Shopping for a midsize SUV is hardly a one-and-done process these days. We are in a competitive automotive market; actually, we are in a competitive everything market. For a car to prove itself a worthy contender in this flooded segment, it has to be something special. No brand is as familiar with this concept as Chevrolet, competing at both national and international levels as one of the oldest and most innovative automakers in the game. For 2023, Chevy continues to push that innovation further, with the already well-received Traverse getting a welcomed update with some compelling new specs and features that is sure to grab the attention of those in the market for a new SUV.
The Traverse was already a top choice for a three-row midsize SUV, but the new touches for the 2023 model have us mesmerized. Chevy added fresh redesigns to the outer body, grille, and wheels and vamped up each available trim package with innovative features to bring the 2023 Chevy Traverse into the future. Whether you’re already a fan or new to the model, we’ll take a deeper look at highlights of the new and old and learn what makes this SUV stand out among its peers. From spacious interiors to dependable performance, previous years of Traverse have left its drivers more than pleased with their decision, and with a reasonable price point, this sensational SUV should continue to leave a mark in the SUV market with its 2023 model.
In With the Old
The ‘23 Traverse isn’t reinventing the wheel because the wheel is already pretty remarkable. The previous model was stacked full of desirable qualities like a comfortable, spacious interior and exceptional fuel economy. It has already set the bar on cargo space in its class and delivered a powerful performance without compromising efficiency. In other words, the 2023 Traverse is mainly a carryover model. Chevy is changing things by sprucing up the available configurations by offering a few new paint colors, as well as some new trim options that we’ll discuss further. What’s great about the previous generations of the Traverse remains an impressive suite of features on a reasonably priced SUV, with most models’ MSRPs ranging from $33,920 to $51,400 depending on what you are looking for in luxury and features.
Best-In-Class Cargo Volume
One of the best and most distinguished aspects of the Traverse is the best-in-class cargo space. Drivers choose between seating for seven or eight passengers and an available cargo space of 98.2 cu.ft. That’s more room than a Buick Enclave, Toyota Highlander, or any other three-row midsize SUV. The third row of seating is easy to access and simple to fold down and maneuver to get maximum storage. If your needs include transporting a large family and their various belongings, this is the car for you. Easily pack in groceries, small furniture, camping supplies, sporting equipment, you name it. Existing roof rails make adding a roof rack or extra cargo storage a breeze. If even more storage is needed, the Traverse can also tow up to 5,000 lbs, making it versatile enough to serve as an off-roading, long-haul companion.
The Standard Chevy Safety Assist Suite
The 2023 Traverse continues its reign as a world-class SUV packed with extensive safety features. Every Traverse includes a suite of standard safety features known as Chevy Safety Assist, which include automatic emergency braking, front pedestrian braking, lane keep assist with lane departure warning, forward collision alert, IntelliBeam auto high beam assist, and following distance indicator. Many competing brands only offer these safety technology features in higher costing trims, which speaks to Chevy’s dedication to protecting their customers. Other available safety tech includes HD surround vision to help you dial into what’s happening around your vehicle and adaptive cruise control to help keep you safe on your commute and at a safe distance from the vehicles around you.
A 3.6L V6 Engine That Balances Power and Efficiency
Chevy left the already powerful engine untouched for the new model, running on a 3.6L V6 engine that produces 310 hp and 266 lb-ft of torque. It’s enough power for smooth and steady acceleration without jeopardizing fuel economy. Speaking of which, the Traverse gets an EPA-estimated 18 MPG city and 27 MPG highway, making it fairly efficient for a vehicle of its size and power. No performance was sacrificed to cut fuel costs, as the Traverse clocks a 0-60 mph time of only 6.5 seconds.
So, What’s New?
Chevy took to designing fancier interiors and adding available options on trims to perfect the 2023 model of the Traverse. The exterior was refined with the addition of some sharper styling on the front end. Chevy refreshed the grille design and added a new fascia. They also leveled up the headlights, daytime running lights, and taillights. They added to the list of available exterior colors and refined the specs on each trim level. The SUV is now available in color options such as Radiant Red Tintcoat and Sterling Gray Metallic. Chevy also redesigned the wheel options to offer new 18”, 20”, and 21” options. In total, the Traverse comes in six various trims that include the LS, LT Cloth, LT Leather, RS, Premier, and High County, each with their own unique look and available features.
LS
– On the base Traverse, you can enjoy 8-passenger seating with a cloth interior, tri-zone climate control with individual controls, and connectivity through Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
LT Cloth
– For the LT Cloth trim, you’ll get the standard 7 or 8-passenger seating, 18-inch Bright Silver painted aluminum wheels, the lane change alert with side blind zone alert feature, and a rear vision camera for an increased set of safety features to give you even more confidence on the road.
LT Leather
– As the name suggests, the LT Leather features available seating with perforated leather-appointed surfaces. This trim also adds a power liftgate with programmable height adjustments and a standard 4.2-inch diagonal color driver information center located above the steering wheel, giving the driver easy access to important vehicle information such as oil life, fuel range, and tire pressure.
RS
– Moving to the RS trim gets you a standard premium Bose 10-speaker audio system with a Richbass subwoofer along with a host of black exterior accents like black roof rails and black window moldings, and HD surround vision, as well as a rear camera mirror with washer.
Premier
– For the Premier trim, you’ll add memory settings for the power driver’s seat, side mirrors, and steering column, plus a hands-free power programmable liftgate with Chevrolet bowtie emblem projection to light up exactly where to put your foot to open the liftgate when your hands are full, and Chevrolet’s Infotainment Plus 3 system equipped with its standard 8-inch diagonal HD color touchscreen.
High Country
– For the top trim, you get all of the previously mentioned extras, plus power-folding third row 60/40 seats, SkyScape power dual-panel sunroof and fixed rear skylight with power rear sunscreen, exclusive Jet Black perforated leather seats, and gorgeous 20-inch polished aluminum wheels.
Offering the Best From Both the Past, Present, and Future
With recent supply chain shortages reducing the number of vehicles being produced, it’s likely this popular car will be more in demand. Thankfully, Chevy allows eager customers to get updates and follow the course of a new vehicle as it makes its way off assembly lines and into dealerships. Both the old and new features of the 2023 Chevy Traverse make it feel fresh and exciting. Chevy’s suite of safety technology and its ability to hone in a modern, sleek design makes for a midsize SUV that stands out among a sea of boring three-row competitors. It’s clear the 2023 Traverse is prepared to take on anything; the only question now is, are you ready to accept the challenge?
