The 2018 Chevrolet Traverse lasts around 250,000 miles with some transmission software and rattling noise issues. At $18,475 to $30,125, it’s a good value for a large SUV with enough room for a large family and their luggage.
Is the 2018 Chevrolet Traverse a Good Used SUV?
- Overall Rating 7/10 – 2018 is a good year for the Chevrolet Traverse, yet it’s still not a leader compared to other SUVs on the market, giving it an average score. Owner reviews praise the spacious cabin, smooth suspension, as well as the quiet interior.
- Interior, Comfort & Cargo 8/10 – Interior materials are improved from earlier years, the seats offer good supportive cushions, cargo space is also good for its size.
- Reliability 7/10 – There are no widespread mechanical problems on the 2018 Chevy Traverse. Buyers should avoid models from 2009–2014 due to engine problems. Models from 2015– 2022 are much more reliable.
- Performance 6/10 – Performance is worse than other large SUVs since the Traverse only has a V6 engine while many competitors have stronger V8s.
- Safety 8/10 – The 2018 Traverse is safe, earning a perfect 5-star rating in government crash tests with a standard rearview camera and Teen Driver mode. Optional upgrades include forward collision alert, lane keep assist, along with adaptive cruise control.
- Gas Mileage 7/10 – Fuel economy is okay at up to 22 MPG giving 418 miles of range from the 19 gallon tank. Gas costs are $64 cheaper than average at $191 per month.
- Value 7/10 – The 2018 Traverse is cheaper than other full size SUVs, although it also depreciates quickly, giving it an average value score.
Positive Owner Reviews
Negative Owner Reviews
What Do Critics Say About the Chevy Traverse?
- Consumer Reports says the 2018 Chevrolet Traverse is a practical alternative to traditional body-on-frame full size SUVs, with good owner satisfaction scores.
- Edmunds rates the Traverse at 3.2/5, praising the passenger room throughout the cabin, but doesn’t like the weak engine.
- Kelley Blue Book users give the Traverse a 4.3/5, enjoying the safety technology, but doesn’t like the low towing capacity.
What Common Problems Does the 2018 Chevrolet Traverse Have?
Common problems found on the 2018 Chevy Traverse include a shift to park message, the stereo system freezing, as well as rattling noises from the front suspension components. Overall, these problems are similar to other large SUVs, with average repair bills as the Traverse ages.
A shift to park message is the most widespread complaint from 2018 Traverse owners at around 25,000 miles. There are two sources of the problem including a parking switch failure so the body control module doesn’t know it’s in park, or transmission software issues. Changing out the parking switch costs around $400, while updating the software is usually free at dealerships.
The stereo system freezing also shows up on some Traverse models in the first 10,000 miles. There are software updates for the touchscreen infotainment system which improves the overall reliability. Most dealerships will install the updates for free on such a new vehicle, while others charge around $100.
Rattling noises from the front suspension components have also been reported on the Traverse in the first 5,000 miles. Usually, when the suspension is rattling it’s a sign of something being loose. Diagnosing and fixing the noise costs around $150, depending on local labor rates.
There are two recalls on the 2018 Chevy Traverse, which is better than many other SUVs. The most serious recall is for missing bolts on the start/stop accumulator endcap which can cause a transmission leak. Chevy will replace any missing bolts for free. The other recall covers side curtain airbags, which Chevrolet will also replace.
How Long Will the 2018 Chevrolet Traverse Last?
A well-maintained 2018 can last around 250,000 miles, which is about 100,000 miles less than the top-rated Toyota Sequoia. Regular annual maintenance costs are similar to other large SUVs, according to data provided by Repair Pal, at $526 per year.
As a used 2018 Chevy Traverse reaches 100,000 miles, and depending on the vehicle history, owners should be prepared to replace the brake hoses for $150, heater core costing $800, as well as the power seat control module which costs $300.
Yes it is very reliable. I have had no issues with my traverse. It runs smoothly and I love the technology in it that lets me know how much gas, oil, etc it has so I can continue to make it reliable.
Yes, it is very reliable. The only issue we have had is some vibrating when you accelerate. The dealership has not found a source of the Issue. However, it drives great and we have had no other pertinent issues.
Yes the traverse is very reliable. It has something you can turn on when the roads are icy to give you less of a chance of slipping.
It is a very reliable car no problems at all I am able to drive very steady and the car is an AWD so I can drive in the snow to it is really for all weathers.
We haven't had any problems aside from a noise it tends to makes when on the highway or anything over 45.
It has been a very reliable vehicle so far. No issues at all. Best tires on a new vehicle. We took this truck on a 4500 mile trip this summer & we got great gas mileage with plenty of room for our family of 5.
Safety wise it is reliable. But not with electronics. Plus, it does not have a button for the trunk. It has to be open from outside.
I have only had the vehicle for about 4 months, but so far it has been very reliable. No issues, and it was purchased as a certified pre owned.
How Is the Technology?
Entertainment technology is great with a standard 7-inch touchscreen which offers Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Optional upgrades include a larger 8-inch touchscreen along with a more powerful stereo system.
Safety technology is good since the Traverse has a standard rearview camera, OnStar, rear seat reminder, as well as teen driver mode to limit speed and volume levels.
Optional advanced safety features include a surround-view parking camera, rear parking sensors, rearview camera mirror, blind spot monitoring, rear cross traffic alert, automatic high beams, forward collision warning, following distance indicator, front pedestrian braking, lane keep assist, lane departure warning, forward automatic emergency braking, as well as adaptive cruise control.
Is the 2018 Chevrolet Traverse a Good Value?
