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2019 Chevrolet Traverse

2019 Chevrolet Traverse

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Overview

The Chevrolet Traverse stands out as a top contender in its category, particularly in terms of cargo space and affordability. It ranks first out of 31 midsize SUVs for cargo space, indicating it offers more storage capacity than most of its competitors. Additionally, it is the second most affordable 8-seater SUV out of 15, suggesting it provides excellent value for its size and seating capacity. These rankings demonstrate that the Chevrolet Traverse is a leading choice for those seeking a spacious and cost-effective SUV.

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Overview (Final Score: A)

The Traverse was fully redesigned for the 2018 model year, sporting a lot of key changes and improvements over the previous generation of the crossover. The new Chevrolet Traverse is a top pick for us in three-row family crossover-SUVs with excellent fuel efficiency, dynamics, roominess, and cargo capacity.

For the 2019 model year, the Traverse receives only a couple of minor changes, namely an upgrade to its central infotainment screen and small content changes. We rated the Traverse as an "A" product last year and continue to do so this year for the same reasons.

The 2019 Chevrolet Traverse is offered in seven trim levels with seating for up to eight passengers. Front-wheel and all-wheel drive are available and one trim point has its own engine as standard while the others all share the same well-done V6. There are a myriad of ways to configure the Traverse to fit a need, one of the key reasons this is such a successful family-oriented crossover-SUV.

What We Love About the 2019 Chevrolet Traverse:


  • Excellent interior that's almost minivan like in spaciousness

  • Solid price offerings across the Traverse's trim points

  • Excellent drive quality in the city and on the highway with a competent V6


What We Don't Love About the 2019 Chevrolet Traverse:


  • Sporty RS trim might be a little fun, but not enough to justify its poor MPG returns

  • Lack of some driver's aids at top trims a detriment

  • Base trim with low-end engine is lackluster at best


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Exterior View (9/10)

The 2019 Chevrolet Traverse is a smart-looking utility with a lot of presence. The sharp, but not pointed nose of the crossover matches the wheels that have been pushed forward to minimize bumper overhang. This creates a sporty, maneuverable look for the big Traverse that offsets its size well. Fender bulges, especially at the rear, bring a traditional flair to the 2019 Traverse while the lower glass' straight line and the beltline below push the Traverse forward, helping the slightly-sloped roofline give a sense of motion to the rig.

The wraparound rear window glass design and mainstream appeal of the 2019 Traverse are all great points for its looks. There's a hint of upscale luxury, some touches of family friendliness in its appeal, and a lot of promise of good driving dynamics in the Traverse's overall look.

Standard 18-inch alloy wheels on the 2019 Chevrolet Traverse are replaced with 20-inch wheels on the RS trim. That trim also blacks out the grille and adds unique styling cues for its sportier design. Most trims have LED headlamps available or standard.

Interior Comfort, Quality, Ergonomics (10/10)

The 2019 Chevrolet Traverse has a premium-level interior with an eye towards family ergonomics that's unmatched in the current market. A smart mix of comfort and thoughtful positioning of storage and cabin spacing that helps the Traverse stand out in the three-row segment.

The driver and front passenger enjoy ample legroom, lots of headroom, and plenty of storage and technology within easy reach. The driver is presented with a straightforward controls layout that's immediately intuitive.

The second row has ample seating for three across, with the standard bench, and great seating for three with the optional captain's chairs. Storage and entry/egress ergonomics are excellent in the back seats. In the third row, which is largely for kids but that can accommodate adults when required, seating is also better than expected. It's also easier to access than in many similar crossovers with only a minivan having easier access. Legroom is above what's expected in a three-row midsize crossover as well.

In the cargo area, things are a little tighter in order to allow all that room up front. It's still very manageable, though, with plenty of configuration options to make up for the space lost to the more comfortable passenger accommodations.

Featuring a bold and refined new look, the completely redesigned 2018 Chevrolet Traverse is built of style and purpose. The all-new Traverse offers customers best-in-class cargo space and convenience features that make loading and unloading a breeze.

Technology (10/10)

In the 2018 model year Traverse, one of our greatest beefs for technoloy seemingly barely par touchscreen. For 2019, the Traverse gains a new 8.3-inch touchscreen that is more vivid and easier to see. This replaces the slightly smaller and less crisp screen from last year.

Going with that, the Chevrolet MyLink interface is very well done with fast responses and a nicely robust design. Menus can get difficult if digging down to find a very specific item to change or configure, but for everyday uses, the infotainment in the 2019 Traverse is above par and very intuitive.

The 219 Chevrolet Traverse has two USB ports in the front and two more in the back. More are added with upper technology tiers. Android Auto and Apple CarPlay are standard in the Traverse and a 120-volt outlet is an option.

Fuel Economy (8/10)

The 2019 Traverse offers good fuel economy, but nothing above the norm for the segment. The EPA rates the front-wheel drive model Traverse with 19 mpg in the city and 26 mpg on the highway. The all-wheel drive models are rated at 18 mpg in the city and 25 mpg on the highway.

