Best Chevrolet Traverse Model Years (Ranked)
Curated by Kory White · Fractional CRO, CRO SyndicateBest Chevrolet Traverse Model Years (Ranked)
The Chevrolet Traverse is GM's largest mainstream three-row crossover, prized by families for its genuinely usable third row and big cargo hold. Introduced for 2009, it shared the Lambda platform with the GMC Acadia and Buick Enclave, which means the first generation (2009–2017) inherited the same early 3.6L V6 timing-chain and water-pump weaknesses.
The second generation (2018–2023) brought a lighter, roomier body, a smoother nine-speed automatic, and a short-lived turbo-four option, while the 2024 redesign added a brand-new turbocharged four-cylinder and a giant touchscreen. Choosing the best Chevrolet Traverse model years means avoiding the early-build engine issues and picking the generation that fits your space and tech needs.
This ranking weighs powertrain reliability, ride and interior quality, feature value, and used pricing. The Traverse offers more passenger and cargo room than most rivals, so the question is rarely about space — it is about getting a year where GM had the powertrain sorted. We flag the years to seek and the early cars to approach with caution.
The Traverse's defining strength is interior volume. In both generations it offers one of the most usable third rows in the entire crossover class — adults can actually ride back there for more than a quick trip — and the cargo area behind the third row is large enough for a real family's luggage, something many competitors cannot claim.
That practicality is the main reason to choose a Traverse over a smaller crossover, and it is why the model has remained a perennial best-seller for Chevrolet despite GM's other three-row offerings. Where the Traverse positions itself against its Buick Enclave and GMC Acadia cousins is on value: it is the mainstream, no-frills member of the family, typically the cheapest of the three to buy used while delivering the same space and the same proven mechanicals.
For budget-conscious big families, that combination of room and low price is hard to beat, which makes choosing the right model year — one past the early engine and transmission quirks — the whole ballgame.
Direct Answer
The best Chevrolet Traverse overall is the 2021–2022 (second-generation refresh), which pairs the strong 310-hp 3.6L V6 with a refined nine-speed automatic, adds standard advanced safety tech, and delivers the most spacious, well-resolved cabin in the model's history.
The best value Traverse is the 2015–2016 late first-generation car, where the early 3.6L V6 issues were resolved, offering a huge eight-passenger crossover for a very low used price. Be cautious with the 2009 first-year car and early 2010–2012 first-gen V6 examples that drew the most powertrain complaints.
1. 2021 Traverse (Second-Gen Refresh) 🏆 BEST OVERALL
The 2021 Traverse is the best-resolved second-generation car. It uses the 3.6L V6 making 310 hp and 266 lb-ft paired to a smooth nine-speed automatic, with available all-wheel drive. The 2020 refresh sharpened the styling and added the Chevy Safety Assist suite as standard, including automatic emergency braking and lane-keep assist.
Interior space is class-leading, with a roomy third row and big cargo hold. The High Country trim adds near-luxury touches. This is the Traverse to buy for the best mix of space, refinement, and value retention.
2. 2016 Traverse (Late First-Gen) 💎 BEST VALUE
The 2016 Traverse is the last and best-sorted first-generation car, and a tremendous value. By this point GM had resolved the early 3.6L V6 (281 hp) timing-chain and water-pump issues, and the six-speed automatic was reliable. You get true eight-passenger seating, an enormous cargo area, and good standard equipment for a remarkably low used price.
The first-gen body is among the roomiest crossovers ever built. For maximum space per dollar, the 2016 is the clear value champion.
3. 2022 Traverse (Second Gen, Settled-In)
The 2022 Traverse carries the strong refresh forward with another year of running improvements. The 310-hp 3.6L V6 and nine-speed automatic continue, and Chevrolet expanded standard driver-assist content. Infotainment gained wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and the High Country trim remains the comfort flagship with leather and a head-up display.
Buy this year for the modern feature set with first-year quirks resolved and strong remaining warranty.
4. 2024 Traverse (Third Gen, Turbo-Four)
The 2024 Traverse is a full redesign with a new 2.5L turbocharged four-cylinder making 328 hp and 326 lb-ft paired to an eight-speed automatic — more torque than the old V6 with better efficiency. A large 17.7-inch touchscreen anchors a modernized cabin, and a rugged Z71 off-road trim joins the lineup with a lifted suspension and twin-clutch all-wheel drive.
Standard safety content is comprehensive. Prices are high, but it is the newest and most capable Traverse. Best for buyers wanting the latest powertrain and tech.
5. 2020 Traverse (Second Gen, Refreshed)
The 2020 Traverse introduced the second generation's mid-cycle refresh, with revised styling and the 3.6L V6 (310 hp) paired to a nine-speed automatic. Safety tech expanded and the interior gained upgrades. As the first refresh year it is slightly cheaper than 2021–2022 cars while offering most of the same content and the same huge interior.
A strong choice for the refreshed look and feature set at a modest discount.
6. 2023 Traverse (Second Gen, Final Run)
The 2023 Traverse is the last of the second generation before the 2024 redesign. It uses the proven 310-hp 3.6L V6 and nine-speed automatic, with the RS and High Country trims continuing. Depreciation has barely begun, so prices are high, but you get a nearly new crossover with the full modern feature set, class-leading space, and strong crash scores.
Choose this year if you prefer the proven V6 with maximum remaining warranty.
