Melody Davidson

2017 Chevrolet Traverse

••4.0

Posted On: May 14, 2024

Love our Chevy Traverse, it's been a great car.

Pros
The space, there are 3 seats in back., Very comfortable, for long drives as well.

Cons
Neck curve on moving neck piece to seat., the dealer, I would not recommend the dealer.

Me and my family have enjoyed our chevy traverse during travel and visiting family etc. We can always fit a ton of people as stuff to travel with in it as well. We also have camped out of the back as well, it was great. It has always performed well, it takes off well, goes up a hill great. This car has helped me here in AZ so much. I a. able to drive safely around the valley and beyond. It has b... Read more

2017 Chevrolet Traverse Review

Pros

Smooth transmission
Accommodate 5 passengers
Suave looks
High safety

Cons

Not so good handling
Dated infotainment system

The 2017 Chevrolet Traverse SUV boasts of a class leading cargo space, with a mamoth 8-seater and lots of in-cabin storage which makes it one of the best SUV in the market in terms of utility. While driving this large hauler this SUV maintains its composure even at rough terrains with easy braking and steering.

Overview

The new Chevrolet Traverse boasts class-leading cargo space, with a mammoth 8-seater and lots of in-cabin storage which makes it one of the best SUVs in the market in terms of utility. While driving this large hauler this SUV maintains its composure even at rough terrains with easy braking and steering. The Traverse's cargo holding can only be challanged by its cousin the Buick Enclave, other cars don't come close at all.

With such a carrying capacity, comfort and support takes a priority and we are pleased to inform that the Traverse does this very well. Interior features are ample but some areas do need an upgrade. For the year 2017, the Traverse remains pretty much the same apart from cosmetic changes and some shuffling of trims.

Pricing and Features
7.0/10

For 2017, Chevrolet Traverse is essentially offered in three main trims: LS, LT, and Premier. The LS is further divided into lower trims like Base (1SM) and LS, whereas the LT is further divided into 1LT and 2LT variants. The LT trim adds 18-inch aluminum wheels, fog lights, roof rails, second-row captain's chairs, a power-adjustable driver's seat along with some of the standard features at a price tag of $35,495. Buyers are also given the option to add optional packages like the Convenience and Driver Confidence package which is priced around $1795 and adds features like an 8.0-inch touchscreen infotainment system with a 4.2-inch gauge-cluster information display, Blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert, rear parking sensors, and power rear liftgate and heated front seats.

Trim	LS Base	LS	LT w/1LT	LT w/2LT	Premier
MSRP (FWD)	$28,700	$31,300	$34,100	$36,650	$42,045
MSRP (AWD)	NA	$33,300	$36,100	$38,650	$44,045
Key Features	17-inch steel wheels	18" Machined-Aluminum Wheels	1LT trim adds 18-inch alloy wheels	2LT includes all of the above	Premier includes all from the previous trims plus
	Automatic headlights	Satellite Radio Satellite Radio	Fog lights	Auto-dimming rearview mirror	Separate Rear Audio
	Front and rear air-conditioning	Integrated Cargo Liner	Heated mirrors	Power liftgate	Heated Steering Wheel
	60/40-split-folding second and third-row seats	Universal Tablet Holders	Occupant-protection airbag mounted between the front seats,	Tri-zone automatic climate control	Height Adjustable Passenger Seat
	Tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel	Trailering Equipment	Eight-way power driver seat (with two-way power lumbar)	Heated front seats	Premium Leather
	Cruise control		Leather-wrapped steering wheel	Separate Rear Audio	8 -Way Power Driver Seat
	Rearview camera		Remote start	rear-seat audio controls
	6.5-inch touchscreen display and a six-speaker sound system		Turn Signal In Mirrors	Folding Rear Seatback
	LS models are offered only with front-wheel drive.		Rear parking sensors	10-speaker Bose audio system.
		Rear Seat DVD Entertainment System	The Graphite Edition package includes 20-inch wheels, special exterior trim, and a navigation system.

We Recommend

Buyers of Chevy Traverse have multiple options to choose from. Amongst them, the 1LT trim is a remarkably good choice as it meets the demands of most buyers. It comes loaded with all the necessary features like an eight-way power-adjustable driver's seat and heated front seats. If you crave more features then the 2LT would be an option worth considering as it includes a power liftgate, a Bose 10-speaker audio system, tri-zone automatic climate control among other additional features.