Our average after a week of driving the AWD model was 22 mpg overall. Our time in a FWD model last year had almost the same result at 22.5 mpg overall. The Traverse RS model is rated at 20 mpg in town and 26 mpg on the highway.

Predicted Reliability, Initial Quality Ratings (9/10)

The 2019 Chevrolet Traverse has not yet been rated by any dependability study group, but the 2018 model, which is nearly identical, was given a "Better Than Most" rating by the J.D. Power and Associates Vehicle Dependability Study. Consumer Reports likewise rates the Traverse well in 2018 and we expect that the 2019 model will carry those expectations forward.

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Safety (9/10)

As of this writing, there are no published crash test reports from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety on the 2018 or 2019 Chevrolet Traverse. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has given the Traverse an overall rating of five stars (out of five). With four stars each for frontal and rollover test results and five stars for side crash results.

Performance (9/10)

The 2019 Chevrolet Traverse is powered by a nicely-tuned 3.6-liter V6 that mates to a nine-speed automatic transmission. Front-wheel drive is standard with all-wheel drive available on most trim points. The V6 outputs a robust 310 horsepower, which is more than enough for confidence in the midsize Traverse.

Both the FWD and AWD models of the Traverse are well-balanced and nicely done. Engagement is good, especially in the FWD model, and all-weather response is very good in the AWD model. Though not a sports car, the 2019 Traverse is very predictable and easy to handle with good stiffness and control in most situations.

Maneuverability in the Traverse is also better than expected, with the crossover at lower speeds feeling smaller than it is. Visibility is very good for the driver and the suspension is stiff enough to keep the parking lot dips and tight turns from feeling out of whack.

On the highway, the 2019 Chevrolet Traverse is quieter than expected and feels very good for the driver. The Traverse is smooth over the bumps and comfortable for all inside. It's confident when it needs to be and unobtrusive otherwise.

When equipped, the 2019 Chevrolet Traverse can tow up to 5,000 pounds.

Pricing and Value (9/10)

There are a lot of options for the 2019 Chevrolet Traverse. One to fit just about any need or budget. Chevrolet thought it out and made sure to fit the Traverse in with a large swatch of three-row buyers.

The base level L model is special-order only, so most dealerships will likely have the LS as the base option for the 2019 Traverse. Most buyers will probably like the LT Cloth for its durable cloth interior with extreme stain resistance and its solidly affordable price point at about $35,000-$40,000, depending on options. Upgrading to AWD is a good idea for both all-weather confidence and resale value.

Compared to anyone else on the market, the 2019 Traverse is a solid competitor with strong value behind it.

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Total Score and Competitive Comparison (72/80, 90%)

The 2019 Chevrolet Traverse has no lack for competition in the three-row midsize market. Chief among those are the Toyota Highlander, which is a bit long in the tooth by comparison, but with nearly equal family ergonomics. We like the Highlander but feel that the Traverse is more refined and a better choice for most. Another solid competitor is in the Mazda CX-9, which is a good option for those who want more sport and don't need as large a third row as that found in the Traverse. The CX-9 is a smooth drive and very comfortable, but not quite as family-centric as is the Traverse. Finally, the Honda Pilot has an equivalent third row, more cargo space, and an excellent design overall. The Traverse has a better value option and is more refined, however.

For those impressed with the Traverse, but needing more luxury, the Buick Enclave is virtually identical but with a more premium interior.

Compared to all of these, the 2019 Traverse comes out on top in our book. There is currently no better three-row family option in the crossover market than the Traverse. This new Chevrolet has raised the bar for the segment, setting new standards for ergonomics and appeal.

2019 Chevrolet Traverse Trims

Trim Engine Drive Train MSRP
L 4dr SUV 6 Cylinder FWD 29930
LS 4dr SUV w/1LS 6 Cylinder FWD 32900
LT Cloth 4dr SUV w/1LT 6 Cylinder FWD 35400
LT Leather 4dr SUV 6 Cylinder FWD 39100
RS 4dr SUV 6 Cylinder FWD 43100
High Country 4dr SUV 6 Cylinder FWD 50900
RS 4dr SUV 4 Cylinder FWD 43100
Premier 4dr SUV 6 Cylinder FWD 45500
LS 4dr SUV w/1FL 6 Cylinder FWD 33500
LT Cloth 4dr SUV w/2FL 6 Cylinder FWD 35900
4x4 LS 4dr SUV w/1LS 6 Cylinder 4X4 34900
4x4 LT Cloth 4dr SUV w/1LT 6 Cylinder 4X4 39200
4x4 LT Leather 4dr SUV 6 Cylinder 4X4 41100
4x4 High Country 4dr SUV 6 Cylinder 4X4 53200
4x4 RS 4dr SUV 6 Cylinder 4X4 45700
4x4 Premier 4dr SUV 6 Cylinder 4X4 48400
4x4 LS 4dr SUV w/1FL 6 Cylinder 4X4 35500
4x4 LT Cloth 4dr SUV w/2FL 6 Cylinder 4X4 37900

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