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2011 Chevrolet Traverse Reviews, Ratings & Specs

Change Year or Change Vehicle
Front passenger 3/4 w/ wheels turned.
Kelley Blue Book Value®
$7,898 - $12,540
Used Fair Purchase Price Range
Crash Test
Source: NHTSA.gov
MPG (up to)
16 City / 23 HWY
Horsepower
281-288
Seats
7-8
4.24 Owner Reviews (221) 3.4 Expert Reviews Photos (81) Video Reviews (4) Compare Models & Features For Sale Near Me (9)

Expert Review

By Kelley Blue Book Editorial Staff
3.4 Overall Score
Performance
3.5
Interior
3.5
Comfort
3.8
Value
2.7

Editor's Overview

Show Full Review
What's New Interior Features Exterior Features Driving Impressions Pricing Notes Notable Equipment

Chevrolet Traverse Models & Trims

LS - $7,898 - $9,567

Horsepower: 281 hp
Engine Type: Gas V6
Standard Seating: Cloth
Standard Wheels: 17 x 7.5 (in.) Aluminum
  • Bluetooth (Optional)
  • Navigation System
  • Heated Seats
  • Sunroof
  • Back-Up Camera
  • Premium Audio
  • Smart Device Integration
  • Wi-Fi Hotspot
  • Keyless Start
  • Keyless Entry
  • Automated Emergency Braking
  • Blind Spot Monitor
  • Cross-Traffic Alert
  • Lane Departure Warning

LT w/1LT - $9,106 - $10,821

Horsepower: 281 hp
Engine Type: Gas V6
Standard Seating: Cloth
Standard Wheels: 18 x 7.5, 20 x 7.5 (in.) Aluminum
  • Bluetooth (Optional)
  • Navigation System
  • Heated Seats (Optional)
  • Sunroof
  • Back-Up Camera (Optional)
  • Premium Audio (Optional)
  • Smart Device Integration
  • Wi-Fi Hotspot
  • Keyless Start (Optional)
  • Keyless Entry
  • Automated Emergency Braking
  • Blind Spot Monitor
  • Cross-Traffic Alert
  • Lane Departure Warning

LT w/2LT - $9,106 - $10,821

Horsepower: 281 hp
Engine Type: Gas V6
Standard Seating: Cloth
Standard Wheels: 18 x 7.5, 20 x 7.5 (in.) Aluminum
  • Bluetooth (Optional)
  • Navigation System (Optional)
  • Heated Seats (Optional)
  • Sunroof
  • Back-Up Camera
  • Premium Audio
  • Smart Device Integration
  • Wi-Fi Hotspot
  • Keyless Start (Optional)
  • Keyless Entry
  • Automated Emergency Braking
  • Blind Spot Monitor
  • Cross-Traffic Alert
  • Lane Departure Warning

LTZ - $10,631 - $12,540

Horsepower: 288 hp
Engine Type: Gas V6
Standard Seating: Leather
Standard Wheels: 20 x 7.5 (in.) Aluminum
  • Bluetooth
  • Navigation System (Optional)
  • Heated Seats
  • Sunroof
  • Back-Up Camera
  • Premium Audio
  • Smart Device Integration
  • Wi-Fi Hotspot
  • Keyless Start
  • Keyless Entry
  • Automated Emergency Braking
  • Blind Spot Monitor
  • Cross-Traffic Alert
  • Lane Departure Warning

Owner Reviews

4.24
5 star
46%
4 star
37%
3 star
14%
2 star
3%
1 star
1%

My traverse, good and bad.

