The 2023 Chevy Traverse is a midsize 3-row SUV that has long since been one of our favorite people movers due to its clever packaging and handsome styling. The current generation Traverse debuted in 2018 but received a mid-cycle refresh in 2022. Starting at just $33,920, the Traverse is a vehicle that anyone looking for a spacious and well-equipped SUV should have on their shopping list.
While the 2023 Chevy Traverse isn’t the most polarizing-looking vehicle in its segment, it does have a classic stylish look that will keep it looking fresh for years to come. The 2022 refresh carries forward to 2023, and features an updated fascia with new grilles and standard LED headlamps. LED taillamps are standard out back. New for 2023 are Radiant Red and Sterling Grey metallic paint options.
Lower trim level Traverse models are equipped with 18-inch alloy wheels, while 20-inch wheels are standard from Traverse RS, Premier, and High Country. Roof rails are standard in LT trim and higher. Power-folding and heated mirrors are standard on RS and higher and available on 3LT models. LS and LT models can be equipped with Midnight/Sport Edition appearance packages with blacked-out trim components and wheels.
The Chevy Traverse comes standard with seating for eight passengers in LS trim, while the rest of the Traverse lineup is standard with seating for seven passengers due to the center row being replaced with captain’s chairs. Eight-passenger seating is optional in the Traverse LT.
The Smart Slide second-row makes ingress and egress from the third row easier. Third-row passengers can press a latch on the outboard side of each second-row seat, which will slide the seat forward and up to allow passengers easy access to the third row.
The Traverse third row is usable for people of all sizes, with 33.5 inches of legroom and 38.4 inches in the second row. The second row does have some forward/aft adjustments.
Cargo space in the 2023 Traverse is a cavernous 98.2 cubic feet with the second and third row folded down, and 23 cubic feet with all the rows up.
Six USB ports and cupholders are found throughout the passenger cabin, as is a 120-volt outlet, dual-pane sunroof (optional on some trims), a new steering wheel with audio/cruise control, wireless phone charging, and Apple CarPlay/Android Auto functionality.
The standard infotainment system features a 7-inch touchscreen which is somewhat low-resolution compared to what is offered in other vehicles in the Traverse’s segment. Premier models offer an 8-inch touchscreen. Wi-Fi hotspot capability, satellite radio, and Bluetooth connectivity are also included. Stereo options range from the base six-speaker setup to a ten-speaker Bose option.
Three-zone automatic climate control is standard across the Traverse lineup.
Interior materials are a reasonable mix of soft-touch plastics and cheaper hard plastics. RS and higher models receive better finishes inside with perforated leather and visible stitching throughout.
The 2023 Chevy Traverse is powered by a 310-horsepower 3.6-liter naturally aspirated V6 mated to a 9-speed automatic transmission. Front-wheel drive is standard across all trim levels, with all-wheel drive being available across the entire lineup. Maximum towing capacity is 5000 pounds.
The Traverse always feels like it has plenty of power in all driving conditions.
The EPA rates the Traverse at 18 miles per gallon city and 27 miles per gallon highway for FWD models and 17/25, respectively, for AWD models. In our week of driving a Traverse RS AWD tester, we observed 23.7 miles per gallon in mixed driving conditions, over 173 miles.
The Traverse features the Chevy Safety Assist suite of safety features standard across all time levels and includes:
- Automatic Emergency Braking
- Front Pedestrian Braking
- Lane Keep Assist with Lane Departure Warning
- Following Distance Indicator
- Forward Collision Alert
- IntelliBeam automatic high beam control
Rear Pedestrian Alert is standard on RS and higher, and available as an option on LT models. Saftey Alert Seat rear seat reminder is standard on Premier and High Country. Adaptive Cruise Control is standard on RS, Premier, and High Country.
Overall, the 2023 Chevrolet Traverse is a fantastic option for a growing family on the move. There is ample legroom and headroom throughout the cabin and plenty of cargo space. Fuel efficiency is good, as are the creature comforts when on the road.
The Traverse has been one of our favorite people haulers since it was first launched, and the refinements continue to keep it in that spot. It’s not the most modern or upscale vehicle in its class, but from a comfort, value, and functionality standpoint, it’s hard to beat.
The base Traverse LS starts at $35,915, with RS FWD models starting at $46,440 and top-of-the-range High Country FWD models starting at $53,395. AWD adds another $2000 to the overall price of each trim. The destination charge is $1,395 on top of the base prices of each trim.
