Should you buy a 2024 Chevrolet Traverse?  After time behind the wheel in both the rugged Z71 and the elegant RS trims, here’s my personal take on what this reimagined Traverse brings to the table as someone who has lots of experience with this segment.

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2024 Chevrolet Traverse: A Bold New Direction

From the moment I laid eyes on the new Traverse, it was clear that Chevrolet had embarked on a bolder styling path than in generations before. The Traverse has shed its previous car like skin for a more truck-like, muscular design. This transformation isn’t just cosmetic, as we found out driving the new Traverse for two days in rural Georga. With my brother Josh at my side, we drove deeper to see if these updates translated into a real-world enhancement over its predecessors. We put the 2024 Traverse to the test, from off-roading the Z71 trim level to letting go of the wheel and trying out Super Cruise on the uplevel RS model.

2024 Traverse Design: Embracing a Truck-Like Persona

At first look, the redesigned Traverse sports an angular, more assertive stance that seems to draw inspiration from Chevrolet’s Silverado and Colorado lineup, with hints of the Blazer EV– though without venturing too far into the unconventional. As we circled the vehicle, the revamped front and rear lighting and the standard LEDs struck us as modern, masculine, and attractive.  While the design is undoubtedly a leap forward in terms of Traverse of years past- amidst a market filled with uniquely styled competitors, one wonders if Chevrolet could have pushed the envelope further. But as it stands, the new Traverse does carry a distinct charm that grows on you without polarizing your neighbors.

Inside the Traverse: A Cabin That Speaks of Tomorrow

Climbing inside, the Traverse greeted us with an array of high-tech comforts. The standout was undoubtedly the massive 17.7-inch touchscreen, which felt like having a smart command center at our fingertips. Despite the initial skepticism, the column-mounted shifter works well and frees up console space for more storage space. It’s not as intuitive as a big honking leaver you pull down to “D,” but after some practice, it was easy to operate. Although I must admit, I couldn’t shake off a slight feeling of its fragility compared to the beefy console-mounted shifter you might find in the Silverado or Colorado.

The big news is the massive 17-inch infotainment screen that connects to an 11-inch drivers information center (gauge cluster). It makes for one large panel of digital goodness. With Google Built-In, and Google Maps as the default navigation (with other options such as Waze ready to be installed too), you feel like you have an Android tablet at your disposal instead of a digital vehicle control panel. And with a super high-resolution screen, shortcuts, and lots of information organized in one place- it’s also easy to use.

Whether you’re sitting in the driver’s seat or storing items through the back hatch, the 2024 Chevrolet Traverse interior dimensions feel familiar, yet the finish and features have taken an unfamiliar leap forward. The model hasn’t grown or shrunk much at all- which means if you’re used to driving any of the last few generations, this Traverse will feel right at home in your driveway.

The Evotex seating surfaces in our Z71 model were indiscernible from regular leather, while the standard leather in the RS screamed luxury felt soft and comfortable. Again, more of the same familiar feeling we’re used to from Traverse models of the past.

Driving Impressions: Power and Grace

On the move, the Traverse’s new 2.5L engine with 315 horsepower was eager to prove itself- and proving itself is something it has to do.  Replacing the venerable 3.6L V6 that we’ve known for decades and has been a standard feature in the Traverse since day one, the new four-cylinder turbocharged engine looks like a downgrade at first glance. However, on paper, and behind the wheel- you realize it’s not a downgrade by any stretch. A modern compact engine with high power- yes. An underpowered eco-banger- no way.

While it required a heavier foot to get going compared to the outgoing 3.6L, once in motion, the performance smoothed out, delivering a spirited ride that never felt less powerful than its predecessor. This means a nearly perfect power-to-weight ratio for a midsize crossover. Merging onto highways and accelerating past slower traffic, the 2024 Chevrolet Traverse moved with a new and pleasantly familiar confidence.

A new steering wheel is thicker for this generation. It feels good to hold in your hand while also being weighted heavier than in past generations. An older Traverse would have a light, crossover feeling to the wheel- but the 2024 Traverse has a heavy truck-ish turn-in that still feels accurate.

Traverse Z71: Born for the Backroads

The new Traverse Z71 is undoubtedly the big news here. With additional ground clearance, a 1-inch higher stance, and all-terrain tires with all-wheel-drive meant that no terrain was off-limits. Whether it was navigating through muddy ruts  or an unstable inclined gravel road, the Traverse Z71 felt sure-footed and capable. The Z71’s twin-clutch AWD system was a highlight, adjusting seamlessly to varying surfaces, ensuring that we were as stable on loose dirt as we were on wet grass. We tried multiple times to break traction and found it quite a bit harder than expected.

The entire Traverse Z71 package will undoubtedly sell very well in areas of the country where inclement weather is a factor. I expect to see a lot of them here in New England and really look forward to trying the configuration in colder weather.

Driving through narrow trails on our off-road loop, the 360-degree cameras proved invaluable, providing a bird’s-eye view that made threading between obstacles and trees a breeze. It was here, amidst nature’s unpredictability, that the Z71 truly felt at home—almost akin to driving a more compact and nimble version of a Colorado truck with four wheel drive.

Traverse RS stands for Refined and Sporty

The Traverse RS offered a firmer, more controlled ride that beautifully complemented the smooth tarmac. Its lower suspension and larger wheels could have spelled a rough ride, yet it handled with surprising grace and comfort. Now the top-of-the-line trim, the Traverse RS also comes with a few more features as standard, including Super Cruise, ventilated front seating, power-fold second and third-row seats, and real leather appointments.

But everything we enjoyed about the Traverse Z71 translated nicely to the Traverse RS, just as a more on-road friendly package with style and features as most important headline.

Super Cruise: A Traverse That Drives Itself

One of the other big additions to the 2024 Chevrolet Traverse is available Super Cruise.  Optional on LT and Z71, standard on RS- Super Cruise is General Motors hands free driving feature that allows you to take your hands off the wheel on certain enabled two lane roads and highways.

Having plenty of experience using Super Cruise in our 2022 GMC HUMMER EV and sampling it in various other GM vehicles, such as a Cadillac Escalade, Blazer EV, and Sierra Denali– we found the implementation in the Traverse to be among the smoothest and most composed yet. As explained to us by an engineer- Super Cruise in the Traverse is tuned to feel relaxed. Lane centering is not as strict as in other full-size vehicles- making a noticeable difference in how “natural” the drive feels while enabled.

You can’t add Super Cruise later- so if you feel like this is an option you’d like- you have to select it from day one. We would suggest you do- as we enjoyed using the feature immensely.

Final Thoughts: A Well-Rounded & Solid Option

My first take? The 2024 Chevrolet Traverse stands out as a well-rounded upgrade. It retains the core elements that have made it a favorite while introducing enhancements that elevate it to a new level of appeal. Whether it’s the allure of the RS or the rugged charm of the Z71, the new Traverse holds its ground as a formidable player in the midsize crossover arena. With its blend of style, capability, and advanced technology, the Traverse is ready to charm both loyal fans and new seekers of adventure alike.

>> Check out our 2024 Chevrolet Traverse, GMC Acadia & 2025 Buick Enclave Enthusiast Forum <<