The 2024 Chevrolet Traverse Z71 combines off-road-inspired styling with impressive comfort and practicality.
Powerful yet thirsty, the turbocharged 2.5L engine delivers 328 hp but lacks fuel efficiency.
User-friendly tech and thoughtful design make the Traverse a strong contender in the midsize SUV market.

Over the past year, I’ve developed an ever-growing appreciation for three-row midsize SUVs. As a father of two, very often with two more in tow, these vehicles meet almost every family need—whether it’s folding down the third row for cavernous cargo space or comfortably accommodating the entire crew.

2024 Chevrolet Traverse | Photo: Matt St-Pierre

While I still maintain that nothing truly beats a minivan for family use, SUVs like the 2024 Chevrolet Traverse Z71 are hard to ignore.

Rugged Style Meets Family Practicality

The 2024 Chevrolet Traverse, now in its third generation, has undergone quite a transformation. Chevrolet’s press release hit the nail on the head: this is the most “truck-like” Traverse ever. Its bold front-end styling, highlighted by the tester’s Z71 trim’s red tow hooks and beefy grille, exudes plenty of confidence. The 18-inch wheels wrapped in Goodyear Wrangler all-terrain tires add an undeniable edge, making the Z71 variant as rugged as it is good-looking.

Inside, the Traverse strikes a balance between utility and style. My tester featured the Z71-exclusive EvoTec upholstery with red contrast stitching—a subtle but classy touch. Despite some interior plastics looking cheaper than they feel, the overall fit and finish are commendable. Chevrolet also included thoughtful features like a massive 17.7-inch touchscreen, which is standard, heated front seats, and a power tailgate.

Space for Everything (and Everyone)

Cargo capacity is a selling point for the Traverse. Behind the third row, you’ll find a decent 648 litres of storage—plenty for groceries, hockey gear, or even a weekend getaway’s worth of luggage. Fold down the third row, and the number balloons to 1,637 litres. Add to that underfloor storage for extra organization, and you’ve got a family hauler that won’t let you down. The second-row captain’s chairs provide easy access to the back, and while third-row seating isn’t the roomiest in the segment, it’s more than serviceable for kids or short adults.

Performance and Ride Quality

The Traverse does away with the old V6 engine as it now packs a turbocharged 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine delivering 328 horsepower and 326 lb-ft of torque. While those numbers are impressive for the segment, fuel efficiency is a letdown. Chevrolet claims a combined 10.1–12.0 L/100 km, but my week of driving hovered closer to 13 L/100 km despite ideal weather conditions. The Toyota Highlander Hybrid might be a better fit if efficiency is a priority. With the included 8-speed automatic transmission, the Traverse is entertaining under throttle. The downside is that the SUV is noisy at any speed, be it tires, wind, or the biggest culprit, the engine.

Ride quality, however, is a strong suit. The Z71’s lifted suspension and all-terrain tires soak up bumps easily, providing a smooth and composed drive. Handling is predictable, and while you won’t carve corners like a sports car, the Traverse is steady and controlled—perfect for family road trips or the occasional off-pavement excursion.

Some Features Impress, Others Not so Much

The 2024 Traverse doesn’t skimp on tech. The enormous touchscreen is easy to navigate, with handy shortcuts and a responsive interface. A fully digital 11-inch driver display adds a modern touch and physical HVAC controls remain, which I greatly appreciate. For road-tripping families, the available Super Cruise hands-free driving system is a among the best—though the $4,000 price tag might give some pause.

That said, Chevrolet’s decision to continue to include a manual all-wheel-drive toggle is puzzling. Nearly all competitors offer automatic systems that activate seamlessly when needed. Asking drivers to engage AWD manually seems like a step backward in usability, especially given the Traverse’s price point.

Pricing and Value

The 2024 Traverse lineup in Canada starts at $47,999 for the base LT AWD trim, while the Z71 trim begins at $53,900. My tester, equipped with Super Cruise, a panoramic sunroof, and other options, came in at $62,000. While that might seem steep, the Traverse offers solid value compared to rivals like the Volkswagen Atlas Peak Edition and the Ford Explorer Timberline.

The 2024 Chevrolet Traverse Z71 balances must-have rugged good looks, family-friendly practicality, and modern technology. While its fuel efficiency and manual AWD system are near deal-breakers, the Traverse still delivers comfort, usability, and style where it counts.