Engine and Performance
7.3/10

The 2017 Chevrolet Traverse is equipped with a potent 3.6-liter V-6 engine that produces 281-hp along with 266 lb-ft of torque. This engine is coupled with a nine-speed automatic transmission that changes gears unassumingly. The setup is driven by a front-wheel drive, and there is the option of an all-wheel drive system as well (not on the base trim). The newly redesigned engine pulls the vehicle strongly and provides sufficient power to merge into traffic and smoothly pulls out while passing by slow-moving traffic. Only while driving aggressively you'll notice some glitches with the gearbox as it becomes abrupt during downshifts but other than that the shifts are almost undetectable.

Models	Chevrolet Traverse	Toyota Highlander	GMC Acadia	Ford Explorer
MSRP	$28,700	$32,680	$41,450	$31,160
Engine	3.6L 6 cyl	3.5L 6cyl	3.6-liter V-6 engine	3.5 L 6cyl
Transmission	6-Speed Automatic	8-speed Automatic	6-Speed Automatic	6-Speed Automatic
Horsepower	281 hp @6300 rpm	295 hp @6600 rpm	310 hp @6300 rpm	290 hp @6500 rpm
Torque	266 lb-ft @3400 rpm	263 lb-ft @4700 rpm	271 lb.-ft. @3400 rpm	255 lb-ft @4000 rpm

The competition here pulls ahead of the Traverse in terms of power output. The GMC Acadia holds the crown for having the most powerful engine in its class, roaring to the top with 310 horsepower and 271 lb-ft of torque which dwarfs the number pulled by the others in the competition. The Toyota Highlander and the Ford Explorer are also comparatively higher on power output. However, the Traverse does have the peak torque kick in at a lower rpm, making it a good choice for city usage.

How quick is the 0-60 mph acceleration of the 2017 Chevrolet Traverse?

Even for such a big beast, the 2017 Chevrolet Traverse is pretty slow in the 0-60 mph run, which is not as bad as large crossovers can be. Its 3.6-liter V6 engine is able to help the car sprint from 0-60 mph in a long 7.4 seconds, around half a second behind the performance of GMC Acadia. However, the Traverse's all-wheel-drive Premier is a slower, at nearly 8.1 seconds to go from 0-60 mph.

Models	Chevrolet Traverse	Toyota Highlander	GMC Acadia	Ford Explorer
0-60 MPH	7.4 sec	7.0 Sec	6.8 sec	7.7 sec
Quarter mile	15.9 sec	15.6 sec	15.4 sec	15.8 sec
Engine	3.6L	3.5 L	3.6L	3.5L

The GMC Acadia is the quickest of them all, where it takes just 6.8 seconds to reach the 60 mph mark. It is followed by the Toyota Higlander which takes 7.0 seconds which is just 0.4 sec quicker than the Traverse. The Ford Explorer is the slowest of them all taking 7.7 seconds to reach the 60 mph mark. The Acadia is the quickest in the quarter-mile run, whereas the Traverse is the slowest at 15.9 seconds.

How is the Handling and Braking performance of the 2017 Chevrolet Traverse?

The Chevrolet SUV boasts of well-coordinated handling with better suspension making the vehicle a solid all-rounder. Drivers would certainly enjoy its handling as it boosts confidence but lacks the sporty feel. Due to its large size, it may be difficult for the driver to maneuver the vehicle in tight quarters as it has a 40-foot turning circle which is a tad bit more than its smaller crossover rivals. The torquey motor is great in the city, but situations requiring a quick dash like a overtake do take a while as the engine suddeny feels underpowered.

Talking about braking, the brake pedals of the Traverse may not be the best in its class but it has the right amount of firmness which helps the driver to be smooth in stop-and-go traffic. While the all-wheel-drive Premier takes nearly 119 feet to stop from 60-0 mph, the base trim LS takes 135 ft for the same.

