The 2023 Chevy Traverse builds upon the upgrade it received for the 2022 model and continues to improve the second generation of this SUV. Taking cues from its larger Tahoe and Suburban siblings, there are many reasons why the Traverse is a fantastic midsize SUV. But don’t just take my word for it; let’s dive into the details to allow yourself to make an informed opinion.
#1 – Options for Everyone
The 2023 Chevy Traverse comes in six trims. All of them have that distinctly Chevy oversized grille and LED headlamps. The LS is far from a basic base model with its cool, brightly tipped dual-outlet exhaust and bright silver-painted aluminum wheels. You can dial in the power with a driver mode selector for extra traction on challenging road surfaces, while your passengers in the back can stay comfortable with tri-zone automatic climate controls.
Next are the LT Cloth and LT Leather models. Seating gets a little more specialized here with the option for two captain’s chairs or a bench seat in the second row. There’s also an eight-way power driver seat with power lumbar control. The LT Leather, as its name suggests, adds leather accents for a more luxurious aesthetic inside the vehicle. It also boosts comfort by adding a six-way power adjustment to the front passenger seat.
Moving up, the RS looks slick with 20-inch dark-painted aluminum wheels and black accents. We also start to see some additional safety options become standard here, like adaptive cruise control and HD surround vision. The Premier trim brightens things with 20-inch machined-face aluminum wheels with a high-quality finish. Equally eye-catching is the dual-outlet exhaust that has an untraditional, rectangular shape. You’ll also get an upgraded interior with different color scheme options, like jet black with maple sugar accents.
At the top of the 2023 Traverse line is the High Country trim. It has a unique grille and trim-exclusive color scheme of jet black and clove in the interior. It’s not all good looks; however, it also comes standard with the trailering package, which includes a heavy-duty cooling system, trailer hitch, and a hitch guidance view on the display screen. The rear seats are power-folding with a 60/40 split, and Chevy’s SkyScape dual-paneled sunroof with a fixed rear skylight comes standard.
#2 – Special Editions
If these six trims don’t feel customized enough, there’s also special editions to choose from. The LS, LT Cloth, and LT Leather Traverses can all be upgraded with the Midnight or Sport Edition. These versions switch up the styling, and both ride on glossy, 18-inch black-painted aluminum wheels and have black accents throughout, including the roof rails and grille.
The Redline Edition appearance package can be paired with the Traverse Premier and starts with glossy 20-inch black wheels. It has some of the black accents seen in other packages but includes Redline-specific details, including red accents on the wheels and red and black Traverse badging.
#3 – Seating for up to Eight
One of the best features the 2023 Chevy Traverse has to offer is that you can opt for seating for either seven or eight people. The LS automatically comes with a bench seat in the second row, seating eight, and the RS, Premier, and High Country trim lines automatically have dual captain’s chairs instead, seating seven. With the LT Cloth and the LT Leather, you can choose the bench seat or the captain’s chairs. Whether you’re regularly hauling large crowds or prefer those in the second row to have separate seats for extra comfort, it’s great that the Traverse allows you to choose your interior layout.
#4 – SmartSlide Second Row
While we’re talking about seating options in the 2023 Chevy Traverse, we have to talk about Chevy’s SmartSlide system. If you’ve elected for second-row captain’s chairs, you’ll see a large latch on the inside cabin. Thanks to that latch, you can easily move these seats back and forth and even tilt them forward with just one hand. This is incredibly convenient for not just the folks climbing into the back row but also for you when trying to reach whatever it is you’re hauling in the back.
#5 – Best-In-Class Cargo Space
Speaking of hauling, the Traverse is equipped to handle your hauling needs with ease. When both the second and third rows of seating are folded, you’ll find a best-in-class 98.2 cu.ft. of cargo space. Even with a vehicle full of people, you’ll still get 23 cu.ft. of cargo space, which is about 15 bags of mulch (if you’re a gardener). With those six or seven other people, everyone can help you unload it! All trims have the option to further take advantage of this cargo space with available retractable cargo shades and vertical cargo nets.
#6 – Carry It All Outside, Too
We already mentioned the trailering capabilities that come standard on the High Country trim. Well, that same trailering package is also available on the LT Cloth, LT Leather, RS, and Premier trims. When equipped, the Traverse can tow up to 5,000 lbs, which is plenty for a small travel trailer or a couple of jet skis.
#7 – Connectivity for Everyone
The 2023 Traverse comes with Chevy’s Infotainment 3 system. It’s accessed on the LS and LT Cloth trims with a seven-inch touchscreen or an eight-inch one with the LT Leather, RS, Premier, and High Country trims. This infotainment system has wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay compatibility, and you can also connect to Alexa or a variety of built-in apps like Spotify or The Weather Channel.
Each new Traverse also comes with remote access via the myChevrolet mobile app so you can unlock the doors, start the engine, and even check how much gas you have from your smartphone. To keep everyone connected, a WiFi hotspot is available, and to keep everyone charged up; you’ll find USB ports in every Traverse. The upper trims also come standard with a 120-volt power outlet and are available to add on the LT Leather.
#8 – Chevy Safety Assist
No matter which trim you choose, each 2023 Chevy Traverse comes standard with Chevy Safety Assist. This suite of driver assistance features includes automatic emergency braking, front pedestrian braking, lane keep assist with lane departure warning, following distance indicator, forward collision alert, and IntelliBeam automatic high beam control.
#9 – Additional Safety Options
Besides the comprehensive Chevy Safety Assist, all Traverse models come with Chevy’s Teen Driver package. This allows you to customize vehicle settings for your new driver, like limiting speed and music volume. In addition, Chevy is the only brand that sends you a report card for your teen drivers. Even for non-teens, Chevy will make sure all drivers are safe by keeping the Traverse in park until you buckle up.
When you move up the trims, you’ll find even more safety and driver assistance features. The RS, Premier, and High Country trims include adaptive cruise control and enhanced automatic emergency braking. HD surround vision is also standard on the upper trims and available on the LT Cloth and LT Leather Traverses.
#10 – The Bottom Line
The 2023 Chevy Traverse LS starts at $35,915, meaning you get all that room for up to eight people and that best-in-class cargo space for less than the current average minivan or full-size pickup truck. There are many reasons to love the 2023 Chevy Traverse, as these are just my top ten. We didn’t even get to the 3.6-liter V6 engine and its 310 hp or how much room your third-row passengers have (hint: it’s plenty). For over a decade, the Traverse has been turning heads, and its refresh last year clearly makes it a top competitor in the class.