My Chevy traverse is fun to drive. It is a SUV but drives like a car. It has a v6 engine and feels like enough power when accelerating to pass a car on the highway. I have even used it to pull a two horse trailer short distances. The traverse seats 8. The third row seat is a little short on leg room, but fine for kids. The seat configuration is easy to change, laying down the middle or third row to make room to haul things. The controls for the driver, such as lights, radio and ac/heat are user friendly. The sound system is adequate. The 2011 traverse offers OnStar service while is nice for hands free calling. I have had many mechanical problems with the 2011 traverse. The AWD system malfunctioned frequently, the timing chain had to be replaced, the power steering pump leaks. The dealer in my area was not adequate in finding a resolution to the steering pump issues. I did purchase an extended warranty which covered the AWD issue, but not the timing chain. When a headlight bulb burns out on the traverse, it needs to be replaced through the wheel well which makes it expensive. Although there are many thing I love about the traverse, I will look for something more mechanically reliable for my next vehicle.
Kim G
Helpful

Traverse is reliable, but needs upgraded features to be comfortable for all.

I haven't had any huge problems with my traverse. It is very reliable. In the winter time the all wheel drive is awesome and allows me to get out of my snowy driveway as well as travel relatively safely on bad roads. I have a very basic model so I miss some of the bells and whistles (DVD players, etc. ) For the kids. I have a bench seat in the middle which is nice because it allows for more seating, but I miss the convenience of captain chairs to allow people to just walk through to the third row. Although my 7 year old daughter and niece can pretty easily move the bench with the release features to get into the back. With a bench seat in the middle there is significantly less leg room for adults who may sit in the third row. This summer I did have to repair my ac unit, which was expensive, but other than that I have only had to do routine maintenance.
Des B
Helpful

Amazing family car and every day driver.

I purchased my vehicle because we outgrew my previous vehicle. It is easy to drive and has held up very well in the 5 years I have owed it. With regular maintenance, we have not had a serious issue arise yet. The captain chairs in the middle really make it nice when my kids are getting in and out and helps prevent issues of feeling over crowded. The seats are very comfortable and allow you to adjust lumbar, etc. for maximum comfort. It handles well in all weather driving.
Mia D
Helpful
See All Reviews (221)

Video Reviews

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Compare Models & Key Features

For Sale Near Me

Crash Test Results: Front, Side & Rollover

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration provides consumers with information about crash protection and rollover safety

  • Overall
  • Front
  • Side
  • Rollover

The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety is a non-profit group which conducts safety testing beyond federal regulations. "Good" is the highest rating.

  • Moderate Overlap Front G
  • Side G
  • Roof Strength G
  • Driver-side Overlap Front N/A
GGood
AAcceptable
MMarginal
PPoor

Safety Features

  • StabiliTrak, stability control system *
  • Traction control *
  • Daytime Running Lamps
  • Air bags, frontal and side-impact for driver and front passenger and head curtain side-impact for all rows in outboard seating positions (Head curtain side air bags are designed to help reduce the risk of head and neck injuries to front and rear seat outboard occupants on the near side of certain side-impact collisions. Always use safety belts and the correct child restraints for your child's age and size, even in vehicles equipped with air bags. Children are safer when properly secured in a rear seat in the appropriate infant, child or booster seat. See the Owner's Manual and child safety seat instructions for more safety information.)
  • Air bags, front passenger air bag suppression (Always use safety belts and the correct child restraints for your child's age and size. Even in vehicles equipped with air bags and the Passenger Sensing System, children are safer when properly secured in a rear seat in the appropriate infant, child or booster seat. Never place a rear-facing infant restraint in the front seat of any vehicle equipped with an active frontal air bag. See the Owner's Manual and child safety seat instructions for more safety information.)
  • OnStar, 6 months of Directions and Connections plan includes Automatic Crash Response, Emergency Services, Crisis Assist, Stolen Vehicle Assistance including Remote Ignition Block, Remote Door Unlock, Turn-by-Turn Navigation with Destination Download (requires navigation radio) and OnStar eNav (where available), OnStar Vehicle Diagnostics, Roadside Assistance, Remote Horn and Lights, and Hands Free Calling. (Visit onstar.com for details and system limitations.) *
  • Automatic Crash Response (Deleted when (UE0) OnStar delete is ordered.) *
  • Stolen Vehicle Assistance (Deleted when (UE0) OnStar delete is ordered.) *
  • OnStar Turn-by-Turn Navigation (Deleted when (UE0) OnStar delete is ordered.) *
  • Door locks, rear child security
  • Tire Pressure Monitoring System (Does not monitor spare)
  • Horn, dual-note
* Optional Safety Feature

Long-Term Reliability

J.D. Power Ratings 2

JD Power's Initial Quality Study measures issues with a vehicle the first 90 days after purchase.

