The 2024 Chevy Traverse: What You Actually Need to Know Before Buying
The 2024 Chevy Traverse: What You Actually Need to Know Before Buying

The 2024 Chevy Traverse: What You Actually Need to Know Before Buying

Look, I get it.

You’re probably here because you’re thinking about the 2024 Chevy Traverse, and you’ve got questions.

Maybe you’re wondering if it’s actually worth the money, or if it’ll hold up with three kids and a dog, or whether you’ll regret not getting that Toyota instead.

I’ve been there.

The car-buying process is mental, and everyone’s got an opinion about what you should drive.

So let me cut through the noise and give you the straight facts about this SUV.

What People Are Really Asking About the 2024 Traverse

Before we dive in, let’s address the elephant in the room.

Most people I talk to have the same worries:

  • “Will it actually fit my family comfortably?” (Spoiler: depends on your family size)
  • “Is Chevy reliability still dodgy?” (Fair question, and I’ll be honest about it.)
  • “Can I afford the running costs?” (Let’s talk real numbers.)
  • “Will I look like a proper parent driving this thing?” (Who cares, but I get why you’re asking.)

First Impressions: What Hit Me Straight Away

The Size Game

The 2024 Chevy Traverse is massive.

I’m talking proper American SUV massive.

When I first saw one in the metal, my initial thought was “blimey, that’s a lot of car.”

But here’s the thing—that size isn’t just for show.

Three rows of actual useable seats.

Boot space that’ll swallow your weekly shop and then some.

Interior room that doesn’t make you feel like you’re playing Tetris with car seats.

Build Quality Reality Check

2024 Chevy Traverse

Let me be straight with you about Chevrolet’s reputation.

It’s not BMW.

It’s not Lexus.

But the 2024 Traverse feels significantly better than previous generations.

The interior materials don’t feel cheap, the build quality seems solid, and the technology actually works without making you want to throw your phone out the window.

Engine and Performance: The Bits That Matter

What’s Under the Bonnet

The 2024 Traverse comes with a 3.6-liter V6 engine.

310 horsepower on tap.

266 lb-ft of torque.

Now, before you start thinking this is some sort of sports car, let me bring you back to reality.

This is a family hauler, not a track weapon.

But it moves well enough.

Acceleration is adequate for merging onto motorways with a full load.

Towing capacity hits 5,000 pounds, which covers most family needs.

The 9-speed automatic gearbox does its job without drama.

Fuel Economy Truth

Here’s where it gets interesting.

Chevy claims around 18 mpg in town and 27 mpg on the motorway.

In the real world?

I consistently saw closer to 22-24 mpg combined with mixed driving.

Not brilliant, but not shocking for a vehicle this size.

All-wheel drive models drop those numbers by about 2 mpg.

Interior Space: The Make-or-Break Factor

Front Row Experience

The driver’s seat is comfortable for long journeys.

Plenty of adjustment range for different body types.

Good visibility out of all windows (refreshing in today’s market).

The infotainment system is actually useable—shocking, I know.

Second Row Reality

This is where the Traverse shines.

Proper adult-sized seats.

Individual captain’s chairs are available (worth the upgrade if you can swing it).

Decent legroom and headroom.

Easy access to the third row without requiring yoga certification.

Third Row Truth

Let’s be honest about third rows in most SUVs—they’re rubbish.

The Traverse’s third row is better than most but still not brilliant.

Fine for kids.

Adults will survive short journeys.

Don’t expect comfort on longer trips if you’re over 5’8″.

Technology That Actually Works

Infotainment Reality

The 8-inch touchscreen (10-inch available) responds properly.

Apple CarPlay and Android Auto work without constant reconnection issues.

The interface is intuitive—you won’t need to read a manual.

Physical buttons still exist for climate control (hallelujah).

Safety Kit

Automatic emergency braking—standard.

Blind spot monitoring—standard.

Rear cross traffic alert – standard.

Lane keeping assist—standard and not overly intrusive.

