hauler with a completely new powertrain and a broader range of personalities.
The 2024 Chevrolet Traverse is the first model year of the latest generation, and the changes go well beyond a redesigned grille or updated headlights. Chevrolet replaced the outgoing V6 with a turbocharged four-cylinder, introduced the rugged Z71 model, upgraded the cabin with a huge infotainment display and gave buyers more standard driver-assistance technology.
The result is a Traverse that feels considerably different from the SUV it replaces. It still targets families who need three rows, but Chevrolet has made the model more competitive against newer rivals such as the Honda Pilot, Toyota Grand Highlander, Kia Telluride and Hyundai Palisade.
2024 Chevrolet Traverse gets a completely new look
The visual transformation is impossible to miss. The 2024 Traverse adopts a more upright, squared-off design than the previous generation, giving it a larger and more substantial appearance.
The front end is dominated by a wide grille and slim lighting elements, while the taller body emphasizes the SUV’s three-row proportions. Chevrolet also offers different exterior treatments depending on the trim, allowing the Traverse to range from relatively understated to distinctly rugged.
That approach matters because buyers in this segment are not necessarily looking for the same thing. Some want a comfortable family vehicle for school runs and road trips, while others want an SUV that looks ready for outdoor adventures.
The new lineup attempts to cover both groups.
A new 2.5-liter turbo replaces the V6
Perhaps the biggest mechanical change is under the hood.
Instead of the previous 3.6-liter naturally aspirated V6, the 2024 Traverse uses a turbocharged 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine. Chevrolet rates it at 328 horsepower and 326 lb-ft of torque, with an eight-speed automatic transmission handling gear changes.
The move to a turbocharged four-cylinder reflects a broader shift across the midsize SUV market. Smaller-displacement turbo engines can deliver strong torque without relying on a larger naturally aspirated engine.
For Traverse buyers, the important number is torque. With 326 lb-ft available, the new SUV has a healthy amount of low-end pulling power for carrying passengers and hauling a trailer.
Front-wheel drive is offered on some trims, while all-wheel drive is available throughout much of the range and comes standard on the Z71.
The Z71 gives the Traverse a new personality
The introduction of the Z71 is one of the most interesting developments for 2024.
Chevrolet has used the Z71 name on other SUVs and trucks to identify models designed with additional off-road capability. On the Traverse, that means standard all-wheel drive, all-terrain tires, increased ground clearance, specially tuned suspension components and additional protection underneath the vehicle.
The Z71 also gets terrain-focused driving modes and distinctive exterior details.
It is not intended to turn the Traverse into a hardcore rock-crawling machine. Instead, the idea is to make the three-row SUV more comfortable dealing with gravel roads, muddy trails, snow and other surfaces where a conventional family crossover may struggle.
For buyers who spend most of their time on pavement, the regular Traverse trims remain the more obvious choice. But the Z71 gives Chevrolet something it previously lacked in this segment: a family-sized SUV with a stronger outdoor focus.
Inside, technology takes center stage
The cabin received one of the biggest upgrades.
A 17.7-inch infotainment touchscreen dominates the dashboard, paired with an 11-inch driver information display. The large center screen gives the new Traverse a significantly more modern appearance than the outgoing model.
Wireless smartphone integration, Google built-in services and available wireless charging add to the technology package.
Importantly, Chevrolet did not eliminate every physical control in favor of touchscreen menus. Some commonly used functions remain accessible through dedicated controls, which should make everyday operation easier while driving.
The overall dashboard design is also more contemporary, with different trims receiving their own combinations of materials and finishes.
Three-row space remains the main attraction
Despite all the new technology and styling, the Traverse still has to do the basic job that buyers expect from a large family SUV.
It does.
The SUV can accommodate up to eight occupants in configurations equipped with a second-row bench. Other versions use second-row captain’s chairs, reducing capacity to seven but creating an easier path into the third row.
