From Price to Performance: A Buyer’s Guide to a Used Traverse

Shopping for used cars for sale near Newport has led you to one of the most versatile SUVs on the road today: the Traverse. Chevrolet’s three-row SUV packs a powerful punch, earning a stellar reputation for its engaging performance, spacious interior, advanced features, and sporty styling. These characteristics have defined the Traverse since its debut in 2008, with second- and third-generation models built since 2018 selling quickly on the used lot.

So, what should you know when shopping for a used Traverse? How can you get more for your money without settling for less? As your trusted Chevy dealer, we’re here to answer those questions and more.

Why Consider a Used Traverse?

When shopping for a used vehicle, value is key—and that’s precisely where the Traverse excels. How so? Buying a used vehicle once meant settling for less or lowering your standards to find a car that fit your budget. Today, that’s no longer the case with value-rich SUVs like the Traverse.

The Traverse has been a staple in the Chevy lineup since 2008, with the American automaker introducing the second generation in 2018 and the third generation in 2024. With mid-cycle refreshes introducing new features and updated styling, the Traverse has remained one of the most popular models in the segment. Its affordable price tag translates incredibly well on the used lot, where Newport drivers can see their money work harder and go further in the SUV’s many trims and packages.

Which Model Years Offer the Best Value?

The Traverse has a well-established history within the Chevrolet family, with its proven reliability adding to its appeal. However, not every used Traverse offers the same value. For example, first-generation models typically have higher mileage and excessive wear and tear due to their age. Because of this, we recommend shopping for second-gen models built since 2018 to truly put your money to work.

2018: The Second Generation’s Debut

The 2018 Traverse sets the baseline as the SUV’s first second-gen entry. Here, the Traverse bids farewell to a minivan-like styling, returning to the lineup with a more rugged, modern design that makes it far more appealing than its predecessors. Despite its large footprint and spacious three-row layout, the Traverse sees a significant reduction in its weight, which Chevy complements with an engaging heartbeat.

Traverse models built between 2018 and 2023 are powered by a 3.6L V6 engine that showcases Chevrolet’s ingenuity. The engine works with a smooth-shifting nine-speed automatic transmission, producing 310 hp and 266 lb-ft of torque for engaging and responsive performance. Moreover, that output doesn’t negatively impact what you’ll spend at the pump.

Second-generation Traverse models with front-wheel drive make an EPA-estimated fuel economy of 18 MPG in the city and 27 MPG on the highway. Opting for all-wheel drive only slightly reduces this efficiency: AWD Traverse SUVs built between 2018 and 2023 average an EPA-estimated 17 MPG in the city and 25 MPG on the highway, delivering all-season confidence and conservatively sipping fuel.

2020: A Major Technological Upgrade

The 2020 Traverse is an excellent option for budget-conscious buyers who want newer technologies at a more affordable price. Why? Chevrolet expanded the Traverse’s tech-savvy design in 2020, adding more standard and available features.

The 2020 Traverse is the first to feature the Chevrolet Infotainment 3 system on the SUV’s seven-inch or eight-inch display. The touchscreen is also home to the Traverse’s standard HD Rear Vision Camera, with top-tier trims adding the HD Surround Vision Camera that provides a 360-degree view of the Traverse. The upgraded camera system complements several other upgrades, including a Bose ten-speaker sound system, a wireless smartphone charging pad, and the industry’s first-ever Buckle-to-Drive feature with Chevy’s exclusive Teen Driver tool.

Newport drivers who need to take advantage of the Traverse’s impressive capability will want to start their search with the 2020 model. Beyond its best-in-class cargo volume of 98.2 cu.ft., the 2020 Traverse gets Hitch Guidance with Hitch View when equipped with the Trailering Package. The technology lessens the learning curve when towing loads up to 5,000 lbs with the Traverse.

2021: Introducing Chevy Safety Assist

Every 2021 Traverse has a standard Rear Vision Camera, with top-tier trims equipped with an HD Surround Vision camera and a Rear Camera Mirror. However, if you’re looking for driver assistance technologies comparable to what you’ll find on the new lot, you’ll want to look for trims equipped with the optional Chevy Safety Assist suite.

Until 2021, Chevrolet’s driver assistance technologies were part of the Driver Confidence II Package. The automaker renamed that suite in 2021, making Chevy Safety Assist available on the LT and standard on the RS, Premier, and High Country. The suite equips the Traverse with Automatic Emergency Braking, a Following Distance Indicator, Lane Keep Assist with Lane Departure Warning, Forward Collision Alert, and IntelliBeam auto high beams.

2022: Some Updated Style Elements

Building on two years of major tech upgrades, the 2022 Traverse returned to the spotlight with an updated design that complements its tech-savvy interior. The 2022 Traverse features a new front fascia, grille, and headlamp configuration that pairs exceptionally well with its updated LED taillamps. As you shop 2022 models, you’ll also see four different wheel designs and unique exterior colors, such as Northsky Blue Metallic, Silver Sage Metallic, and Cherry Red Tintcoat. For a truly head-turning model, consider the Redline Edition, Midnight Edition, or Sport Edition, each adding exclusive interior and exterior design details.

Beyond its more sophisticated styling, the 2022 Traverse offers significantly more for your money in terms of features and performance. Why? The 2022 Traverse marks the first year that the Chevy Safety Assist suite is standard on every trim. As a result, mid- and top-tier trims, such as the RS, Premier, and High Country, offer enhanced versions of the suite with features like Adaptive Cruise Control, Rear Pedestrian Alert, and a Safety Alert Seat.

Which Trim Level Will Fit You Best?

As you explore your used Traverse options, you’ll find that the second-generation Traverse offers many trims with distinct styling elements. Budget-savvy shoppers will appreciate entry-level trims like the Traverse L, which is renowned for its feature-rich packaging that includes a seven-inch touchscreen and plush seating across all three rows.

Climbing the Traverse lineup adds more customization, comforts, and all-season confidence in trims like the LS and LT. These mid-tier options are often equipped with amenities like leather seating, with the LT boasting heated front seats and a power-adjustable driver’s seat to keep you comfortable throughout Newport’s coldest days. Your passengers can enjoy that same comfort if you can find a used Premier or High Country with heated second-row seats. Shopping for a 2021 or newer Traverse adds Chevrolet’s SmartSlide technology, which is a must for families who need easier accessibility to the third row.

Trims like the Traverse RS appeal to those with a penchant for performance and a life that demands practicality. Chevrolet gives drivers the best of both worlds, building on the Traverse’s engaging performance and practical design with RS-exclusive design touches that give it a more athletic aesthetic and feel.

A Smart Buy for Newport Drivers

Buying a used Traverse is a rewarding investment for drivers in Newport who treasure practicality and performance. The Traverse offers tangible value, from its engaging driving demeanor that provides all-season confidence to its tech-rich packaging that puts cutting-edge safety and connectivity tools at your fingertips. The combination is remarkable and impossible to ignore.

So, what’s next? As with any investment, it’s crucial to do your homework and experience the Traverse firsthand. We’re here to share our expertise as your trusted Chevy dealer, answering your questions and inviting you to test-drive Chevrolet’s value-packed SUV. After all, the best way to see if it fits your needs is by climbing into the driver’s seat.