Since 1911, Chevrolet has been producing dependable models across the board. You’re looking for an SUV that you can depend on, both for power and cargo space alike. You probably typed “used car dealer near me” into the search engine in hopes of finding something affordable yet dependable, right? If that’s the case, then the Chevy Traverse is the model for you. This midsize crossover model offers both power and space, making it the perfect used option. Overall, the Chevy Traverse is appealing on all fronts, and here’s why.
The Traverse Basics
While its specs have changed over the years, many of the Chevy Traverse’s perks remain the same. The Traverse has been on the market for twelve years now, so there are several models out there to choose from. The Chevy Traverse debuted in 2008, based on GM’s Lambda platform, sharing the same basic design as the Buick Enclave, GMC Acadia, and Saturn Outlook. The Traverse instantly became known for its high safety ratings, making it an ideal vehicle for families. It started off strong, and it has kept its NHTSA 5-star overall safety rating across all model years.
Further, its power is quite impressive. From the very beginning, the Chevy Traverse has come with a standard V6 engine, making it towing-capable. In fact, every single model year has been rated to tow at least 5,000 pounds when properly equipped. The Chevy Traverse offers plenty of interior volume as well, with nearly 100 cubic feet of cargo space in the current generation. If you’re in need of both power and family space, the Chevy Traverse is a great option no matter what model year you choose.
Used Chevy Traverse Models
Because the Traverse has been around since 2008, there are several used models available. However, you’re probably looking for a newer used vehicle. Since this is the case, we’ll start with some later used models and work our way up to the newer ones.
Let’s start off by taking a look at the 2013 Chevy Traverse. This model year marked the first major refresh of the first generation, and it offers up to 116 cubic feet of cargo space. The 2013 Traverse comes in nine different exterior colors, including Atlantis Blue, Crystal Red, Tungsten Metallic, and several neutral color options. You can get this model in front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive, and it can get up to 24 miles per gallon on the highway. Even the lowest available trim comes with SiriusXM satellite radio compatibility, Bluetooth streaming, and voice activation. Overall, if you’re looking for something on the more affordable side, the 2013 Chevy Traverse is a great option.
Now, let’s skip up a few years and look at the 2016 Traverse. This model offers many of the same specs, including fuel economy, horsepower, towing capacity, and cargo space. However, it comes with a different trim lineup, a different selection of color options, and some added technology. This last point is probably the most important, as 2016 was the first year the Traverse offered a 4G WiFi hotspot. Aside from these differences, the 2013 and 2016 models are mostly the same. The main perk you’ll get on this model is that it will likely have less mileage since it’s newer.
The 2018 Chevy Traverse marked the introduction of the second generation and offers a different aesthetic appeal than its predecessors. Its redesign removes that rounded look, giving the Traverse a more angular design. The front and rear side windows now came with a trim gap between them, adding to the Traverse’s definition. Plus, it offered a four-cylinder turbocharged engine in addition to the standard V6 engine. This is an impressive option that helps with fuel economy, and surprisingly, it actually produces more torque than the V6.
In addition to these changes, the 2018 Chevy Traverse also came with the never-before-seen RS Package. Essentially, this gave the Traverse a sporty blacked-out look. Plus, you can now seat eight people rather than seven. Teen Driver mode is standard on the 2018 model, making it easier to monitor your young drivers. Traction Mode Select is standard as well, and this feature allows drivers to adjust their Traverse’s performance based on specific conditions like rain, snow, and off-road terrain at the push of a button. It’s safe to say that the 2018 Chevy Traverse is one of the best used SUV options out there.
It’s always a win if a model ups its horsepower while also upping its fuel economy. The 2019 Chevy Traverse did exactly that, getting up to 310 horses and 27 miles per gallon on the highway. Plus, its tech upgrades are abundant, including active noise cancelation, wireless device charging, and several driver-assist features. These include front pedestrian braking, which will automatically stop your vehicle if a pedestrian is detected. Further, you’ll get rear cross traffic alert, an option that’s handy when exiting a parking space. It can detect vehicles that are present in the lanes behind you so that you don’t accidentally back out in front of someone.
Other security features include lane keep assist with lane departure warning, which keeps you from accidentally drifting into the wrong lane, and lane change alert with side blind zone alert, which lets you know if a vehicle is coming up in the lane beside you. You’ll also get rear park assist and a rear camera, and even surround vision with a bird’s eye viewpoint to help you see from every direction. On top of this, you’ll also get collision avoidance braking. This feature will automatically stop you if you don’t hit the brakes quickly enough, preventing rear-end accidents. Chevy really owns up to its high safety ratings with this model.
The 2019 Traverse comes in 10 different colors, including Pepperdust Metallic, Havana Brown Metallic, Cajun Red Tintcoat, Graphite Metallic, and other neutral options. It keeps the same new design that the 2018 model introduced but with better tech and safety features. When you want a new model, but you don’t want to pay full price for one, a used 2019 Chevy Traverse is the way to go.
Why Buy a Used Chevy Traverse Rather Than Its Competitors?
It doesn’t really matter which used Traverse you choose. No matter what the year is, the Traverse is known for its spacious interior and powerful engine. As you move up throughout the year models, you’ll get more tech features and different color options. Plus, the newer four-cylinder engine does provide you with more fuel efficiency. Otherwise, the Chevy Traverse stays consistent overall.
So, why buy a Traverse instead of a Ford Explorer, for example? Let’s look at the 2018 Chevy Traverse versus the newer 2019 Ford Explorer. Despite the age gap, the older Traverse actually offers more than the newer Explorer. One reason lies in their fuel efficiency. It’s difficult to get good mileage when you’re driving such a powerful vehicle. However, between the two, the Chevy Traverse gets better mileage overall when you go with the four-cylinder engine. Plus, it offers far more cargo space and more abundant driver-assist features. For a cheaper price tag, you actually get more for your money.
The same is true when you compare older models like the 2014 Chevy Traverse and the 2014 Ford Explorer. The 2014 Traverse offers much more cargo space than the Ford Explorer, and it can actually tow 200 pounds more than the 2014 Ford Explorer can. The Traverse can fit 116 cubic feet of cargo, while the Explorer can only handle 80 cubic feet. In the classic Chevy versus Ford battle, Chevy comes out on top with the Traverse. When you visit a used dealership near you like Parkway Chevy, be sure to ask about the Traverse. No matter what Traverse model year you choose, you can feel confident in your decision to drive a Chevy.
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