2021 Chevy Traverse Buyer’s Guide

2021 Chevrolet Traverse General Overview

The 2021 Chevrolet Traverse’s main attractions are its size and style. Despite competing with three-row midsize SUVs, the attractive eight-passenger Traverse is substantially bigger on the inside than most alternatives. This pays off in terms of passenger comfort and a total potential cargo volume of 98.2 cubic feet.

In fact, the Traverse has one of the most expansive third-row seats of any opponent, and the second row is more spacious compared to some competitors’ first rows, making it a tempting option.

But that’s not the only reason it’s so desirable; it also has a lower starting price than most competitors. You’ll also like its standard V6 engine, which provides strong acceleration and up to 5,000 pounds of towing capacity.

The majority of the Traverse’s driver assistance safety technology is only available at the top of the price scale, and it isn’t as upscale as some competitors.

However, the 2021 Chevy Traverse is a desirable option thanks to its refined and powerful V-6, roomy seating for up to eight passengers, and clever infotainment technology even on the base model.

2021 Chevrolet Traverse Pricing and Trims

Source

The starting MSRP of the 2021 Traverse is less than nearly all of its rivals.

Seven trim levels are offered: L, LS, RS, Premier, and High Country.

With so many Traverse trim levels available from Chevy, you’re sure to find one that fits your budget.

Exterior

Dimensions

Styling

The Traverse is the largest model in the midsize-SUV class, measuring over 204 inches. Particularly noticeable is its extra size in the extra space behind the back doors.

The Traverse model year 2021 looks quite nice in addition to being a roomier, more elegant, efficient, and better-performing vehicle than before. Its stylishly squared-off design is undoubtedly more appealing than that of the previous, bulbous Traverse, which may have taken its role as a minivan substitute a little too seriously.

There are a few ways to further distinguish your Traverse. Large 20-inch wheels and blacked-out accents are features of the sporty RS trim. With black and red accents, including on the wheels, the Redline edition, which is exclusive to the expensive Premier model, is even more aggressive. High-end Traverse High Country models come equipped with a twin-panel power sunroof and a tonne of chrome.

Interior

Let’s have a look at the 2021 Chevy Traverse Interior:

Dimensions

Quality, Space, and Comfort

One of the Traverse’s best qualities and a reason it’s prevalent with growing families is its class-leading interior space.

If you choose the second-row captain’s chairs, the Traverse can accommodate seven extra passengers in addition to its eight standard passengers.

Despite its height, it’s simple to enter and exit any row, and the seats are likewise very comfortable. Once there, a steering wheel with tilt and telescoping capabilities and numerous seat adjustments provide a commanding driving position.

Although the Traverse’s cabin isn’t as well-kept as those of competitors, it still impresses with its thoughtful layout, straightforward controls, and attractive finishes. Additionally, the top-tier trim is fully equipped with active safety features, a panoramic sunroof, a power-folding third-row seat, and other features.

Cargo

One of the best cargo haulers in its class, the Traverse offers 23 cubic feet of space behind the third row of seats and 57.8 cubic feet with the third row of seats folded.

With more space than any of its competitors, the Traverse excels at hauling cargo when all of its folding seats are removed. With the second and third rows folded, there are 98.2 cubic feet.

Entertainment

The main touchscreen for the infotainment system is available in an optional 8-inch size or in a standard 7-inch size. Both are simple to use and have vibrant graphics, much like a sizable mobile phone. Additionally available are the standard Apple CarPlay and Android Auto features.

Physical controls are available in addition to touch operation for standard operations like volume and audio-track adjusting. Fan speed can be adjusted with smaller buttons that control climate.

The Traverse has an advantage over other three-row SUVs thanks to a standard Wi-Fi connection, an improved sound system, and simple voice controls. The navigational display is detailed and easy to read. and thoughtfully placed USB ports can be found throughout the Traverse’s cabin.

