Chevrolet Traverse Reviews: Is the 2025 Model a Good Family SUV?

The automotive landscape is ever-evolving, and sometimes, nostalgia creeps in unexpectedly. I find myself missing the old Chevy Traverse, a vehicle that, despite its understated appearance, delivered as a genuinely honest and practical family car. It wasn’t flashy, but it was comfortable, seemingly well-built, and undeniably functional – a car that felt reassuringly grown-up. However, the new 2025 Chevrolet Traverse appears to be a stark departure from that sensible approach.

In many respects, the 2025 Traverse seems tailored to current consumer desires. It’s larger, more spacious, packed with modern cabin technology, and boasts a tougher, more assertive aesthetic. Particularly in the sporty RS trim, it’s undeniably more visually appealing than its predecessor. Yet, in other critical aspects, it embodies some of the less desirable trends in today’s auto industry. It’s a heavier vehicle, less fuel-efficient, less refined in its driving dynamics, and, despite the rugged appearance of the Z71 package, arguably less genuinely capable than its styling suggests.

2025 Chevy Traverse Z71 front exterior view on a rocky terrain

For buyers primarily seeking a roomy and stylish family vehicle, the Traverse will likely suffice. However, a deeper dive reveals that there might be superior alternatives in the same price range that offer a more compelling overall package. It appears to prioritize visual appeal over fundamental substance.

Chevrolet Traverse: The Basics

Despite being a relatively recent redesign, the new generation Traverse is already a common sight on roads. This isn’t surprising, considering its bold styling, generous size, and relatively accessible starting price. For the 2025 model year, Chevrolet has maintained the formula, offering the same boxy silhouette, interior layout, technology suite, and the same somewhat underwhelming powertrain.

2025 Chevy Traverse Z71 front quarter view

2025 Chevy Traverse Z71 side profile view

2025 Chevy Traverse Z71 front view

The new Traverse undeniably possesses visual appeal. Its robust and assertive design gives it a presence that the previous generation lacked. While the older model blended into suburban traffic, this iteration aims to stand out. It projects a bolder image, perhaps hinting at aspirations for a more premium SUV like the Tahoe, but nonetheless, it makes a statement.

The Z71 trim level amplifies this visual assertiveness with its distinctive wheels, all-terrain tires, and eye-catching red front tow hooks. While their off-road functionality might be questionable for the average suburban driver, they certainly contribute to the rugged aesthetic. The Rubystar Metallic paint option on the test vehicle was particularly striking.

2025 Chevy Traverse Z71 front grill and headlight detail

2025 Chevy Traverse Z71 rear badge and taillight detail

2025 Chevy Traverse Z71 rear quarter view

Chevrolet’s interior design language seems to be adopting a somewhat German approach – not in terms of build quality, but in the uniformity of styling across models. If you’re familiar with recent Chevrolet interiors, the Traverse’s cabin will feel instantly recognizable. It shares the same steering wheel, dual-screen setup for the instrument cluster and infotainment, and similar climate controls. The Z71 trim adds red accents for a touch of differentiation. Functionally, the interior layout is generally well-executed and ergonomically sound. GM’s infotainment system remains user-friendly and visually sharp, the climate controls are intuitive, and the steering wheel buttons are mostly logical, although the placement of volume and media controls on the back of the steering wheel is a questionable design choice, and in the test vehicle, the left-side control malfunctioned.

Beneath the expansive hood lies what appears to be a surprisingly small engine for a vehicle of this size. A 2.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine is becoming increasingly common in crossovers like the Traverse, but its visual presence in the vast engine bay is somewhat underwhelming. While its on-paper figures of 328 horsepower and 326 lb-ft of torque seem respectable, its real-world performance feels less impressive. The engine provides adequate power to move the Traverse, but it lacks a sense of urgency and refinement. Its engine note is rather coarse, resembling a low-speed blender.

2025 Chevy Traverse Z71 engine bay view

Objectively, the Chevrolet Traverse possesses several commendable attributes, particularly in the Z71 configuration. Foremost among these is its exceptional spaciousness. The interior is genuinely cavernous. Second-row passengers enjoy limousine-like legroom, and even third-row occupants experience legroom comparable to a typical midsize sedan. Accommodating four adults and two children proved comfortable for all occupants. The availability of second-row captain’s chairs, facilitating easy access to the third row, is a significant advantage for families.

Driving Dynamics of the Chevrolet Traverse

Comfort is another strong suit of the Traverse. The ride quality is plush and compliant, likely enhanced by the Z71’s large tires with their forgiving sidewalls. Combined with a quiet cabin, this contributes to a relaxed driving experience, ideal for family transportation. Despite the “RS” badge on some Traverse models, it’s crucial to dispel any notions of sporty driving dynamics akin to the Camaro RS. In this context, “RS” appears to be more of a trim designation for visual enhancements rather than performance upgrades.

