GM looks to have built a serious competitor for the Hyundai Palisade and Ford Explorer.
- Third-generation Chevy Traverse features first-ever Z71 off-road trim
- New 2.5-liter turbo four-cylinder engine (315 horsepower/317 lb-ft of torque)
- Z71 gets twin-clutch AWD system
- Seats up to eight occupants
- Available in early 2024
Chevrolet has just announced the all-new Traverse for 2024. The model now features more aggressive, truck-like proportions, coupled with a refreshingly updated and tech-filled interior. The family-hauling SUV will now be offered in four trims, including LS, LT, RS, and the model's first-ever Z71 off-road trim, and it now offers a more robust standard powertrain. One of Chevrolet's best-selling vehicles, the company hopes the new model will be better positioned to compete against the ever-growing midsize SUV competition.
“Our new Traverse is designed and engineered to act and look more like an SUV,” said Scott Bell, vice president of Chevrolet. “Led by the all-new Z71, the 2024 Traverse builds on the success of its predecessor and will undoubtedly enable us to be in more customer driveways.”
Truck-Inspired Design
The model was last updated in 2018 and received a comprehensive facelift in 2021, but it failed to captivate in the same way the Kia Telluride and Hyundai Palisade have. It was good, not great.
The update starts with improved exterior styling borrowing heavily from its truck and SUV siblings. The entire front is squared off, giving the vehicle a commanding presence and making it look more attractive. Gone is the trapezoidal grille, and in its place is a square honeycomb grille, mixing Blazer and Tahoe styling, with split headlight clusters.
In profile, its silhouette looks like a smaller version of the Tahoe. The sideways Y-shaped taillights help to round out the rear, as do the quad, chrome-tipped exhausts that have become a calling card for powerful GM SUVs.
The company says each trim will benefit from unique styling and personality, and the vehicle will now offer things like a new dual-panoramic sunroof, available auto liftgate, walk-up animation, and all-new exterior colors of Lakeshore Blue, Stardust, and Harvest Bronze.
New Base Engine And Z71 Off-Roader
The vehicle is now powered by an all-new 2.5-liter turbocharged engine that replaces the old 3.6-liter V6. The new engine produces 315 horsepower and 317 lb-ft of torque, a solid increase over the 310 hp and 266 lb-ft of torque the old engine made.
It's paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission, and when properly specced, can tow up to 5,000 lbs. All trims can also be had with AWD, but the Z71 gets a unique AWD system with a fancy twin-clutch setup that will help it to perform better off-road.
Speaking of the Z71, it's Chevy's answer to Ford's Timberline trim on the Explorer but isn't quite as capable as the Jeep Grand Cherokee L. The Z71 includes a one-inch lift over the other trims and a wider track to help with stability off-road. 18-inch wheels with all-terrain tires are standard, ad the Z71 gets unique dampers with hydraulic rebound to help with off-road capability, aided by model-specific terrain driving modes and hill descent control.
It then offers a unique exterior with red tow hooks, a front skid plate, and a standard trailering package.
Up-To-Date Interior
It's apparent GM spent a lot of time addressing our qualms with the previous model. The interior was spacious and useful but didn't feel compelling, even on the higher trims. The new one is a massive departure, and that all starts with technology. Front and center, you now have a standard 17.7-inch touchscreen and 11-inch driver display, just like in the upcoming Silverado EV. Six USB ports are standard, along with available wireless phone charging and a Wi-Fi hotspot.
The 2024 Traverse seats eight in LS form across three rows but the LT, Z71, and RS trims get seven-person seating standard thanks to second-row captain's chairs.
Chevy claims a best-in-class max cargo capacity of 98 cubic feet but at 0.2 cubic feet short of the space of the previous model.
Many safety features are standard, including auto emergency braking, forward collision alert, lane keeping assist, high beam assist, front pedestrian and cyclist braking, and a following distance indicator. Options include rear park assist and HD surround vision, but the coolest new option is certainly GM's excellent Super Cruise hands-free driver assistance tech.
No pricing has been announced yet for the SUV, but the previous model started at $34,520 for 2023. The SUV will be built at the company's Lansing Delta Township factory in Michigan, one of two facilities that just received hundreds of millions for upcoming GM products. The model will arrive in early 2024 and looks o be a strong contender in a highly competitive midsize SUV segment.
Keyword: All-New 2024 Chevrolet Traverse Revealed With Turbo Power And New Z71 Off-Road Trim