The 2024 Chevrolet Traverse Redesign: Why This Family SUV Is the Best Yet

Sharper front, roof and rear lines, sleek daytime running lights and a square rear end define the 2024 Chevrolet Traverse. Headlights, lower cladding and new wheels take a cue from the redesigned 2025 Chevrolet Tahoe and Suburban, due out later this year.

The avis-shaped rear tail lights, taking a cue from the Chevrolet Blazer EV, wrap around the corners of the Traverse tailgate, giving it a modern, motional effect and add to the classic SUV shape of the rear end.

Chevrolet moved the gear shifter to the steering column (hello, Mercedes-Benz, Tesla and Rolls Royce style shifter!) to free up space in the center console for a phone charge pad, cup holders and a nice cubby. But take notice of the clear bar at the top of the steering wheel: That is the Super Cruise hands free driving notification bar. Super Cruise is now standard for 3 years in the RS model and an option in all but the base model. And you can use if for hands-free towing, too, as we found out.

And the good news is, you can also use Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The new multimedia system is designed by Google, and it’s really good. The touchscreen is easy to see and use, and you can use voice activation to ask for what you want. See how to toggle on the wake word here, as well as other functions on the multimedia system.

Captains chairs are THE best. For most. But if you need a bench seat, it’s available on the LS and LT models; the RS and Z71 come with center row captains chairs. Both are on rails and slide forward and back, and have slide and tilt function that works with a forward-facing kids car seat installed. All center row seats have about 30″ or more room seat back to seat back and will fit rear facing child car seats, though there are only two full sets of LATCH systems. There are upper tethers for all seats, however.

Probably the thing I liked most when I climbed back here is that there’s a center seat with a headrest. Why does that matter? With center row captains chairs I was able to sit in the middle seat, stretch my legs out and still plug in my phone and put my coffee in the cup holder. And let someone else drive. The 3rd row is roomy and comfortable for kids or adults.

This is the thing that most crossover SUVs, those that are AWD, not 4WD, suffer from: A low command position, or seating position behind the wheel. But the 2024 Chevrolet Traverse has a nice, high seating position and still affords lots of headroom. This gave me a clear view of the road ahead, the driver display and the view behind the car. I felt completely in command.

There’s lots of good news in the cargo area: power folding seats on top trims, under floor storage and 23 cubic feet of cargo space behind the 3rd row. That’s enough for 4 roll-aboard bags AND a few totes, a folding stroller and a diaper bags, a toddler potty, a Costco haul. Put the 3rd row down for 56 cubic feet of space and behind the front row you get 97 cubic feet.

When you have butts in all the seats, a digital rear view mirror is your best friend. It’s also a saving grace at night; it’s brighter and clearer than a reflective mirror AND the headlights of other cars are not as bright and glaring. When you don’t need it, such as during the day or when you need a lipstick check, flip the tab at the bottom for a reflective view. Available on Z71 and standard on RS models.

Again, butts in all the seats mean everyone needs air. These are great for kiddos in car seats or sweaty athletes after sports practice: Air is directed right at them. Chevy not only included ceiling air vents in the 3rd row, they are above second row passengers, too.

Beach blankets, water bottles, sunscreen, or to be practical, an emergency kit. This is a great place to stow things you don’t need on the daily but know you’ll need eventually. Or a great place to hide your haul when you’ve been shopping and your last stop is after-school pickup.

While there are only two sets of lower LATCH anchors for kids car seats in the center row outboard seats, they are nicely positioned and prominent so they’re easy to reach. Even better: they are ideal for rigid LATCH connectors that will simply slide in and click.

This is fantastic news for anyone who tows their toys to the lake, beach or mountains, who lives the ranch life or just needs to get to the furthest trailhead. The Chevrolet Traverse Z71 has additional features that make it off-road capable: Skid plates, higher clearance and off road driving modes. We drove it across some tall grass trails, up a steep gravel trail and made some tight turns through the forest. It was fun, and impressive.

This is an impressive makeover, inside and out. And even though it’s just slightly smaller (an inch or so all around), the Chevy Traverse delivers comfortable passenger space, a confident ride and lots of amenities at all trim levels.