DecodedCars2021 Chevrolet Traverse
Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2021 models.
- Class
- Standard Sport Utility Vehicle 2WD
- Body styles
- 4dr SUV AWD, 4dr SUV FWD
- Engines
- 3.6L 6-cyl
- Transmission
- 9-speed automatic
- Drivetrain
- Front-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel Drive
- Seats
- 7–8
- Fuel
- Regular Gasoline
- MPG (best)
- 21 combined · 18 city / 27 hwy
- Length
- 204.3 in
- Curb weight
- 4,361–4,700 lb
- NHTSA rating
- ★★★★★
- Recalls
- 3 campaigns
Pros & cons
What's good
- AWD / 4WD available
- Seats up to 83 rows of seating.
- 5-star NHTSA safety ratingTop overall score in federal crash tests.
- Few owner complaints92 complaints filed with NHTSA versus about 373 for similar models.
Watch out for
No weak spots against similar models in the data.
Calculated from EPA, NHTSA and vPIC data against 16 similar 2021 models — not a review. How we calculate this →
Overview
The 2021 Chevrolet Traverse is a standard SUV offered with a 3.6L 6-cyl engine and front-wheel drive and all-wheel drive.
It measures about 204 inches long and 79 inches wide on a 121-inch wheelbase, with a curb weight of roughly 4,700 lb (4dr SUV AWD).
EPA rates its most efficient version at 21 MPG combined (18 city / 27 highway), 7% better than the 2021 standard SUV average of 19.6 MPG, for an estimated $3,200 a year in fuel.
In NHTSA crash testing it earned the top 5-star overall rating.
It has 3 recall campaigns on file and owners have filed 92 complaints with NHTSA since 2015, most often about the electrical system.
What changed for 2021
No changes to engines, powertrains, drivetrains, size, EPA ratings or NHTSA crash rating compared with the 2020 Traverse — a carry-over year in the data.
Compared with 2020; trim, feature and price changes aren't covered. See the 2020 Traverse →
Trims, performance & features
Trims
Safety & driver-assist features
Built in: Lansing - Delta Township, Michigan
NHTSA vPIC, as reported by the manufacturer for 5 2021 Traverse configurations; may not list every trim. How we calculate this →
Dimensions & weight
| Body | Length | Width | Height | Wheelbase | Track F / R | Curb weight | Weight F/R |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4dr SUV AWD | 204.3 in | 78.7 in | 70.9 in | 120.9 in | 67.3 / 66.9 in | 4,700 lb | 58/42 |
| 4dr SUV FWD | 204.3 in | 78.7 in | 70.9 in | 120.9 in | 67.3 / 66.9 in | 4,361 lb | 58/42 |
Transport Canada CVS (Open Government Licence – Canada), Canadian-market figures.
Will it fit your garage? Check with your measurements →Engines, MPG & running costs
| Version | Engine | Transmission | Drive | City / Hwy / Comb | vs. class | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Traverse FWD | 3.6L 6-cyl | Automatic 9-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 18 / 27 / 21 | +7% | $3,200 | 420 |
| Traverse AWD | 3.6L 6-cyl | Automatic 9-spd | All-Wheel Drive | 17 / 25 / 20 | +6% | $3,350 | 439 |
EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2021 EPA class average. How we calculate this →
Safety ratings & technology
| Version | Overall | Frontal | Driver / passenger | Side | Side pole | Rollover | Rollover risk |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 Chevrolet Traverse SUV AWD | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | 5★ / 4★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | 15% |
| 2021 Chevrolet Traverse SUV FWD | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | 5★ / 4★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | 16.9% |
Similar 2021 standard SUVs
| Model | Best MPG / range | NHTSA overall | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 Chevrolet Traverse (this car) | 21 MPG | ★★★★★ | 3 |
| 2021 Toyota Land Cruiser | 14 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
| 2021 Ford Explorer | 27 MPG | ★★★★★ | 27 |
| 2021 Toyota Highlander | 36 MPG | ★★★★★ | 5 |
| 2021 Kia Telluride | 23 MPG | ★★★★★ | 5 |
| 2021 GMC Yukon | 23 MPG | ★★★★★ | 14 |
| 2021 Chevrolet Tahoe | 24 MPG | ★★★★★ | 16 |
Recalls (3)
Air Bags › Side/Window › Curtain · Mar 31, 2022
NHTSA campaign 22V210000 · 89 vehicles
- Problem
- General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2020-2022 Chevrolet Traverse and 2021-2022 Buick Enclave vehicles. The harness connector to the left or right side roof rail air bag may have incompatible electrical terminals, which could prevent the air bags from deploying in a crash.