Model	Chevrolet Traverse	Toyota Highlander	GMC Acadia	Ford Explorer
Brake Front (in.)	12.8	12.9	17.0	12.8
Brake Rear (in.)	13.0	12.2	17.0	12.8
Curb Weight (lbs.)	4713	4370	3956	4443
60-0 MPH (ft.)	135	126	126	127

The competition pulls ahead in this category, with both Toyota Highlander and GMC Acadia taking 126 ft to stop from 60mph to 0, a full 10 ft is lesser than the Traverse LS. However, its worth pointing out that the Toyota weighs almost 415 pounds more than the Acadia. The Ford is just a single step behind or rather a single foot behind the GMC and Toyota at 127 feet.

Fuel Economy
6.1/10

Judging the Chevrolet Traverse with its rivals based on fuel efficiency makes it one of the most fuel sucking crossover SUVs out there. It is rated at 15 MPG city and 22 mpg highway for the front-wheel-drive version, totalling to 18MPG combined. All-wheel drive system consumes even more and is rated at 17 mpg combined. This would bring the total driving range of the front-wheel-drive to around 396 miles, whereas the all-wheel-drive would run for an estimated 374 miles.

Model	Chevrolet Traverse	Toyota Highlander	GMC Acadia	Ford Explorer
MPG (city)	15	20	18	17
MPG (highway)	22	27	25	24
MPG (combined)	18	23	21	20
Fuel capacity (gallons)	22	19.2	19	18.6
Range (city/highway) (miles)	330/484	384/499	342/475	316/446

The V6 powered Traverse becomes the least efficient vehicle in the segment and sits just below the Ford Explorer, which too has a poor mileage by itself at 20 mpg combined. Yet again, Toyota Highlander steals the show with the highest fuel economy estimates by the EPA which stands at 23 mpg combined and 27 mpg on the highway. The Acadia's efficiency is just under the Highlander's at 21 mpg combined.

Interior
7.6/10

The interior comfort of the Traverse has no comparison. The large size of Traverse provides abundant head and legroom to its front row occupants and even the second-row occupants enjoy comfortable accommodations with enough back and under thigh support. However, since the bottom cushions are placed at a much lower height than usual, taller passengers would struggle to have more legroom. This could be addressed by sliding the seat behind, but that would cost the legroom of those sitting in the third row.

Model	Chevrolet Traverse	Toyota Highlander	GMC Acadia	Ford Explorer
Passenger capacity	8	8	6	7
Front (Head/Shoulder/Leg) (In.)	40.4/61.5/41.3	40.7/59.3/44.2	40.3/NA/41.0	41.4/61.5/42.9
Second (Head/Shoulder/Leg) (In.)	39.4/61.0/36.8	39.9/59.6/38.4	NA/58.7/39.7	40.6/61.0/39.5
Third (Head/Shoulder/Leg) (In.)	37.8/57.6/33.20	35.9/55.0/27.7	NA	37.8/50.8/32.0

Traverse can easily take in 8 passengers and not so surprisingly the large rear doors make it easy for the denizens to get back to the third-row seat. Even though there is a third row of seats, it is only capable of handling kids. Those intending to use it frequently might want to give it a second thought, as it is a bit difficult to access the release to slide the second-row seat forward. The Ford Explorer can carry only 7 passengers as compared to 8 passengers in all other vehicles. It also has the maximum cabin volume and thus provides the best space for all the individual passengers. Some of the interior features on the Traverse include:

Front and rear air-conditioning
Cruise control
Tilt-and-telescopic steering wheel
Rear-set audio controls
Venilated front seats
8-way powered driver's seat with memory function

How intuitive is the Infotainment System of the 2017 Chevrolet Traverse?

Chevy's MyLink infotainment system is very user-friendly with colorful graphics and its USB ports are thoughtfully placed throughout the vehicle's cabin. It includes all the standard features like Bluetooth and Wi-Fi hotspot but misses out on most of the infotainment features available with the rivals. Higher trims make the rear seats more lively with the addition of rear-seat audio controls and headphone jacks. A 10-speaker Bose audio system is also included. Here are some of the standard features include:-

6.5-inch touch screen
Two USB ports
Bluetooth Connectivity
Wi-Fi hotspot
Navigation
MyLink infotainment system

How much Cargo volume is available in the 2017 Chevrolet Traverse?

