What to Know as You Shop for a Used Traverse

For more than 15 years, the Chevy Traverse has been one of the most stylish and spacious SUVs out there, providing drivers with a terrific way to get around and make the most of every trip. As your used Chevy dealer, we are proud to offer a diverse selection of pre-owned Chevy models for you to choose from, including the Traverse. With a used Traverse, you get a vehicle that you will enjoy driving each day, including a spacious interior that is perfect for a growing family—plus, you go easier on your wallet than shopping for a new model. There are a lot of different options you can find out there, which might make it tricky to find the right one. Let’s take a look at some key things you should keep in mind as you shop for a used Traverse, so you can get what you need without missing anything.

Three Traverse Generations to Note

As you start looking at various used Chevy Traverse models, perhaps the most important thing to have in mind is the different generations and model years that you’ll find. Everything else that you need to consider as you shop can tie directly into these two things, which is why it’s the perfect place to start. First introduced for the 2009 model year, the Traverse has been around for quite a while and is now in its third generation. The first generation ran from its launch through 2017, which is the longest one so far; an update for the 2013 Traverse included revised features, but we’d suggest sticking to later models.

The best place to start if you’re looking to save a lot with an older Traverse is the second generation, which kicked off with the 2018 model. This gives you a number of more-modern features and helps to keep wear and tear down since you’re looking at something that hasn’t been on the road as long. You’ll find a variety of features and trim levels on these models, which are important to keep in mind—we’ll get into those details more in a moment. When it comes to second-gen Traverse options, an update for the 2022 model year revised its looks, enhanced its interior, and made numerous safety features standard, making that a great one to choose.

If you want the latest features in a used Traverse, however, then you’ll want to focus on the current generation. The third-gen Traverse launched with the 2024 model year, so you won’t find as many of these out there as some of the previous generations with many more years. Still, these Traverse models include great features inside and out, have impressive performance, and are incredibly fun to drive. A third-gen Traverse fresh off a lease is one of the best ways to get everything this impressive SUV has to offer, while still going easier on your budget.

Different Engine Options on Used Models

Now that we have a good framework for which model years and generations you should have in mind, it’s important to note that you’ll find a wide range of features across these years. This is why we start with the model year, because other aspects of any particular used Traverse largely depend on that first factor. Looking back at the first generation, for example, there was a standard 281-hp engine with a six-speed automatic transmission. That’s fine performance, but it falls behind what you can find on newer models.

When the second generation launched for the 2018 model year, it arrived with a 3.6L V6 engine that provided 310 hp and 266 lb-ft of torque. This comes with a nine-speed automatic transmission, and you can find both front-wheel drive (FWD) and all-wheel drive (AWD) with it. A 2.0L turbocharged engine was also available on these models, primarily on the RS trim, but only for the first couple of years of this generation. It was discontinued with the 2020 model year, so keep that in mind as you’re looking at different options.

The third-generation Traverse comes with a new 2.5L turbocharged I-4 engine that delivers an impressive 328 hp and 326 lb-ft of torque, with an eight-speed automatic. You can see how power and performance have grown with each generation—modern models have significantly more power than a first-gen Traverse. With a large and spacious three-row SUV like this, you want that bold performance to ensure you have a great time driving each day. You can still find both FWD and AWD on a third-gen Traverse, which lets you get the kind of handling and overall driving experience you prefer.

Trim Levels to Look for and Remember

You’ll find a tremendous variety of different features on used Traverse models; while the year and generation have a big impact on that, the trim level you’re looking at is almost more important. We should note, of course, that different trims have been offered across the years, so these two things go hand-in-hand, but the impact of the trim level you find cannot be overstated. Looking at second-generation Traverse models, for example, we find a huge number of trim levels available, which means you’ll find a lot of different features on them. Initially, the second-gen Traverse was released with a standard L model, followed by an LS, LT (you’ll see both LT Cloth and LT Leather indicating the upholstery inside), Premier, and High Country.

At the start of the second generation, the RS and Redline models were offered as packages for other trims rather than as separate levels. By the 2020 model, however, the RS had become its own trim level; the mid-generation update for 2022 dropped the L trim and made the LS the new starting point. Looking at 2022 models, to illustrate the importance of trim level, the standard LS model comes with a manual rear liftgate, tri-zone automatic air conditioning, and a seven-inch infotainment system. If you go with a 2022 Traverse High Country, however, then you’ll find a power-programmable hands-free rear liftgate, an eight-inch infotainment system, and a 10-speaker Bose premium sound system.

Jumping forward to a third-generation 2024 Traverse, only four trim levels are offered once again: a standard LS model, the LT, an RS, and a new off-road-focused Z71 trim level. The addition of the Z71 brings enhanced capabilities and rugged dependability with an advanced twin clutch AWD system, a fully independent suspension, and more. Just going forward one year to the 2025 Traverse, however, already switches things up as the LS has been dropped—the LT is the new starting point, and a High Country trim has rejoined the lineup. The kinds of features you find on third-gen models are quite impressive, however, with a massive 17.7-inch infotainment display standard in every model, plus much more to enjoy.

Find the Perfect Used Chevy Traverse Today

By looking at details like engines and trim levels, it’s easy to see why we suggest starting by focusing on the generation and model year that you’re looking at and then going from there. This is also why a bit of research goes a long way as you’re shopping for the right used Traverse, since this will give you a sense of what’s out there and which models you should look for. For example, if you know that you want impressive performance and refined interior features, then you should look for models from 2022 or 2023 to get the refreshed second-generation Traverse, or one from 2024 and later to go further in a third-generation model. Of course, your budget will guide many of your decisions as you look for a used Traverse. Once you have a sense of what you’re looking for, then we can handle everything else and help you find the right used Traverse.

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