2025 Chevy Traverse Z71 steering wheel and dashboard view

However, the driving experience takes a downturn when considering driver engagement. The steering feel is a significant weakness. It’s characterized by vagueness, lightness, and a slow response, making it challenging to feel connected to the vehicle, especially given its substantial size. The sheer size of the Traverse is also a factor. The high hood line makes it difficult to judge the front extremities of the vehicle, potentially posing visibility challenges, especially for shorter drivers or in tight maneuvering situations. Steering accuracy is lacking, which is particularly noticeable in a vehicle of this scale.

The braking performance is another area of concern. The brake pedal exhibits excessive initial softness, and effective braking only engages further down in the pedal travel. This characteristic can induce a feeling of uncertainty during braking, especially until drivers adapt to applying firmer pedal pressure. The contrast in braking feel when transitioning from the Traverse to other vehicles can be quite pronounced and even unsettling initially.

2025 Chevy Traverse Z71 front brake rotor detail

2025 Chevy Traverse Z71 wheel and tire detail

2025 Chevy Traverse Z71 rear brake caliper detail

2025 Chevy Traverse Z71 rear suspension detail

Chevrolet Traverse: Highs and Lows

The Chevrolet Traverse excels in areas that are often prioritized by crossover SUV buyers. Its spacious cabin, user-friendly infotainment system, and assertive styling are definite selling points. Beyond these, it offers practical features like the seat vibration warning for rear cross-traffic alert, a helpful safety aid. Outward visibility is generally good, providing occupants with an elevated and comfortable view of the surroundings.

2025 Chevy Traverse Z71 rear seat legroom

2025 Chevy Traverse Z71 infotainment screen

2025 Chevy Traverse Z71 dashboard and air vent detail

2025 Chevy Traverse Z71 seat controls

However, beyond the driving dynamics, some less desirable aspects exist. The gauge cluster design is cluttered and information-dense, potentially hindering quick readability. The relocation of wiper controls to the left stalk, eliminating a dedicated right-side wiper stalk, is an unconventional and arguably less intuitive design choice. Furthermore, GM vehicles are known for their distinctive turn signal sound and rhythm, which includes an initial pause before the clicking sound begins, and an unusual cadence. This subtle characteristic can lead to momentary uncertainty about signal activation during lane changes.

Chevrolet Traverse Features, Options, and Competition

The Chevrolet Traverse starts at a reasonable $38,995, which includes eight seats, 18-inch wheels, and a large 17-inch infotainment screen. All-wheel drive adds approximately $2,000 to the base price.

Upgrading to the Z71 trim, as tested, brings features like a more sophisticated twin-clutch rear differential, all-terrain tires on different 18-inch wheels, red tow hooks, and Z71 badging, increasing the starting price to $47,795.

2025 Chevy Traverse Z71 front badge detail

Despite the Z71’s rugged appearance, the Traverse remains a unibody crossover competing in a crowded segment. Key competitors include the Honda Pilot, Toyota Grand Highlander, Hyundai Palisade, and Kia Telluride. While the Traverse may offer a slightly lower price point compared to some competitors like the Grand Highlander, the price difference becomes less significant as trim levels and options are added.

Fuel Economy Considerations

A common drawback of large SUVs with downsized turbocharged four-cylinder engines is their often-disappointing fuel economy. The all-wheel-drive Traverse is EPA-rated at 19 mpg city, 24 mpg highway, and 21 mpg combined. Real-world testing yielded figures slightly lower, around 19-20 mpg, likely influenced by the all-terrain tires. This fuel economy is only marginally better than some V8-powered SUVs like the Chevrolet Tahoe and comparable to the V6-equipped Honda Pilot, raising questions about the real-world benefits of the smaller engine in terms of fuel efficiency.

Chevrolet Traverse EPA fuel economy label

This observation isn’t limited to the Traverse; many competitors exhibit similar fuel consumption. While the gas-powered Grand Highlander achieves slightly better mileage, the Grand Highlander offers a more fuel-efficient hybrid powertrain option, which is currently absent in the Traverse lineup.

Chevrolet Traverse: Value and Verdict

In its base configuration, the 2025 Chevrolet Traverse presents a reasonable value proposition. For under $40,000, buyers get a spacious eight-seater with ample interior room and essential technology. Even with all-wheel drive, the price remains competitive. For families prioritizing space and comfortable ride quality over driving dynamics, the Traverse is a viable option. However, as you ascend trim levels and add packages, the value proposition becomes less compelling.

2025 Chevy Traverse Z71 rear view

For drivers who appreciate driving engagement, even minimally, there are likely better alternatives to the Traverse. However, considering the increasing number of new Traverses observed on roads, it appears that a significant portion of buyers prioritize other attributes. Objectively, the Traverse exhibits flaws, including subpar brakes, vague steering, and an engine that is neither particularly powerful nor fuel-efficient. However, it effectively delivers on key aspects that resonate with many consumers: a bold appearance, a spacious cabin, and three rows of seating.

In that context, Chevrolet’s focus on these consumer priorities is understandable. However, given the automotive enthusiast focus of this website, a desire for more well-rounded performance and driving enjoyment remains.