First Drive: 2024 Chevrolet Traverse Proves to Be a Balanced 3-Row SUV, with One Exception

There are four trims: LS, LT, Z71, and RS. The new Z71 may be familiar to Chevrolet enthusiasts because that trim code denotes an off-road package on other SUVs and trucks from the brand. This is the first time it has been applied to the Traverse, bringing cosmetic enhancements and equipment upgrades to better tackle dirt-bound adventures, such as an off-road suspension, underbody skid plate, tow hooks, and all-terrain tires.

We bought a Traverse (and an Acadia) for testing. In our initial experience, it is a solid competitor in the popular, three-row midsized SUV segment. While most rivals have a feature or attribute that shines, giving the vehicle unique appeal, the Traverse is competent across the board. It doesn’t have an immediately clear stand-out element to distinguish it among its peers, but the powertrain has drawn some staff criticisms. Read on and we’ll explain.

If you’re a Consumer Reports member, our initial expert assessment of the Chevrolet Traverse is available to you below. Once we complete 2,000 break-in miles, we’ll put the Chevrolet Traverse through more than 50 tests at the CR Auto Test Center, including empirical measurements of acceleration, braking, handling, car-seat fit, and usability. CR members will have access to the full road-test results as soon as they’re available.

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What we bought: 2024 Chevrolet Traverse LT AWD
Powertrain: 328-hp, 2.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine; 8-speed automatic transmission; all-wheel drive
MSRP: $42,000
Options: Enhanced Driving Package ($3,280), Midnight/Sport Edition ($1,785), Jet Black Evotex ($1,000) 
Destination fee: $1,395
Total cost: $49,460