The backup camera quality is actually decent.

Trim Levels: What You Get for Your Money

L Trim (Base Level)

Cloth seats.

Manual climate control.

Basic infotainment.

Steel wheels.

Honestly, unless budget is absolutely critical, skip this one.

LS Trim (Sweet Spot)

Dual-zone climate control.

Better infotainment.

Alloy wheels.

More USB ports.

This is where value meets practicality.

Heated front seats.

Remote start.

Roof rails.

Better interior trim.

Most popular for good reason—solid features without going mad on price.

Premier and High Country (Top End)

Leather seats.

Heated and ventilated front seats.

Panoramic sunroof.

Premium audio.

Nice to have, but the price jump is steep.

Real-World Ownership Costs

Purchase Price Reality

Base models start around £35,000 (if you can find one).

Most people end up spending £40,000-45,000 for a properly equipped model.

Top trims push £50,000+.

Running Costs

Insurance: Mid-range for the class.

Servicing: Reasonable compared to premium brands.

Depreciation: Not great, but improving.

Parts availability: Generally good through the Chevrolet network.

The Competition Check

Toyota Highlander

More reliable reputation.

Better resale value.

Less interior space.

More expensive initially.

Honda Pilot

Strong reliability record.

Good build quality.

Less modern interior tech.

Similar pricing.

Mazda CX-9

Better driving dynamics.

Premium interior feel.

Less cargo space.

Only seats seven (just).

What I Actually Think After Living With One

Here’s my honest take after spending proper time with the 2024 Traverse.

It does the family SUV job well.

Space is genuinely impressive.

Technology works without frustration.

Build quality feels solid.

But let’s talk about the negatives too.

Fuel economy isn’t brilliant.

Third row is still compromised.

Resale value lags competitors.

Interior materials, while improved, aren’t premium.

Who Should Actually Buy This Thing

Perfect For:

  • Families with 3+ children
  • People who actually use cargo space
  • Those who value interior room over brand prestige
  • Buyers wanting American SUV size without premium pricing

Skip If:

  • You prioritise fuel economy above all else
  • Brand image matters significantly to you
  • You rarely use the third row or cargo space
  • You want the absolute best reliability record

FAQ: Your Burning Questions Answered

Is the 2024 Chevy Traverse reliable?

Early indicators suggest significant improvement over previous generations.

The 3.6L V6 engine has a decent track record.

Warranty coverage is competitive.

However, Chevrolet’s overall reliability still lags Toyota and Honda.

How many people does it actually seat comfortably?

Seven adults for short trips.

Five adults plus two children for longer journeys.

Eight people total with bench seating, but comfort suffers.

What’s the real-world fuel economy?

Expect 22-24 mpg combined in mixed driving.

All-wheel drive drops this to 20-22 mpg.

Motorway driving can hit 26-27 mpg if you’re gentle.

Should I get all-wheel drive?

Only if you actually need it.

Front-wheel drive handles fine for most situations.

AWD adds cost and complexity and reduces fuel economy.

Consider your actual driving conditions, not theoretical scenarios.

How does it compare to a Toyota Highlander?

The Traverse offers more interior space.

The Highlander has a better reliability reputation.

Traverse typically costs less initially.

Highlander holds value better long-term.

Choose based on priorities: space vs. reliability reputation.

Is the technology user-friendly?

Yes, surprisingly so.

Infotainment responds properly.

Physical buttons exist for important functions.

Smartphone integration works reliably.

Learning curve is minimal.

The Bottom Line

The 2024 Chevy Traverse isn’t perfect, but it’s genuinely good at what it’s designed to do.

Move families comfortably.

Carry their stuff.

Do it without breaking the bank initially.

If you need proper three-row space and don’t mind American SUV compromises, it’s worth serious consideration.

If you’re buying for badge prestige or want maximum fuel efficiency, look elsewhere.

Simple as that.

The 2024 Chevy Traverse delivers where it matters most for families who actually need the space.

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