2024 Chevrolet Traverse RS review: A few steps forward, one back

Chevrolet redesigned the 2024 Traverse in a big way, and that’s apparent from the moment you lay eyes on it. It’s blockier, more aggressive-looking, and it has more presence than the last generation. It was time for a redesign, given the fact that the 2nd-gen Traverse has been fading into the backdrop of the three-row midsize SUV segment that’s now dominated by the Ford Explorer, Jeep Grand Cherokee, and Toyota Highlander.

For 2024, the Traverse comes in four trims: LS, LT, the off-roady Z71, and the urban-focused and top-trim RS. The RS, with a $57,595 MSRP, gets festooned with 22-inch gloss black wheels and black treatment on the moldings and roof rails. The interior gets special RS headrest embroidery, a flat-bottom steering wheel, and red for the upholstery stitching and the carbon fiber-esque trim bits.

The expansive list of standard equipment on the RS includes Bose Premium audio, perforated leather seats, remote start, adaptive cruise control, satellite radio, six USB ports, built-in Google compatibility, Wi-Fi hotspot, power liftgate, 17.7-inch LCD touchscreen, active noise cancellation, power-folding second and third-row seats, heated and cooled front seats, heated second-row outboard seats, heated steering wheel, power tilt/telescope steering wheel, ambient interior lighting, power panoramic sunroof, wireless charging, LED lighting, HD surround vision, parking assistance, forward collision alert, automatic emergency braking, and intersection automatic emergency braking.

ZF shocks with passive selective damping tuned for the street are standard, too.

The 2024 Chevy Traverse is up with power and fuel efficiency, down with cylinders

If you're lamenting the loss of the V6 mill from the old Traverse, you’ll be happy to hear that the new turbocharged 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine mated to a new eight-speed automatic bumps up the horsepower from 310 to 328 and the torque from 266 lb-ft. to 326 lb-ft. There’s a solid amount of get-up-and-go, moving the Traverse from 0 to 60 mph in 6.5 seconds, which is plenty quick for something this size.

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The Traverse RS just doesn’t feel as quick as it is because the heft is accompanied by rough engine noises when you mash the gas pedal. The Traverse’s bump of 1 mpg in combined driving conditions isn’t much at all, especially when you have to listen to what sounds like a mill that’s better suited for a less expensive compact crossover. 

Without looking at the specs before getting in the driver’s seat, my first reaction was, “Oh, hell. Does this have a turbo four under the hood?” One of the few times in my life I’ve been right.

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At least the Traverse manages its weight well in the corners, but the steering feels ponderous and vague. It's on-center at highway speeds, and it’s a very comfy cruiser on paved roadways, but any feel or accuracy is a pipe dream. For those who value comfort in their family steeds, the Traverse manages more than adequately. For drivers who want some connectedness to the asphalt, you’re better off with an Explorer ST.

The cabin gets upgraded nicely, and that screen…

The last Traverse’s interior felt pretty dated, with a chunky dash and an antiquated center stack. The infotainment screen maxed out at 8”, which makes the new 17.7” touchscreen look like a Jumbotron. What’s more, that acreage is standard across the model line.

Chevrolet's latest Google-based software interface is the best it's ever been here, and our tester still had Apple CarPlay capability, something GM is ditching from many of its vehicles. The crisp and informative configurable instrument cluster measures a substantial 11”, and both are very legible regardless of lighting conditions.

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There’s still a lot of GM plastic inside, but the layering of the dash surfaces, as well as soft-touch materials at contact points, make for a more upscale look and feel than its predecessor. The presence of great switchgear for audio and climate is much welcomed, and the easy steering wheel buttons make quick work of frequently accessed operations.

For those who need space in an SUV but don’t want to plunk down big money for a Chevy Tahoe, the Traverse is really the next best thing considering it’s based on the Tahoe. The capacious interior can seat up to eight people, depending on trim level, and every row is adult-sized. Even the third row won’t force your knees skyward, so those relegated to the back won’t feel like second-class citizens.

The Traverse isn’t wanting in terms of storage and cargo. The front row boasts a big center console that includes a large binnacle/wireless smartphone charging deck, a binnacle with a retractable door, large twin cupholders, and a deep armrest compartment. We love the large storage shelf on the floor that hides goods from the kids in row two. 97.6 cubic feet of cargo space with the seats folded flat is substantially more than the Kia Telluride and the Toyota Highlander.

Final thoughts

The redesigned Traverse upgrades Chevy’s junior three-row SUV nicely, and it’s a family pleaser when it comes to space and tech. Parents will flock to its stylish sheet metal and robust screen size. The big question is, will the rough-sounding turbo four have enough appeal when competitors get V6s, especially when fuel economy doesn’t jump all that much? For nearly 60 grand, we think there are better options. 

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