What kind of truck is a Traverse?
The Traverse is not a truck; it is a mid-size crossover SUV built by Chevrolet, designed to carry people and cargo with a focus on comfort and practicality rather than a pickup bed or heavy-duty hauling.
This article explains how the Chevrolet Traverse is classified, what kind of vehicle it is, and how it differs from a traditional pickup truck, including its design, platform, and common use cases for families and travelers.
Vehicle class and body style
Key characteristics that define the Traverse’s class and body style are:
- Vehicle class: mid-size crossover SUV
- Body style: three-row seating with a rear hatch, available with front- or all-wheel drive
- Platform: GM Lambda unibody platform shared with related models
- Seating: typically 7 or 8 passengers, depending on configuration
- Not a pickup truck: lacks a separate cargo bed and body-on-frame construction
In short, the Traverse is designed to transport families and cargo efficiently on paved roads rather than to perform truck-specific tasks.
Under the hood and drivetrain
The Traverse uses a unibody construction and is offered with front-wheel drive as standard, with all-wheel drive as an option. It is powered by a V6 engine paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission, prioritizing smooth daily driving and interior space over rugged, off-road capability.
These mechanical characteristics shape how the Traverse is used in daily life and how it compares to pickup trucks:
- Drivetrain: front-wheel drive standard; all-wheel drive optional
- Engine: typically a 3.6-liter V6
- Transmission: nine-speed automatic
- Interior: three-row seating and flexible cargo space
- Towing: up to about 5,000 pounds depending on configuration
Overall, the Traverse offers a car-like ride and family-friendly utility rather than the utility profile of a traditional pickup truck.
Model history and current positioning
Introduced for the 2009 model year, the Traverse has evolved through two generations, with ongoing updates to improve efficiency, safety features, and technology. It remains Chevrolet’s largest crossover SUV in many markets and competes with other three-row crossovers rather than with full-size pickup trucks.
Generations at a glance
A concise look at its generational timeline:
- First generation (2009–2017): introduced as a three-row crossover with seating for up to eight
- Second generation (2018–present): redesigned with updated styling, improved materials, and modern tech
For exact specs by year, consult Chevrolet’s official materials or a local dealer, since configurations can vary by market and model year.
Summary: The Chevrolet Traverse is a mid-size, three-row crossover SUV, not a truck; it prioritizes passenger comfort and cargo versatility over heavy-duty hauling.
What class of SUV is a Chevy Traverse?
With a best-in-class2 98 cu. ft. of max cargo volume, seating for up to eight6, and flexible second-row seating options with your choice of bench seats or captain's chairs, the New Traverse three-row SUV has plenty of room for everyone — and everything — that's coming along for the ride.
Can an SUV be considered a truck?
Yes, an SUV can be called a truck because it is legally classified as a "light truck" in the United States and often shares similar construction and capabilities. While modern SUVs are distinct from pickup trucks, the term stuck because many were originally built on truck platforms and are designed for power and capability, making the label understandable for many.
- Legal classification: In the US, SUVs (along with vans and pickup trucks) are often categorized as "light trucks" for regulatory purposes.
- Traditional construction: Many SUVs were originally built on a body-on-frame chassis, the same type of construction as a pickup truck, which is why they are sometimes called trucks.
- Shared capabilities: Like pickup trucks, some SUVs are designed with four-wheel drive and off-road capability, leading to the common association with "trucks".
- Passenger vs. cargo focus: While pickups are designed primarily for cargo (with an open bed), modern SUVs are built with passenger comfort and cargo space in a covered area, which is why they are a separate vehicle class today, but the historical connection remains.
Is the Chevy Traverse a truck?
The Chevrolet Traverse is a full-size crossover SUV with three-row seating built by General Motors produced since the 2009 model year. It is built on the same platform as the GMC Acadia and Buick Enclave, known as the Lambda platform for the first generation, and the C1XX for the second generation.
Is the Traverse on a truck frame?
No, the Chevrolet Traverse is not on a truck frame; it is a unibody crossover SUV, which means its body is integrated with its chassis, unlike the body-on-frame construction of traditional trucks like the Tahoe. This unibody design gives the Traverse a more car-like driving experience, better fuel economy, and sharper handling.
- Construction: The Traverse is built with a unibody, or crossover, chassis, which is more similar to a car's architecture than a truck's.
- Driving experience: This design provides a smoother, more refined ride compared to the rougher feel of a body-on-frame vehicle.
- Advantages: The unibody construction is generally better for ride comfort, fuel economy, and safety.
- Comparison to trucks: While the recent redesigns have given the Traverse a more rugged, truck-like appearance, this is a stylistic choice, not an indication of its underlying chassis. The Chevrolet Tahoe, for example, uses a traditional body-on-frame design.
