SUVs come in all shapes and sizes. Drivers who know they'll often be with passengers or need extra cargo space but don't want a pickup truck should consider an SUV a viable option, as they come in various price ranges to fit all types of budgets. Full-size SUVs like the Tahoe and Suburban may be appealing with their excellent cargo space, V8 engines, and diesel powertrains; however, amenities like these come at a cost. Enter the 2023 Chevy Traverse, an SUV with three rows of seating, phenomenal performance, and an affordable price tag. With the Traverse, drivers can expect a powerful SUV with modern tech, complemented by ample cargo space and a wealth of features.
The 2023 Chevy Traverse is available in six trim levels, two of which are the same variation but with different interior materials. The base Chevy Traverse, the LS, starts at an MSRP of $33,920, a far cry from vehicles such as the Suburban, which has a starting MSRP of $54,700.[a] The low starting price is even more appealing by the variety of standard features that come with it. With the Traverse, drivers can expect a V6 engine, comfortable interior complete with tri-zone automatic climate controls, and well-designed seats in both function and form. Additionally, the base Chevy Traverse is a masterclass in standard safety features, thanks in no small part to the standard inclusion of Chevy Safety Assist. For a three-row SUV, it doesn't get better than this.
Starting at
The 2023 Chevy Traverse retains the 3.6L V6 engine first seen in the 2018 Traverse. The sole V6 engine remains after the turbocharged 2.0L I-4 engine was omitted in 2020, so performance has remained the same for some time. However, performance is generally favorable with the Traverse, meaning this familiar powertrain hasn't overstayed its welcome. A 9-speed automatic transmission comes paired with the V6 engine, and owners of the 2023 Traverse can expect 310 hp and 266 lb-ft of torque. For better comparison, the similarly priced Blazer offers a similarly performing 3.6L V6 engine, but it's not standard, unlike the Traverse.
The 3.6L V6 engine inside the Traverse is both fuel-efficient and capable of some hefty towing. Fuel efficiency will waver depending on the drivetrain configuration you've opted for, but both are generally respectable. Traverse models equipped with front-wheel drive earn EPA-estimated ratings of 18 MPG in the city and 27 MPG on the highway, and switching to all-wheel drive lowers these ratings slightly to 17 MPG in the city and 25 MPG on the highway. The fuel economy ratings in the Traverse are impressive regardless of the drivetrain, especially considering its power output and sheer size. The power output comes down to more than horsepower and torque; the 2023 Traverse can tow a maximum of 5,000 lbs, far more than the 3,250 lbs the similarly-priced Blazer will carry.
The 2023 Chevy Traverse has an interior worth discussing. In the base Traverse, the standard configuration comfortably seats eight passengers. The driver and front-seat passenger will have a spacious 42.8-inches of headroom and 41.01-inches of legroom, and the second row will have a similarly impressive 40.02-inches of headroom and 38.41-inches of legroom. The third row of the Traverse is surprisingly comfortable as well, with its 38.21-inches of headroom and 33.48-inches of legroom. Regularly, the third row is subject to far less head and legroom than the other two rows, but Chevy begs to differ with the Traverse. This is even more impressive by the fact that the Traverse isn't a full-size SUV. Cargo space would have you think otherwise.
When driving the 2023 Traverse, there are a few ways you can go about storing cargo within the cabin. Firstly, the 2023 Traverse offers a minimum of 23 cu.ft. of space behind the third row, even when seating eight passengers. Many families will likely fold down the third row of seating except for more crowded travels, meaning families of five or less can enjoy 57.8 cu.ft. of space, which is more than double the space than when the third row is upright. Comparatively, the similarly priced Blazer offers a maximum of 64.2 cu.ft. of space, but this is with its only back-row folded. Putting the Traverse in a similar configuration by folding down every seat in the back will reveal an impressive 98.2 cu.ft. of space, over four times more cargo space than when all the seats are upwards.
The cabin will feature either a 6-way manually-adjustable driver's seat or an 8-way power-adjustable driver's seat, depending on the trim level. Similarly, a 6-way power-adjustable front passenger seat will come with higher-tier trims; otherwise, it'll be a 2-way manually-adjustable chair. Seating material will either be premium cloth or leather, but those who prefer that distinctive perforated leather look in their vehicles have the option to do so.
The standard infotainment center in the Traverse is a Chevy Infotainment 3 System installed onto a 7-inch touchscreen. This configuration comes standard on trims such as the LS, LT Cloth, and LT Leather. Still, other trim levels include a Chevy Infotainment 3 Plus System, which adds extra features such as voice recognition and can feature onboard navigation on a slightly larger 8-inch screen. Those who don't get the infotainment center with built-in navigation need not fret because features such as Apple CarPlay and Android Auto come standard. The driver can opt to install navigation apps they prefer to use instead.
Standard with the Traverse is Chevy Safety Assist, a suite combining a variety of advanced safety features. Regardless of trim level, the 2023 Traverse comes equipped with a Forward Collision Alert coupled with both Automatic Emergency Braking and Front Pedestrian Braking. All three features help to prevent collisions from occurring. The Forward Collision Alert provides a warning ahead of time, and Automatic Emergency Braking and Front Pedestrian Braking are activated if the driver doesn't respond quickly enough to a potential collision.
With the Chevy Safety Assist suite, the Traverse also includes Lane Keep Assist with Lane Departure Warning. Like the Forward Collision Alert mentioned before, the Traverse will signal a warning to the driver if they're slowly misaligning their intended lane on the highway. If the driver doesn't react promptly, the Traverse will steer the driver back into the correct lane. The turn will occur subtly, meaning it'll feel more natural than forced. Chevy Safety Assist also includes IntelliBeam Auto High Beam Assist, so you'll no longer be required to manually enable your high beams; a decent quality-of-life improvement, especially during night drives.
The 2023 Chevy Traverse also includes Chevy's famous Teen Driver Technology. Many manufacturers, such as Chevrolet, understand drivers will use their vehicles to teach their children how to drive, and it's undoubtedly an anxiety-filled experience for both the parents and newly-licensed drivers. Vehicles such as the Chevy Traverse include Teen Driver Technology, which allows the owner of the car, or in this case, the mother or father, to set limits and rules before their child begins driving their vehicle. Volume limits, speed limits, and more are customizable. After the teen gets home, the parents will receive a detailed report card accessible on the center console touchscreen, which helps parents learn if their child needs specific practice in various facets of driving. Teen Driver Technology makes the Traverse a far safer vehicle when learning how to drive.