What year is the best year for a Chevy Traverse?
The 2018–2020 Chevrolet Traverse is generally regarded as the best overall in the current generation, offering a balanced mix of reliability, comfort, and modern features. Ultimately, the best year depends on budget, mileage, and the vehicle’s service history.
The Chevrolet Traverse has two generations. The first (2009–2017) established it as a spacious family SUV, but it lagged behind in interior quality and technology compared with newer rivals. The second generation began with the 2018 model year, bringing a redesigned cabin, improved ride, and newer tech. To identify the best year for you, consider reliability ratings, recalls, maintenance history, and how much you value features like advanced safety tech and infotainment upgrades. The sections below summarize what matters most when evaluating model years and where the sweet spot tends to lie.
Generational snapshot
Overview of the two generations and why they matter for choosing a model year.
Here is a quick, high-level look at how the two generations compare in terms of space, tech, and reliability to help frame your expectations when shopping for a particular year.
- First generation (2009–2017): Notable for generous interior space and strong V6 efficiency for a large SUV, with solid towing capability. Downsides include older interior design and technology, plus higher potential maintenance costs as the vehicle ages, which can affect long-term reliability and ownership costs.
- Second generation (2018–present): Introduced a redesigned, more refined cabin, improved ride quality, and newer technology. Generally more reliable and better-equipped, with a shift to a nine-speed automatic in many trims. Early 2018 models had some recalls and software updates, but overall reliability trends have improved in subsequent years.
In short, the second generation is favored for reliability and modern features, but price and mileage will influence which year delivers the best value for you.
Best years within the second generation
Among the 2018–present models, certain years are regarded as especially strong for reliability and ownership experience.
- 2018: The debut year of the redesigned generation, setting the baseline for the updated interior, drivetrain, and tech. Early models may have had some initial recalls, but they form the solid core of the generation’s reputation.
- 2019: Very close to 2018 in reliability, with refinements and more standard equipment that improve everyday ownership without a major price jump.
- 2020: Adds more standard safety features and yields a strong reliability profile; many buyers find good value with this year due to feature parity with newer trims at lower prices on the used market.
- 2021–present: Modern technology and ongoing refinements keep these years competitive for buyers seeking up-to-date infotainment and driver-assistance options, though late-model pricing can be higher.
Overall, the 2018–2020 window is frequently cited as the sweet spot for the Traverse, offering a favorable balance of features, reliability, and value, with later years presenting strong options if priced appropriately.
Shopping considerations
When shopping for a used Traverse, focus on more than just the year. A well-documented maintenance history and a clean recall record are essential to ensure long-term reliability.
Use this checklist to verify reliability and avoid costly surprises.
- Complete maintenance records, including regular oil changes, fluid services, and tire rotations.
- Recalls addressed and a clean recall history for the specific year and VIN.
- Transmission and engine condition (smooth shifting, no hard or slipping gear changes, no abnormal noises).
- Brakes, suspension, and steering wear, plus alignment history and tire health.
- Electrical system health, including infotainment, cameras, sensors, and lighting.
- Vehicle history checks for previous accidents, title status, and odometer consistency.
- Ownership costs such as fuel economy, insurance, and routine maintenance pricing.
With these checks, you can determine not only the best year for your budget but also the best individual vehicle based on condition and service history.
Summary
The best year for a Chevy Traverse depends on generation and the specific vehicle’s history. For most buyers, the 2018–2020 second-generation models offer the strongest balance of reliability, technology, and value. However, a well-maintained, lower-mileage first-generation model can still be a solid buy if acquired at a favorable price and with thorough inspections.