  • ‌Overall ?
  • Mechanical ?
  • Powertrain Quality ?
  • Body & Interior Design ?
  • ‌Features ?
Among the best
Better than most
About average
The rest

Safety Recalls (4)

  • .
    Structure Jun 30, 2015
    Report Receipt Date:
    Jun 30, 2015
    NHTSA Campaign:
    15V415000
    Summary:
    General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2008-2012 Buick Enclave vehicles manufactured January 3, 2007, to February 29, 2012, 2009-2012 Chevrolet Traverse vehicles manufactured July 6, 2008, to February 29, 2012, 2007-2012 GMC Acadia vehicles manufactured September 15, 2006, to February 29, 2012, and 2007-2010 Saturn Outlook vehicles manufactured August 17, 2006, to March 18, 2010. The affected vehicles, equipped with the power liftgate option, have gas struts that hold the power liftgate up when open. These struts may prematurely wear and the open liftgate may suddenly fall.
    Consequence:
    If the open liftgate unexpectedly falls, it may strike a person, increasing their risk of injury.
    Remedy:
    GM will notify owners, and dealers will update the software for the power liftgate actuator motor control unit so that the motor will prevent the rapid closing of the lift gate, free of charge. Owners were mailed interim notices on August 3, 2015. Owners will receive a second notice when remedy parts become available. Owners may contact Buick customer service at 1-800-521-7300, Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020, GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782, and Saturn customer service at 1-800-553-6000. GM's number for this recall is 15240.
  • .
    Air Bags Mar 17, 2014
    Report Receipt Date:
    Mar 17, 2014
    NHTSA Campaign:
    14V118000
    Summary:
    General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2008-2013 Buick Enclave and GMC Acadia and 2009-2013 Chevrolet Traverse and 2008-2010 Saturn Outlook vehicles. In the affected vehicles, increased resistance in the driver and passenger seat mounted side impact air bag (SIAB) wiring harnesses may result in the SIAB and seat belt pretensioners not deploying in the event of a crash.
    Consequence:
    Failure of the side impact air bags and seat belt pretensioners to deploy in a crash increase the risk of injury to the driver and front seat occupant.
    Remedy:
    GM will notify owners, and dealers will replace the affected harness connections with soldered connections, free of charge. The manufacturer has not yet provided a notification schedule. Buick owners may contact the owner center at 1-800-521-7300, Chevrolet owners at 1-866-694-6546, Saturn at 1-800-553-6000, and GMC owners at 1-866-996-9463. GM's number for this recall is 14030. Note: Vehicles repaired as part of Customer Satisfaction Campaign 10085 and special coverage 10335 have already had the subject condition repaired and therefore are not included in the safety recall.
  • .
    Seat Belts May 20, 2014
    Report Receipt Date:
    May 20, 2014
    NHTSA Campaign:
    14V266000
    Summary:
    General Motors is recalling certain model year 2009-2014 Buick Enclave vehicles manufactured April 14, 2008, through May 14, 2014, Chevrolet Traverse vehicles manufactured June 6, 2008, through May 14, 2014, and GMC Acadia vehicles manufactured April 9, 2008, through May 14, 2014, and 2009-2010 Saturn Outlook vehicles manufactured April 14, 2008, through March 18, 2010. In the affected vehicles, the flexible steel steel cable that connects the seatbelt to the front outboard seating positions may fatigue and separate over time.
    Consequence:
    If the steel cable becomes fatigued and separates, the seatbelt may not properly restrain the seat occupant increasing the risk of an injury in a crash.
    Remedy:
    General Motors will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and, if necessary, repair and replace the lap pretensioner, free of charge. The manufacturer has not yet provided a notification schedule. Owners may contact General Motors at 1-800-222-1020 (Chevrolet), 1-800-521-7300 (Buick), 1-800-462-8782 (GMC), 1-800-553-6000 (Saturn). General Motors recall number for this campaign is 14187.
  • .
    Visibility > Windshield Wiper/washer > Linkages Apr 5, 2012
    Report Receipt Date:
    Apr 5, 2012
    NHTSA Campaign:
    12V151000
    Summary:
    GENERAL MOTORS (GM) IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2011-2012 CHEVROLET TRAVERSE, BUICK ENCLAVE, AND GMC ACADIA VEHICLES CURRENTLY REGISTERED IN ALASKA, COLORADO, CONNECTICUT, DELAWARE, IDAHO, ILLINOIS, INDIANA, IOWA, MAINE, MARYLAND, MASSACHUSETTS, MICHIGAN, MINNESOTA, MONTANA, NEBRASKA, NEW HAMPSHIRE, NEW JERSEY, NEW YORK, NORTH DAKOTA, OHIO, PENNSYLVANIA, RHODE ISLAND, SOUTH DAKOTA, UTAH, VERMONT, WEST VIRGINIA, WISCONSIN, WYOMING AND THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA. SNOW OR ICE BUILDUP ON THE WINDSHIELD OR ON THE WIPER RESTRICTS THE MOVEMENT OF THE WIPER ARM, THE WIPER ARM MAY LOOSEN AND CAUSE THE WIPER TO BECOME INOPERATIVE.
    Consequence:
    IF THIS OCCURS, DRIVER VISIBILITY COULD BE REDUCED, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.
    Remedy:
    GM WILL NOTIFY OWNERS, AND DEALERS WILL TIGHTEN THE WIPER ARM NUTS, FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN ON OR ABOUT APRIL 16, 2012.

