What is the Chevy Traverse classified as?
This article explains how the Chevy Traverse is categorized within the automotive market and what it is typically described as in reviews and official materials.
The Chevy Traverse is classified as a mid-size crossover SUV with three rows of seating.
Classification and body type
Key characteristics that define its classification include its size category, body style, and platform.
- Size category: mid-size SUV
- Body style: unibody crossover SUV (not a body-on-frame design)
- Seating: available in configurations for seven or eight passengers (three-row seating)
- Platform: GM Lambda platform
- Drivetrain: front-wheel drive standard, all-wheel drive available
- Market positioning: family-friendly vehicle focused on interior space and cargo versatility
These attributes collectively explain why the Traverse is positioned as a mid-size crossover rather than a compact SUV or a full-size body-on-frame SUV.
Platform and design specifics
The Traverse shares its Lambda-platform underpinnings with other GM three-row crossovers such as the Buick Enclave and GMC Acadia, using a unibody construction that prioritizes ride comfort and interior versatility over off-road capability. Engine options and trims vary by model year, but a V6 engine has been a common powerplant, with available all-wheel drive to improve traction in inclement conditions.
Summary
In short, the Chevy Traverse is a mid-size, three-row crossover SUV built on GM's unibody Lambda platform. It is designed for families and cargo flexibility, rather than serving as a full-size, body-on-frame SUV or a compact crossover.
