Home Comparisons Trim Comparisons 2023 Chevrolet Traverse: Choosing the Right Trim

2023 Chevrolet Traverse: Choosing the Right Trim

Entering its sixth year of production, the 2023 Chevrolet Traverse is starting to show its age, especially when placed next to newer rivals such as the Kia Telluride, Ford Explorer, and Subaru Ascent.

With only one engine choice — a 310-horsepower, 3.6-liter V6, the Traverse fails to offer the kind of fuel economy and lower emissions found in vehicles like the Toyota Highlander Hybrid. On the flip side, the Traverse’s V6 is a proven entity and comes standard on all trims, whether equipped with front-wheel drive (FWD) or all-wheel drive (AWD).

Age notwithstanding, the Chevrolet Traverse has much to offer, with numerous driver-assist systems, 8-person accommodations, and a huge cargo bay. However, due to the ongoing microchip shortage, Chevrolet may delete or delay some features, such as heated and ventilated seats and a heated steering wheel. Be sure to check with your dealer what equipment is and isn’t available at the time of purchase. See 2023 Chevrolet Traverse models for sale

2023 Chevrolet Traverse LS
(starting at $33,920)

The entry-level LS trim represents the least expensive way to get into a 2023 Chevrolet Traverse. The LS trim covers the basics, but for about $2,500 more, the LT Cloth offers more features and equipment choices without a significant increase in the monthly payment. However, if you feel you don’t need more than what the LS provides, it’s a great way to get a reasonable price on an 8-passenger midsize SUV.

Riding on handsome 18-inch alloy wheels, the Traverse LS certainly doesn’t look entry-level. It features active aero grille shutters that close at high speeds to improve aerodynamics, flanked by LED headlights with automatic high-beam control. Other exterior features include heated power side mirrors, deep-tinted rear privacy glass, a keyless entry key fob with push-button start, a rear wiper/washer, and variable intermittent wipers.

The LS cabin is basic but comfortable. It contains front bucket seats and 60/40 split-folding second-and third-row bench seats, all covered in durable cloth upholstery. The driver’s seat manually adjusts six ways but does not include lumbar support.

Convenience features include a urethane tilt/telescoping steering wheel with controls for cruise, audio, Bluetooth, and information screens. Also included is a tri-zone, automatic climate-control system; a 3.5-inch driver information screen; power windows with driver express one-touch up/down; and express down for the front passenger window.

Often overlooked but appreciated are lighted visor vanity mirrors, 10 cupholders, two umbrella holders (located in front-door pockets), an interior humidity sensor, a rear window defogger, six standard USB ports (two in each row), and a digital compass.

Entertainment comes courtesy of Chevrolet’s Infotainment System 3, including a 7-inch color touchscreen, enhanced voice recognition in-vehicle apps (requires a subscription after the trial period), wireless Apple CarPlay, wireless Android Auto, and SiriusXM satellite radio with a 3-month trial subscription. A 6-speaker AM/FM radio, Active Noise Cancellation technology, and an available Wi-Fi hot spot complete the system.

Beyond the government-mandated airbags, anti-lock brakes, and electronic traction and stability controls, the Traverse LS features Chevy Safety Assist. This inclusive driver-assist suite contains automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection, forward-collision warning, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assist, and a follow-distance indicator that warns when you’re driving too close to the vehicle ahead.

Teen Driver technology comes standard. It allows parents to set specific limits on radio volume, issue speed alerts, and even help improve teen-driving habits by producing a report card that details potential problem areas.

The standard rear-vision camera helps when backing up, while Rear Seat Reminder reminds the driver to check the rear seat for passengers or pets before exiting the vehicle.

Notable options packages for the LS include the Safety Package bringing rear parking sensors (which may require dealer retrofit), a blind-spot monitor, and a rear cross-traffic alert.

The Midnight/Sport Edition brings gloss-black 18-inch alloy wheels, black roof rails, a Black Ice grille, and black badges.

Adding AWD tacks on an additional $2,000 to the bottom line.

With the $1,195 destination fee, the 2023 Chevrolet Traverse LS costs $35,115. On a 60-month loan at 3% financing and zero down, the monthly payment comes to about $631. See the 2023 Chevrolet Traverse LS models for sale

2023 Chevrolet Traverse LS includes:

  • Automatic emergency braking – In certain low-speed situations, this system can detect people or cars that might be in danger of collision. If the driver fails to respond, the system will automatically stop the vehicle before an accident occurs.
  • Tri-zone climate control – The automatic climate-control system covers all three rows, ensuring that everyone remains comfortable regardless of seating position.
  • Automatic high-beam headlights – GM’s IntelliBeam automatic high-beam headlights automatically dim when detecting oncoming traffic and activate when sensing low-light driving conditions.
  • Wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto – The wireless system uses the car’s Wi-Fi to complete the connection, eliminating the need for unsightly wires or a compatible USB port.