- Risk
- Roof rail air bags that do not deploy as intended increase the risk of injury in a crash.
- Fix
- Dealers will replace the harness connector to the roof rail air bags, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on April 29, 2022. Owners may contact Buick customer service at 1-800-521-7300 or Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020. GM's number for this recall is N212352140.
Power Train › Automatic Transmission · Oct 18, 2021
NHTSA campaign 21V817000 · 639 vehicles
- Problem
- Braun Corporation (Braun) is recalling certain 2020-2021 Chevrolet Traverse wheelchair accessible vehicles with Power In-floor Ramp conversion. The screw and clip that hold the inner wheel-well plastic shroud in place may chafe against the transmission case, possibly resulting in a transmission fluid leak.
- Risk
- A transmission fluid leak can cause a loss of drive power, increasing the risk of a crash. In addition, a leak in the presence of an ignition source increases the risk of a fire.
- Fix
- Dealers will replace the screw and clip, and inspect for signs of contact with the transmission, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed November 29, 2021. Owners may contact Braun customer service at 1-800-488-0359.
Air Bags › Sensor › Frontal Impact · Jun 24, 2021
NHTSA campaign 21V472000 · 6 vehicles
- Problem
- General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2021 Chevrolet Traverse and Buick Enclave vehicles. During service by dealers, certain vehicles may have received incorrect air bag calibration software that may affect frontal airbag deployment.
- Risk
- Air bags that do not deploy as intended can increase the risk of injury.
- Fix
- Dealers will update the air bag calibration software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on July 29, 2021. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020 and Buick customer service at 1-800-521-7300. GM's number for this recall is N212340220.
Not every 2021 Chevrolet Traverse is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.
Owner-reported problems
Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.
Used 2021 Chevrolet Traverse buyer's checklist
- Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. 3 recalls this year — ask for proof of repairs.
- Electrical System — 21 owner reports. Test every window, lock, light, screen and USB port; check the battery age.
- Power Train — 16 owner reports. Test-drive through all gears, including reverse; note slipping, harsh or delayed shifts.
- Engine — 11 owner reports. Cold-start the engine, listen for knocking, and watch for warning lights or hesitation on acceleration.
- Mileage to watch. Owners typically reported problems around 61,000 miles; ask what was repaired near that point.
- Before you pay: service records, a history report and an independent inspection.
Generated by DecodedCars from NHTSA recalls and owner complaints for the 2021 Chevrolet Traverse. Not a substitute for a professional inspection.
Other Traverse years
Compare all years →| Year | MPG (best) | Length | Overall | Recalls | Complaints |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2027 Traverse | 22 | – | Not rated | 0 | 1 |
| 2026 Traverse | 22 | 204.3 in | Not rated | 1 | 26 |
| 2025 Traverse | 23 | 204.3 in | ★★★★★ | 0 | 185 |
| 2024 Traverse | 23 | 204.3 in | ★★★★★ | 0 | 143 |
| 2023 Traverse | 21 | 205.9 in | ★★★★★ | 2 | 95 |
| 2022 Traverse | 21 | 205.9 in | ★★★★★ | 1 | 101 |
| 2020 Traverse | 21 | 204.3 in | ★★★★★ | 8 | 235 |
| 2019 Traverse | 22 | 204.3 in | ★★★★★ | 3 | 412 |
| 2018 Traverse | 22 | 204.3 in | ★★★★★ | 2 | 465 |
| 2017 Traverse | 18 | 203.5 in | ★★★★★ | 3 | 361 |
| 2016 Traverse | 18 | 203.5 in | ★★★★★ | 5 | 292 |
| 2015 Traverse | 19 | 203.5 in | ★★★★★ | 5 | 313 |
Sources: EPA, NHTSA, Transport Canada, Wikimedia Commons. Not affiliated with NHTSA, the EPA or Chevrolet. How we calculate this →