Is the Chevrolet Traverse a Reliable Three‑Row SUV? Here’s What Consumer Reports Says
Is the Chevrolet Traverse a Reliable Three‑Row SUV? Consumer Reports Review
Image: Is the Chevrolet Traverse a Reliable Three‑Row SUV? Consumer Reports Review – Performance Comparison and Specifications
When you’re hunting for a family hauler that can juggle cargo, kids, and occasional road‑trip adventures, the Chevrolet Traverse often lands near the top of the list. It offers a spacious third row, a respectable amount of cargo space, and a suite of modern tech features. But the real question on every buyer’s mind is: how reliable is the latest Traverse? To answer that, we dove into the latest Consumer Reports reliability data, cross‑checked it with owner experiences, and broke down the specs that matter most.
What Consumer Reports Evaluates
Consumer Reports (CR) doesn’t just hand out a single number. Their reliability score is a blend of:
- Road‑test performance and driver‑assistance systems (ADAS).
- Owner‑reported problems over the past 12 months.
- Cost of ownership, including warranty repairs and maintenance.
- Long‑term durability of power‑train components.
All of these factors are compiled into a 1‑5 star rating, where 5 stars means “exceptionally reliable.” The most recent Consumer Reports review of the Chevrolet Traverse gave the 2024 model a 3‑star reliability rating. That places it in the “average” bucket—neither a standout nor a red flag.
Reliability Rating Overview
The 3‑star rating translates to an average number of reported problems compared with its segment peers—namely the Ford Explorer, Kia Sorento, and Volkswagen Atlas. CR highlighted a few recurring issues:
- Minor electronic glitches with the infotainment system.
- Occasional complaints about the turbo‑petrol engine’s cold‑start performance in colder climates.
- Some owners reported premature wear on the rear suspension bushings.
On the upside, the Traverse’s advanced driver‑assistance (ADAS) suite—featuring automatic emergency braking, lane‑keep assist, and blind‑spot monitoring—received praise for its consistency and low failure rate.
Design & Dimensions
| Dimension | Measurement | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Overall Length | 203.8 in (5177 mm) | Long enough for three rows without feeling cramped. |
| Wheelbase | 120.9 in (3070 mm) | Provides generous legroom for second‑row passengers. |
| Ground Clearance | 7.8 in (198 mm) | Suitable for light off‑road duties. |
| Cargo Capacity (behind 3rd row) | 23.0 cu ft (651 L) | Competes well against the Explorer’s 18.2 cu ft. |
| Seating Capacity | 7‑8 (depending on configuration) | Flexibility for families of varying sizes. |
Feature Comparison
| Feature | Chevrolet Traverse | Ford Explorer | Kia Sorento |
|---|---|---|---|
| Standard ADAS | True‑vision 8‑camera system | Co‑Pilot360 | Active Safety Suite |
| Infotainment Screen | 8‑in touchscreen | 8‑in or 10.1‑in optional | 10.25‑in touchscreen |
| Wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto | Yes (2023+) | No (wired only) | Yes |
| Turbo‑Petrol Engine | 2.0 L Turbo‑charged | 2.3 L EcoBoost | 2.5 L Turbo‑charged |
| Warranty | 3 yr/36,000 mi basic, 5 yr/60,000 mi powertrain | 3 yr/36,000 mi | 5 yr/60,000 mi |
Engine Specifications
| Spec | 2024 Chevrolet Traverse | Power Output | Fuel Economy (city/hwy) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Engine Type | 2.0 L Turbo‑charged Inline‑4 | 277 hp @ 5,600 rpm | 20 mpg / 27 mpg |
| Torque | 310 lb‑ft @ 1,600–4,000 rpm | ||
| Transmission | 9‑speed automatic | ||
| Drive Layout | Front‑wheel drive (FWD) or optional all‑wheel drive (AWD) | ||
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 23 gal (87 L) |
Price Comparison
| Trim | MSRP (2024) | Closest Competitor | Competitor MSRP |
|---|---|---|---|
| L | $33,500 | Ford Explorer Base | $34,000 |
| LT | $38,200 | Kia Sorento EX | $36,800 |
| RS | $44,100 | Volkswagen Atlas SE | $42,500 |
| Premier | $48,700 | Ford Explorer Limited | $48,200 |
Pros and Cons According to Consumer Reports
Pros
- Spacious third‑row seating with easy‑fold mechanics.