Traverse can indeed be named as a cargo-hauling champ with its massive trunk. After dropping all of the folding seats, the car offers a class-leading 116 cubic feet. The Traverse also has the most first-row cubby storage, thus edging out over all the other competitors in its class. It provides a cargo volume of 24.4 cu-ft behind the third row and 70.3 cu-ft behind the second row.

Model	Chevrolet Traverse	Toyota Highlander	GMC Acadia	Ford Explorer
Cargo Volume to seats 1 (ft.3)	116.3	83.7	79.0	80.7
Cargo Volume to seats 2 (ft.3)	70.3	42.3	41.7	43.8
Cargo Volume to seats 3 (ft.3)	24.4	13.8	12.8	21.0

While the Traverse provides the maximum cargo volume, the other three competitors are close to each other in terms of cargo space. The GMC Acadia provides a maximum cargo volume of 79 cu-ft, the Ford Explorer 80.7 cu-ft while the Toyota Highlander has a decent cargo volume of 83.7 cu-ft.

Exterior
6.6/10

When it comes to exterior styling and looks, the Traverse looks more like a wagon than a SUV. It has a tall profile, and that's pretty much it. The front features the three-bar upper grille and the to-bar lower grille seen on other Chevrolet crossovers. The headlamps have a smoked edge to them, and the hood bears a few lines that give it more deepened look. There is a lot of black on the front, is neither appealing or drab. The side features a shallow shoulder line and curves for the wheels. The long roof with its well sloped rear is one of our favourate design bits on this exterior. The wheels features seven dual-spoke rims which go well with ths car. The rear is simple and has nothing great about it, with two taillights and the badging on the lower right corner.

The Chevrolet Traverse is the bulkiest among all its rivals with 4712 lbs of curb weight but it comes with an added advantage as its outsize dimension creates expansive space for both people and cargo. Parking this huge car is not going to be an easy job though and would require a mix of patience and practice. When it comes to road manners, the 2017 Chevrolet Traverse tackles the open highway with ease. Adding to its ride quality is the suspension, delivering an exceptionally comfy ride and so does the sound-deadening materials and body structure of Traverse which keeps the external noise at bay.

Model	Chevrolet Traverse	Toyota Highlander	GMC Acadia	Ford Explorer
Curb weight (lbs.)	4715	4370	3956	4443
Length(in)	203.7	192.5	193.6	198.3
Width(in)	78.5	75.8	75.4	78.9
Height(in)	69.9	68.1	66.0	70.0
Ground clearance (in)	7.2	8.0	7.2	7.8
Wheelbase (in)	118.9	109.8	112.5	112.8
Track width (in) F/R	67.3/67.1	64.4/64.2	64.5/64.5	67.0/67.0

Along with being the heaviest, the traverse is also the longest at 203.7 inches. The Toyota Highlander has the maximum ground clearance of 8.0-inch while the Traverse and Arcadia have the smallest ground clearance of 7.2-inch. This does not make the Traverse lethargic on off-roads but does give the Highlander an edge. There are a lot of design features present on the 2017 Chevy traverse. Some of the standard features are as follows:

20-inch wheels
17-inch spare wheel
Roof rail moldings
Rear Spoiler
Dual cavity automatic halogen headlamps
Front fog lamps
Body-colored outside mirrors

Safety
9.8/10

The new Chevrolet Traverse received the highest overall rating of five stars from the NHTSA and was also awarded the highest rating of Good for the moderate overlap front, side, roof strength, and head restraints and seat crash tests from the IIHS. It only got the lowest rating for front crash prevention due to the optional Forward Collision Alert that has the ability to warn the rider of a possible collision but would not be applying the brakes. Some of the additional safety features that have been included in the SUV are lane Departure Warning, Side Blind Zone Alert, Rear Park Assist, Rear Cross-Traffic Alert, and a rearview camera. Here is a list of all the safety features of the Chevy Traverse:

Forward collision alert
Side blind zone alert
Rear cross-traffic alert
Lane departure warning
Rear vision camera
Industry-first front center side-impact airbag

Competition
7.0/10

Toyota Highlander vs Chevrolet Traverse

The new Toyota Highlander has just the right exterior and interior size to be the ideal size for families. The crossover SUV comes with high tech safety features along with a powerful V6 engine with improved fuel economy. It offers a quiet and compliant ride to its passengers. However, the base four-cylinder engine isn't up to the mark. The touchscreen and other control knobs are placed at a far reach for its passengers. Its rivals offer far better roomier third-row seats too.

