Chevrolet has truly elevated its game with the 2024 Traverse Rs, a completely redesigned mid-size SUV that’s poised to dominate its class. For years, the Traverse has been a recommended choice for those seeking a spacious and reliable SUV, and this latest iteration takes it to a whole new level. Competing with stalwarts like the Ford Explorer, Toyota Highlander, Mazda CX-90, and Honda Pilot, the 2024 Traverse RS brings a fresh perspective with its modern design, enhanced performance, and premium features. Let’s delve into what makes this SUV stand out.
Strikingly Modern Exterior
The exterior of the 2024 Chevy Traverse RS is a masterclass in modern SUV design. It boasts a sleek and aggressive front fascia that immediately catches the eye, complemented by distinctive lines flowing along the sides, culminating in a built-in spoiler and sporty dual quad exhaust. The integration of LED lighting in both the front and rear not only enhances visibility but also adds a touch of sophistication. As an RS model, it proudly displays the black Chevy bow tie emblem on the grill, further emphasizing its sporty character.
.jpg)
Alt text: Front view of the 2024 Chevrolet Traverse RS in Lakeshore Blue showcasing its redesigned modern fascia and black Chevy bowtie emblem.
.jpg)
Alt text: Rear quarter panel view of the 2024 Traverse RS highlighting its shark fin window design, 22-inch black wheels, and dual exhaust.
A unique design element that sets the 2024 Traverse RS apart is the shark fin detail on the side rear windows – a distinctive and unusual touch in the SUV segment. The large 22-inch black wheels are a perfect match against the vibrant Lakeshore Blue paint, adding to the vehicle’s athletic stance. Notably, the 2024 Traverse has grown in size, being longer, wider, and taller than its predecessors, resulting in an even more commanding presence on the road and increased interior space.
Powertrain Revolution: Turbocharged Performance
Beneath the hood of the 2024 Traverse RS lies a significant powertrain change. The previous V6 engine is replaced by a 2.5-liter inline 4-cylinder engine, now turbocharged for enhanced performance and efficiency. Despite the downsizing in cylinder count, this new engine configuration actually delivers more horsepower and torque, while simultaneously improving fuel economy – a win-win situation. It produces an impressive 328 horsepower and 326 pound-feet of torque, ensuring robust performance and a towing capacity of 5,000 pounds. The engine is paired with a smooth and responsive 8-speed automatic transmission, complete with shift paddles for a more engaging driving experience. The model reviewed here features a front-wheel-drive biased all-wheel-drive system, offering enhanced traction and control, with a two-wheel-drive option also available.
Simplified and Sporty Trims
Chevrolet has streamlined the trim levels for the 2024 Traverse, making it easier for buyers to choose the perfect model. The lineup starts with the LS, followed by the LT, the Z71 designed for off-road adventures, and culminates in the luxurious and sporty RS model we are focusing on. The High Country trim from the previous year is no longer offered. For those curious, RS stands for Rally Sport, reflecting the trim’s emphasis on sporty styling and features. The 2024 Traverse RS is positioned as the top-tier trim, offering a blend of luxury, performance, and style.
Premium and Functional Interior
Stepping inside the 2024 Chevy Traverse RS cabin immediately reveals its premium nature. The interior is meticulously crafted with stitching details throughout and utilizes soft-touch materials on virtually every surface. The bold red accents are a signature RS touch, adding a sporty and upscale flair to the overall ambiance. Beyond aesthetics, the interior is designed for functionality and user-friendliness.
.jpg)
Alt text: Interior view of the 2024 Chevrolet Traverse RS showcasing red accented premium cabin, soft-touch materials, and spacious design.
.jpg)
Alt text: Driver’s digital display in the 2024 Traverse RS showing configurable instrument cluster options including speedometer, tachometer and trip information.
The driver is greeted by a vibrant and configurable 11-inch digital gauge cluster. This display offers a range of customization options, from a minimalist digital speedometer to a comprehensive screen showing a tachometer, digital speedometer, trip data, and audio information. The controls for adjusting the gauge display are conveniently located on the heated, power tilt and telescoping flat-bottomed steering wheel.
A major highlight of the 2024 Traverse RS interior is the new 17.7-inch touchscreen infotainment system. This large screen is not only visually impressive but also incredibly responsive and intuitive to use. It integrates seamlessly with the Bose sound system, Google navigation, Wi-Fi hotspot, Bluetooth, SiriusXM, AM/FM radio, and smartphone integration via Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
2024-chevrolet-traverse-rs-screen-
.jpg)
Alt text: Angled view of the 2024 Traverse RS infotainment screen highlighting navigation and vehicle app options such as Google Assistant and Alexa.
The touchscreen also hosts apps for Google Assistant, Alexa, trailer management, ambient lighting controls, and numerous other features, all accessible with simple swipes. Conveniently placed shortcuts at the top of the screen provide quick access to frequently used functions. The rearview camera system is particularly impressive, even offering a trailer hitch guidance view.
The power-adjustable, heated and ventilated front seats with lumbar support offer exceptional comfort, and the Traverse boasts generous headroom, even with the dual-pane moonroof. The column-mounted gear shifter frees up center console space, and physical knobs and switches are retained for essential functions like radio volume and climate control, along with buttons for drive modes and disabling the start/stop system. A camera-based rearview mirror enhances visibility, especially when the third row is occupied.
