It is undoubtedly a rough time to be an automaker. With chip shortages, high fuel prices, and inflation all working against them, it’s somewhat surprising that many manufacturers are proceeding into the 2023 model year as though nothing is amiss. And truth be told, there are still plenty of drivers who need to replace their car with a new model immediately. One could even argue that the normalcy of a new model year gives us a little hope that someday, things might just return to normal. Therefore, while the 2023 Chevy Traverse hits the market with few changes from the previous model year, the fact that we still have three-row SUVs at our disposal helps make the world a little less dreary.
The Chevy Traverse had a big year in 2022 with many design and engineering updates. As a result, the 2023 Traverse mostly continues the model’s tradition of providing quality transportation for up to eight passengers––a goal it does not take lightly. In a world where economic conditions change about as frequently as the weather, it’s good to see that Chevy continues to produce exceptional, dependable vehicles that are designed to stand the test of time. The Traverse is built to keep drivers on the road, making it a reasonable investment for anyone who needs the passenger space or cargo room of a three-row SUV.
Designed With the Consumer in Mind
Looking at the automotive industry as a whole, it might seem that the three-row SUV is approaching extinction. Trucks are hot, SUVs are getting smaller and smaller, and electric and hybrid vehicles make up a large portion of automotive news. Fuel-guzzling is out, and efficiency is in.
But what about those families who require seven or eight seats? And what should drivers who need plenty of interior cargo room do? It can be argued that the three-row SUV is still very much in demand for many drivers. Therefore, Chevy has made the 2023 Traverse exactly what drivers need it to be, with standard conveniences that help it stand out among competitors of all sizes and shapes.
The first major point of interest is the engine. Standing 70.7 inches tall and measuring 205.9 inches in length, the Traverse is clearly not a small vehicle. That means it needs plenty of power to keep up with traffic. To help, Chevy has placed its proven 3.6L V6 engine under the hood. This means the Traverse can take advantage of a very suitable 310 hp and 266 lb-ft of torque.
Those figures would give most people the impression that the Traverse consumes gasoline with gusto, but its fuel economy is actually on the higher end for vehicles in its class. Front-wheel drive versions are rated for 18 MPG in the city and 27 MPG on the highway, while all-wheel drive models drop only slightly to 17 MPG in the city and 25 MPG on the highway.
Keeping Passengers and Belongings Happy
Every driver has a different set of expectations for their vehicle. From having enough seats for a full group of passengers to providing plenty of room for many kinds of equipment and cargo, we each use our vehicles in a different way. Fortunately, the Traverse is designed for them all.
Chevy has made the interior of the 2023 Traverse flexible enough to meet almost any driver’s needs. Drivers have the ability to select a second-row bench seat to provide room for eight passengers or second-row captain’s chairs to keep the peace and comfort in the cabin. The Smart Slide second-row seat option makes it easier to get passengers in and out of the third row, which itself offers a 60/40 split to allow drivers to configure the cabin to meet their needs.
With all seats occupied, the Traverse provides 23 cu.ft. of cargo space, which is more than enough room for book bags and sports equipment. With a standard underfloor cargo area, Chevy makes it even easier to stash away valuables or post-practice jerseys. The rear cargo space grows to 57.8 cu.ft. when the third row is folded, opening up more room for vacation gear, pets, and helping your buddy move into a new apartment over the weekend. Folding both the second and third rows of seats frees up 98.2 cu.ft. of cargo space. Additionally, the Traverse can tow up to 5,000 lbs…just in case your buddy forgot to get a truck for the big stuff.
Furthermore, tri-zone automatic climate controls and six USB ports spread across all three rows are standard on all Traverse trim levels. For those who spend a lot of time on the road with the second and third rows full of passengers, that means less arguing about how warm or cold it is, fewer fights about who is using which charger, and a reasonable overall cabin temperature and noise level.
Peak Personalization Since 2009
One of the many reasons drivers choose Chevrolet over the many other available brands is that Chevy offers drivers above-average opportunities to create exactly the car they need. With plenty of customization options, including how many passengers your Traverse can seat, the type of upholstery used, and optional packages that can be tacked on to every trim level, many drivers appreciate the flexibility Chevy provides in its vehicles.
Chevy also does a fantastic job of including standard features that make sense for the vehicle. For example, the 2023 Traverse includes the standard Chevy Safety Assist package. This suite of driver-assistance technologies includes Forward Collision Alert, Automatic Emergency Braking, Front Pedestrian Braking, Lane Keep Assist with Lane Departure Warning, Following Distance Indicator, and IntelliBeam automatic headlamps to keep everyone on the road as safe as possible.
Chevy offers the 2023 Traverse in a total of six trims: the LS, LT Cloth, LT Leather, RS, Premier, and High Country. The LS includes standard seating for eight passengers, while seven seats are standard on the remaining trims. However, if more seating is desired, drivers can opt for a second-row bench seat in the LT Cloth and LT Leather. The RS, Premier, and High Country trims are all decked out with the latest and greatest technology and features, such as a 10-speaker Bose audio system, 20-inch wheels, and perforated leather upholstery.
Continuing in Grand Tradition
While the 2023 Traverse keeps things familiar, it makes sense that Chevy has decided not to mix things up. The Traverse had a pretty big year for updates in 2022, and it’s generally a good idea to not fix what isn’t broken, as the saying goes. Although automotive trends are currently torn in many different directions, and economic instability has everyone reviewing their savings accounts very carefully, there are a few things we can rely on to keep the world moving.
Chevy’s ability to create vehicles that stand the test of time is one of those things. For drivers who require a larger vehicle, the 2023 Traverse enters the market as a solid, economical, sensibly-designed choice that can meet the needs of many passengers and drivers. If your intention is to purchase a vehicle that you won’t immediately regret and that can keep you moving safely and happily for many years to come, the Traverse continues to be a serious contender in the three-row SUV market.
