2023 Chevrolet Traverse Performance

All Traverse models are powered by the same 3.6-liter V6 engine sans forced induction. Producing 310 hp and 266 lb-ft, this engine directs power to the front wheels by default with the option of all-wheel drive on all trims. The V6 Traverse will surprise you on a test drive with its turn of speed, but it never really thrills as a driving experience. Independent tests peg the 0 to 60 mph sprint at between 6.5 and 6.8 seconds, making it around a second quicker to 60 than the Kia Telluride, and the Korean has an even larger 3.8-liter V6. With its available trailering package, the Traverse can tow up to 5,000 pounds, another competitive showing in this segment.

The Traverse's performance surprised us the most, in a good way. The peppy naturally aspirated V6 is an excellent choice for this rig; Chevy easily could have underpowered it with an NA four-cylinder, specifically on the base trim. But no, every Traverse trim gets the power it needs. Our RS tester's standard AWD came in handy during a snowy week in Colorado and the crossover proved quite competent as it fought its way out of snow plowed to the side of the road. Road conditions were somewhat slick and the Traverse's all-season tires did the trick just fine.

Although it may not be the most advanced engine in its class, the 3.6-liter V6's outputs are competitive at 310 hp and 266 lb-ft. Like most naturally-aspirated engines, the power is delivered in a smooth and linear fashion. This makes the Traverse quite a pleasure to drive in town and out on the highway, where it will cruise at the top legal speed without any drama.

The V6 is mated to a nine-speed automatic transmission. We had no major complaints with this gearbox as shifts proved to be smooth and fast enough for a fairly large mid-size crossover like this. The automatic start/stop system was smooth and hardly noticeable, something we can't say for every new vehicle, including a few that cost significantly more.

With FWD, the Traverse's gas mileage figures work out to 18/27/21 mpg city/highway/combined. The AWD system doesn't impact fuel economy too dramatically, as this configuration returns 17/25/20 mpg according to the EPA. The Kia Telluride is more efficient, though, managing 23 mpg combined with FWD despite a larger engine.

FWD Traverse models have a 19.4-gallon gas tank, enough for a range of about 407 miles. A larger 21.7-gallon gas tank comes with AWD variants, so the range here is 434 miles.