7. 2015 Traverse (First-Gen, Sorted V6)
The 2015 Traverse is another excellent late first-gen car, with the 3.6L V6 (281 hp) and six-speed automatic in fully sorted form. It offers true eight-passenger space, a massive cargo area, and good standard equipment, all at a very low used price. The larger first-gen body remains one of the most practical family haulers available used.
A dependable budget pick for buyers who need maximum room and want to avoid the early engine issues.
8. 2019 Traverse (Second-Gen, Pre-Refresh)
The 2019 Traverse is a strong pre-refresh second-gen car, offering the 3.6L V6 (310 hp) paired to a nine-speed automatic, plus a short-lived 2.0L turbocharged four (255 hp) in the RS trim. The cabin is roomy and well-equipped, and a few years of running fixes had been applied since the 2018 launch.
Prices are reasonable. A sensible second-gen value pick if you want the new platform a bit cheaper.
9. 2014 Traverse (First-Gen, Refreshed)
The 2014 Traverse benefited from the first generation's mid-cycle refresh, with updated styling, added safety features, and the 3.6L V6 (281 hp) and six-speed automatic. By 2014 the powertrain was reliable and the cabin gained nicer materials. It is a very inexpensive used pick for buyers who want maximum space on a tight budget.
Confirm the water pump and timing chain were serviced if the car has high mileage.
10. 2018 Traverse (Second-Gen First Year — Buy With Caution)
The 2018 Traverse launched the lighter, roomier second generation and earns its place as an affordable entry to the newer platform, but it carries first-year risk. The 3.6L V6 (310 hp) paired to a new nine-speed automatic, and some early cars drew complaints about shift quality and electronics gremlins.
Many were addressed under warranty. Only buy a 2018 at a discount with documented service — otherwise step up to a 2020–2021 where the platform was fully sorted.
How to Choose
Start with generation and powertrain. The second generation (2018–2023) uses the proven 3.6L V6 and a nine-speed automatic, best resolved in the 2020–2022 refresh cars. The 2024 third generation swaps to a 2.5L turbocharged four with more torque and better efficiency, plus a rugged Z71 trim — the choice if you want the newest tech.
The first generation (2009–2017) is the cheapest path to a huge eight-seater.
Then weigh reliability and budget. Early first-gen 3.6L V6 cars (2009–2013) had timing-chain and water-pump concerns, so stick to 2014–2016 builds. Second-gen cars are best in 2020–2022 form; the early 2018 car had first-year quirks.
Seek all-wheel drive for snow, and always confirm service history on older cars before buying.
Tailor your inspection to the generation. On first-generation cars, listen for a cold-start timing-chain rattle and ask for proof the water pump was replaced, since both were known weak points on the early 3.6L V6. On second-generation cars, especially the 2018 first-year examples, test the nine-speed automatic carefully through low-speed maneuvers and highway merges to make sure shifts are smooth and prompt.
If you are looking at the 2024 redesign, the 2.5L turbo four delivers more torque than the old V6 and tows up to roughly 5,000 lbs when properly equipped, but verify the towing package if that matters to you. Plan on around 20–22 mpg combined from the V6 cars, with the new turbo-four returning slightly better numbers.
As with all big crossovers, check that all three rows fold flat and latch securely, and that the rear climate and entertainment features work, since those are common points of wear in a hard-used family vehicle.
FAQ
Which Chevrolet Traverse year is the most reliable? The 2015–2016 late first-generation cars and the 2021–2022 second-generation cars are the most reliable. By those years the 3.6L V6's early timing-chain and water-pump concerns were resolved and the nine-speed automatic's early complaints had been addressed.
What engines does the Chevrolet Traverse use? First-gen and most second-gen cars use a 3.6L V6 (around 281–310 hp). The 2019–2023 RS trim offered a 2.0L turbo four (255 hp), and the 2024 redesign switched to a 2.5L turbocharged four making 328 hp with strong torque.
Is the Chevrolet Traverse good for big families? Yes — the Traverse is among the roomiest three-row crossovers, with a genuinely usable third row and a large cargo area behind it. The first generation and the 2024 redesign are especially spacious, making the Traverse a top choice for families needing real eight-passenger capacity.
Should I avoid the 2018 Chevrolet Traverse? Not entirely — it is an affordable entry to the second generation — but as a first-year model it had early shift-quality and electronics complaints. Buy at a discount with clean service records, or step up to a 2020–2021 where the platform was fully sorted.
Bottom Line
The 2021–2022 second-generation refresh is the best overall Traverse, combining the 310-hp V6, a sorted nine-speed automatic, class-leading space, and standard modern safety. The 2015–2016 late first-gen car is the value champion, offering a huge eight-passenger crossover for a fraction of the cost once the early engine issues were resolved.
If you want the newest version, the 2024 turbo-four redesign brings more torque and a giant touchscreen. In all cases target the sorted model years and confirm service history before buying.
Sources
- Chevrolet official model information, https://www.chevrolet.com/
- Chevrolet Traverse overview, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chevrolet_Traverse
- Edmunds Chevrolet Traverse reviews and model-year guide, https://www.edmunds.com/chevrolet/traverse/
- Kelley Blue Book Traverse used values, https://www.kbb.com/chevrolet/traverse/
- Car and Driver Chevrolet Traverse road tests, https://www.caranddriver.com/chevrolet/traverse
- Consumer Reports Chevrolet Traverse reliability, https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/chevrolet/traverse/
- NHTSA safety ratings and complaints, https://www.nhtsa.gov/