The Traverse offers a powerful V6 engine, the torque also kicks in early but the Highlander's performance is better in every way. Better economy, higher reliability and a safer car triumphs the Highlander over the Traverse. However, the Highlander is costlier than the Traverse.

GMC Acadia vs Chevrolet Traverse

The 2017 Acadia's refined ride quality makes it one of the best cars to ride comfortably in any kind of driving situation. The optional V6 engine provides excellent performance and has a simple cabin layout which means the vehicle looks usable at a glance. The onboard modern technology in the new GMC Acadia keeps you connected and also impresses you with its user-friendly tools.

When compared to the previous model, the newer Acadia's third-row seats are far less accommodating. Even at the priciest trim level, you'll still not get the luxurious feel expected from a car in this segment. The Acadia is powerful, quicker and offers better brakes as well. Also, the Acadia's fuel economy is on the better side.

Ford Explorer vs Chevrolet Traverse

The new Ford Explorer flaunts plenty of high-tech features that are quite easy to use. It offers an optional turbocharged V6 engine to its buyers which delivers plenty of power. Explorer's cabin is quite comfortable on the highway and it maintains a steady flow in its driving ability. The storage capacity of the SUV is generous behind the third row. This SUV could also feel big and ponderous behind the wheel, which may be annoying for the driver.

However, the Traverse is more roomy compared to the Explorer. Apart from that, the Explorer is slower than the Traverse in terms of performance only. The Explorer also offers more fuel economy.

Final Verdict

The 2017 Chevrolet Traverse boasts class-leading cargo space, with a mammoth 8-seater and lots of in-cabin storage which makes it one of the best SUVs in the market in terms of utility. While driving this large hauler this SUV maintains its composure even at rough terrains with easy braking and steering. It ensures a comfortable ride and handles curves with enthusiasm. The technology features offered by the Traverse are quite intuitive and one of the best in class. It can prove to be a good option for those who seek to have an SUV with utmost utility.

2018 Chevrolet Traverse RS

2018 Chevrolet Traverse RS

2018 Chevrolet Traverse RS

2018 Chevrolet Traverse RS

2017 Chevrolet Traverse User Reviews

2018 Chevrolet Traverse RS

2018 Chevrolet Traverse RS

2018 Chevrolet Traverse RS

2018 Chevrolet Traverse RS

2018 Chevrolet Traverse RS

2018 Chevrolet Traverse RS

2018 Chevrolet Traverse RS

2017 Chevrolet Traverse User Reviews

Love our Chevy Traverse, it's been a great car.

ProsThe space, there are 3 seats in back., Very comfortable, for long drives as well.

Cons Neck curve on moving neck piece to seat., the dealer, I would not recommend the dealer.

2017 Chevrolet Traverse Review

Pros

Cons

Overview

Pricing and Features7.0/10

Also Read:

Engine and Performance7.3/10

How quick is the 0-60 mph acceleration of the 2017 Chevrolet Traverse?

How is the Handling and Braking performance of the 2017 Chevrolet Traverse?

Also Read:

Fuel Economy6.1/10

Also Read:

Interior7.6/10

How intuitive is the Infotainment System of the 2017 Chevrolet Traverse?

How much Cargo volume is available in the 2017 Chevrolet Traverse?

Also Read:

Exterior6.6/10

Also Read:

Safety9.8/10

Competition7.0/10

Toyota Highlander vs Chevrolet Traverse

GMC Acadia vs Chevrolet Traverse

Ford Explorer vs Chevrolet Traverse

Final Verdict

Also Read:

Pros
The space, there are 3 seats in back., Very comfortable, for long drives as well.

Cons
Neck curve on moving neck piece to seat., the dealer, I would not recommend the dealer.

Pricing and Features
7.0/10

Engine and Performance
7.3/10

Fuel Economy
6.1/10

Interior
7.6/10

Exterior
6.6/10

Safety
9.8/10

Competition
7.0/10