Refreshed and Redesigned Traverse Models to Look for When Shopping Used

Shopping for a used Chevy Traverse for sale? This powerful three-row SUV is a terrific people hauler, known for its spacious, comfortable cabin, advanced safety features, and impressive towing figures. If you’re in the market for a family or company vehicle that will keep everyone content from point A to point B, a Chevy Traverse is a smart way to go. Chevy has long been known for its quality large SUVs, and the Traverse is one model that has allowed the manufacturer to maintain its reputation for inspired design and impressive innovation. 

The Traverse has been around since 2009, and throughout the years, Chevy has made some exciting updates to it to keep up with the needs and wants of its drivers. Any time you’re shopping for a pre-owned vehicle, it’s a good idea to be aware of refresh and redesign years in case there is a particular feature you’re looking for that is only available starting after a certain model year. Below we’ll cover three Traverse model years that saw significant changes, to guide you in your shopping journey.

The 2013 Traverse Refresh

Historically, the Traverse has been known as the “minivan alternative” for families. However, if you look at the models leading up to 2013, you might think it didn’t look that different from a minivan. It was cavernous, had a wide nose, looked low to the ground and had many other features that some associate with a minivan. In 2013, however, the Traverse stepped into its identity as an athletic and sophisticated-looking SUV. 

Everything looks tightened up for 2013. You’ll notice a new athletic hood design that’s more angled with some head-turning lines. The front and rear fascia have been totally redesigned. The two-tier grille with the hexagon design is ditched in favor of a slatted grille. The headlamps are more angled, for a sleeker aesthetic. In the back, you’ll find more sophisticated-looking taillamps and a redesigned bumper. 

You’ll also notice a new bright bar in the back and a license plate cutout in the liftgate. The 2012 Traverse had a very subtle tailgate area, with little more than a tiny Chevy bowtie in its center, and a place for the license plate in the rear bumper. The 2013’s rear is bolder and more commanding. Put simply, if you felt that the 2012 or older Traverse models looked a little too much like a minivan, you’ll be pleased with the 2013 refresh.

The Second Generation Began With the Redesigned 2018 Traverse

For 2018, Chevy announced a total redesign for the Traverse. Upgrades and changes were made through just about every part of the vehicle. For starters, the Traverse got two new trims—the RS and the High Country. The RS delivers sporty style to the Traverse with blacked-out exterior detailing, along with a black chrome grille, black bowtie and 20-inch wheels. If you need the passenger and cargo capacity of the Traverse but want something that’s ready for cosmopolitan environments or city streets in terms of style, consider the Traverse.

If you want to treat yourself to a luxurious cabin that’s a joy to ride in, the High Country is worth checking out. You’ll find leather and suede upholstery and accents, high-end paneling materials, premium technology and comfort/convenience perks like power-fold third-row seats and twin-clutch AWD. Just because you have to transport loads of passengers around, doesn’t mean you can’t do it in style and comfort and the High Country proves it.

The 2018 Traverse also returned with a longer wheelbase and more passenger legroom. So, if you are driving teenagers who can’t seem to stop growing or transporting adults, they’ll love that extra rear-seat legroom. Rear seat access became easier in 2018, too, thanks to a split-folding second-row seat that can tip up and slide forward—including when you put a forward-facing child seat in it. That relieves third-row passengers of having to climb over the second row to get to their seats.

Technology features improved for 2018, too. For this model year, you’ll find available 7-inch and 8-inch diagonal infotainment systems supporting Apple and Android device compatibility, as well as an available Wi-Fi hotspot. So whether you drive around teens who want to stream shows on the road and handle online homework assignments, or you chauffeur professionals who need to keep up with work emails on the go, you’ll enjoy the available in-cabin Wi-Fi.

If performance and power matter to you, a 2018 or newer Traverse might be for you, too. That’s because the 2018 model has a new 3.6L V6 engine, delivering more horsepower than the 2017 model. Plus, with a 5,000-pound towing capacity, the 2018 Traverse is ready for adventures with campers, boats, and similar vessels. 

Fuel efficiency improved for 2018, too, thanks to the new intelligent stop/start technology, which monitors conditions and strategically shuts off the engines at times that will benefit fuel economy. And, if you drive somewhere that sees the four seasons or regularly leave paved roads, you’ll like the Traction Mode Select that became standard in 2018 and allows drivers to make vehicle adjustments to improve traction. The 2018 model year really brought the Traverse into the modern era. It should be up to the standards of shoppers who want a vehicle that nearly mirrors the current selection but at a discounted price. 

The 2022 Traverse is Refreshed Again

For the 2022 year, Chevy gave the Traverse another refresh, mostly in exterior style and some technology perks. Chevy took the Traverse in what some would say is a more truck-like direction with style this year. A reshaped grille combined with a larger lower bumper looks more rugged. The 2022 model also received some new upholstery options, including high-end cloth and leather-appointed seats.

Drivers of a 2022 or newer Traverse will also enjoy improved driver assistance features, including standard Automatic Emergency Braking and Front Pedestrian Braking, Lane Keep Assist, and IntelliBeam automatic high-beam headlamps. These features can help you avoid common types of collisions and be a safer driver. For that reason, we often welcome drivers interested in 2022 and newer Traverse models because, in some cases, having great driver assistance features can result in better car insurance rates. And, at the very least, it can help drivers avoid costly tickets and accidents.

Find Your Used Chevy Traverse From the Comfort of Home

Did we get you excited to check out one of the refresh or redesign model years of the Traverse? If so, start exploring your options at Online.cars. We have a huge inventory of models to explore that cover the entire country. If you have questions about the different models available, we have a network of nationwide concierges, ready to take your call. We make it easy to explore tons of options and make sure you’re getting the most competitive price on a used Traverse. And once you’ve found the one you love, we’ll deliver it right to your doorstep. 

Chevy has done an impressive job of keeping the Traverse fresh throughout the years. Whether you’re looking for advanced technology, stylish interiors, impressive performance or terrific safety features, there’s a used Traverse that will meet your needs at Online.cars. Let us show you a whole new way to shop for your next Traverse. Online.cars puts the power back in your hands by giving you the ability to shop when and where you shop, on your terms. Find the Chevy Traverse you’ve been looking for with us today.