Chevrolet has been on a roll taking ho-hum products and reincarnating them as something better. The Silverado High Country finally has an interior worth its price tag, the Equinox EV is positively refreshing, and the Trax, once a guaranteed losing hand in rental car roulette, has been reborn into a surprisingly lovely tall hatchback. So, what’s next? Well, we found out today. The 2024 Chevrolet Traverse has been unveiled, and it’s surprisingly nice. Alright, I shouldn’t be surprised anymore, but come on. I lived through the days of the 2004 Malibu and that was some rough ish, so it’s delightful to see Chevrolet doing well again. What’s more, Chevrolet has announced LS, LT, Z71, and RS trims of this new Traverse. Hang on, Z71?
Yes, Chevrolet’s family hauler is taking up the soft-road gauntlet with a ruggedized trim of its own. It was only good business sense, seeing as how just about every manufacturer is hopping on the butched-up crossover trend. However, Chevrolet’s alterations go a little bit further than most. We’re talking about a one-inch lift in ride height and specially-tuned dampers, although Chevrolet’s damper descriptor of “hydraulic rebound control” raises a few eyebrows. Don’t most dampers offer hydraulic rebound control? Answers on a postcard.
Anyway, the big party piece is a twin-clutch rear differential for enhanced off-road traction, and a meaty set of all-terrains actually puts everything to the ground. Speaking of the ground, Chevrolet has fitted the Traverse Z71 with a real aluminum skid plate to mitigate the effects of any negative altitude events, along with recovery hooks, in case you find yourself beached. We aren’t looking at a rig with crazy approach and departure angles here, but instead a credible competitor to the Honda Pilot TrailSport, Nissan Pathfinder Rock Creek, and Ford Explorer Timberline offering tough looks and moderately enhanced capability.
Speaking of looks, check out the squared-off, well, everything. The era of rotund crossovers is firmly dead, and the new Traverse is here to dance on its grave. Sharp new LED daytime running lights are paired with standard LED headlamps, which is nice since seeing in the dark is generally considered important. A flat hood adds heft to the front end, while a shark fin-like C-pillar scythes through the floating greenhouse in an interesting way.
While Z71 models want you to know they do CrossFit, RS models aim for more street-focused appeal, with 22-inch wheels, unique street-oriented suspension tuning, blacked-out trim, and a flat-bottom steering wheel. Walk-up lighting completes the visual package, while the trim level overall makes more sense than the outgoing range-topping Premier model. Leave luxury to GMC, go deep on value and appearance bits.
Around back, horizontally-split tail lamps get funky, as a quad-tipped exhaust beats the Traverse’s chest in a display of exaggerated, bellowing machismo. Does a mass-market three-row crossover actually need quad exhaust tips? Probably not, but that doesn’t mean that under the hood is a snoozefest.
There’s no V6 on tap anymore, just a 2.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine that sounds a little bit larger than the 2.4-liter turbo four in the Toyota Grand Highlander and about the same size as Mazda’s 2.5-liter turbo motor in the CX-9. However, the new Chevy unit blows Toyota’s and Mazda’s engines out of the water at the top end with 315 horsepower, all preceded by a 317 lb.-ft. slug of torque. Yeah, I’d call that stout. As with before, the transmission is an eight-speed automatic unit, and General Motors automatic transmission calibration is typically double cream smooth, so I have high hopes here. Speaking of numbers, the new Traverse can tow up to 5,000 pounds, which is solidly inline with much of the segment.
Slide behind the wheel of the 2024 Traverse and the first thing you’ll probably notice is a nice set of physical controls. Despite the enormous 17.7-inch touchscreen occupying significant real estate, Chevrolet’s made space for actual knobs for volume and temperature. Speaking of normal controls, a column-mounted shifter feels like the right move here. Not only does it keep the dashboard sleek, it frees up room in the center console for two flyover state road trip-spec cupholders, ready to receive a large Gatorade with the nipple top/Double Gulp/goddamn liter of cola.
While we’re on the subject of road trips, the Traverse can be optioned with Super Cruise for a hands-free Level 2 ADAS freeway driving experience. Oh, and that’s far from the only bit of neat tech available. This family hauler can be optioned with an 11-inch digital cluster, heated first- and second-row seats, a heated steering wheel, and a hands-free power liftgate. All stuff that normal people who buy crossovers actually want, which is good. Chevrolet seems to be listening to its target market on this one.
