Introduction
Changes to the 2021 Chevrolet Traverse include minor styling updates, revised seating choices, more standard safety systems, and improved infotainment technology.
Given the Traverse’s impressive showing in the 2019 J.D. Power U.S. Tech Experience Study, in which the midsize 3-row SUV ranked second behind the Chevrolet Blazer, updates made to the Chevrolet Infotainment System 3 are certain to delight 2021 Traverse owners.
Expect the updated 2021 Chevy Traverse to continue in a range of trim levels with prices spanning between an estimated $32,000 to $55,000. Chevrolet announced no changes to the Traverse lineup, which for the 2020 model year includes L, LS, LT Cloth, LT Leather, RS, Premier, and High Country.
Exterior Features
The most obvious styling changes are in front, where the 2021 Traverse adopts a handsome new grille with chrome horizontal slats, slimmer headlights with a new LED running light signature, and larger lower fog light housings.
Around back, new LED taillights with a restyled trim piece between them freshen the Traverse’s appearance. New aluminum wheel designs also debut for 2021.
Interior Features
Chevrolet says the 2021 Traverse offers “all-new interior seating options.” Translated, that claim appears to reference color combinations as well as new piping, exposed stitching, and contrast-color inserts in higher trim levels.
Versions of the SUV equipped with the Dual SkyScape dual-panel sunroof add a power rear roof shade, making it easier for second-row passengers to enjoy the view.
Continuing from the 2020 model, the new Traverse remains one of the roomiest SUVs in its class. Cargo volume measures 23 cu.-ft. behind the third-row seat, 57.8 cu.-ft. behind the second-row seat, and 98.2 cu.-ft. with both rear rows of seats folded down.
Optional Features
Leather upholstery, heated and ventilated front seats, heated second-row seats, and a heated steering wheel prepare the 2021 Traverse for any kind of weather. Through the SUV’s connected services subscription, owners can transform the SUV into a rolling 4G LTE Wi-Fi hotspot. The Traverse also offers a hands-free power tailgate, a high-definition surround-view camera system, and a video-fed rearview mirror.
Under the Hood
Chevrolet makes no changes to the 2021 Traverse’s engine, transmission, and drivetrain. It continues to use a 310-horsepower, 3.6-liter V6 engine equipped with automatic engine stop/start technology. A 9-speed automatic transmission powers the front wheels, and all-wheel drive is an option.
Safety
The most important improvement to the 2021 Chevy Traverse relates to safety. Previously, buyers needed to upgrade to LT Cloth trim in order to access increasingly common safety technologies like forward collision warning and automatic emergency braking, and then it was an option rather than standard.
That changes for 2021. Now every Traverse features standard forward collision warning with pedestrian detection, automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning, lane keeping assistance, and automatic high-beam headlights.
Chevrolet also offers new Safety Alert Seat technology in the 2021 Traverse Premier and High Country. When the SUV’s advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) issue a warning, the seat vibrates to get the driver’s attention. It can also vibrate on one side or the other to signal the direction in which the driver should pay closer attention, such as when the available rear cross-traffic warning detects an approaching vehicle.
Adaptive Cruise Control Advanced is offered for more versions of the Traverse, now optional with LT Leather and Premier trim in addition to the High Country trim level. Chevrolet does not define what makes it “advanced.” It is, however, an advancement simply because Chevrolet no longer restricts it to the most expensive version of the Traverse.
As was true before, the 2021 Traverse includes a standard rear seat reminder system to prevent drivers from accidentally leaving a child or a pet in the SUV, as well as Teen Driver technology that produces a driving report card for parents after a son or daughter has used the family SUV.
Technology
Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are available for the 2021 Chevy Traverse, and the new Traverse offers revised instrumentation with an 8-inch driver information display that’s almost double the size of the biggest screen in the outgoing model.
An embedded navigation system and a Bose premium sound system remain available. Also, in addition to Wi-Fi connectivity, an active Chevrolet Connected Access subscription through OnStar provides automatic crash notification, crisis assist, rapid access to roadside assistance, a vehicle locator function, and more.
Chevrolet is the source of the information in this article. It was accurate as of March 13, 2020 but may have changed since that date.
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