Car Buyer Labs

Car Buying Advice, Tips, and Reviews

A maroon 2021 Chevy Traverse is shown from an angle driving through a city.

Why the 2021 Chevy Traverse Is Better Than Competing Models

Like many other vehicle innovations, SUVs began because of the military. Off-roading vehicles were necessary, which is how brands like Jeep became so popular. However, SUVs have since been divided up into multiple categories. There are still off-roading models, of course, but there are also midsize, full-size, and crossover options available that are more focused on comfort and space than solely on off-roading. SUVs have remained popular, not just because of their off-roading capabilities but because of their size. They’re the perfect family vehicle, and the 2021 Chevy Traverse is proof of that.

What Makes the 2021 Chevy Traverse so Family-Friendly?

Why drive a minivan when you can haul an entire family in an aesthetically pleasing large SUV? Part of what makes the 2021 Chevy Traverse ideal for families is its generous interior. This model can carry up to eight people and provides you with 98.2 cubic feet of cargo space. Plus, it offers a 5-star overall safety rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration and multiple driver-assist features.

While many of the 2021 Traverse’s driver-assist features are straightforward, it does offer unique options such as HD Surround Vision and Teen Driver Mode. With HD Surround Vision, drivers can view all angles around their SUV, rather than just the front and rear. Further, Teen Driver mode is Chevy’s special safety feature that allows guardians more control over their teen driver’s solo driving experience. Once your kids get their license and they’re driving alone, you can set limits to audio volume, speed, and curfews. Plus, Teen Driver mode allows you to track your teen’s location and make sure they’re where they say they are. In combination with regular driver-assist features such as automatic emergency braking and lane keep assist, these advanced driver-assist systems help keep you and your young family members safe on the road.

Let’s Talk Power!

When you need a vehicle with lots of power, the first thing that comes to mind is probably a truck. However, if you have a large family to take care of, trucks are not an ideal option. This is where SUVs such as the 2021 Chevy Traverse come in. On top of all the interior space, you can even tow up to 5,000 pounds with the 2021 Traverse. For reference, this means you can haul lawnmowers, ATVs, motorcycles, and most fishing and speed boats. It’s enough power to get average towing jobs done without having to pay more for a truck.

The new Traverse comes with a standard V6 engine that produces 310 horses with a max torque of 266 pound-feet. The V6 paired with an automatic 9-speed transmission, and optional all-wheel drive capability makes this model capable of off-roading when needed. Poor weather conditions are no match for the 2021 Chevy Traverse’s all-wheel drive configuration paired with its Driver Select Modes. Whether you’re heading off-road, towing or hauling, negotiating some slippery roads, or just casually commuting, there’s a mode for you. Power is standard on the 2021 Chevy Traverse.

The interior of a 2021 Chevy Traverse shows the steering wheel and infotainment screen.

Cargo Space and Convenience Features

Obviously, if you’re hauling around a bunch of children, you’re going to need plenty of storage space to keep your Traverse from getting cluttered. This is why the 2021 Chevy Traverse includes hidden storage compartments. There’s one located behind your infotainment system and another located behind your very back seats. Even with the seats up, you can still have 23 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third-row seats. When you’re not hauling passengers, you can utilize that full 98.2 cubic feet of cargo space while also attaching a trailer for towing. Oh, and that’s not even including all the luggage you can haul with your roof rack rails.

So, how about other convenience features? Cargo space is great, but there must be more, right? The answer here is yes; there’s much more. In fact, the 2021 Chevy Traverse offers tons of convenience features, including heated seats, a Memory Package that keeps you from having to reset your mirrors, seat configurations, and radio presets, and even wireless device charging in addition to several USB ports and a 120-volt charging outlet. Regarding your vehicle’s performance, you’ll also get standard Adaptive Cruise Control, which adjusts speed based on traffic, and it can even apply braking if you get too close to the vehicle ahead.

This doesn’t even cover half of Traverse’s convenience features. You’ll also get a remote start, a theft-deterrent system, and a remote panic alarm, among other handy assets. Overall, the 2021 Traverse is very user-friendly, creating one of the most convenient and enjoyable SUV driving experiences.

But Will I Look Stylish In This Model?

SUVs are the cooler alternatives for family-friendly models, but we understand that some SUVs are more appealing than others. The good news is that the 2021 Chevy Traverse is one of the more stylish models. It offers eight different color options, and even the lowest trim comes with standard 18-inch aluminum wheels.

As you move up the trims, you’ll get higher-quality exterior features. For example, you can upgrade to 20-inch wheels, including black or gray options. Plus, you can add on several customization features directly through Chevy, skipping the aftermarket entirely. These Chevy-official add-ons include molded assist steps, roof-mounted cross rails, and even front and rear black Chevy bowtie emblems.

In summary, you can make the 2021 Chevy Traverse look as casual, as fancy, or as sporty as you’d like. Even with the L trim’s base-level exterior features, the 2021 Traverse’s squared body and wide grille with cat-eyed headlights make it sharp and sophisticated. At the other end of the spectrum, the unique looks of the High Country trim make it clear that the Traverse is no common SUV.

A white 2021 Chevy Traverse is parked in a driveway with the lift gate open as a family loads the car.

Why Choose the 2021 Chevy Traverse Over Competitors?

There are several reasons to choose the 2021 Chevy Traverse over others in its class. First and foremost, its affordability gives it an edge. With a starting price of $29,800, the 2021 Traverse is more affordable than all of its competitors. Secondly, the Traverse seats up to eight, which is more passengers than the 2021 Ford Explorer or the 2020 GMC Acadia, making it even more family-friendly than others in its class.

Furthermore, the Traverse has more cargo space than the Dodge Durango or Subaru Ascent, making it the more versatile option for families. While all the competing midsize models offer somewhat of a challenge, the 2021 Chevy Traverse wins when it comes to the important stats. You can get this model cheaper, and it comes with better perks, so you really can’t go wrong when you choose the Chevy option.

What Other Benefits Does Chevy Offer Me?

There are several benefits to owning a Chevy model, and the first one is safety. Chevrolet is known for its multiple safety awards and high safety scores. Most of its models now come with standard Chevy Safety Assist, so you don’t have to pay extra just to get driver-assist features. Plus, like many brands, Chevy offers a 3-year or 36,000-mile bumper-to-bumper limited warranty, along with a 5-year or 60,000-mile powertrain warranty, free with any new purchase.

When you keep your 2021 Chevy Traverse up to date with maintenance and drive responsibly, it will last you for years to come. Chevy models are known for their long-term durability. In fact, there are reports of Chevy models still going strong after accumulating 1.2 million miles and counting! When you purchase a Chevy Traverse and take good care of it, you don’t have to worry about trading it back in within a few years due to mechanical problems. Your 2021 Chevy Traverse will keep you safe on the road, and it’ll also keep you on the road for years to come.