Speaking of appealing to parents, the new Traverse can be had as an eight-seater with dual benches or a seven-seater with captain’s chairs. Pop all the rear seats down and you’re looking at 98 cu.-ft. of maximum cargo space, which is more than some New York apartments can offer. If you want to get really fancy, the third row can be made power-folding, although you’ll need to step up to the RS trim for that. Bringing things down to earth a bit, all seven-seat models get captain’s chairs that slide for third-row access without crushing a latched-in child seat. Smart stuff.
Look, the 2024 Chevrolet Traverse likely won’t set anyone’s world alight, but it seems like a smart and surprisingly nice mix of what the people need right now. More space, more pace, more style, yet still a great deal of sensibility. Would a minivan be more practical? Sure, but that van life isn’t for everyone. Plus, enthusiasts buy normal vehicles too. We can’t all ferry the family around in R63 AMGs, so reliable three-row crossovers still matter from a daily driver perspective. Expect the 2024 Chevrolet Traverse to arrive early next year, rolling out of GM’s Lansing, Mich. plant just in time for America’s annual romance holiday. How’s that for timing?
(Photo credits: Chevrolet)
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I really like the way this thing looks and am happy that the era of round crossovers is coming to a close. Nice interior too, and while it’s no body on frame SUV this thing is perfectly adequate for the “soft roading” that’s really the most that most normies will actually do. I was definitely skeptical of only offering the 4 cylinder, but if it can get the job done and actually tow 5,000 pounds then who am I to complain? I think I just have a perception stuck in the early aughts that they aren’t capable of adequately powering larger vehicles, even if they’ve advanced a lot in the last 15ish years. I’m sure the price will tick up a bit for the refresh, but if it stays near its $34K starting MSRP it’ll be a pretty good value for the segment.
You could certainly make the case that a small four cylinder is not capable of powering a larger car. It’s not exactly good for an engine to be under lots of boost literally any time the car is moving.
The backwards shark fin is stupid, but a minor design detail like that doesn’t sink a car. People will put up with that doofy looking thing because the rest of the vehicle looks big and tough, and that’s what sells SUVs. It’ll sell very well to people who want a Tahoe/Suburban but can’t afford one.
*flame suit on* I really like the way this looks. Between this, the Blazer, the Trax and Trailblazer, I really like the design language that Chevy is cultivating.
My only real gripe is my eternal gripe, where’s the hybrid/PHEV version?
I’m a fan of Chevy’s cohesiveness, and I think it looks decent-to-good as well. I like Chevy’s approach more than Hyundai’s.
It is refreshing to have chevy actually picking a language and letting it spread through the lineup, but the current language looks copied from Nissan and other [primarily Asian, not that it matters] brands, and even worse that it’s a look that was poorly received then and has aged very badly (weird floating “eyebrow” turn signal with separate low headlight, most associated with the Nissan Juke and KL Jeep Cherokee). Nothing about it says “chevy”. At least with the horizontal bar look they were using a decade or so ago they all shared it, IIRC.
Take the badge off, and it could be from any number of other brands.
is it just me, or does it look kind of like a small Sequoia from the rear 3/4?
who would’ve thought that after someone photoshopped a silverado front end onto a camaro that Chevy would do exactly that to their cars? haha
https://external-preview.redd.it/byFu48UiV504lfXJunsHSI45zEgrZORVSQlzcWPQkmE.jpg?auto=webp&s=b585283270fb725ebba3161c7e0ee5d339e178af
True, but I admittedly like the way that Camaro render looks
Not to nit-pick, but, here’s a nit I’ll pick! The current Traverse uses a 9-speed automatic, according to the internet. I don’t think GM currently uses an 8-speed in a FWD application? Very curious to learn the specs on this drivetrain – if it isn’t markedly more fuel efficient than the LFX 3.6, can’t help but wonder ‘what was the point?’
It certainly looks better overall (well, the grille is still a bit much like other Chevy truck products). But I’m concerned this will have the same issue that other SUVs now have in adopting a massively tall, square front end, in that it’ll be impossible to see anyone/anything over the hood.
Cars are like music in a way. By that I mean I couldn’t tell you a good country song if I heard one because I don’t like country and it all sounds bad to me, just like this could be a good looking SUV but I don’t like SUV’s so they’re all ugly to me. If you like country or SUV’s, that’s fine, they’re just not my thing.
When I was small and bored on road trips my parents would tell me “just look out the window.” I hope to someday tell my kids “just look at the inside of the shark fin.”
Is Galactus head of design at GM? At any rate, someone at GM has a love affair with angles or trigonometry. And to be honest the Corvette needs to be de-angled and add more curves.
Corvette maybe, but curvy SUVs are gross
I dunno, the Aston Martin DBX, Mazda CX-5, Porsche Macan, Infiniti FX (first generation) are all pretty good-looking and are definitely curvy.
