One of GM’s most popular SUVs is the Chevy Traverse. The 2019 Traverse was in its second year of a complete redesign, so those first-year issues with new cars should be behind it. We wondered if it might be a smart choice for those interested in a used SUV? So we looked at reviews by the three respected consumer sites, Edmunds, Consumer Reports, and Cars.com to get their impressions of the then-new 2019 Traverse. We’ve included the highlights below.

Cars.com ratings and reviews for the 2019 Traverse

Cars.com gave the Traverse 4.7 out of 5 stars.

The good:

• Spacious cabin
• Comfortable third row
• Multimedia system usability
• Ultra-smooth ride

The bad:

• Limited third-row access
• Automatic emergency braking is reserved for high-end trims
• No height-adjustable shoulder belts
• Cheap-feeling second-row surroundings
• Light on standard amenities

What Cars.com had to say about the 2019 Traverse

“The 2019 Chevrolet Traverse is a full-size crossover SUV that can seat up to eight people in three rows. It has a standard 310-horsepower, 3.6-liter V-6 engine that pairs with a nine-speed automatic transmission. A 257-hp, turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder goes in the front-wheel-drive RS trim level. All-wheel drive is also offered. Competitors include the Honda Pilot, Nissan Pathfinder, and Toyota Highlander.

“Traverse highlights include a roomy cabin well-suited to family-hauling and a comfortable ride. However, there are quality shortcomings in the second row, and valuable active safety features are reserved for high-end trim levels.”

Owners’ Comments

“This car meets my needs. It is small enough to maneuver easily but has plenty of cab room… Enough to carry 4 sets of golf clubs and ladies anywhere we want to golf!”

“Legroom —super! It has get up and go right now! Love the model’s appearance. Good gas mileage. Spacious cabin. Nice headroom. Like the height.”

Edmunds 2019 Traverse review

Pros

• The passenger room is generous in all three rows
• Loads of space for any combination of passengers and cargo
• The feature-rich infotainment system comes with standard Wi-Fi hotspot

Cons

• Some safety features are only available on top trims
• The quality of some interior panels and controls seem low-rent for this class

“Chevrolet redesigned its big Traverse crossover SUV just last year. With 400 fewer pounds to move around, an additional 3 inches of legroom for second-row passengers, and more third-row legroom than its Honda Pilot and Toyota Highlander competitors, the Traverse solidified its place as one of the roomiest three-row crossover available. For more room, you’ll pretty much have to step up to a minivan or a full-size SUV such as a Chevrolet Suburban.

“Among the Traverse’s seven trim levels, the LT Cloth trim paired with the Convenience and Driver Confidence package (standard on the all-wheel-drive version) gives you everything you need. Combining the LT trim’s basic upgrades with the useful, optional safety features, the LT Cloth strikes a good balance between cost and livability.”

What owners said about the 2019 Traverse

“Transmission failure left me on the side of the road at 600 miles. The dealer attempted to fix but the vehicle had pronounced transmission whine and smelled like burnt parts after driving. Back with the dealer now for another repair. At this point, I’ll have been in a loaner vehicle as long as I was in my Traverse. Isolated case? Maybe, but at this point, I’d have a better review of my Malibu loaner.”

“After test driving it overnight, we fell in love with the power; fuel efficiency, and interior comfort it provides. The overall look and feel are amazing. You know the saying, “Happy wife happy life.” My wife was in awe of the comfort and room. I was impressed with the infotainment system and all the USB ports. NO need for the kids to fight over charging! 100% satisfied.”

“Quick and sweet. 2019 Chevy Traverse AWD redline edition absolutely gorgeous and badass looking car. 6 miles on it driving it off the lot and transmission goes out. pick up 10 days later supposed to be fixed with updated software or something drive it 50 miles transmission light back on. Dealer going to get me a new one! Just not sure I want one!” 

Consumer Reports ratings and review

“After about a decade, Chevrolet has finally replaced the first-generation Traverse three-row crossover with a new model that delivers on room, comfort, refinement, and connectivity. Not only is it competitive with popular three-row SUVs, such as the Ford Explorer, Honda Pilot, and Toyota Highlander, it beats them in their own game. And it also serves as a viable alternative to the full-sized Chevy Suburban.

“On the road, the Traverse proves to be a mild-mannered, easy-going coach. Power from the 3.6-liter V6 engine is smooth, with swift throttle response. Aided by an unobtrusive, nine-speed automatic transmission, the powertrain is unstressed and has ample reserve power. It posted a quick 7.3-second sprint from 0-60 mph. At 20 mpg, fuel economy is par for the course.”

Highs

Rides comfortably

Has a quiet interior

Lows

Advanced safety features available only on the top trims

The driver seat has only a two-way lumbar support adjustment

Traverse owner-reported trouble spots

Only 66 percent of owners would buy another Traverse based on Consumer Reports surveys.

Paint and finish issues.

The transmission gear selector and leaking.

Squeeks and some road noise.