Features & Specs

Chevrolet Traverse L

The entry-level Traverse includes:

• 18-inch alloy wheels
• Automatic headlights
• Second-row bench seat for eight-passenger seating
• Triple-zone climate control
• Apple CarPlay and Android Auto 
• Smartphone integration
• Heated outside mirrors
• Cloth upholstery
• Onboard Wi-Fi
• 7-inch touchscreen
• Chevrolet’s Teen Driver safety system
• Rearview camera

Chevrolet Traverse LS

Choosing the LS trim primarily grants access to extras. For $2,000, an all-wheel drive(AWD) is an option, and an entertainment system for the backseat costs between $1,750 and $1,995. There are also some styling packages available.

The LS improves on the L trim by adding:

•  Dark-tinted rear privacy glass

Chevrolet Traverse LT Cloth

The LT trim comes standard with:

• Power-adjustable driver’s seat
• Second-row captain’s chair
• 8-inch touch screen
• Satellite Radio
• Power Liftgate
• Rear parking sensors
• Rear cross-traffic alert
• Blind-spot monitoring

Chevrolet Traverse LT Leather

Other than leather seats, the LT Leather adds: 

• Heated front seats
• Power-adjustable front passenger seat
• Remote engine start
• 8-inch high-definition touchscreen
• A blind-spot monitor with rear cross-traffic alert
• Rear parking sensors
• Power liftgate

Some additional packages are also available in this trim:

Chevy Safety Assist

• Forward collision warning with automatic braking 
• Lane-keeping assist 

Chevrolet Traverse LT Premium package (LT Leather only)

• 20-inch wheels
• Integrated navigation system
• 10-speaker premium audio system
• Digital rearview mirror 
• 360-degree camera system 

Chevrolet Traverse RS

The sporty RS is outfitted similarly to the LT Leather with the Premium and Chevy Safety Assist packages, as well as:

• 20-inch dark-finish wheels
• Blacked-out styling cues and accents
• Heated steering wheel
• Automatic High-beam Headlamps

Chevrolet Traverse Premier

Includes the safety and comfort features of the RS, plus:

• LED headlights
• Hands-free liftgate
• Power-adjustable steering wheel
• Ventilated front seats
• Heated rear seats
• Wireless device charging

Chevrolet Traverse High Country

This is the most expensive model of the Traverse, featuring:

• Trailering enhancements 
• Panoramic sunroof
• Power-folding third-row seat
• Adaptive cruise control 
• Enhanced automatic emergency braking 

What’s the best Trim Option on the 2021 Chevy Traverse?

Front-wheel drive (FWD), a nine-speed automatic transmission, and a 3.6-liter V6 engine with 310 horsepower, and 266 lb-ft of torque are standard across all trims. All Traverse L models can be ordered with all-wheel drive(AWD).

It’s critical to think about which models offer the best value because the higher trims cost significantly more but also have features not found in the lower ones.

We suggest the LT Cloth or LT Leather because they offer the most standard and readily available equipment at an affordable price. Additionally, many of the Traverse’s driver assistance features are only available on these lower trims.

We strongly advise adding these two options after you’ve selected at least an LT Cloth trim: the Convenience and Driver confidence package.

The best Traverse models are the RS and Premier trims if you have the money to spend. Both have a lot of amenities. All the active safety features that are either absent from or optional on the lower trims are included with these two.

Stick with the L and LS trims if you don’t want to spend a fortune.

A respectable number of features are present. Be aware, though, that neither of these base models is available with any active safety features.

Engine and performance

• 3.6-liter V6
• Power: 310 hp @6,800 rpm
• Torque: 266 lb-ft @2,800 rpm
• Transmission: 9-speed automatic 
• Drivetrain: Front-Wheel Drive (FWD), all-wheel drive (optional)

The 3.6-liter V6 engine in the Traverse generates a respectable 310 horsepower. The 9-speed automatic transmission is connected to the engine. The engine in the Traverse has sufficient power for almost all driving circumstances. The Chevrolet Traverse is a very capable vehicle, whether you’re transporting family members on a road trip, commuting to work, or dropping off children at soccer practice.

