Is a Chevy Traverse good in snow?

Yes — with the right setup, especially all‑wheel drive and winter tires, the Traverse can handle snowy roads. It’s not a specialized snow vehicle, but it’s capable for a family SUV in winter conditions.

This article explores how the Traverse performs in snow, what features help it handle slick roads, and practical tips for optimizing winter driving with this three‑row SUV.

How the Traverse stacks up in winter weather

The Chevrolet Traverse is a large, front‑engine SUV designed for passenger comfort and practicality. When equipped with all‑wheel drive (AWD), it gains better traction on snow and slush compared with its front‑wheel‑drive counterparts. Key winter‑driving advantages include an available Traction Select System that can be set to Snow or Ice, stable handling from electronic stability control, and reliable braking with ABS. Ground clearance is modest for an SUV (roughly 7 inches), so truly deep snow can challenge it. The most important factor is tires: winter tires will have a much bigger impact on grip than any drivetrain alone.

Drivetrain and features that help in snow

Most Traverse trims offer AWD as either a standard or optional feature, paired with a driving/traction system that includes modes such as Snow/Ice. This setup helps distribute torque to wheels with the most grip and moderates throttle response to reduce wheel spin. The vehicle’s stability control and anti‑lock brakes further assist in maintaining control on slippery surfaces. While these systems improve winter performance, they cannot compensate for extremely icy conditions or deep, unplowed snow.

What to expect in daily winter driving

In ordinary snowy city streets and light highway conditions, a properly equipped Traverse with AWD and winter tires can feel confident and predictable. In heavy snowfall or on packed ice, cautious speeds, gentle inputs, and ample stopping distance are still essential. The Traverse’s size and weight provide a stable feel in many scenarios, but the risk of sliding or getting stuck increases if tires are worn or winter tires aren’t used.

Practical considerations for winter-season buyers

If you’re considering a Traverse for cold climates, keep these points in mind to maximize safety and reliability in snow and ice.

• AWD availability and its impact on traction and fuel economy


• Seasonal tires: winter tires outperform all‑season tires on snow and ice


• Appropriate tire size and pressure maintenance for optimal grip


• Driving modes (such as Snow/Ice) and how to use them in varying conditions


• Ground clearance and approach/departure angles for shallow snow banks

Choosing the right combination of AWD, winter tires, and sensible winter driving habits will yield the best results. The Traverse remains a spacious, family‑friendly SUV, but its winter performance hinges on tires and cautious driving rather than brute power or off‑road hardware.

Tips to maximize winter performance with a Traverse

Before you head into snowy weather, consider these practical tips to improve safety and handling.

• Install dedicated winter tires on all three axles for balanced traction


• Check tire pressure regularly, as cold weather lowers tire pressure


• Drive slowly and smoothly; avoid rapid acceleration, braking, or sharp steering


• Increase following distance to account for longer stopping distances on slick surfaces


• Use the Snow/Ice driving mode if your model offers it, and adapt throttle response accordingly


• Clear all windows, mirrors, and the roof of snow before driving


• Keep an emergency kit in the vehicle (blanket, flashlight, first aid, water, snack)

With the right tires and careful driving, the Traverse can be a reliable winter family vehicle for many regions. It balances interior space, comfort, and practicality with the added capability of AWD when needed.

Summary

Bottom line: A Chevy Traverse is not a dedicated winter vehicle, but it performs adequately in snow when equipped for winter conditions. AWD plus proper winter tires, along with careful driving and awareness of road conditions, makes it a capable option for families in snowy climates. Always consider local weather patterns and mount quality tires to maximize safety and performance.

What year to avoid Chevy Traverse?

Years to potentially avoid the Chevy Traverse include the 2009–2012, 2015, and 2018 models due to documented issues with the transmission, engine, and other mechanical and electrical systems. Older models (2009-2016) had more widespread problems with the first generation, particularly transmission failures and steering difficulties. Newer models like the 2019 also had some issues, while 2022 and 2023 models have shown owner-reported problems, though newer models (2025) are expected to have improved reliability. 
Specific years to be cautious of:

• 2009–2012: These years are frequently cited for problems, especially transmission issues, power steering failures, and excessive oil consumption. 
• 2015: This year is known to have a higher frequency of issues compared to other models. 
• 2018: This model year saw several complaints regarding transmission, engine, and electrical system malfunctions. 
• 2019: While not as problematic as earlier years, this model can exhibit transmission shuddering issues. 
• 2022 and 2023: Both of these recent years have reported issues, including engine and electrical problems, though they are often within the warranty period. 

General issues to be aware of across many model years:

• Transmission: Problems like rough shifting, slipping, and outright failure were common, particularly in the first generation (2009-2016). 
• Engine: Early models sometimes had problems with timing chains, which can cause ticking noises and other issues. 
• A/C: The 2012-2015 models were particularly prone to air conditioning problems. 
• Steering: Some owners of the 2009-2011 models reported significant power steering issues. 

What does snow mode do on a Chevy Traverse?

Snow mode on a Chevy Traverse optimizes the vehicle for slippery, snowy, or icy conditions by modifying its performance to improve traction and prevent wheel spin. It accomplishes this by adjusting the accelerator pedal for a less sensitive response, and for AWD models, it can engage the all-wheel-drive system more aggressively or by default. The system also tunes the steering for improved stability and may disable features like adaptive cruise control to enhance control.
 
This video explains what snow mode does on a Chevy Traverse: 51sPhillipsChevyYouTube · Aug 1, 2023
How Snow Mode Works

• Throttle and acceleration: The accelerator is retuned to be less sensitive, which reduces initial torque and prevents the wheels from spinning when you start from a stop. 
• All-wheel drive (AWD): For AWD models, Snow Mode can automatically engage the AWD system more readily to send power to the wheels with the most grip. 
• Steering: It can adjust steering to be tighter or more stable, which helps prevent oversteering. 
• System integration: Snow Mode works in conjunction with other systems like ABS and traction control to manage wheel speed and maintain control on slick surfaces. 

When to use Snow Mode

• Snowy or icy roads: This is the primary condition for using Snow Mode. It is designed for roads that have snow, ice, or a combination of both. 
• Slick conditions: You can also use it in other wet conditions where traction is reduced, such as during freezing rain or on wet roads with poor grip. 
• Hilly terrain: Snow Mode can provide added benefit when driving on snowy or icy slopes, whether going uphill or downhill. 

What are the disadvantages of a Chevy Traverse?

Some of its problems involve the transmission, air conditioning, engine, and steering. The Chevy's Traverse's common issues range from brake noise to engine failure. Transmission failures have been reported in earlier model years, including 2009 and 2018.

Which Chevy is the best in snow?

Chevy Silverado HD
Tackle the toughest winter conditions with a Silverado HD. Built to handle snow, sleet, ice and more, this Chevy truck offers an impressive 36,000-pound towing capacity and a durable heavy-duty build.