The center console features a pass-through design with storage underneath, maximizing space utilization. Above, you’ll find a wireless phone charger, a concealed storage compartment, and a large center console bin that doubles as a comfortable armrest.
.jpg)
Alt text: Second-row captain’s chairs in the 2024 Chevrolet Traverse RS showing spacious seating and rear climate controls.
.jpg)
Alt text: Third-row seating in the 2024 Traverse RS demonstrating ample legroom and headroom for adults and USB-C ports.
Moving to the second row, the test vehicle features heated captain’s chairs, providing comfortable seating for seven passengers. A bench seat option is available for those needing eight-passenger capacity. Rear passengers enjoy their own climate controls, two USB-C ports, and a power outlet. Both second-row seats slide and recline for enhanced comfort and access to the third row. Ceiling-mounted air conditioning vents ensure effective cooling for second and third-row occupants.
Access to the third row is made easy with second-row seats that tilt and slide forward with a simple push of a button. This mechanism is designed to even work with child seats installed (without the child present, of course). The third-row offers adequate legroom for two adults or three children, and includes two USB-C ports (bringing the total to six throughout the vehicle). Headroom remains generous even in the third row.
Impressive Utility and Cargo Space
The 2024 Traverse RS excels in practicality with its power liftgate, featuring hands-free operation activated by a foot wave under the bumper. Cargo space is a major strength, offering a substantial 58 cubic feet behind the third row. Folding down the second-row seats expands this to a cavernous 98 cubic feet with a completely flat cargo floor. An under-floor storage compartment provides additional space, and beneath that, you’ll find a spare tire (compact, but present).
.jpg)
Alt text: Rear cargo area of the 2024 Chevrolet Traverse RS with power-folding third-row seats and spacious storage capacity.
A particularly convenient feature is the inclusion of power-folding switches in the rear cargo area for the third-row seats. With the push of two buttons, the third row can be folded down or raised. The second-row captain’s chairs can also be folded from the rear, though they require manual operation. This setup provides exceptional flexibility for managing passenger and cargo needs.
Rich Standard Equipment and Advanced Safety
The 2024 Traverse RS comes exceptionally well-equipped as standard, including features like keyless entry, remote start, a panoramic moonroof, trailer towing package, walk-up lighting, power accessories, and adaptive cruise control.
Notably, Super Cruise, GM’s advanced semi-self-driving system, is also standard on the RS trim (subscription required). Super Cruise is widely regarded as one of the best systems of its kind, utilizing pre-mapped divided highways across America. On compatible roads, the system allows for hands-free driving, including automatic lane changes initiated by the turn signal, while monitoring driver engagement through a steering wheel-mounted camera. In emergency situations, the system can safely bring the vehicle to a stop and call for assistance.
Safety is paramount in the 2024 Traverse RS, with a comprehensive suite of features including automatic parking assist, rear park assist, lane change alert, blind spot monitoring, adaptive cruise control, automatic headlights, and forward collision alert with automatic emergency braking.
Additional driver-assistance and family-friendly features include Teen Driver, allowing parents to monitor and set limits for younger drivers, and a rear seat reminder system to prevent accidentally leaving children or pets in the back seat.
Smooth Ride and Engaging Drive
The 2024 Traverse RS delivers a composed and comfortable ride, handling surprisingly well for its size. The cabin is remarkably quiet thanks to active sound deadening technology. The all-wheel-drive system offers five selectable drive modes, including a trailer/tow mode that optimizes gear selection for towing up to 5,000 pounds, and a Sport mode that sharpens driving dynamics for a more engaging experience.
.jpg)
Alt text: Sport mode display on the instrument cluster of the 2024 Chevrolet Traverse RS, indicating performance-oriented driving settings.
Fuel economy is respectable for a 4,600-pound SUV, rated at 19 mpg city, 24 mpg highway, and 21 mpg combined.
Final Verdict: A Top Contender
The 2024 Chevy Traverse RS is a truly impressive mid-size SUV. Its comfortable ride, quiet interior, and overall refinement make it a pleasure to drive in various conditions. The interior is spacious and luxurious, and the level of standard equipment is exceptional, especially considering its price point.
The as-tested, fully-loaded AWD Traverse RS comes with an MSRP of $57,495, which represents excellent value given its features, space, and premium feel, particularly when compared to other 3-row SUVs in the market. For those seeking a more budget-friendly option, the base LS trim starts at a competitive $37,600.
Key Specs of the 2024 Chevy Traverse RS (As Tested):
- MSRP (Base): $56,200
- MSRP (As Equipped): $57,495 (including transportation)
- Fuel Economy: 19 mpg city / 24 mpg highway / 21 mpg combined
- Weight: 4,630 lbs
- Dimensions (L/W/H): 204.3” / 79.9” / 72”
- Towing Capacity: 5,000 lbs
- Warranty: 3-year/36,000-mile bumper-to-bumper, 5-year/60,000-mile powertrain
Pros:
- Spacious and high-quality interior
- Powerful and efficient turbocharged engine
- Extensive standard equipment including Super Cruise
- User-friendly technology and infotainment system
- Generous cargo space
Cons:
- Fog lights not included (personal preference)
Learn More: Chevrolet Traverse Official Website
