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Three-Row Midsize SUV
Chevrolet Traverse
⚠ Caution
Mixed signals, know the tradeoffs
The Traverse is GM's maximum-space-for-minimum-money play, genuinely the roomiest three-row at this price, with a third row adults don't hate. The catch: pre-2024 models earned a brutal reputation for 9-speed transmissions that slip and fail between 40k and 60k miles, a pattern too consistent to ignore, while the 2024 redesign's turbo-4 is already drawing early complaints about powertrain and electrical issues in its first year. If you need cavernous space on a budget and plan to trade before 100k, it delivers; if you're keeping it long-term, the Pilot and Highlander cost more for a reason.
The generation that matters
This product isn't one story — here's how each era is regarded.
2nd generation (2018–2023)
2018–2023
Compromised
V6-powered models praised for space and practicality, but plagued by transmission failures (9-speed slipping at low mileage) and reliability concerns. Consumer Reports rated 2019 reliability 1/5.
3rd generation (2024+)
2024–present
Solid
Redesign with 328hp turbo-4 improves power but sounds raspy. Experts note it 'nails the basics' with excellent space, but lacks refinement vs. rivals. Too new for long-term reliability data.
−
Common complaints6 issues−Systematic 9-speed transmission failures reported on pre-2024 models, slipping at 40k-55k miles
−Gruff, unrefined engine sounds even on current turbo-4 powertrain
−Interior plastics feel cheap compared to Honda/Mazda/Subaru competitors
−Fuel economy disappointing, 'endless drain on the gas tank' per owners
−2024+ models showing early reports of powertrain and electrical issues in owner forums
−Limited cargo space with third row in use
✓
What owners praise6 strengths✓
Exceptional interior space, largest cabin and cargo capacity in class for the price
✓
Third row genuinely fit for adults, not just children
✓
2024+ redesign brings modernized tech with large 18-inch screen and standard safety suite
✓
Practical family hauler that seats up to 8 comfortably
✓
Current turbo-4 engine delivers 328hp, adequate power for highway merging
✓
Available Super Cruise hands-free driving mode on newer models
📊 How this score was calculated — 6-dimension rubric
Moderate confidence▼
199 sources analysed — limited long-term owner data
199 sources analysed — moderate data quality
Reliability & Durability(22%)5.0
No long-term owner data available — score is provisional
User Sentiment(22%)6.6
312 positive upvotes vs 158 negative upvotes
Complaint Severity(16%)7.4
Complaints: 4 cosmetic, 8 functional, 2 systematic, 0 safety
Consensus Strength(8%)1.2
Opinion is use-case dependent — product divides opinion by intended use
Value for Money(15%)4.3
4 'worth it', 1 'overpriced', 6 mention better-value alternatives
Owner Advocacy(17%)5.0
1 repurchased/gifted, 2 unprompted recommendations, 2 regrets
Scores are percentile ranks: 5.0 is the median product in existence. 8.5+ is reserved for genuinely exceptional products (top ~10%). The score reflects consensus quality, what owners say about the product. Risk is tracked separately and shown above the summary when present. Both are calculated deterministically, so the same signals always produce the same score.
Specifications2026
▼Pricing
Starting MSRP
$42,795
Range
$42,795 - $57,395
Capability
Towing capacity
5,000 lbs
Fuel economy
20 city / 26 hwy MPG (FWD), 19 city / 24 hwy MPG (AWD)
Drivetrain
FWD standard, AWD available
Dimensions & capacity
Seating
7 passengers
Cargo
22.9 cu ft (behind third row) / 56.6 cu ft (behind second row) / 97.6 cu ft (behind first row)
Powertrains
2.5L Turbo I-4
standard on all trims
328 hp · 317 lb-ft
Trim pricing
LS
base trim
$42,795
LT
recommended value trim, includes second-row captain's chairs, wireless charging, power liftgate, trailering package standard for 2025+
—
Z71
off-road focused, twin-clutch AWD, all-terrain tires, 18-inch wheels, terrain modes, increased ground clearance
—
High Country
top trim introduced for 2025, leather seats, Super Cruise, 22-inch wheels, Bose audio, power-folding second and third rows
$57,395
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How it ranks in Three-Row Midsize SUV
3 products compared
1
Chevrolet Traverse you are here
5.8/10
⚠ Caution
2
Dodge Durango
5.4/10
⚠ Caution
3
Ford Explorer
4.7/10
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