Better late than never, at least when it comes to the 2024 Chevrolet Traverse. Fifteen years after the three-row crossover made its debut it’s getting a significant makeover. The new design was originally planned for the 2023 model year, the bow-tie brand delaying the launch due to the COVID pandemic which set back a number of product launches across the industry.
Chevy billing it as a “ground-up” redesign, the 2024 Traverse undergoes a number of notable revisions. That includes the expected design tweaks, as well as the launch of a first-ever Z71 off-road package. But last year’s High Country model is being dropped.
The big crossover gains more power. And it adds a variety of new tech features for improved comfort and safety. These include new advanced driver assistance systems such as General Motors’ hands-free Super Cruise, as well as a bigger, 17.7-inch touchscreen infotainment display.
Aiming for growth
Traverse has been one of Chevy’s most successful entries since it made its debut for the 2009 model year. And the automaker has big expectations for the 2024 model.
Midsize SUVs already make up about 17% of the U.S. new vehicle market, “and we expect the segment to grow another 23% over the next four years,” Brad Franz, the crossover’s marketing director, told TheDetroitBureau.com during an exclusive background session. Chevy’s goal is to not only keep up with that growth but to gain more sales and market share.
The original Traverse was inspired by Chevy’s 2005 Sequel concept and was produced at GM’s assembly plant in Spring Hill, Tennessee. With the debut of a second-generation crossover in 2018, Traverse adopted a more rugged, truck-like appearance. Production, meanwhile, was moved to the automaker’s Delta Township plant, just outside Michigan’s capital in Lansing.
“We’re looking for more conquests,” from outside the GM family, said Franz, noting that 48% of Traverse buyers are new not only to Chevy but General Motors overall.
More truck-like
The 2024 model gets an even more truck-like appearance, Chief Engineer Jeff MacDonald said during the background session. That’s in keeping with broader trends in the crossover/SUV market where numerous automakers have begun moving away from softer, car-like designs.
In GM-speak, the 2024 model boasts a “more expressive design.” And each of four trim packages gets subtle tweaks to its look and feel. That’s especially true with the first-time Z71 package that Chevy expects will account for “around a quarter” of overall Traverse sales, said Franz.
Chevrolet planners don’t expect to see Traverse being taken to the most extreme off-road trails.
“We’re not going out there jumping boulders in Moab (Utah),” said MacDonald. But the off-road package can handle more moderate off-road conditions.
New of ’24 Z71 model
The Z71 adds about an inch of ground clearance, along with a revised front fascia and new bumpers. That translates into improved front approach and rear departure angles. And new 18-inch wheels shod in all-terrain rubber will help improve grip on rougher road surfaces. And unique dampers use hydraulic control to improve off-road ride quality.
The Z71 package adds an aluminum skid plate up front, along with red tow hooks and a standard towing package. It gets a Hill Descent Control system that functions as a sort of low-speed cruise control.
The powertrain adds a twin-clutch all-wheel-drive system to enhance traction and handling when going off-road.
New powertrain
All 2024 Traverse models see revisions under the hood. They share an all-new 2.5-liter turbo-4 engine that delivers 315 horsepower and 317 pound-feet of torque, according to preliminary estimates. That’s a bit more power, and a full 19% more torque than what was offered in the 2023 crossover.
Depending upon the package, front- and all-wheel drive options are available. Chevy has not yet released EPA-rated fuel economy numbers.
Seating and features
For 2024, the old High Country package disappears. Instead, Chevy is targeting more upscale tastes with an upgraded RS trim. Among other things, it gets 22-inch gloss black wheels.
The RS is also the sportiest of the Traverse models and features a unique tuning to its suspension, MacDonald explained. It also gets unique black-out trim and, inside, a flat-bottomed steering wheel and red accents.
Depending upon the trim package, other new features include power-folding second-row seats to improve access to the third row. And an AutoSense liftgate is now on the option list.
Eight-passenger seating is standard on the base LS, but other packages get a seven-passenger layout with second-row bucket seats.
Upgraded tech; new Super Cruise
Keeping up with the overall industry trend, the 2024 Chevrolet Traverse adds a range of new tech features, starting with the new 17.7-inch infotainment display that’s at least 75% larger than the biggest screen in the outgoing crossover.
Six USB ports are standard and Traverse now will be offered with optional wireless smartphone charging and a WiFi hotspot. Over-the-air updates now can be used to revise onboard software, saving owners the need to return to dealers.
Automatic Emergency Braking, Forward Collision Alert and Lane-Keeping Assist are among standard advanced driver assistance systems, with Blind Zone Steering Assist, Rear Cross-Traffic Braking and other ADAS technology available.
Super Cruise, GM’s semi-autonomous technology, also will be offered. It can allow a driver to go hands-free on hundreds of thousands of miles of U.S. and Canadian roadways.
Pricing and availability
GM has yet to release pricing on the 2024 Chevrolet Traverse. The outgoing crossover starts at $34,520 before adding in delivery fees.
The new model is expected to arrive in showrooms by “early 2024.”