I think it looks like shit. Yes, it does look like the mini Tahoe, but the Tahoe is fuckin’ ugly too. I say this as somebody who likes every generation of Tahoe leading up to the current one. Chevy shit the bed so hard on the current generation of trucks, it’s unreal. I’m a life long GM truck fan, but if I had to buy a new truck right now, it’d be an F-150 on looks alone… WOOF!
It’s a bad mamma jamma.
I used to be a GM fan-boy. Now? My god what have they done with my favorite brand? After the Camaro dies, there is nothing I would ever want from them.
Yeah, not a fan of the current gen Ho. The Yukon looks slightly better, but I think the previous gen was the high-water mark. I still think the GMC version of the last gen are some of the best-looking trucks/SUV’s on the road. I had a Yukon XL rental back in 2018, and I fell in love with that thing. To this day I still want a Burb or Yuke XL.
I was just talking last week about my new way of dealing with boredom in traffic: looking at the various iterations of the Hofmeister kink. I do believe we have a winner with this one, folks!
I really would like to hear Adrian or The Bishop chime in about that C pillar
I lived through the days of the 2004 Malibu, too. In fact, I bought an ’04 LT that came with everything but a sunroof. Leather interior and power everything. The 3.5 liter V6 was more powerful than anything Detroit could build in decades. However, the first-year electric power steering ruined everything. The whole steering column was replaced twice, apparently with columns that were no better than the first.
I feel like those tail lights shout Nissan product. I’m not saying I hate them, just that when I see it I instantly think its a Nissan. Personally I’m a fan of the boxier shapes we are seeing now. I’ll love them when I can afford them in 15 years or so.
Love the interior & the rear but goodness gracious, I can’t wait for GM to be done with that front end.
Soon we will all be trapped in a Softroad Cube.
This looks sharp, I predict excellent sales.
Shame about another turbo 4 though.
If they’re sticking with turbo 4s they could at least give us the 2.7 liter and its diesel-like torque/100,000 mile warranty….although I’m not sure if it’s been used in any FWD applications
I guess I won’t have to see as many posts on r/justrolledintotheshop of POS 3.6L V6s anymore.
If anyone else wants to make a vehicle this size that can compete with a Sienna or Highlander Hybrid’s fuel economy, you will instantly be in the running for my money. This will probably be another 18/25 turd despite the 4-cylinder.
It must have kept them up nights making sure the redesign reduced pedestrian visibility as much as legalities and budgeting would permit
Seeing as GM can’t get Super Cruise into the 5 Lyriqs they make a year (even though it’s supposed to come with it), don’t hold your breath for a Traverse with it. Super Cruise derailed my Escalade order; they wouldn’t give me a build date after 10 months because they couldn’t put in Super Cruise, a *standard* item.
GM: we have this amazing thing!
Everyone: cool can we have it
GM: lol no
Everyone: okay we’ll move on then
GM: we are canceling the amazing thing due to lack of interest
Everyone: WTF?
The only way to go was up, and I won’t rehash the grievances I aired on the Trahearse article. This looks…a lot better. I agree with the “mini Tahoe” sentiment, although *looks at C pillar, gestures vaguely* I’m not exactly sure what’s going on in the back. The rest of it seems inoffensive to decent, although I wish there were some more interesting powertrain options. I’m not entirely sure why no one but Toyota has found a way to consistently offer hybrid powertrains in their hauler crossovers.
This is literally the perfect application for a traditional hybrid or PHEV. And I’d selfishly love if there were a V6/V8 option or even the 2.7 liter turbo 4 for all of the torque, but whatever. This may have gone from bottom feeder to middle of the pack, so congrats GM! You did a thing. I’m still not sure why you’d pick this over a Palisade, Telluride, Pilot, or Highlander, but hey…it exists. It’s a vehicle that you can actually find and buy at less than MSRP.
*mandatory offering of “just get a Sienna or Pacifica” to appease Van Gang*
I’ve been in the market for something in this range or a bit smaller for a couple years now. If the Telluride was available at MSRP, I’d already be driving one, but out here in SoCal, the markup on a Telluride is still ~$20k over MSRP, and then you have to pay sales tax on that markup.. yikes!
Pilot is boring in comparison.. and the infotainment tablet looks like a toddler stuck their tablet in the dash. I could still settle for one driving it, but Honda also has $5k+ dealer markups on them out here.
Not considering the minivans at all.
Now.. what will the new Land Cruiser be like?
Have you seen the new Pilot? It’s quite an improvement and it essentially has Acura’s SH-AWD setup in some trims which is great.
