If you're looking for a solid three-row SUV, the new 2023 Chevy Traverse is likely on your radar, and for good reason. It's one of those vehicles that doesn't try to reinvent the wheel, but instead focuses on what actual families need: a ton of space, a comfortable ride, and controls that don't require a computer science degree to operate. While there's a flashy new generation for 2024, the 2023 model remains a powerhouse in the midsize SUV segment, offering a level of practicality that's honestly hard to beat.
I've spent some time looking at how this thing holds up against the competition, and what stands out is just how much "car" you get for your money. It's a big beast, sitting right on the edge of being a full-size SUV without the cumbersome footprint of a Tahoe.
Plenty of Room for Everything (and Everyone)
The biggest selling point for the new 2023 Chevy Traverse has always been its interior volume. If you've ever tried to squeeze a week's worth of groceries into the back of a smaller crossover while also trying to fit two car seats and a moody teenager, you know that every inch matters.
The Traverse offers 98.2 cubic feet of total cargo space when you drop all the seats. That is massive. Even with the third row up, you still have a decent amount of room in the trunk area—about 23 cubic feet—which is more than most of its rivals like the Ford Explorer or the Honda Pilot.
But it's not just about the raw numbers. The way the space is used feels smart. The "Smart Slide" second-row seating is a lifesaver. You can tilt and slide the passenger-side seat forward even if there's an empty forward-facing child seat installed. If you've ever had to uninstall a car seat just to let someone into the back row, you'll appreciate how much of a headache that saves.
What's Under the Hood?
You aren't going to be winning any drag races in the new 2023 Chevy Traverse, but that's not really the point. It comes standard with a 3.6-liter V6 engine that puts out 310 horsepower. It feels punchy enough when you're merging onto the highway or trying to pass a slow-moving truck on a two-lane road.
The nine-speed automatic transmission is pretty smooth, too. You don't get that annoying "hunting" for gears that some smaller turbocharged engines suffer from. It just goes. One thing to keep in mind is that while front-wheel drive is standard, you can definitely find them with all-wheel drive. If you live somewhere where the winters get messy, the AWD is a no-brainer. It gives you that extra bit of confidence when the roads turn into a slushy mess.
Fuel economy is about what you'd expect for a vehicle this size. You're looking at roughly 18 mpg in the city and 27 mpg on the highway for the FWD version. It's not a hybrid, so you won't be saving a fortune at the pump, but for a non-electrified V6, it's fairly competitive.
Living with the Tech
Inside, the new 2023 Chevy Traverse feels familiar and approachable. Chevy's Infotainment 3 system is actually one of my favorites because it's so simple. The icons are large, the screen is responsive, and you don't have to dig through five sub-menus just to change the radio station or adjust the climate control.
Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto come standard, which is a huge plus. Being able to just hop in the car and have your maps and music pop up without fumbling for a USB cable is one of those small luxuries that makes a big difference in daily life.
Safety-wise, Chevy didn't skimp. The 2023 model includes the Chevy Safety Assist suite as standard on all trims. This gives you: * Automatic Emergency Braking * Forward Collision Alert * Lane Keep Assist with Lane Departure Warning * Following Distance Indicator * Front Pedestrian Braking * IntelliBeam auto high beams
It's nice to know you don't have to pay extra for the top-of-the-line trim just to get the features that keep your family safe.
Picking the Right Trim
Choosing a trim for the new 2023 Chevy Traverse really comes down to how much "fancy" you want in your life.
- LS: The base model. It's surprisingly well-equipped but has cloth seats and fewer bells and whistles.
- LT (Cloth or Leather): This is the sweet spot for most people. You get better seating options, roof rails, and more available safety tech like Blind Zone Alert.
- RS: This one is for the parents who haven't given up on looking cool. It's got blacked-out accents, a different grille, and 20-inch dark wheels. It looks a bit meaner than the standard version.
- Premier & High Country: These are the luxury levels. You're talking heated and ventilated leather seats, a power-folding third row, and a Bose premium sound system. If you want your SUV to feel like a Cadillac without the Cadillac price tag, these are the ones to look at.
Why Buy the 2023 Model Now?
You might be wondering why you'd go for a new 2023 Chevy Traverse when the redesigned 2024 model is hitting showrooms. Honestly, there are a few very practical reasons.
First off, the deals. Dealers are often looking to clear out previous-year inventory to make room for the new stuff. You can often find better financing rates or direct cash incentives on a 2023 model that's still sitting on the lot.
Secondly, the 2023 model is a "proven" vehicle. This generation has been around for a while, and Chevy has worked out the kinks. Sometimes, buying the final year of a specific design is the smartest move because you're getting the most refined version of that car. You know exactly what you're getting, and the reliability data is already out there.
The Driving Experience
Driving the Traverse feels well, easy. It's a big car, but it doesn't feel like you're piloting a bus. The steering is light, which makes maneuvering through a crowded grocery store parking lot a lot less stressful than it could be.
The suspension is tuned for comfort. It soaks up potholes and bumps with ease, making it a fantastic road-trip vehicle. If you've got kids who tend to fall asleep in the car, the smooth ride of the Traverse is going to be your best friend. It's quiet inside, too. Chevy used a good amount of sound-deadening material, so you don't have to yell to be heard by the passengers in the very back row.
Final Thoughts
At the end of the day, the new 2023 Chevy Traverse isn't trying to be the most "advanced" or "revolutionary" SUV on the market. It's a workhorse. It's designed for the family that has sports gear to haul, dogs to transport, and long highway miles to cover.
It offers more space than almost anything else in its class, the tech is easy to use, and the V6 engine is a reliable partner for daily driving. If you can snag one at a good price while the 2024 models are rolling in, you're getting a whole lot of SUV for your money. It's comfortable, safe, and most importantly, it just works. Sometimes, that's exactly what you need in a family car.