2019 Chevrolet Traverse - Review | CarBuzz (2024)

2019 Chevrolet Traverse Review: Bigger Is Always Better

Large crossover SUVs don't come much more spacious or comfortable than the new Chevrolet Traverse, a people carrier that outdoes even the Honda Pilot and Toyota Highlander. With some changes under the skin to help keep it relevant following a recent redesign last year, the Traverse is intended to be your one-stop SUV that caters to absolutely everyone. There's a base model, a turbocharged version, one suited for a bit of off-roading, and a borderline luxury model. Most are powered by a 3.6-liter V6 engine producing 310 horsepower and 266 lb-ft of torque, with the RS model being the exception. It gets a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-pot developing a mild 257 hp and 295 lb-ft and, like the base L model, is only available with front-wheel-drive. Other variants can be had with four-wheel-drive. Pricing starts at $29,930 and nudges above $52,000 in the top trim.

What's the Price of the 2019 Chevrolet Traverse?

The Traverse L starts at $29,930 before the $1,195 destination charge and other fees and taxes. Adding four-wheel drive to various models will cost $2,000, but the L can't have it, so next up is the LS, which costs $32,900, while the L Cloth and LT Leather cost $35,400 and $39,100 respectively. The RS model, like the base L, can only be had with front-wheel-drive. This model is the only one with a 2.0-liter turbo and costs $43,100, but, possibly as a result of poor interest in the powerplant, it will soon be dropped as an option. The Premier model will set you back $45,500 and the top-spec High Country starts at $50,900. Fully loaded with features from the factory, you can add expensive metallic paint and a few options to get it over $56,000.

2019 Traverse Exterior

Dimensions

2019 Traverse Performance

Handling and Driving Impressions

The Traverse is a large beast, but manages to handle as one would expect from a vehicle of this size. Sure, it's got some body roll, but it's not too excessive, although it is worth noting that the lauded Honda Pilot mitigates lean far better while still managing to be comfortable. The Traverse is almost solely focused on being comfortable, and in this department it is outstanding. Big bumps or small, the Chevy handles them all. Four-wheel-drive models get a system called Traction Mode Select, which does exactly what it sounds like. When you're pottering along on the freeway or in town, the Traverse can be switched to front-wheel-drive only, with the 4x4 system having modes for snow and towing too, assuming that you've selected the towing package as well. The system modulates the output of the engine to each wheel to provide the most traction and stability available on the surface. It's no Toyota Land Cruiser or Jeep Wrangler, but the off-road ability of this crossover SUV is truly impressive for the class. Overall, the Traverse is not a dynamic driving machine that will thrill you off the road or on it, but it is more capable than expected, and, although many may not use its off-road ability, it's the knowledge that you have the additional security if road conditions worsen that will help seal the deal for many in less temperate climates. For everyone else, the standard front-wheel-drive is more than adequate.

2019 Traverse Interior

2019 Traverse Trunk and Cargo Space

Warranty

US NHTSA Crash Test Result

Verdict: Is the 2019 Chevrolet Traverse A Good SUV?

The Chevrolet Traverse is certainly expensive in top High Country trim, where it attempts to bridge the gap between luxury and practicality. However, the lesser trims are no less comfortable and offer a number of features. The trump card that the Traverse has is its roomy interior and massive cargo volume that maxes out at an outstanding 98.2 cubic feet. Considering that you can fit actual adults in the back row without having them contort to hitherto unseen movements is a real positive that is only enhanced by the fact that the seats are comfortable even after a few hours of travel. With USB ports in each row too, the entire ensemble can keep their phones charged, and the optional rear-seat screens help make long drives even less frustrating for those easily bored by passing scenery. The standard 3.6-liter V6 and nine-speed automatic gearbox work well together and help to contribute to a quiet and comfortable ride with enough grunt to pull as much as 5,000 lbs with the available trailering package. The lack of standard safety features is a little concerning, but speccing them is not overly expensive. Overall, the Traverse is a well-rounded package that caters to multiple budgets and keeps everyone comfy with decent tech to boot. What more could you want?

What Chevrolet Traverse Model Should I Buy?

The Traverse is relatively basic in L form, and a little too expensive in High Country trim. We'd go for the Premier with the Redline Edition, as this automatically adds the Driver Confidence II package with forward-collision alert and pedestrian detection, low-speed automatic emergency braking, lane-keep assist and adaptive LED headlights. With leather included as standard, the Redline package helps spruce up the exterior by way of blacking out the chrome and adding gloss black 20-inch wheels and unique tinted taillights. You also get the ability to tow up to 5,000 lbs and earn the dual-panel power sunroof. The Premier model also includes wireless charging, heated rear seats, and heated and ventilated front seats, making it more comfortable. Overall, this model strikes a good balance between luxury and practicality and also earns numerous safety features, all for less than $50,000 before discounts or taxes.

2019 Chevrolet Traverse Comparisons

2019 Chevrolet Traverse vs GMC Acadia

The GMC Acadia and Chevrolet Traverse are similar in many respects but have become their own vehicles over the years. Base pricing is very similar, with the Traverse being $930 dearer. However, you can seat up to eight in the Traverse and only seven in the Acadia. Even so, the Acadia is less spacious in the third row, due to its shorter length, which also contributes to a smaller cargo area of 79 cubic feet versus the Traverse's maximum 98.2 cubes. However, things change considerably with the power, as the GMC comes standard with a 193 hp 2.5-liter four-pot, whereas the Chevy is more capable of getting going with its 310 hp 3.6-liter motor, which is optional in the Acadia. This does mean that the Acadia is slightly lighter on fuel in base form, but at the expense of usability. Overall, despite its lower price, the GMC does not live up to expectations, and the Chevy is certainly the better, more practical buy.

2019 Chevrolet Traverse vs Ford Explorer

If you want more power, you may want to consider the Ford Explorer. In base form it only makes 280 hp, but you can get up to 365 hp if you're willing to spend more. Speaking of price, the Explorer starts from around $32,000, which is a two grand premium over the Traverse. In top-spec, the difference is not so big, as the two are separated by less than $1,000. However, like the GMC Acadia, it's shorter than the Chevy Traverse and therefore can't fit as much stuff in the back. The top-spec Ford is also less economical, with a combined mpg rating of 18 compared to the Chev's 20. You also can't fit as many people in the Ford, which has a maximum seating capacity of seven. However, there's a reason that this car sells so well in the U.S. The interior is arguably better-looking, and you can have features like massaging seats, front park sensors, auto-wipers, and a forward parking camera. If tech features are what you're after and you're willing to sacrifice some extra money, the Explorer is arguably better to live with. For more basic people-carrying, the Traverse is the outright winner.