The next-gen three-row SUV is in for a major upgrade, with a bold new look, cutting-edge tech inside, and a revamped powertrain all in the works
2 hours ago
by Josh Byrnes
This story features speculative illustrations that are not related to or endorsed by Chevrolet.
The 2022 model year brought a (delayed) mid-cycle refresh for Chevrolet’s Traverse, but the American automaker is wasting no time in prepping a heavily revised successor for the mid-sized crossover. Despite the recent update, the Traverse is due for a complete overhaul, and it seems that Chevy is rising to the challenge.
Spy photographers have caught the upcoming Traverse on camera wearing minimal camouflage. What can we expect from this mid-size crossover? Here’s a sneak peek with our illustrated first look.
Dynamic Design
At first sight, the upcoming Traverse’s dimensions seem to be in line with its current iteration. However, it features a more captivating and muscular look. The front end of the vehicle has a two-piece headlamp arrangement with daytime running lights (DRLs) located under the hood’s leading edge, and the primary units are mounted lower down within the front bumper. A horizontal bar stretches across the top grille, with the Chevrolet emblem placed at the center, commanding attention.
Casting your eyes to the side reveals sculptured fenders, scalloped lower door detailing and a unique aircraft tailfin-inspired C-pillar. Like the current Traverse, the rear section is upright and boxy, whilst the tailgate sports thin, Rivian-inspired horizontal taillamps and quad exhausts on high-series variants.
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Speaking of the latter, spies have also scooped what appears to be an off-road-inspired Activ version with red recovery hooks, a front bash plate and a ruggedly styled front bumper.
More Upscale Interior With All The Latest Tech
Chevrolet’s Traverse and its GMC Acadia sibling are not known for class-leading interior quality. But General Motors intends to change that with the next-generation Traverse by using improved materials, technology, and better fit and finish. The new Traverse will maintain its three-row seating layout, though we expect the larger footprint to improve space for all passengers.
A large digital instrument cluster will be supplemented by a feature-rich 11-inch infotainment display incorporating wireless phone charging, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto (GM will eventually ditch the latter two with a Google-based setup when it goes all-EV). Other goodies will include OTA (over-the-air updates) and a plethora of level 2 semi-autonomous driver assists.
Under The Skin
Carscoops reader Brett Bogard spied GM testing both the 2024 Chevrolet Traverse and its sister GMC model, the Acadia in Colorado last summer
The new Traverse will utilize a heavily revised version of the current C1 platform (named C1-2) shared with the upcoming GMC Acadia and third-generation Buick Enclave. The main changes include improved crashworthiness and GM’s new Global B electrical architecture.
While there is a chance that the 3.6-liter LFY V6 engine could make a return with some enhancements to boost both performance and fuel efficiency, rumors suggest that GM plans to equip the new Traverse with the same 2.7-liter turbocharged four-cylinder found in the 2023 Chevrolet Colorado. This four-pot engine is available with outputs currently ranging from 237 to 310 horsepower and is paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission. Power will be sent to the front wheels, with all-wheel-drive offered as an optional feature.
Rivals & Reveal
The new Traverse will face stiff competition in the midsize SUV segment from a range of models, including Toyota’s newly launched Grand Highlander, Ford Explorer, Buick Enclave, Nissan Pathfinder, Kia Telluride, Hyundai Palisade, Volkswagen Atlas, Jeep Grand Cherokee L, Honda Pilot, Subaru Ascent, and depending on the price, possibly Mazda’s upscale new CX-90 too.
An official reveal is tipped to occur as a 2024 model year entrant in the coming months, with assembly to continue at GM’s Lansing Delta plant in Michigan.
Does Chevrolet’s redesign of the next Traverse go far enough? We’d love to hear your views in the comments below.
