Is the Chevy Traverse a v6 or v8?
The Chevy Traverse uses a V6 engine, and there is no V8 option offered in its lineup.
Overview: Since its 2009 introduction, the Traverse has relied on a V6 powerplant. In today’s models, the engine is a 3.6-liter V6, paired with a modern automatic transmission, with all-wheel-drive availability but never a V8 option.
Current engine configuration
Key facts about the Traverse’s present powertrain and drivetrain
- Engine: 3.6-liter V6 (Ecotec3 family) powering most recent models
- Horsepower/torque: typically around 300+ horsepower, varying by model year and trim
- Transmission: 9-speed automatic
- Drivetrain: front-wheel drive standard; all-wheel drive available
- There is no V8 engine option for the Traverse
In summary, today’s Traverse uses a V6 through its entire current generation, with no V8 variants offered to buyers.
Historical context
How engine options have evolved across the model’s two generations
- First generation (2009–2017): standardized 3.6-liter V6 across trims; no V8 option
- Second generation (2018–present): continued with a 3.6-liter V6, with updates for efficiency and performance; V8 has never been offered
Bottom line: Throughout its history, the Chevy Traverse has remained powered by a V6 engine, with no official V8 variant ever produced for this model.
Why the V6 remains the baseline
Context on design choices and market expectations
- Medium-size SUV segment priorities: balance of power, efficiency, and towing capability
- V6 availability aligns with competitive fuel economy targets in the segment
- No official indication from GM of a V8 variant for the Traverse, focusing on family-suited performance and efficiency
Overall, the Traverse’s powertrain strategy centers on a robust V6 rather than a V8, reflecting market demands for efficiency without sacrificing interior space or capability.
Summary
Answer in brief: The Chevy Traverse is powered by a V6 engine, specifically a 3.6-liter V6 in recent years, with no V8 option available. Across its two generations, GM has kept the Traverse on V6 power, prioritizing balance between performance and fuel efficiency for a family-focused SUV.
Does Chevy make a V8 SUV?
Standard on all models except High Country, the 5.3L EcoTec3 V8 engine with Dynamic Fuel Management delivers 355 horsepower and 383 lb.-ft. of torque to give you the power to do what you love.
Are Chevy Traverse 6 cylinders?
No, the Chevy Traverse is not a 6-cylinder anymore; it now features a turbocharged 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine for the 2024 and 2025 model years. Older models, like the 2023 and earlier, came equipped with a 3.6-liter V6 engine.
You can watch this video to learn more about the new engine in the 2025 Chevy Traverse: 58sAuto Buyers Guide | Alex on AutosYouTube · Dec 30, 2024
- Current models (2024 and newer): These models have a 2.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine, which produces 328 horsepower.
- Previous models (2023 and earlier): These models are equipped with a 3.6-liter V6 engine, which produces 310 horsepower.
Can you get a V6 in the Traverse?
No, a V6 is not available in the newest models of the Chevrolet Traverse; the most recent models (2025 and 2026) use a turbocharged four-cylinder engine instead, while older models (up to 2024) featured a 3.6L V6. The V6 was standard on the previous generation, but the newer, more efficient turbocharged engine offers more horsepower and torque.
Current and recent models
- Engine: Since the 2025 model year, the Traverse comes standard with a turbocharged 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine.
- Performance: This new engine produces 328 horsepower and 326 lb-ft of torque, which is more than the previous V6, says Community Chevrolet of Spencer.
- Efficiency: The turbocharged engine is also more fuel-efficient, with EPA estimates of 23 mpg city/26 mpg highway for FWD models, notes Community Chevrolet of Spencer.
Older models
- Engine: Up to and including the 2024 model year, the Chevrolet Traverse came standard with a 3.6-liter V6 engine that produced 310 horsepower.
- Towing: This engine had a maximum towing capacity of 5,000 pounds.
Is a Chevy Traverse a V8 or V6?
The 2022 Traverse retained the 3.6-liter V6 gasoline engine with the 9-speed automatic transmission.
