DecodedCars2023 Chevrolet Traverse
Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2023 models.
- Class
- Standard Sport Utility Vehicle 2WD
- Body styles
- 4dr SUV AWD, 4dr SUV FWD
- Engines
- 3.6L 6-cyl
- Drivetrain
- Front-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel Drive
- Fuel
- Regular Gasoline
- MPG (best)
- 21 combined · 18 city / 27 hwy
- Length
- 205.9 in
- Curb weight
- 4,361–4,700 lb
- NHTSA rating
- ★★★★★
- Recalls
- 2 campaigns
Pros & cons
What's good
- AWD / 4WD available
- 5-star NHTSA safety ratingTop overall score in federal crash tests.
Watch out for
No weak spots against similar models in the data.
Calculated from EPA, NHTSA and vPIC data against 21 similar 2023 models — not a review. How we calculate this →
Overview
The 2023 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 206 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), 4% better than the 2023 standard SUV average of 20.2 MPG, for an estimated $3,200 a year in fuel.
In NHTSA crash testing it earned the top 5-star overall rating.
It has 2 recall campaigns on file and owners have filed 94 complaints with NHTSA since 2015, most often about the power train.
What changed for 2023
No changes to engines, powertrains, drivetrains, size, EPA ratings or NHTSA crash rating compared with the 2022 Traverse — a carry-over year in the data.
Compared with 2022; trim, feature and price changes aren't covered. See the 2022 Traverse →
Trims, performance & features
Trims
Safety & driver-assist features
Built in: Lansing - Delta Township, Michigan
NHTSA vPIC, as reported by the manufacturer for 5 2023 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 | 205.9 in | 78.7 in | 70.9 in | 120.9 in | 67.3 / 66.9 in | 4,700 lb | 58/42 |
| 4dr SUV FWD | 205.9 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 | +4% | $3,200 | 417 |
| Traverse AWD | 3.6L 6-cyl | Automatic 9-spd | All-Wheel Drive | 17 / 25 / 20 | +6% | $3,350 | 448 |
EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2023 EPA class average. How we calculate this →
Safety ratings & technology
| Version | Overall | Frontal | Driver / passenger | Side | Side pole | Rollover | Rollover risk |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 Chevrolet Traverse SUV AWD | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | 5★ / 5★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | 15.1% |
| 2023 Chevrolet Traverse SUV FWD | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | 5★ / 5★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | 16.9% |
Similar 2023 standard SUVs
| Model | Best MPG / range | NHTSA overall | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 Chevrolet Traverse (this car) | 21 MPG | ★★★★★ | 2 |
| 2023 Ford Explorer | 27 MPG | ★★★★★ | 15 |
| 2023 Jeep Grand Cherokee | 23 MPG | Not rated | 23 |
| 2023 Kia Telluride | 23 MPG | ★★★★★ | 6 |
| 2023 GMC Yukon | 23 MPG | ★★★★★ | 4 |
| 2023 Chevrolet Tahoe | 24 MPG | ★★★★★ | 5 |
| 2023 Ford Expedition | 19 MPG | ★★★★★ | 8 |
Recalls (2)
Power Train › Automatic Transmission · Mar 16, 2023
NHTSA campaign 23V172000 · 8,744 vehicles
- Problem
- General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2023 Cadillac XT6, GMC Acadia, Chevrolet Blazer, Traverse, and 2022-2023 Cadillac XT5 vehicles. The transmission may have been built with an incorrect sun gear, which can result in the driver-side half-shaft disengaging from the transmission.
- Risk
- A half-shaft disengaging from the transmission can result in a loss of drive power or vehicle rollaway when the vehicle is placed in park. Either of these scenarios can increase the risk of a crash.
- Fix
- Dealers will replace the sun gears, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on July 27, 2023. The remedy is expected to become available August 31, 2023. Owners may contact Cadillac customer service at 1-800-458-8006, Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020, or GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782. GMC's number for this recall is N222389310.
Power Train › Driveline › Driveshaft · Feb 2, 2023
NHTSA campaign 23V042000 · 10 vehicles
- Problem
- General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2023 Chevrolet Blazer and Traverse vehicles. The left-side half-shaft assemblies may be missing a retaining ring.
- Risk
- A missing retaining ring on the half-shaft can cause half-shaft inner joint separation, resulting in a loss of drive power or vehicle rollaway when the vehicle is placed in park. Either of these scenarios can increase the risk of a crash.
- Fix
- Dealers will replace the left-side half-shaft assembly, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed February 23, 2023. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020. GM's number for this recall is N222390180.
Not every 2023 Chevrolet Traverse is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.
Owner-reported problems
Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.
Used 2023 Chevrolet Traverse buyer's checklist
- Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. 2 recalls this year — ask for proof of repairs.
- Power Train — 30 owner reports. Test-drive through all gears, including reverse; note slipping, harsh or delayed shifts.
- Electrical System — 19 owner reports. Test every window, lock, light, screen and USB port; check the battery age.
- Engine — 19 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 40,000 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 2023 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 |
| 2022 Traverse | 21 | 205.9 in | ★★★★★ | 1 | 101 |
| 2021 Traverse | 21 | 204.3 in | ★★★★★ | 3 | 92 |
| 2020 Traverse | 21 | 204.3 in | ★★★★★ | 8 | 234 |
| 2019 Traverse | 22 | 204.3 in | ★★★★★ | 3 | 412 |
| 2018 Traverse | 22 | 204.3 in | ★★★★★ | 2 | 464 |
| 2017 Traverse | 18 | 203.5 in | Not rated | 3 | 361 |
| 2016 Traverse | 18 | 203.5 in | Not rated | 5 | 292 |
| 2015 Traverse | 19 | 203.5 in | Not rated | 5 | 313 |
Sources: EPA, NHTSA, Transport Canada, Wikimedia Commons. Not affiliated with NHTSA, the EPA or Chevrolet. How we calculate this →