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Expert Rating 3.4 /5 What's New Interior Features Exterior Features Driving Impressions Pricing Notes Notable Equipment
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Kelley Blue Book® Fair Purchase Price (Used)

Updated weekly, the Kelley Blue Book® Fair Purchase Price for used cars is generally the midpoint of the Fair Market Range. It is Kelley Blue Book's estimate of what a consumer can reasonably expect to pay this week in their area for this year, make and model used vehicle with typical miles and configured with their selected options, excluding taxes, title and fees, when buying from a dealer. It's based on actual used-car transactions, plus data from other reliable third-party sources as well as market conditions.

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Initial Quality Study: After 90 days.

J.D. Power Ratings Disclaimer

Taken from the Initial Quality Study (IQS), which looks at owner-reported problems in the first 90 days of new-vehicle ownership, this score is based on problems with the engine or transmission as well as problems that affect the driving experience (i.e., vehicle/brakes pull, abnormal noises or vibrations).
Taken from the Initial Quality Study (IQS), which looks at owner-reported problems in the first 90 days of new-vehicle ownership, this score is based on problems that have caused a complete breakdown or malfunction of any component, feature, or item (i.e., components that stop working or trim pieces that break or come loose).
Taken from the Initial Quality Study (IQS), which looks at owner-reported problems in the first 90 days of new-vehicle ownership, this score is based on problems with the engine or transmission as well as problems that affect the driving experience (i.e., excessive brake dust, brake noise, excessive oil consumption and battery failed).
Taken from the Initial Quality Study (IQS), which looks at owner-reported problems in the first 90 days of new-vehicle ownership, this score is based on problems with exterior, seats and interior (i.e., memory seat controls difficult to use, center console difficult to use and materials scuffs/soils easily).
Taken from the Initial Quality Study (IQS), which looks at owner-reported problems in the first 90 days of new-vehicle ownership, this score is based on problems with the windshield wipers, navigation system, rear-seat entertainment system, heater, air conditioner, stereo system, sunroof and trip computer.

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2011 Chevrolet Traverse

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