- Strong V‑6‑like torque from the 2.0 L turbo engine.
- Comprehensive ADAS suite that rarely needs calibration.
- Generous cargo volume even with all seats up.
Cons
- Average reliability rating—some owners report electronic hiccups.
- Fuel economy lags behind some hybrid rivals.
- Rear‑suspension wear can surface after 60k‑80k miles.
- Infotainment interface feels a step behind the latest Android‑Auto‑first rivals.
Real‑World Ownership Experience
My sister recently swapped her 2022 Explorer for a 2024 Traverse LT, and her day‑to‑day impressions are telling. She loves the quiet cabin and the smooth acceleration when merging onto the highway with the kids in the third row. The only gripe? After a chilly Minnesota winter, the infotainment screen would occasionally freeze for a few seconds—a problem that Chevrolet addressed with a free software update. That anecdote mirrors Consumer Reports’ note about “minor electronic quirks” that are usually fixable under warranty.
How the Traverse Stacks Up Against Competitors
When you line up the Traverse against the Explorer, Sorento, and Atlas, the picture becomes clearer:
- Space: The Traverse wins on third‑row headroom and overall cargo volume.
- Tech: Its true‑vision camera system and wireless Android Auto edge out the Explorer, but the Sorento’s larger touchscreen feels more modern.
- Reliability: All three rivals hover around the 3‑star mark, though the Sorento’s newer hybrid option nudges it to 4 stars for some model years.
- Cost of Ownership: Chevrolet’s 5‑year/60k‑mile power‑train warranty provides peace of mind that can offset the occasional electronic fix.
Bottom line: If you prioritize space and a solid ADAS package over a perfect reliability score, the Traverse remains a compelling choice.
Conclusion
Consumer Reports paints a realistic portrait: the Chevrolet Traverse is average in reliability but offers a generous interior, strong turbo‑petrol performance, and a suite of safety technologies that keep families feeling secure. The few reported electronic and suspension issues are not unheard of in this segment, and Chevrolet’s warranty coverage helps mitigate long‑term worries. For shoppers who need a three‑row SUV that can handle daily school runs, weekend getaways, and everything in between, the Traverse still earns a solid spot on the shortlist.
FAQ
1. What reliability rating did Consumer Reports give the 2024 Chevrolet Traverse?
It received a 3‑star rating, indicating average reliability compared with its segment peers.
2. Are there any common problems reported by owners?
Typical complaints involve infotainment glitches, cold‑start issues with the turbo‑petrol engine, and occasional rear‑suspension wear after high mileage.
3. How does the Traverse’s ADAS suite compare to the competition?
Chevrolet’s true‑vision 8‑camera system offers reliable automatic emergency braking, lane‑keep assist, and blind‑spot monitoring, generally rated as more consistent than the Explorer’s Co‑Pilot360.
4. What is the fuel economy for the 2.0 L turbo engine?
EPA estimates are about 20 mpg city and 27 mpg highway.
5. Does the Traverse offer a hybrid powertrain?
As of the 2024 model year, Chevrolet does not offer a hybrid Traverse; the lineup relies on the 2.0 L turbo‑petrol engine.
6. How many passengers can the Traverse seat?
The standard configuration seats seven; an optional captain’s chair package reduces capacity to six for added comfort.
7. What warranty coverage does Chevrolet provide?
Three years/36,000 mi basic bumper‑to‑bumper and five years/60,000 mi power‑train coverage.
8. Is the Traverse’s cargo space better than the Ford Explorer?
Yes—23 cu ft behind the third row versus the Explorer’s 18.2 cu ft, giving the Traverse a clear advantage for bulkier loads.
9. How does the price of the Traverse compare to its rivals?
Pricing ranges from $33,500 for the base L trim to $48,700 for the Premier, generally aligning with or slightly under comparable Explorer and Atlas models.
10. Should I buy a Traverse if I live in a cold climate?
It will handle winter conditions well, especially with the AWD option, but consider the reported cold‑start quirks of the turbo‑petrol engine and ensure you have the latest software update from Chevrolet.
