Overview

• The third-generation Chevrolet Traverse boasts an impressive 88 out of 100 rating for quality and reliability according to J.D. Power.
• This new model is also the first Chevy to feature the LK0 engine, which builds on the reliable L3B, which despite being a turbocharged four-cylinder, it’s considered one of the most dependable modern engines in its class.
• Chevrolet backs the Traverse with a robust powertrain and roadside assistance warranty, covering 60 months or 60,000 miles.

The Traverse has always been a standout in the mid-size SUV segment, offering generous three-row seating and ample space for families. For 2024, it takes things further with a bold exterior redesign, advanced GM technology, a more powerful engine, and the addition of the rugged Z71 trim, designed for off-road enthusiasts.

But with all these updates, has the Traverse maintained or improved its reputation for reliability? We dove into the details and have gathered key insights to help you decide.

What’s New in the Third-Gen Chevy Traverse?

Blending the practicality of a minivan with the cool factor of an SUV, the Chevrolet Traverse stands out for its spacious third row and exceptional cargo capacity. 

The 2024 model takes this winning formula and dials it up with bold updates and exciting features.

• Chevy has given the Traverse a sharper, more aggressive look, paired with a refined and modernized interior.
• The centerpiece of the cabin? A sleek 11-inch digital gauge cluster and a massive 17.7-inch touchscreen infotainment system. These come standard across all trims, running Chevrolet’s latest Google-based software. You’ll enjoy seamless access to Google apps like Maps and Play for smooth navigation and entertainment, plus plenty of personalization options.
• Under the hood, Chevy has swapped the previous 3.6L V6 for a turbocharged 2.5L inline-4 engine, delivering 328 horsepower and 22% more low-end torque than its predecessor.
• The 2024 Traverse introduces the first-ever Z71 trim. Built for the backcountry, the Traverse Z71 features a 1.2-inch factory suspension lift, standard twin-clutch all-wheel drive, and rugged off-road enhancements.
• If sporty vibes are more your style, the RS trim offers a sleek, racy appearance paired with an upgraded sport suspension to match its dynamic looks.

This is what J.D. Power Says about the Third-Gen Traverse?

Evaluating an SUV’s reliability shortly after its launch might seem premature, but J.D. Power—a trusted authority in automotive reliability—has already weighed in on the third-generation Chevrolet Traverse.

• The 2025 Traverse earned an impressive 88 out of 100 on J.D. Power’s quality and reliability scale. This score reflects early predictions based on potential defects, malfunctions, long-term dependability, and customer feedback so far.

• In J.D. Power’s terms, a score this high is considered great, signaling that the new Traverse is well-equipped to deliver reliable performance over time with minimal issues.

All New 2.5 Engine on the Traverse: What Can Be Expected?

Chevrolet’s latest Traverse is powered by the all-new LK0 engine, a 2.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder. This fresh addition from GM is set to power not only the Traverse but also other mid-size SUVs across the GM lineup, including models from Buick and GMC.

While the LK0 is new to the Traverse, it’s closely related to the 2.7L I-4 L3B—essentially a smaller version of the torque-heavy engine found in the Chevy Colorado and certain Silverado configurations.

In addition to this new engine, the Traverse also features an upgraded 8-speed automatic transmission, replacing the previous 9-speed unit. This improved transmission delivers power efficiently to either the front wheels or all-wheel drive, depending on your configuration.

Can it Match the V6’s Performance?

The 2025 Chevrolet Traverse introduces a new turbocharged 2.5L I4 LK0 engine, replacing the older 3.6L V6 LFY engine from the previous generation.

For some, the decision to trade the naturally aspirated V6 for a turbocharged four-cylinder in the third-generation Traverse may seem surprising.

• But when you dive into the details, you’ll see that the 2.5L turbo engine—rated at 328 horsepower and 326 lb-ft of torque—offers both more power and a significant torque advantage over the outgoing V6, while also running cleaner with lower emissions.

• Fuel efficiency also sees a noticeable improvement. The 2024 Traverse with the turbocharged engine achieves an EPA estimate of 23 mpg combined for front-wheel-drive models, up from 21 mpg in the previous V6 model. The all-wheel-drive version also gets a slight bump, improving to 21 mpg combined from 20 mpg.

