Seven Great Things to Look for in a Used Chevy Traverse

When you first start shopping for a vehicle, especially a used vehicle, you essentially have the whole world available to you with far more options than most of us really need. This can make it difficult to navigate what’s out there and find what you’re looking for in your next ride. Even once you narrow things down, like looking for a Chevy Traverse for sale in Cleveland, you still have a lot of options that can be overwhelming while you try to find the right one. This is why our Vehicle Solution Specialists are so passionate about helping our customers explore what’s available and finding you a vehicle you’ll love. The Traverse is a terrific family vehicle with a number of excellent features worth looking for. Here are a few of the things we suggest you keep in mind as you explore what’s available—we’re happy to make sure you get everything you need.

Great Thing #1 – Either Seven- or Eight-Passenger Seating

The Chevy Traverse has been around since the 2009 model year, but most used models you look at will probably be from the second generation, which ran from 2018 to 2024. No matter what you’re checking out, however, the Traverse will have three rows of seating inside for you and your family. What’s noteworthy is that you can find different interior configurations, which impacts how many seats you get across those three rows. Every Traverse model has a pair of seats up front and three in the back, so you’ve got space for five passengers there. Some models feature a second-row bench for three people, while others have a pair of captain’s chairs for just two passengers. Consider how many folks you tend to have along with you most days, and choose a used Traverse with the right kind of seating to meet your needs.

Great Thing #2 – Available All-Wheel Drive

We’ll talk about the kinds of engines you can find in a used Chevy Traverse in a moment (because there are several to keep in mind), but first, we wanted to mention another aspect of performance. Front-wheel drive (FWD) is standard for the Traverse, so you’ll find a lot of used models with that kind of driving experience. Chevy makes all-wheel drive (AWD) available, but you can find used models that feature AWD for enhanced traction and control. Although FWD models are great, we prefer the feel of an AWD Traverse since it gives you better precision with a larger SUV like this. Plus, when you’re dealing with winter weather in Cleveland, AWD helps provide better traction in slippery conditions.

Great Thing #3 – Impressive Engines and Performance

Looking at Chevy Traverse models from the last five or six years, you can find three different engines on them depending on the model year and trim level. If you go back to 2019 or earlier, then two engines were available for the Traverse: a standard 3.6L V6 with 310 hp and 266 lb-ft of torque or a 2.0L turbocharged I-4 engine that provides 257 hp and 295 lb-ft of torque. You’ll find this turbocharged I-4 on some Traverse RS models, particularly those with FWD if the previous owner chose it.

Starting with the 2020 model year, however, this available I-4 engine was dropped completely, leaving the 3.6L V6 as the only powertrain. This remained the only engine from 2020 through the end of the second generation with the 2023 model year. If you find a newer used Traverse from the current third generation, then there’s a different engine: a 2.5L turbocharged I-4 that provides 328 hp and 326 lb-ft of torque. This is what you’ll find on 2024 models, so keep that in mind as you explore different pre-owned Traverse options.

Great Thing #4 – Chevy Safety Assist Technology

Chevy is well known for making safe vehicles that are fun to drive even as they help protect you and your loved ones. In recent years, one of the keys to this has been the Chevy Safety Assist suite of driver-assistance technologies featuring things like a Forward Collision Alert, Automatic Emergency Braking, and Lane Keep Assist. If you look at a model from 2018 through 2021, then this package is an available option, so pay careful attention to the trim level and features you find. Starting with an update for the 2022 model year, Chevy now makes this suite of features standard on every Traverse model, so you know you’ll find this suite of features if you go with a newer build.

Great Thing #5 – Available Rear-Seat Infotainment System

Choosing more recent models can be an advantage since things like Chevy Safety Assist have become standard over time. On the other hand, you can also miss out on features or options that used to be offered and have since been discontinued. A rear-seat Infotainment system was available for the first couple of years of the Traverse’s second generation, with headrest-mounted tablet holders. This is something to look for if you have kids who like to use their devices while riding behind the front row, though it’s certainly not essential. Chevy discontinued this option for the 2021 model year, so keep that in mind.

Great Thing #6 – Great Tech and Comfort for Cleveland Drivers

Although most used Traverse models you find will have impressive tech features, there are a few things to consider when exploring different options. If you go with an early second-generation model, like a 2019 Traverse, then you’ll find the older MyLink infotainment system, though both seven-inch and eight-inch screens were available. For the 2020 model year, this was replaced by a more modern Infotainment 3 system with enhanced software that tends to run faster and be easier to use. The infotainment system was updated again with the 2022 refresh, and new options like wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are included with the eight-inch screen. For some of the latest tech around, you can consider a 2024 model, which features a massive 17.7-inch infotainment display standard, along with updated software.

Great Thing #7 – Bold Off-Road Capabilities

Speaking of this current-generation Traverse, there’s another reason to consider a used model that’s only a year old: off-road functionality. The third-generation Traverse now has a first-ever Z71 model available, designed for better capabilities away from paved roads. This trim level features a standard twin-clutch AWD system along with enhanced suspension dampers for better comfort and performance on dirt roads and trails. You won’t necessarily be able to take this out for incredibly challenging off-roading like you can with something like the Silverado ZR2, but it gives you a great way to take six or seven people to your favorite campsite (and beyond). This Z71 trim can’t be found in earlier model years, so it’s important to keep that in mind if you want a spacious SUV that lets you embrace an outdoor lifestyle.

What Are You Looking for in a Used Chevy Traverse?

No matter what the answer to that question might be, we are committed to helping you find it and making sure you get an SUV that you love. As you can see, however, the features you’re looking for can guide some of your decisions when it comes to different model years and trim levels that might be right for you. Whether you need to have seven other people pile in to go for a picnic in the Metroparks or you want an enhanced infotainment system with an eight-inch screen, these kinds of features can dictate what used models you should be looking for. If you’re still not sure what kind of Chevy Traverse is right for you, then we’re happy to help. The most important thing to us is that you get what you’re looking for and have a vehicle you can count on for everything you need each day.