With its rugged exterior style and family-friendly cabin, the pre-owned Chevrolet Traverse is both handsome and accommodating. You’ll also love this full-size crossover’s powerful, tow-friendly performance. To help you choose the model year that’s best suited to your needs, we’ve created this pre-owned Traverse buying guide.
Second Generation: 2018-Current Model Year
What you’ll love:
- Spacious three-row cabin
- Impressive versatility for cargo and people hauling
- Great list of standard tech features, including touch-screen infotainment and Apple CarPlay/Android Auto smartphone connectivity
The second-generation pre-owned Chevrolet Traverse is a three-row, full-size crossover SUV with family fun on the agenda. Choose from seven trim models: L, LS, LT Cloth, LT Leather, RS, Premier, and High Country. Each has a little more to offer than the last.
Inside, these crossovers are big on passenger and cargo space. Fold down the rear seats for an astounding 98.5 cubic feet of maximum cargo space, a best-in-class figure. When you’ve got the seats folded up, all of that space means generous head and legroom for you and your loved ones.
Tech features are a big part of the Traverse experience. This crop of used crossovers come standard with a Wi-Fi hotspot, the MyLink infotainment system, and Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone connectivity. In addition to keeping you connected, many of these pre-owned models feature high-tech safety options, such as blind-spot monitoring and automatic emergency braking.
Most of these Traverse models feature a robust V6 engine, perfect for hauling around a big family and their cargo. Some used models will feature front-wheel drive, but some will have all-wheel drive, optional performance gear that upgrades your off-road experience. The sport-based RS model features an exclusive turbocharged four-cylinder engine that delivers a sharper performance with its torque-heavy performance.
Throughout the first generation, Chevy made a few notable changes to these models:
- Beginning in 2021, the Safety Assist package, which contains high-tech safety aids, replaced the Driver Confidence II package.
- For 2020, the Traverse became quicker across the board, because the V6 engine became standard for all trim levels. The infotainment and navigation systems were also updated for a quicker, more streamlined user experience.
- The 2019 Traverse introduced an 8-inch touch screen as an optional upgrade to the standard 7-inch version.
First Generation: 2009-2017
What you’ll love:
- Nicely equipped with modern comforts and conveniences
- Proficient power and smooth, quiet performance
- Spacious, accommodating cabin
The first-generation pre-owned Chevrolet Traverse welcomes big families with its spacious, three-row seating for up to eight passengers. Even third-row seats sport enough legroom for full-grown passengers, a feature that many competitors can’t match. You’ll also love these models’ punchy performance, courtesy of a 3.6-liter V6 that makes 281 horsepower or 288 horses with the optional dual-outlet exhaust.
These full-size crossovers are offered as three trim models: the LS, LT, and LTZ. All are handsomely equipped, and each model includes more standard features than the last. The LS kicks things off with OnStar emergency telematics, a USB port, and a rearview camera. The LT adds the MyLink infotainment interface and a power liftgate, among other modern conveniences. With the LTZ, you’ll enjoy greater luxury with leather upholstery and ventilated front seats. Options for this generation included dual sunroofs and a rear-seat entertainment system, so look for them on the used lot!
Chevy made a few important changes to the Traverse during this generation:
- For 2017, the top-trim LTZ was renamed as the Premier.
- The 2016 Traverse upgraded its OnStar system with a faster connectivity for the in-car Wi-Fi hotspot. This model year also introduced a new entry-level trim model, the LS.
- Beginning with the 2013 model year, the Chevy Traverse introduced a range of upgrades, including the new MyLink infotainment interface, improved cabin materials, and new exterior style.