Here’s a quick comparison:

Engine	2.5L I-4 LK0	3.6L V6 LFY	Difference
	Turbocharged	Naturally Aspirated	—
Power (hp)	328	310	+18
Torque (lb-ft)	326	266	+60

How Reliable is the New 2.5L LK0 Engine

The new Chevrolet Traverse comes equipped with a robust 2.5-liter LK0 engine, a smaller version of the popular and reliable 2.7-liter L3B turbocharged engine. Built to last, this new engine can run smoothly for many miles, provided it’s kept well-maintained.

• The L3B engine has already proven itself reliable in Chevy trucks like the Colorado and Silverado. Given its foundation in this well-regarded engine, the new 2.5-liter LK0 should offer similar, if not improved, reliability.
• Dynamic Fuel Management (DFM) takes the capabilities of Active Fuel Management (AFM) to the next level. DFM features a smart computer that calculates in real-time how many cylinders need to deactivate to maintain optimal performance. It makes these adjustments 80 times per second and can work with 17 unique cylinder patterns.
• Compared to the L3B, the 2.5-liter LK0 engine introduces Intake Valve Lift Control, which helps improve fuel efficiency. Similar to the L3B, it also includes active fuel management, variable valve timing, and a start-stop system.

The Advanced VSS-S Platform of the Third-Gen Traverse

• This modern platform will power the upcoming lineup of front-wheel-drive and front-wheel-drive-based all-wheel-drive crossovers (CUVs) from General Motors, delivering top-tier performance and reliability.
• The VSS-S platform shares key components with other platforms in GM’s VSS series, enhancing its versatility and ensuring easier maintenance over the years.

The all-new third-generation Traverse is built on GM’s cutting-edge VSS-S platform, the latest addition to the automaker’s next-generation Vehicle Set Strategy (VSS) family. It’s part of GM’s bold plan to streamline platform designs, reducing complexity while cutting costs. This strategy will help GM introduce unique, innovative vehicles to the market faster than ever before.

The 2025 Chevrolet Traverse is Loaded with Tech: Is this Something to Fear?

The 2025 Chevy Traverse introduces the innovative GM Global B Technology, also referred to as the Vehicle Intelligence Platform (VIP). Unlike traditional vehicle platforms that form the physical foundation of a car, Global B is the vehicle’s internal network, linking all of its components for seamless communication. Think of it as the vehicle’s nervous system, ensuring everything works together smoothly.

• GM created Global B to serve as the foundation for its next-generation vehicles, including electric models, ensuring it supports cutting-edge safety, entertainment, and connectivity features. Designed to be a flexible and durable platform, Global B is ready to power and accommodate the evolving needs of the brand’s next-generation cars.
• Global B dramatically enhances how quickly and efficiently a vehicle’s electronic systems communicate with one another, ensuring faster data exchange and improved integration across all systems. It can handle up to 4.5 terabytes of data per hour, a massive fivefold increase compared to GM’s existing electrical architecture.
• Global B also offers hassle-free ownership. It allows over-the-air (OTA) software updates, so you don’t have to visit a dealership for routine updates. Plus, the system’s security is top-notch, with advanced protective measures at both the hardware and software levels, keeping you and your vehicle’s data safe.

What Lies Ahead for the New Chevrolet Traverse?

Chevrolet backs the new Traverse with a solid limited warranty of 36 months/36,000 miles for the powertrain, along with a 60-month/60,000-mile powertrain and roadside assistance coverage, both of which align well with industry standards. However, for a clearer picture of its long-term outlook, CarEdge surveyed the third-generation Traverse and offered some revealing insights:

• After five years, the Chevrolet Traverse retains around 36-42% of its original value, placing it on par with other top SUVs in the market.
• Maintenance and repair costs during the first five years are expected to fall between $2,800 and $2,900, which is lower than the industry average for similar SUVs. This makes the Traverse a more economical choice for ownership.
• Moreover, the survey highlights an impressively low 5% likelihood of the Traverse requiring major repairs within the first five years. This is 26% better than comparable SUVs, reinforcing the Traverse’s reputation for reliability and low long-term maintenance needs.