Yahoo Autos 2024 Chevrolet Traverse gets rugged looks, new turbo engine, 'off-road' and sporty trims
The 2024 Chevrolet Traverse is here, and it’s rocking totally new duds, a new engine and tons of fancy tech.
We’ll start with design since it’s such a big departure from the minivan-looking current-day Traverse. GM designers say the goal was to give the Traverse a more truck-like and rugged presence than before, which is probably a wise idea for today’s market of increasingly more capable family SUVs. The front end is decidedly more Tahoe-like, and the ruggedness is augmented with classy LED lights both in front and rear. Like many other Chevys these days, appearance varies a good bit depending on which trim you spring for.
The fancy, new trim for 2024 is the Z71 model that is designed to handle some light off-roading (read: short, rutted trail to the campsite). GM gives it a number of model-specific features that makes it more capable off the pavement, including a trim-specific twin-clutch all-wheel drive system, one inch of additional ground clearance over the standard model, specially-tuned dampers with hydraulic rebound control, all-terrain tires wrapping 18-inch wheels, unique front fascia for a better approach angle, red tow hooks, hill descent control and a special “Terrain” mode in the drive mode selector. Of course, the Traverse is still a giant three-row crossover, so don’t expect it to be much more than mildly capable off-road.
Another big change for 2024 is the Traverse’s powertrain. Say goodbye to the 3.6-liter V6 and hello to an all-new 2.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder that produces 315 horsepower and 317 pound-feet of torque — that’s an improvement on both accounts. It also trades the previous model’s 9-speed auto for an 8-speed automatic transmission. Front-wheel drive remains standard, and all-wheel drive is available. Max towing is still a respectable 5,000 pounds.
The best-to-drive (on-road) Traverse will be the RS model. It gets a unique suspension tune that GM says provides sportier ride and handling characteristics in addition to a set of 22-inch wheels. You’ll also get all the RS appearance elements you’re used to from other Chevy RS models, which gives it a sportier look than the other trims.
