The 2021 Chevrolet Traverse lasts around 250,000 miles with only some brake wear and key fob issues reported. At $25,999 to $48,400, it’s a decent value for a large three-row SUV with plenty of passenger and cargo room.
Is the 2021 Chevrolet Traverse a Good Used SUV?
- Overall Rating 8/10 – 2021 is a great year for the Chevrolet Traverse since it combines great practicality with advanced technology. Owner reviews praise the stereo system, smooth suspension, along with all of the space behind the rear seats.
- Interior, Comfort & Cargo 8/10 – Interior materials are upscale for an SUV in its price range, the seats are great on long trips, and cargo space is also good for its size.
- Reliability 8/10 – There are no major problems reported on the 2021 Traverse. Stay away from models from 2009–2014 which have engine issues. Newer models from 2015–2022 are more reliable.
- Performance 7/10 – Performance is okay from the standard V6 engine, although the towing capacity is lower than some competitors.
- Safety 8/10 – The 2021 Traverse is safe, earning a perfect 5-star rating in government crash tests. It comes standard with a rearview camera. Optional upgrades include adaptive cruise control along with automatic emergency braking.
- Gas Mileage 7/10 – Fuel economy is okay at up to 21 MPG, giving 455 miles of range from the 21.7 gallon tank. Gas costs are $40 cheaper than average at $244 per month.
- Value 8/10 – The 2021 Chevrolet Traverse is cheaper than many other large SUVs making it a great value for shoppers on a budget.
What Do Critics Say About the Chevy Traverse?
- Consumer Reports says the 2021 Chevy Traverse offers comfort and a refined driving experience, with good owner satisfaction scores.
- Edmunds rates the Traverse at 4.2/5, praising the infotainment system, but doesn’t like that there’s cheap plastic panels on the interior.
- Kelley Blue Book users give the Traverse a 4.3/5, enjoying the passenger room for up to eight people, but owners don’t like the auto engine start/stop can’t be disabled.
What Common Problems Does the 2021 Chevrolet Traverse Have?
Common problems found on the 2021 Chevy Traverse include excessive brake noise, the key fob not working, along with the fuel door getting stuck. Overall, these are relatively minor problems compared to some other SUVs on the market, leading to lower repair costs.
Excessive brake noise is the most widespread complaint on the 2021 Chevy Traverse, showing up in the first 10,000 miles. The brake pads wear out quicker than on some other SUVs on the market. Replacing the brake pads costs around $200, while a new set of rotors is $550.
The key fob not working has also been reported on the 2021 Traverse at around 5,000 miles. The battery in the fob simply dies, and needs to be replaced. Installing a new battery costs under $5, and it is something that can be done at home since the key fob simply splits apart to be changed.
The fuel door getting stuck also happens to some Traverse models in the first 10,000 miles. The electronic fuel door latch sometimes gets stuck. One thing to check is the main fuse that powers the fuel door to make sure it’s fine. If it is then you may just need to press in harder on the fuel door to get the latch to release. Also make sure that the vehicle is unlocked, otherwise the fuel door will stay locked.
There are three recalls on the 2021 Chevy Traverse, which is similar to other SUVs from the same year. The most serious recall is for a transmission fluid leak. Chevy dealers will replace a transmission screw and clip for free on affected models. Other recalls cover air bags and the roof rails, which are less severe.
How Long Will the 2021 Chevrolet Traverse Last?
A well-maintained 2021 Chevy Traverse can last around 250,000 miles, which is shorter than the long-lasting Toyota Sequoia. Regular annual maintenance costs are similar to other large SUVs, according to data provided by Repair Pal, at $605 per year.
As a used 2021 Chevrolet Traverse reaches 100,000 miles, and depending on the vehicle history, owners should be prepared to replace the A/C pressure switch for $250, fuel pressure sensor costing $300, along with the door lock actuators which are $400.
How Is the Technology?
Entertainment technology is very good with a standard 7-inch touchscreen which has Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity. Optional upgrades include a larger 8-inch touchscreen along with a more powerful stereo system.
Standard safety technology is basic for an SUV from 2021, offering:
- Rear seat reminder
- Buckle up reminder
- Rearview camera
- Teen driver mode
Optional safety features include:
- Adaptive cruise control
- Rear camera mirror
- Automatic emergency braking
- Lane departure warning
- Rear cross traffic alert
- Lane keep assist
- Surround-view parking camera
- Forward collision warning
- Front pedestrian braking
- Blind spot monitoring
- Rear parking sensors
Is the 2021 Chevrolet Traverse a Good Value?
