The Chevrolet Traverse should definitely be on your shortlist if you’re looking for a family SUV with three rows of seating. It’s a relatively young vehicle that was first introduced in 2010. While the Traverse has struggled in some categories when compared to its rival Chevrolet cousins like the Tahoe and the Suburban, it has consistently been rated one of the Best Family Cars on the market by Kelley Blue Book. If you have a large family, the Chevrolet Traverse specs are definitely worth a look.
What are the most noteworthy Chevrolet Traverse specs?
- Best fuel economy in the mid-sized SUV class since 2018
- 7- or 8-passenger capacity with family-friendly features
- Great power and utility from a solid 310 horsepower V6 engine
Chevrolet Traverse Engine/Specs
Without deviating much from the same formula, virtually any Chevy Traverse model year that you look at will feature a 310 horsepower V6 engine. The 3.6L engine is paired with a 9-speed automatic transmission that shifts up or down very smoothly. You can also find a slightly less powerful 4-cylinder in some Traverse RS trim models, but which features slightly better towing capacity.
Speaking of towing, the Traverse is rated for up to 5,200 pounds in most trim versions. It’s no slouch in that category, but if you’re looking for an SUV with even more capacity, you might want to pass up the Traverse for a Tahoe or Suburban.
Chevrolet Traverse Interior Specs
When it comes to passenger capacity, the Chevy Traverse’s lower trim versions tend to be eight-seaters, while the higher trim versions seat seven. That’s something to keep in mind when shopping for a mid-sized SUV, depending on your family size.
The cabin is roomy and every trim level of Traverse boasts a large amount of cargo space. However, we should note that the four-door Traverse is a little more difficult to get in and out of when compared to a minivan.
Most of the Chevy Traverse trims are designed with a family-friendly interior in mind. Newer models will feature a big infotainment screen that’s easy to see, even from the third-row seats. Speaking of which, those third-row seats offer adequate space for three kids. Taller teens will want to stick to the second row.
While it’s not a luxury vehicle, the Traverse does offer plenty of knee and elbow room for a large group. In addition to a big cargo space behind the third-row seats, there’s additional hidden space underneath the floor.
Here’s an overall look at the family-friendly aspects of the 2020 Chevrolet Traverse.
Chevrolet Traverse Fuel Economy Specs
Most mid-sized or larger SUVs have always struggled when it comes to fuel economy. If you’ve ever owned a mid-sized SUV, then the best combined city/highway fuel economy you could hope for was around 20 MPG. But with a complete redesign in the 2018 model year, the Chevrolet Traverse finally cracked that code.
Every Traverse model since 2018 has managed to hit a jaw-dropping 27 MPG in fuel economy, without a huge sacrifice in vehicle weight or power. The industry average is still a combined 22 MPG.
It took the Ford Explorer another three years to catch up to the Chevrolet Traverse in fuel economy. By way of comparison, though, the 2021 Ford Explorer can cost as much as $23,000 more than a 2021 Chevy Traverse.
Thanks to that big boost in fuel economy, a newer model Chevy Traverse will represent big cost savings in terms of operating the vehicle over its lifespan. This is also one of the biggest selling points for the vehicle when it comes to attracting buyers with large families that do a lot of traveling.
Chevrolet Traverse Pros & Cons
If you’re still shopping around for a mid-sized SUV, here are some of the major pros and cons of the Chevrolet Traverse.
Pros:
- Newer models packed with family-friendly features
- 3-row seating for seven or eight passengers
- Smooth engine combined with best fuel economy in its class after 2018
- Huge amount of cargo space, even fully loaded with passengers
- More affordable than many of its rivals
Cons:
- Not as easy for small children to manage as a minivan
- Lacks towing capacity of may rival options
- Best tech packages only come at the higher trim levels
Don’t Forget to Run a Chevrolet Traverse Vehicle History Check
The Chevrolet Traverse is a much more affordable SUV when compared to some of its competitors.
This can be especially important when shopping for a family vehicle. For all its many great qualities, you still want to ensure that you’re getting the best possible deal on a used car, truck or SUV. That’s why you should always run a full Vehicle History check here before making your final purchase decision.
