It’s always exciting when a new generation of vehicles hits the sales floors, but the new quickly becomes old, especially when the competition comes out with something newer. That’s when automakers offer a refreshed or updated model that brings in some new features while still remaining mostly the same. While the 2021 Chevrolet Traverse was originally supposed to be a highly anticipated refresh, it now appears that the Chevy Traverse will only get a minor facelift. This is in large part thanks to COVID-19.

It’s pushed many things to the back burner, and the Traverse is just another example of this. GM Authority has announced that there are quite a few new changes that consumers might just love anyway.

The 2021 Chevy Traverse

The 2021 Chevy Traverse will be based heavily off of the 2020 model. That isn’t exactly a good thing. The 2020 Traverse tends to get middling ratings from critics, although it did manage to ace Consumer Reports’ road test.

In spite of this, consumers were quick to purchase the 2020 Traverse. According to GM Authority, “So far, Chevrolet Traverse sales have been on the rise, with the full-sizer recording its best sales performance in 2019, racking up 147,122 units in the U.S.”

This has resulted in the Traverse bringing in more money than the Tahoe and the Suburban. Whether this means Chevy will invest more money in the Traverse when it’s time for a refresher isn’t clear, but it might mean there are good things ahead for the Traverse going forward. The 2021 Chevy Traverse will hit the production floors on October 12th, 2020.

What is getting replaced?

There have been a few updates to the 2021 Chevy Traverse. Don’t get too excited, however. There aren’t a ton of changes coming up, and there aren’t any groundbreaking technological advances. 

Chevy has made the decision to remove the twin-clutch AWD system that was once available only on the High Country trim. Now consumers will only have the option of a standard AWD system. 

There is also an updated design for the gear selector. It will include a shift knob that is located in the center console. New stitching in the interior will also give the 2021 Traverse some much needed spicing up.

How does the 2021 Chevrolet Traverse perform?

There will only be one engine choice for the 2021 Chevrolet Traverse. It will be a naturally aspirated 3.6-liter V6 LFY gasoline engine, which produces 310 hp and 266 lb-ft of torque. This will be paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission.

The engine is decent enough, but it lacks any sort of excitement. The transmission is also good for smooth shifting, but again, there are competitors that offer better. The real gripe for critics, however, is the powertrain that starts and stops when the Traverse comes to a complete stop. It’s not that big of a deal, but you can’t turn it off. 

U.S. News summed up the new Traverse well when it stated, “The 2021 Chevrolet Traverse offers a cushioned ride and composed handling, though it isn’t as agile as many competitors. The V6 engine has enough power for just about all driving situations, but there are more exciting options in the class. The Traverse’s fuel economy ratings are OK for a midsize SUV.”

Whether the 2021 Chevy Traverse is able to garner more love from critics than the 2020 Traverse did is unclear. The 2020 model is considered one of the worst three-row SUVs you can buy, but it’s still beating out the competition in terms of sales. So will the 2021 Chevy Traverse be any better? We’ll have to wait and see.