Yes, the 2021 Chevy Traverse is a good value since it’s cheaper than many other large SUVs on the market. The blue book fair purchase price ranges from $25,999 to $48,400, making it less than a Chevy Tahoe or Nissan Armada. When new, the price range was $29,800 to $53,400. Depreciation is similar to other SUVs, losing about 10% of its current value per year.
What are the Different Models of the Chevy Traverse?
There are seven versions of the Chevy Traverse available for the 2021 model year, from the base L all the way through to the more luxurious High Country. The Traverse comes standard with front-wheel drive, while all-wheel drive is available as an optional upgrade.
L is the entry-level model with:
- 18-Inch Alloy Wheels
- Cloth Upholstery
- Automatic Headlights
- Heated Mirrors
- Second-Row Bench Seat
- Triple-Zone Climate Control
- Wi-Fi Hotspot
- 7-Inch Touchscreen
LS is a minor step up, adding:
- Tinted Rear Privacy Glass
- Optional Packages Available
LT Cloth adds features such as:
- Fog Lights
- Roof Rails
- Power-Adjustable Driver’s Seat
- Satellite Radio
- Second-Row Captain’s Chairs
LT Leather offers more items including:
- Leather Seating
- Heated Front Seats
- Power-Adjustable Front Passenger Seat
- 8-Inch High-Definition Touchscreen
- Power Liftgate
RS is an upgrade with:
- 20-Inch Dark Alloy Wheels
- Black Exterior Trim
- Heated Steering Wheel
- Sport-Tuned Suspension
Premier adds items like:
- LED Headlights
- Hands-Free Liftgate
- Power-Adjustable Steering Wheel
- Ventilated Front Seats
- Heated Second Row Seats
- Wireless Phone Charging
High Country is the flagship model which has:
- Panoramic Sunroof
- Premium Leather Upholstery
- Power-Folding Third Row
- Adaptive Cruise Control
- Trailering Improvements
What Engines Come In the Chevy Traverse?
3.6-liter V6: This engine produces 310 horsepower and is paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission. The EPA-estimated fuel economy for this engine is 21 MPG combined for the front-wheel-drive (FWD) version and 20 MPG combined for the all-wheel-drive (AWD) version. Performance is good, taking 6.9 seconds to go from 0-60 MPH.
What Colors Does the Chevy Traverse Come In?
How Comfortable Is the Chevy Traverse?
The 2021 Chevy Traverse offers a comfortable and accommodating experience for both drivers and passengers. Its spacious interior provides ample room for up to eight occupants, with supportive seats and generous legroom and headroom in all three rows. The cabin has high quality materials, creating a pleasant environment for everyone on board.
When it comes to ride quality, the Traverse delivers a smooth and composed experience, effectively absorbing road imperfections and providing a relaxed journey on various road conditions. The cabin is also well-insulated, minimizing road and wind noise, which contributes to overall comfort. In summary, the 2021 Chevy Traverse is a great choice for those seeking a spacious and comfortable midsize SUV for family trips or daily commutes.
How Much Storage Space Does the Chevy Traverse Have?
The 2021 Chevy Traverse is a spacious midsize SUV, offering an impressive amount of storage space for its class. With all three rows of seats in place, the Traverse provides 23.0 cubic feet of cargo space, which is generous compared to many of the competitors. The cargo capacity increases to 57.8 cubic feet when the third row is folded flat.
For maximum storage space, folding down both the second and third rows results in a cavernous 98.2 cubic feet of cargo room. The 2021 Chevy Traverse’s ample cargo capacity makes it an excellent choice for families or those who require a versatile and roomy SUV for their needs.
What Are the Differences Between Years?
The second generation of the Chevy Traverse came out in the 2018 model year.
2015: Siri Eyes-Free added to all models.
2016: New base LS model introduced, 4G LTE WiFi hotspot added to all models.
2017: LTZ model renamed to Premier with upgraded interior materials.
2018: Fully redesigned for the second generation with new engines, styling, and technology features.
2019: Updated larger 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system.
2020: Standard V6 engine on all models.
2021: Upgraded Chevy Safety Assist package with more features.
How Does the Chevy Traverse Compare to the Competition?
The 2021 Chevrolet Traverse is a decent full-size SUV, offering a nice cabin with plenty of passenger room, while driving better than some other large SUVs on the market.
The Ford Explorer is another SUV available in the same price range. Where the Explorer stands out is with a sportier driving experience, while the Chevy Traverse offers more passenger room in the third row. We recommend the Ford Explorer since it’s slightly cheaper to own, but both are decent choices.
The Dodge Durango is a large SUV which is available for about $5,000 less. Passenger room is a little better in the Dodge Durango, while the Chevy Traverse handles better with more responsive steering. We recommend the Chevy Traverse since there are less problems as they age.