2023 Chevrolet Traverse LT Cloth
(starting at $36,445)

The LT Cloth is the next level up from the LS and the trim we’d pick if looking for an affordable SUV. It retains the cloth interior of the LS but adds features we think most buyers will want.

Building off the LS, the LT Cloth adds the Safety Package contents (blind-spot monitor, rear parking sensors, and rear cross-traffic alert), body-colored side mirrors with integrated turn signals, an 8-way power driver’s seat with power lumbar support, and second-row captain’s chair seating.

Also included are black roof rails, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, and a wireless charging pad.

Optional equipment for the LT Cloth includes the Convenience and Driver Confidence Package, which adds Infotainment 3 Plus with an 8-inch color touchscreen that rises to reveal a hidden storage area. Also in the package are heated front seats (which may be delayed or need retrofitting from the dealer), remote start, and a power liftgate.

A trailer equipment group adds a tow hitch rated up to 5,000 pounds, a heavy-duty cooling system, and hitch guidance with Hitch View that utilizes the rear-vision camera to aid when hooking up a trailer.

The LT Cloth offers a rear-camera mirror, exterior keyless entry keypad, 20-inch aluminum-alloy wheels, and an enhanced 4.2-inch color driver’s information screen.

With the $1,195 destination fee, the 2023 Chevrolet Traverse LT Cloth costs $37,640. On a 60-month loan at 3% financing and zero down, the monthly payment comes to about $676, or just $45 more each month over the LS. See the 2023 Chevrolet Traverse LT Cloth models for sale

2023 Chevrolet Traverse LT Leather
(starting at $40,140)

In addition to upgraded upholstery, the LT Leather further garnishes the LT Cloth by adding connected in-vehicle apps such as Built-In and Spotify, a programmable power rear liftgate, and a 6-way power passenger seat with power lumbar support.

The LT Leather gains the contents of the Convenience and Driver Confidence Package, a 3-month trial subscription to SiriusXM 360L, and a leather-wrapped heated steering wheel (may be delayed or deleted). Further features include remote start and a universal home remote that allows operating a garage door or other remote home devices via buttons on the rearview mirror.

Options include the LT Premium Package bringing connected navigation, a 10-speaker Bose Premium audio system, a rear camera mirror, HD Surround Vision 360-degree monitor, power-folding outside mirrors, 120-volt outlet, and 20-inch alloy wheels.

Additional Premium Package features include adaptive cruise control, rear pedestrian detection, and Enhanced Automatic Emergency Braking, which works at highway speeds and uses radar and cameras to monitor conditions.

Standalone options include 20-inch wheels and a panoramic Dual SkyScape two-panel sunroof with a fixed rear panel and a power tilt/slide front panel.

With the $1,195 destination fee, the 2023 Chevrolet Traverse LT Leather costs $41,335. On a 60-month loan at 3% financing and zero down, the monthly payment comes to approximately $743. See the 2023 Chevrolet Traverse LT Leather models for sale

2023 Chevrolet Traverse LT Leather includes:

  • Power liftgate – Opens with a touch of a button and features programmable height adjustment.
  • 6-way power passenger seat – Provides the front passenger with the ability to find the perfect seating position and features 2-way power lumbar support to help lessen lower back fatigue.
  • Blind-spot monitor – Detects vehicles in the driver’s blind spot, issuing a visual and audible alert when changing lanes is unsafe.
  • Leather upholstery – Looks and feels luxurious, plus it is easier to clean and maintain. A bonus if you have kids who routinely make a mess.

2023 Chevrolet Traverse RS
(starting at $44,445)

The RS adds a decidedly sporty image to the Traverse, although it doesn’t gain anything in the way of additional power or suspension upgrades.

Visual upgrades include 20-inch dark aluminum wheels, blackout trim and badges, black roof rails, and a black grille.

Standard equipment for the RS includes everything in the LT Leather trim, the contents from the LT Premium Package, and Jet Black perforated leather upholstery with red accents.

