Is a Chevy Traverse hard to drive?
The Chevrolet Traverse is not considered hard to drive for most people. It’s a large three-row SUV that owners find easy to handle in daily use, thanks to good visibility, a comfortable ride, and predictable steering. That said, its size can take some getting used to in tight urban spaces or crowded parking lots.
Driving dynamics and practicality
Here's how the Traverse behaves on the road, and what you can expect from its everyday driving experience.
- Power and transmission: A 3.6-liter V6 engine makes about 310 horsepower and 266 lb-ft of torque, paired with a nine-speed automatic. Acceleration is adequate for a family SUV, though it isn’t sporty.
- Drivetrain choices: Front-wheel drive is standard, with all-wheel drive available for better traction in rain, snow, or on slippery surfaces.
- Ride and noise: The ride is smooth and comfortable, with a quiet cabin at highway speeds that helps long trips feel less tiring.
- Handling and maneuverability: The Traverse remains relatively stable in corners for its size, but it has a noticeable amount of body roll and isn’t designed for sporty handling.
- Visibility and ergonomics: The upright seating position and large windows provide good outward visibility, making lane changes and parking feel more straightforward than some rivals.
- Interior flexibility: Seating for up to eight (or seven with captain’s chairs) and ample cargo space make it a versatile family hauler.
- Towing capability: When properly equipped, the Traverse can tow up to about 5,000 pounds, appealing to weekend warriors who need extra capacity.
In summary, the Traverse is comfortable and easy to drive for most motorists, especially on regular commutes and highway trips. Its strength lies in ride quality, visibility, and family practicality, while its size means you should plan for a bit more attention in tight spots.
Pros and cons for drivers
To help you weigh the trade-offs, here are the main advantages and drawbacks commonly noted by reviewers and owners.
- Pros:
- Easy-to-handle feel for a large SUV due to a tall seating position and good sightlines.
- Comfortable ride, especially on long trips, with a quiet cabin.
- Strong V6 power for confident highway merging and overtaking.
- Flexible interior with multiple seating configurations and ample cargo space.
- Solid suite of driver-assistance features available, enhancing safety and peace of mind.
- Cons:
- Overall size can make parking, curbside loading, and tight urban maneuvers more challenging than smaller SUVs.
- Fuel economy is average for the class, especially with the all-wheel-drive setup.
- Third-row space is usable for children and shorter trips, but may feel tight for adults on longer journeys.
- Higher trims can get pricey, and some rivals offer more premium interior materials at similar prices.
- Infotainment responsiveness and some interface quirks can vary by model year and trim.
Overall, the Traverse offers a balanced package: it’s not hard to drive for most people, but you should factor in its footprint for parking and gate it if you’re frequently navigating tiny urban spaces or squeezing into tight spots.
Summary
For families and buyers who prioritize space, comfort, and everyday usability, the Chevy Traverse is an approachable large SUV that isn’t hard to drive. It delivers a smooth ride, good visibility, and flexible seating plus a respectable towing capacity. The main caveats are its size in tight spaces and average fuel economy, especially with all-wheel drive. If those trade-offs fit your needs, the Traverse stands as a strong, practical option in the three-row SUV segment.