Yeah, even sat in one.. couldn’t test drive because it was technically sold. the tablet that sticks up above the sight line is just terrible, and every Honda has it now. Why don’t they steal the ribbon dash idea that everyone else is moving to?
Pilots have a markup? Seems like there are plenty of them around.
And I know MDXs have discounts. Mark up the Honda too much and you’ll make my decision to buy an Acura easy.
At least out here in SoCal, when I checked the Pilot had ~$5k of mandatory dealer addons. Was going to wait until Sept, but now I’ll wait for the Traverse to be on lots and try both.
My wife will be do for an upgrade in the next year or two and we’ll be shopping in this class. There’s a good chance we’ll go with a certified luxury car like an MDX or RX if the cost delta is negligible…which it may well be
I recall you are in the DC area. I saw on an Acura forum that Pohanka is actually supposed to be good for Acura deals. People flying in to buy MDXs there.
I’m not ready to throw in the towel on something fuel efficient, but if I need to pull the trigger and Toyota and Lexus are still a mess, I might look at a MDX or a Pilot (but not paying markup).
Hell I’d be happy with used prices coming down so I could get a RX450hL. Should have just bought one in 2021.
I am in the DC area, good memory. I’ve come across the Pohanka dealership network a few times and generally heard good things. I’ll definitely keep them in mind for Acura deals for both my wife and myself, seeing as I find both the Integra and TLX Type S models to be mighty appealing.
Agreed on gas mileage though…as I said on the Santa Fe thread, I’m not sure why more manufacturers haven’t found ways to hybridize their family haulers. It’s the perfect application for that technology, and I’d really rather not buy a car that gets less than 20 MPG city in this day and age. But depending on how things shake out that may wind up being the compromise we have to make, although I do find the CX-90 to be mighty appealing and that mild hybrid straight 6 gets mid 20s combined AND they have a PHEV on offer as well.
Personally I’m looking forward to (hopefully) more RWD-based options to better divide the herd. Ford (for the mainstream, seeing as the Europeans already do it) led the most recent foray into RWD mainstream cars again with the Explorer (and Aviator), and now Mazda has joined in with the CX-90 (and other upcoming models and some already out internationally).
This is just another (ugly) box that’s over styled trying to compensate for its lack of utility compared to an actual minivan, while offering compromised dynamics of being FWD-based.
You know what is bad? That shark fin, the running lights being well divorced of the headlights. I know the Traverse has always been an CUV, but this is most of all the bad design trends bashed into an CUV. Maybe the GMC/Buick/Cadillac versions will look better.
Immediate thought seeing the head-on shot was, “reminds me of ‘the guy with the nose peering over a wall’—the one you always saw with Kilroy Was Here back in the ‘70s”
Mini-Tahoe on the outside, decent inside and looks like options to make it upscale. I think it will be a hit.
It’s more exciting than the Pilot, perhaps tries a bit too hard, and is also probably better looking than the upcoming Explorer refresh.
Ford explorer is absurdly over priced in every area compared to its competition. Mix in their less than stellar releases lately (the recalls and issues) I don’t see it being a competitor for those other two. There is a lot of brand loyalty to the explorer to contend with though.
The Explorer is not a competitive product. The styling is as exciting as watching paint dry, allegedly the transmission programming is a mess (per Savagegeese), the interior looks like a rental car even in higher specs, it’s just a mess. I guess the ST version with the turbo 6 is kind of unique but you still have to deal with the penalty box interior. Bleh.
Yep. Pilot is better that the Explorer, but Honda plays it too safe, and slow.. and the tablet stuck in the dash looks terrible in comparison to this.
Yeah, the Exploder has a lot of issues and concerns.
I was REALLY hoping for something good with the Santa Fe as ideally I’d like something a bit smaller.. so disappointed in that today.
Now the other big new thing will be the Land Cruiser, and see if that’s actually based on the Prado.
Loving this actually.
In comparison to the Santa Fe that just dropped, this is so much better design wise. A bit dated, but not a failed robotech experiment like the Santa Fe.
The updated interior and the Z71 version fixes all the issues that I had with the old Traverse.
I like this better than the Explorer, and while the front is a bit overdone, it’s more compelling that the Pilot.
This is certainly on my list now….
Now to see what the new Land Cruiser looks like.
The clip on that — woof! The headlight and running light separated by that jagged strip of body-colored plastic brings me into an uncanny valley of trying to decide which has which function. Maybe I have Torchinski’s taillight syndrome but with front lights.
How big are those blind spots?? From the cargo area picture, it looks like there’s no real glass after the 3rd row.