With the $1,195 destination fee, the 2023 Chevrolet Traverse RS costs $45,640. On a 60-month loan at 3% financing and zero down, the monthly payment comes to about $820. See the 2023 Chevrolet Traverse RS models for sale

2023 Chevrolet Traverse RS includes:

  • Bose audio – With 10 Bose speakers, a powered amp, and a Richbass subwoofer, this sound system proves irresistible to music lovers and audiophiles.
  • Adaptive cruise control – Allows the driver to set and maintain a safe distance from the vehicle ahead, automatically slowing or speeding up with traffic flow.
  • Rear camera mirror – Uses a rear-facing camera to display an image on the digital rearview mirror. Unlike a traditional rearview mirror, the camera mirror isn’t affected by head restraints, passengers, or bulky cargo that can block the view.
  • Rear pedestrian alert – Monitors pedestrians crossing behind the vehicle and alerts the driver to stop.

2023 Chevrolet Traverse Premier
(starting at $46,600)

The Premier trim elevates the Traverse to a grander stature, although it’s not the SUV’s most luxurious trim.

The Premier builds off the LT Leather’s exterior appearance combined with the contents from the LT Premium Package.

Unique to the Premier trim are 20-inch metallic machine-faced aluminum alloy wheels, dual exhaust outlets with rectangular tips, auto-dimming driver’s side mirrors, a hands-free power liftgate, and body-colored door cladding with chrome inserts.

The Premier touts a power tilt/telescoping steering column and 2-person memory for the driver’s seat, side mirrors, and steering wheel. GM’s Safety Alert Seat vibrates on the left, right, or both side areas, alerting the driver to the direction of a potential collision.

The Premier features an 8-inch configurable instrument cluster that replaces the analog setup on lesser trims and includes driver personalization, warning messages, and pertinent vehicle information.

Also standard are heated second-row seats, heated and ventilated front seats, and a heated steering wheel, all subject to delays caused by the ongoing microchip shortage. Be sure to check the status of these features with your dealer at the time of purchase.

Interior color choices include Jet Black, Jet Black/Chai, and Jet Black/Maple.

Optional on the Premier is the Red Line Package adding 20-inch gloss black wheels, Redline decals, blackout trim, dark tail lamps, the Dual SkyScape sunroof, a trailering package, and a choice of five colors: Iridescent Pearl Tricoat, Silver Sage Metallic, Summit White, Mosaic Black Metallic, and Radiant Red Tintcoat.

With the $1,195 destination fee, the 2023 Chevrolet Traverse Premier costs $47,795. On a 60-month loan at 3% financing and zero down, the monthly payment comes to approximately $859. See the 2023 Chevrolet Traverse Premier models for sale

2023 Chevrolet Traverse Premier includes:

  • Hands-free power liftgate – Approach the rear of the vehicle with the key fob in your pocket, and an LED-projected Chevy bowtie emblem shows precisely where to kick under the bumper to activate the liftgate.
  • Heated and ventilated front seats – These keep occupants warm in winter and perspiration-free in the sweltering summer heat.
  • Power tilt/telescoping steering wheel – Allows the driver to find the perfect driving position and is included in the driver’s seat memory settings.
  • Heated second-row seats – Allow rear passengers the same wintertime comfort settings as the front passengers.

2023 Chevrolet Traverse High Country (starting at $51,400)

Are you looking for the ultimate Traverse? The High Country includes almost all available equipment as standard.

The High Country adds a power-folding third-row seat, the Dual SkyScape sunroof, the trailering equipment group, and chrome roof rails on top of the Premier’s standard equipment list.

The High Country’s interior comes clad in Jet Black/Clove perforated leather.

With the $1,195 destination fee, the 2023 Chevrolet Traverse High Country costs $52,595. On a 60-month loan at 3% financing and zero down, the monthly payment comes to about $945. See the 2023 Chevrolet Traverse High Country models for sale

FAQ

  • What is the best 2023 Chevrolet Traverse trim?

    For its combination of features, safety tech, and price, we’d go with the LT Leather and add in the optional LT Premium Package. The RS is a nice choice for those looking for a racier look, and it comes pretty well equipped, too.

  • How many MPGs does the 2023 Chevrolet Traverse get?

    The front-drive 2023 Chevrolet Traverse earns EPA figures of 18 mpg city, 27 mpg highway, and 21 mpg combined. Adding all-wheel drive to the mix lowers the economy to 17 mpg city, 25 mpg highway and 20 mpg combined.

  • Which 2023 Chevrolet Traverse offers the most safety?

    In crash testing, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) gives the Chevrolet Traverse a 5-Star overall rating, with five stars in the side-impact test and four stars in the frontal and rollover crash tests.

    The independent Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) gives the Traverse its best rating of Good in all applicable crash tests.

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