The Chevy Traverse gets a much needed glow-up

Chevrolet’s three-row Traverse crossover isn’t exactly a vehicle that gets the ol’ blood pumping, yet it’s still hugely important for the brand. Midsize SUVs are hot commodities, and this week, Chevy introduced a vastly improved version of its bread-and-butter Traverse that’ll make it more appealing to all sorts of folks – especially outdoorsy types.

Yes, the Traverse now has a Z71 off-road package like other Chevy trucks, with all-terrain tires, a 1-inch ride height increase, an aluminum skid plate, hill-descent control, and a standard towing kit. There are a few meaningful mechanical changes, too, like a twin-clutch all-wheel-drive system and unique damper specifications. Will this vastly change the way a Z71 feels compared to a standard Traverse? Probably not. But hey, it's better than just some all-show-no-go trim-and-tape job.

Rugged good looks not your jam? Then maybe you’ll be into the Traverse RS. Chevy says the RS has "sportier ride-and-handling characteristics", which we're immediately skeptical of, as well as special 22-inch wheels. Not exactly a performance SUV, this, but who knows, maybe it'll scoot.

Rather than offering a choice of four- and six-cylinder engine options, every Traverse comes with a new 2.5-liter turbocharged I4, with 315hp, 317lb ft of torque, and an 8-speed automatic transmission. Option your Traverse with a tow package and it can pull a maximum of 5,000 pounds. Not bad.

Despite its midsize classification, the Traverse is absolutely massive, with as much as 98 cubic feet of cargo space with the second- and third-row seats folded flat. There's a bunch of tech inside the Traverse too, including an 11.0-inch digital gauge cluster, 17.7-inch multimedia screen, and more USB ports than you'll ever need.

Speaking of tech, Chevy is finally giving the Traverse 'Super Cruise', the company's awesome hands-free highway driving aid, though it'll likely be reserved for the most expensive trim level only, because that's just how General Motors rolls. Even so, a bunch of other standard driving tech will help you pilot this large lad, including lane-keeping assist, lane-departure warning, a 360-degree camera system, and pretty much every other modern technological convenience.

Pricing will be announced in the coming months. Look for the new Traverse to hit Chevy dealers in early 2024.