That third row is particularly important. Many SUVs advertise three-row seating, but the rearmost seats can be difficult for adults to use comfortably. The Traverse’s relatively large body allows Chevrolet to provide more usable space for passengers and cargo.
Cargo flexibility is another strength. Folding the rear seats opens up a substantial loading area, making the Traverse useful for everything from grocery runs to family vacations.
What does the 2024 Traverse cost?
When it launched, the 2024 Traverse started at $38,995 for the LS, before destination charges, taxes, options and other fees. At the other end of the lineup, the RS started at $55,595 before those additional costs.
The four main trim levels were LS, LT, Z71 and RS.
The LS provides the entry point, while the LT adds additional convenience and comfort equipment. The Z71 focuses on all-weather and off-road capability, and the RS takes a sportier approach with distinctive styling and additional available technology.
Actual transaction prices can vary significantly depending on equipment, dealer incentives and market conditions, so the original MSRP should not be confused with what every buyer will pay.
Fuel economy isn’t the Traverse’s headline feature
The new engine does not turn the Traverse into a fuel-economy champion.
EPA ratings vary according to drivetrain and configuration. Certain front-wheel-drive versions were rated as high as 20 mpg in city driving and 27 mpg on the highway, while all-wheel-drive versions can return lower figures.
That places the Traverse in familiar territory for a large three-row SUV.
Real-world fuel consumption will naturally depend on traffic, weather, driving style, passenger load and tire selection. The Z71’s all-terrain tires and additional hardware can also affect efficiency compared with a less rugged configuration.
For shoppers prioritizing fuel economy above everything else, a hybrid three-row SUV may be worth considering alongside the Traverse.
Towing capability adds another layer of versatility
The Traverse is also designed to handle recreational duties.
When properly equipped with the available trailering equipment, Chevrolet lists a maximum towing capacity of 5,000 pounds.
That is enough for many smaller campers, boats and utility trailers. However, towing capacity depends on the vehicle’s exact configuration and equipment, so buyers planning to tow should check the rating of the specific Traverse they intend to purchase.
The turbocharged engine’s torque output is also useful here, particularly when accelerating with a loaded trailer.
Safety technology gets a major upgrade
Chevrolet increased the amount of driver-assistance technology available with the new Traverse.
Depending on configuration, features include automatic emergency braking, pedestrian and cyclist detection, lane-keeping assistance, adaptive cruise control and automatic high beams.
The SUV can also be equipped with Super Cruise, Chevrolet’s hands-free driver-assistance system for compatible roads. It is particularly relevant to buyers who spend long hours on highways during family road trips.
These systems are designed to assist the driver rather than replace attention behind the wheel, but their wider availability makes the new Traverse better equipped for modern highway driving.
How does the Traverse stack up against rivals?
The three-row SUV category is packed with strong choices.
The Honda Pilot emphasizes practicality and balanced driving manners. The Toyota Grand Highlander offers a spacious cabin and available hybrid powertrains. Kia Telluride and Hyundai Palisade continue to attract buyers with their feature-rich interiors and distinctive styling, while the Volkswagen Atlas competes with generous passenger and cargo room.
The Traverse’s strongest argument is the combination of interior space, three-row usability, towing capability and trim variety.
The Z71 is particularly interesting because it gives shoppers a more rugged alternative without moving into a traditional body-on-frame SUV.
Is the 2024 Chevrolet Traverse worth considering?
The 2024 Chevrolet Traverse represents a significant reset for Chevrolet’s three-row SUV.
Its new turbocharged engine brings strong torque, the cabin is substantially more modern, and the available Z71 gives the lineup an extra dimension. At the same time, buyers should remember that this remains a large SUV, so fuel consumption and running costs will generally reflect its size.
For families who regularly need three rows and want plenty of room without stepping into a full-size SUV, the Traverse makes a strong case.
The biggest reason to consider it is not one flashy feature. It is the way Chevrolet has combined space, technology, towing ability and multiple trim personalities into a redesigned package.