What year did Traverse change body style?
The Chevrolet Traverse changed its body style twice: first with a mid-cycle refresh in the 2013 model year, and later with an all-new second generation for the 2018 model year.
Timeline of body style changes
First-generation refresh: 2013 model year
In 2013, Chevrolet gave the Traverse a mid-cycle refresh that updated its outward appearance and interior features without altering its core platform. The changes were designed to keep the SUV competitive in a growing crossover segment.
The following updates capture the most visible and notable shifts in the 2013 refresh.
- Exterior styling: revised front fascia with a new grille, redesigned headlights and taillights, and updated bumpers for a refreshed look.
- Interior and materials: improved center console layout, upgraded trim materials, and an updated instrument cluster for a more modern feel.
- Technology and features: updated infotainment options and available driver-assistance features that were more widely distributed across trims.
- Overall impact: a more contemporary design and feature set without changing the fundamental size or configuration.
The facelift kept the Traverse practical while giving it a more current appearance that aligned with GM's other crossovers at the time.
Second-generation redesign: 2018 model year
For 2018, Chevrolet introduced an all-new Traverse on an updated platform, delivering a larger, more refined family SUV with notable changes to size, styling, and interior space. This represented a true generation shift rather than a simple refresh.
The following highlights summarize the major shifts in the second-generation Traverse.
- Exterior redesign: a completely new body with a more sculpted profile, redesigned front grille and lighting, and a longer wheelbase for a roomier cabin.
- Interior upgrade: more spacious and upscale cabin with improved materials and a larger, central touchscreen for infotainment.
- Technology and safety: expanded standard features and new driver-assistance options that enhanced overall safety and convenience.
- Platform and ride: built on GM's newer Lambda platform, resulting in improved ride quality and handling compared with the prior generation.
This generation shift expanded passenger space, refined the driving experience, and modernized the Traverse's appeal in the competitive mid-size SUV market.
How to identify which Traverse you have
If you’re trying to determine whether a Traverse is from the 2013 refresh or the 2018 redesign, look at the exterior styling cues, the interior layout, and the model year badging. Models from 2013-2017 carry the first generation with the facelift styling, while 2018 and later belong to the second generation with the new design language and larger interior. Checking the VIN or window sticker provides definitive confirmation.
Summary
The Chevrolet Traverse changed body style first in 2013 with a mid-cycle refresh of the first generation, then again in 2018 with a full second-generation redesign. Each shift brought notable updates to styling, interior comfort, and technology, reflecting GM’s evolving approach to mid-size crossovers.
