Chevrolet is adding its Z71 off-road trim to a crossover for the first time. Along with a complete redesign, the 2024 Chevrolet Traverse will be one of the latest in a growing number of crossovers to lean harder into the highly capable, rugged roots of the segment. And, Traverse Z71 promises to be a ruggedized crossover SUV that is more than just a badge.
Z71 Means More Clearance
Z71 for the 2024 Traverse means more than an inch of extra ground clearance. The extra clearance is matched by a wider track that Chevrolet says will help add stability and capability while improving the vehicle’s handling.
Goodyear Territory all-terrain tires promise more grip for the new Traverse Z71, along with the ability to handle more punishment off the pavement than the model’s usual road-oriented rubber. They’re mounted to black and silver 18-inch wheels designed specifically for this grade.
Other Z71 features include a front fascia designed to improve the approach angle of the Traverse. Under that special bumper, there is an aluminum skid plate and a set of red tow hooks. All three are a Z71 signature.
Twin-Clutch AWD, Off-Road Dampers
Rounding up the mechanical changes is a twin-clutch all-wheel-drive system that can better send power to the front or rear and special shocks with hydraulic rebound control. The changes make this one of the more serious-sounding off-road trims. It’s no Silverado ZR2, but it should be much more capable than the likes of the VW Atlas Peak Edition.
Rest of Traverse Line Equally All-New
The rest of the Chevrolet Traverse lineup is also all-new for 2024, starting with its boxy new looks. The new Traverse looks more like one of Chevy’s SUVs from most angles, a sharp departure from the almost minivan-like look of the previous model.
Chevrolet is dropping the 3.6L V6 from the Traverse line in favor of a 2.5L turbo-four. This is a new engine, and it makes an estimated 315 horsepower and 317 pound-feet of torque. Both figures are well up on the old V6.
An eight-speed automatic is standard, and all-wheel drive is optional, though only Z71 gets the twin-clutch AWD system. Properly equipped, a Traverse can tow 5,000 pounds, and that trailering package is included with Z71.
Cargo capacity is on par with the 2023 model. Chevrolet doesn’t spell out the full dimensions, but the 98 cubic foot maximum capacity is just 0.2 cubic feet less. That should put the capacity with all seats in use close to the 23 cubic feet offered in 2023.
Upgraded Interior Tech, More Standard Stuff
LS-grade Traverse models will have seating for eight, and that configuration will be an option on LT. The rest, including LT, Z71, and RS, get seven-passenger seating with captain’s chairs in the second row. Traverse will keep GM’s SmartSlide second-row seat that can give passengers access to row three even with a child seat installed.
Traverse gets a 17.7-inch center screen. Chevrolet calls it the biggest in the class, and the screen is twice the size of last year’s. Traverse will also offer wireless phone charging and six USB ports. Chevrolet says that despite the big screen, the dash height is lower and that should help outward visibility.
Previous versions of the Traverse made getting all of the advanced driver assists tough, and Chevrolet has remedied that for 2024. All of the must-haves including automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise, blind zone alert and steering assist, rear cross-traffic braking, and pedestrian and cyclist detection are standard. Even a surround-view monitor is included. For those who want more, GM’s hands-off Super Cruise highway driving assistant is on the options list, as is automatic parking.
2024 Chevrolet Traverse On Sale in 2024
Production of the 2024 Chevrolet Traverse is set to start at GM’s Lansing Delta Township plant early next year. Expect pricing as well as more details on features, closer to the start of production.
