Autoblog Reports Their First Drive of the 2024 Traverse

The 3-row crossover is something of the ultimate family car. It doesn’t take a large family to appreciate one, either. A family with a couple of kids where a set of grandparents visit on occasion or a family outing in which each kid wants to bring a friend can also enjoy this category of vehicles. The Traverse has been good at the generous space and seating part of the program. For its complete 2024 redesign, it has significantly improved in terms of style, power, technology, and, most of all, safety. Autoblog reviewed their impressions after a first drive in the Traverse, and this Dieffenbach GM post summarizes what they had to say.

Smaller Engine, More Power

The changes begin at the core with the new 2.5-liter turbocharged inline-4 used across the model line. With 328 horsepower and 326 lb-ft of torque, the new engine produces 18 more ponies and an impressive 60 more lb-ft than the 3.6-liter V6 it replaces. The engine combined with the 9-speed transmission also provides greater city efficiency, with an EPA estimated city/highway/combined mpg of 20 / 27 / 23 for FWD models and 19 / 24 / 21 with AWD. This compares favorably to the former’s V6’s respective 18 / 27 / 21 and 17 / 25 / 20 ratings.

Still Big Inside

The Traverse interior is as spacious as ever. Autoblog found that six-footers could sit simultaneously in the 1st, 2nd, and 3rd rows without issue. Cargo space ranges from a generous 22.9 cubic feet behind the 3rd row to a class-leading 97.6 cubic feet in full cargo carrying configuration. When that still isn’t enough, the Traverse can tow up to 5,000 pounds.

A Major Tech and Safety Upgrade

The dash has an elegant horizontal theme anchored by a best-in-class standard 17.7-inch touchscreen backed by the intuitive and powerful Google Built-in system. Autoblog states that the technology updates have impressed them with previous Chevrolet models. Wireless compatibility with both Android and iOS phones is available, as is wireless charging, and a Wi-Fi hotspot. The passengers’ devices can also stay charged with six standard USB ports.

The Traverse also excels in safety. The Chevy Safety Assist system is standard on every Traverse and includes:

• Automatic Emergency Braking
• Forward Collision Alert
• Following Distance Indicator
• Lane Keep Assist with Lane Departure Warning
• IntelliBeam® High Beam Assist
• Front Pedestrian Braking

But that is just the start, as other standard safety systems on the Traverse include:

• Rear Park Assist
• Safety Alert Seat
• HD Rear Vision Camera
• Lane Change Alert with Side Blind Zone Alert
• Rear Cross Traffic Braking
• Blind Zone Steering Assist
• Adaptive Cruise Control
• HD Surround Vision
• Speed Limit Assist
• Traffic Sign Recognition
• Intersection Automatic Emergency Braking
• Side Bicyclist Alert
• Rear Pedestrian Alert
• Reverse Automatic Braking

Particularly impressive on the convenience front is an HD Surround Vision system, which is standard on all models. Also, GM’s spectacular Super Cruise system is available on the LT and Z71 trims and standard on the RS. Autoblog was impressed that the system worked on a simple 2-lane highway. GM has already mapped over 400,000 miles of North American roads and aims for over 750,000 miles by the end of this year.

More Style with Your Greater Capability

This third-generation Traverse received a significant styling makeover. Its muscular squared-off stance more closely resembles the brand’s trucks, while the front end echoes that of the Camaro, much like Chevrolet’s other recent crossover designs. The style upgrade fits well with the street-focused RS trim and the more off-road capable Z71.

Notice that when referring to the Z71, we said “capable” because it is no mere appearance package. The Z71 rides on all-terrain tires with a generous sidewall around 18-inch wheels. Ground clearance is raised by 1.2 inches to 7.76 inches, and if that isn’t quite enough, there is an aluminum skid plate up front with a steel plate protecting the engine. 

The Z71 AWD system includes a dual-clutch at the rear to enable torque vectoring, which improves dexterity both on and off the pavement. Unique dampers with hydraulic rebound control improve off-road capability. Hill Descent Control and the addition of a terrain mode assist the driver and enable one-pedal driving to help you slowly crawl over obstructions in your path. 

Going Off-road with the Z71

It was a Z71 that Autoblog sampled on lumpy grass and rutted dirt two-tracks where they felt comfortable keeping a 40 to 45 mph pace. It wasn’t rock-hopping, but they found the Z71 more than capable of handling “the sort of conditions you’d encounter on your way to a cabin or a campsite deep in the woods.” The HD Surround Vision also proved useful when things got tight, and Autoblog appreciated that it didn’t cut out once over crawling speed, similar to Toyota systems. 

Autblog’s first driving impression left them hungry for more. So far, they conclude: “It drives well, it’s roomy, the tech is good, it’s far more stylish than before and its new trim levels cater to a greater variety of tastes. It’s much more worthy of your consideration than before…”

If you are in the market for a 3-row crossover, the Traverse certainly should be on your test drive list, which we invite you to do here at the Dieffenbach GM Superstore.