2024 Chevrolet Traverse: A Spacious Contender in the Crowded Midsize SUV Market

The 2024 Chevrolet Traverse carries over the legacy of its predecessors, offering a cavernous interior and a focus on practicality. While it doesn't break new ground in terms of design or driving dynamics, it remains a compelling choice for families seeking a comfortable and functional three-row SUV.

Spacious Interior Steals the Show

The Traverse's greatest strength lies in its expansive cabin. Both passengers and cargo benefit from its generous dimensions. All trims except the base LS come with comfortable second-row captain's chairs, reducing seating capacity to seven but offering more individual comfort. The third row, a rarity in this class, is genuinely adult-friendly, with ample legroom and a seating position that avoids the awkward knee-up posture common in many SUVs. With the seats folded, the Traverse offers a significant 97.6 cubic feet of cargo space, making it a hauling champion for road trips or errands.

Tech Upgrade with a Big Screen

The interior gets a modern refresh with a standard 17.7-inch touchscreen infotainment system that dominates the center console. This large display is surprisingly user-friendly and complements the standard 11-inch digital instrument cluster. Chevy includes a suite of driver-assistance features as standard, with the option for the advanced Super Cruise system that offers hands-free highway driving capabilities.

New Engine, Familiar Performance

For 2024, the Traverse ditches the V6 engine in favor of a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder. While this change improves fuel economy slightly, some reviewers find the engine less refined than the outgoing V6.  The engine delivers adequate power for most driving situations, but it can get noisy under heavy acceleration. The nine-speed automatic transmission shifts smoothly, but the overall driving experience leans towards comfort and utility rather than sporty handling.

Standing Out in a Competitive Crowd

The 2024 Traverse competes in a crowded segment with strong contenders like the Kia Telluride, Hyundai Palisade, and Mazda CX-90. While the Traverse matches or surpasses these rivals in terms of interior space, it falls short in terms of driving dynamics and interior refinement. The Kia Telluride, for instance, offers a more engaging driving experience and a more luxurious cabin feel.

Should You Buy the 2024 Chevrolet Traverse?

If you prioritize interior space and practicality above all else, the 2024 Chevrolet Traverse is a strong contender. It offers exceptional passenger and cargo room, a user-friendly infotainment system, and a suite of standard safety features. However, if you're looking for a more engaging driving experience or a more luxurious interior, you might be better served by rivals like the Kia Telluride or the Mazda CX-90.

Here's a quick breakdown of the pros and cons to help you decide:

Pros:

• Spacious and comfortable interior with adult-friendly third row

• Large cargo capacity

• Standard touchscreen infotainment system is user-friendly

• Suite of standard safety features with option for advanced Super Cruise system

• Improved fuel economy compared to the previous V6 model

Cons:

• New turbocharged engine can be noisy

• Less refined driving experience compared to some rivals

• Interior materials don't feel as luxurious as some competitors

• Not as fuel-efficient as some competitors

Ultimately, the 2024 Chevrolet Traverse remains a solid choice for families seeking a practical and spacious three-row SUV. It offers exceptional value for the price, but it doesn't quite match the overall package offered by some of its competitors.  Test driving the Traverse alongside its rivals is recommended before making a final decision.