When you request acceleration, it also offers fantastic acceleration. In fact, according to Car and Driver testing, the 7.1-second sprint to 60 mph is a respectably quick time for the 3-row SUV class. A very sleek transmission is used. There is never the sense of constant gear shifting that we have observed in many other nine-speeds, and I never noticed a split-second of hesitation where a change in throttle position can cause the gearbox to clunk into a gear it belatedly decided was best.

However, as you slam the throttle, don’t anticipate your head banging back on the headrest. It’s also a good thing because not many people will be crazily driving their family around in this three-row SUV.

The 2021 Traverse excels at being a family hauler because it is cosy, peaceful, and roomy enough to keep grumpy children at bay. Additionally, it typically shifts into a higher gear for better fuel efficiency.

Ride and handling

The Traverse feels just as big as it is when parking or manoeuvring at a slow speed. The big Chevy, however, handles like a much smaller vehicle when you accelerate quickly; it is poised, if not overtly athletic. The large SUV is easy to aim thanks to the system’s accuracy and light steering effort.

The Chevy feels well-balanced and has a solid 0.83 g of skidpad grip thanks to a composed and well-tuned chassis. Its brakes inspire confidence and can stop the big, 4680-pound crossover from 70 mph in a respectably short 176 feet.

The suspension on the Traverse achieves a good balance between manoeuvrability and ride comfort. Therefore, the Traverse ought to be on your short list if you prioritise finding a comfortable and quiet family vehicle. With tall sidewall tyres and a soft suspension that absorb impacts, the ride is excellent. The cabin is relatively quiet at highway speeds, with only a faint whiff of wind noise coming from the side mirrors.

Fuel Economy

Every Traverse comes with automatic stop/start, one of the least intrusive of these systems. The Chevrolet actually exceeded the EPA estimate of 25 mpg in the real-world highway fuel-economy testing, scoring 27 mpg and outperforming every rival, including the CX-9 and the Honda Pilot.

Safety

NHTSA Safety Ratings

IIHS Safety Ratings

Safety Features

Standard advanced safety features:

• Rear-seat reminder
• Buckle up reminder
• Rearview camera
• Teen Driver (lets you do things like set speed and audio volume limits for secondary drivers, as well as monitor their driving performance)

Available advanced safety features:

• Adaptive cruise control
• Surround-view parking camera system
• Rear camera mirror
• Forward collision warning
• Automatic emergency braking
• Front pedestrian braking
• Lane departure warning
• Blind spot monitoring
• Lane keep assist
• Rear parking sensors
• Rear cross traffic alert

How the 2021 Traverse Compares Against Key

Here’s how the 2021 Chevy Traverse compare’s to its rivals:

Vs Toyota Highlander?

Because it can’t quite measure up to the Chevy Traverse, the Toyota Highlander comes in a little bit behind. Both SUVs have eight seats and a standard V6 engine, but the Chevy’s engine has a bit more oomph. The third row in the Highlander is cramped for adults, while the third row in the Traverse offers much more cargo space. However, the Toyota has many more standard driver aids than the Honda. Even so, it can’t win this game on the strength of that alone. With the Traverse, you will fare better.

Vs Honda Pilot

In three rows, the Traverse and Pilot can each accommodate eight passengers. Both are powered by a V-6 standard. Although the Pilot comes standard with several significant active safety features that are optional on the Chevrolet, the Traverse’s multimedia system is easier to use. Therefore, the decision comes down to preference.

Conclusion Review with (Pros & Cons)

Pros

•  Stong performance
• surprisingly efficient V-6
• Loads of passenger and cargo space
• Comfortable ride
• Intuitive Multimedia system usability
• Lower starting price than competitors
• Standard Apple CarPlay/Android Auto integration
• Seating for seven or eight passengers

Cons

• Best features are exclusive to expensive trims
• Big blind spots
• Some budget interior plastics
• Some rivals are more upscale
• Less agile than some rivals
• Doesn’t include standard driver assistance safety features

Verdict

The 2021 Chevrolet Traverse offers a lot, including a comfortable ride, a tonne of passenger and cargo space, and user-friendly technology. Although it is not the most athletic vehicle, it excels at many other tasks. The Traverse is a compelling choice for many buyers when combined with a fair starting price.

FAQ’s