Yes, the 2018 Chevy Traverse is a decent value since it offers decent reliability for a large SUV. The blue book fair purchase price ranges from $18,625 to $30,425, with more expensive models being certified pre owned. It’s cheaper than a Chevy Suburban or Ford Expedition. When new, the price range was $29,930 to $52,600. Depreciation is worse than other large SUVs, losing about 14% of its current value per year.
What are the Different Models of the Chevy Traverse?
There are seven models of the 2018 Chevrolet Traverse offered from the base L all the way up to the well-equipped High Country. The Traverse is also offered with standard front-wheel drive or optional all-wheel drive on the LS and higher models.
L is the entry-level model with:
- 18-Inch Alloy Wheels
- LED Running Lights
- Cloth Upholstery
- Xenon Headlights
- Heated Mirrors
- Tilt-Adjustable Steering Wheel
- Rearview Camera
- OnStar Communication
- 4G LTE Connection With Wi-Fi Hotspot
- 7-Inch MyLink Touchscreen
- Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
LS is a step up, adding:
- Second Row Tablet Mounts
- USB Charging Ports
- Cargo Management Pack
- Optional All-Wheel Drive
LT Cloth is next in the lineup with:
- Second-Row Captain’s Chairs
- Roof Rails
- Mirror-integrated Turn Signals
- Upgraded Safety Technology
LT Leather has upgrades such as:
- Leather Seats
- 120-Volt Power Outlet
- Leather Wrapped Steering Wheel
- Auto-Dimming Rearview Mirror
- Heated Steering Wheel
- Top-Down Parking Camera System
- Power-Adjustable Passenger Seat
- 8-Inch Touchscreen
- 10-Speaker Bose Sound System
RS has minor changes including:
- 20-Inch Alloy Wheels
- Blacked-Out Trim
- Sport Suspension
Premier adds features like:
- LED Headlights
- Auto-Dimming Side Mirrors
- Hands-Free Liftgate
- Ventilated Front Seats
- Heated Rear Seats
- Power-Adjustable Steering Column
- Driver Memory Settings
High Country is the flagship model with:
- Auto-Locking Rear Differential
- Panoramic Sunroof
- Automatic Cruise Control
- Premium Leather Upholstery
- Power-Folding Third Row Seat
- Automatic High Beams
What Engines Come In the Chevy Traverse?
The 2018 Chevrolet Traverse is powered by a relatively weak 3.6-liter V6 engine that produces 310 horsepower and 266 pound-feet of torque while getting up to 22 MPG. This engine is paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission. Performance is slow, taking 7.5 seconds to go from 0-60 MPH.
What Colors Does the Chevy Traverse Come In?
How Comfortable Is the Chevy Traverse?
The 2018 Chevrolet Traverse is a comfortable SUV, with a spacious and well-appointed interior. The front seats are roomy and offer plenty of head- and legroom, and the second and third rows are also spacious and comfortable.
The seats are upholstered in high-quality materials and are supportive, making for a comfortable ride even on longer trips. The cabin is also well-insulated from road and wind noise, making for a quiet and relaxing driving experience.
How Much Storage Space Does the Chevy Traverse Have?
The 2018 Chevrolet Traverse has a total of 98.2 cubic feet of cargo space with the rear seats folded down. With the rear seats in their upright position, the Traverse has 23 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row, and 57.8 cubic feet behind the second row.
The Traverse also has a lot of storage pockets and compartments throughout the cabin, including a large center console, door pockets, and overhead bins. The 2018 Traverse also features a hands-free power liftgate, which allows you to open the rear hatch by waving your foot under the bumper, making it easier to load and unload larger items.
What Are the Differences Between Years?
The second generation of the Chevy Traverse was launched for the 2018 model year.
2015: Siri Eyes-Free added to all models.
2016: New base LS model introduced, 4G LTE Wifi hotspot added.
2017: Premier model replaces the LTZ.
2018: Fully redesigned for the second generation with new engines, technology, and styling.
2019: Upgraded 8-inch touchscreen stereo system added.
2020: V6 engine is now standard on all models.
2021: New Chevy Safety Assist package offered.
How Does the Chevy Traverse Compare to the Competition?
The 2018 Chevrolet Traverse is a very good large SUV, offering decent reliability ratings paired with a lot of passenger room while still being reasonably affordable to own long-term.
The GMC Acadia is a slightly smaller SUV available in the same price range. Interior materials are nicer in the GMC Acadia with more luxurious leather choices, while the Chevy Traverse has more passenger room. We recommend the Chevy Traverse since you get a lot more practicality for roughly the same price.
The Ford Explorer is another large SUV which costs around $500 more. Standard safety technology is better in the Ford Explorer, while the Chevy Traverse offers better space for passengers. We recommend the Ford Explorer since they are slightly more reliable as they age.
Do Owners Recommend the Chevy Traverse?
Yes. I love driving my traverse. It is a nice and sturdy car and I can do so much with it. It is a very comfortable size and yet still drives like a smaller car.
Yes, it is great for our family. With 3 kids and one on the way, we still have room for all of our necessities when we travel. It has been reliable and good to get around in the winter weather.
Yes! I really enjoy both the interior and exterior. Drives very well. I especially enjoy the heated seats during the winter.
Yes it is you have many things that help you while traveling then you can unlock and lock you car from your phone and you can even start a car from your phone.
Yes especially for large families and those who want a good quality vehicle, that is great on gas and easy to keep clean.
This is an excellent vehicle. The gas mileage is great, even in town. There are many nice amenities, such as the iPad holders with charging port, 3rd row seating, and the navigation system.
My experience with the vehicle is not a good one. It has a lot of issues with the radio and camera. Other than that it's a beautiful truck.
It is fantastic. I am really happy with the size, having two kids and much cargo. It drives nicely and has great features. There are a few features that I had on my previous Nissan that Chevy does not have which I really miss however.