Chevrolet has truly elevated its game with the all-new, redesigned 2024 Chevy Traverse RS. This large, yet officially mid-sized SUV, is making waves as a strong contender against rivals like the Ford Explorer, Toyota Highlander, Mazda CX-90, and Honda Pilot. For over a decade and a half, the Traverse has been a recommended choice, and this 2024 iteration takes it to a whole new level. Let’s delve into what makes the 2024 Traverse Rs stand out.
Strikingly Modern Exterior
The exterior of the 2024 Chevy Traverse RS has undergone a significant transformation, resulting in a modern and eye-catching aesthetic. The SUV boasts a sleek, newly designed front fascia that immediately grabs attention. Distinctive lines flow along the sides of the vehicle, leading to a built-in spoiler and dual quad exhaust, adding a sporty touch to its profile. Both the front and rear are equipped with LED lighting, ensuring enhanced visibility and a contemporary look. The RS trim further distinguishes itself with the black Chevy bow tie emblem on the grill, reinforcing its sporty character.
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One of the more unique design elements is the shark fin detail on the side rear windows, a distinctive and unusual touch that sets the Traverse apart. The impressive 22-inch black wheels provide a striking contrast against the Lakeshore Blue paint, enhancing the overall visual appeal. Notably, the 2024 Traverse is larger than its predecessors, being longer, wider, and taller, offering a more substantial presence on the road and increased interior space.
Revolutionary Powertrain
Beneath the hood of the 2024 Traverse RS lies a completely revamped powertrain. The traditional V6 engine is replaced by a 2.5-liter inline 4-cylinder engine with a turbocharger. While some may initially miss the V6, this new configuration actually offers improved performance and efficiency. It delivers more horsepower and torque while simultaneously achieving better fuel economy – a win-win situation. Specifically, the engine produces 328 horsepower and 326 pound-feet of torque, and maintains a respectable towing capacity of 5,000 pounds. This engine is paired with a smooth and responsive 8-speed automatic transmission, complete with shift paddles for a more engaging driving experience. The tested model features a front-wheel-drive biased all-wheel-drive system, but a two-wheel-drive version is also available for those who prefer it.
Simplified and Sporty Trims
Chevrolet has streamlined the trim levels for the 2024 Traverse, making it easier for buyers to choose the perfect model. The lineup starts with the base LS trim, followed by the LT, the Z71 designed for off-road adventures, and culminating in the top-of-the-line, luxurious RS model reviewed here. The previous High Country trim is no longer offered. For those curious, RS stands for Rally Sport, emphasizing the sporty nature of this trim.
Premium and Functional Interior
Stepping inside the 2024 Chevy Traverse RS immediately reveals its position as the premium offering in the lineup. The interior exudes quality with stitching details throughout the cabin and an abundance of soft-touch materials. Red accents are strategically placed, adding a touch of sportiness and visual interest to the overall design. Beyond aesthetics, the interior is highly functional and user-friendly.
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The driver-centric cockpit features an 11-inch digital gauge cluster that is both bright and colorful, offering a high degree of configurability. Drivers can choose between a minimalist display showing only the digital speedometer or opt for a more comprehensive screen that includes a tachometer, trip information, and audio selections. The heated, power tilt and telescoping flat-bottomed steering wheel houses the controls for adjusting these gauge displays.
A significant and welcome upgrade is the new 17.7-inch touchscreen infotainment system. This large screen is not only visually impressive but also incredibly responsive and intuitive to operate. It controls a range of functions including the Bose sound system, Google navigation maps, Wi-Fi hotspot, Bluetooth, SiriusXM, AM & FM radio, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto.
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The touchscreen also provides access to apps like Google Assistant, Alexa, a trailering page, ambient lighting controls, and more, all accessible with simple swipes. Conveniently placed shortcuts across the top of the screen provide quick access to frequently used functions. The rearview camera system is particularly impressive, even offering a trailer hitch hookup view for ease of use.
Comfort is paramount in the 2024 Traverse RS, with power-adjustable, heated and air-conditioned front seats that include lumbar support. The cabin offers generous headroom, even with the dual-pane moonroof. The gear shifter is located on the steering column, freeing up center console space, and physical knobs and switches are retained for radio and climate controls, along with buttons for drive modes and disabling the start/stop system. A camera mirror is available for an enhanced rear view, especially useful when the third row is occupied.
The center console features a pass-through design with storage underneath, maximizing utility. Above, you’ll find a wireless phone charger, a hidden compartment behind a door, and a large center console with a soft armrest that provides substantial storage.
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Moving to the second row, the reviewed vehicle is equipped with heated captain’s chairs (though not cooled), providing seating for seven. A bench seat option is available, increasing capacity to eight passengers. Rear passengers benefit from individual temperature controls, two USB-C ports, and a power outlet. Both second-row seats slide and recline for customized comfort. Ceiling-mounted air conditioning vents for the second and third rows ensure efficient cooling throughout the vehicle.
Access to the third row is made easy by second-row seats that tilt and slide forward with the push of a button – a user-friendly feature even when child seats are installed (without a child occupant). Third-row legroom is sufficient for two adults or three children comfortably. Rear passengers also have access to two USB-C ports, bringing the total to six throughout the vehicle. Headroom remains generous even in the third row.
Impressive Utility and Cargo Space
The 2024 Traverse RS excels in utility. The power tailgate operates hands-free with a simple foot wave under the bumper. The cargo area behind the third row is surprisingly spacious, offering 58 cubic feet of storage. Folding down the second row expands this to a substantial 98 cubic feet, creating a completely flat cargo floor. An under-floor storage compartment in the rear provides additional space, and beneath that is a spare tire, albeit a compact one, which is still a valuable inclusion.
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A convenient feature not found in all mid-sized SUVs is the power-folding third-row seat, controllable via switches in the rear cargo area. The third row can be folded down or raised with the push of buttons. While the second-row captain’s chairs need to be manually raised, they can also be lowered from the rear. This setup provides exceptional flexibility for managing passenger and cargo configurations.
Generous Standard Equipment and Safety Features
The RS trim of the 2024 Traverse comes exceptionally well-equipped with a long list of standard features. This includes keyless entry, remote start, a power panoramic moonroof with a sliding cover, a trailer towing package with a hitch, walk-up lighting and unlocking, full power features, and adaptive cruise control.
Notably, the RS also includes GM’s Super Cruise, a sophisticated semi-self-driving system, as standard equipment (subscription required). Considered by many to be a leading system in the market, Super Cruise utilizes pre-mapped divided highways across America, totaling almost 750,000 miles. On approved roads, the system allows for hands-free driving, including automatic lane changes initiated by simply using the turn signal. A steering wheel-mounted camera monitors driver engagement and provides warnings if attention lapses, ensuring safety. In critical situations, the system can safely bring the vehicle to a stop and call for assistance via OnStar.
Safety is a priority in the 2024 Traverse RS, with a comprehensive suite of features including automatic parking assist, rear park assist, lane change alert, blind spot monitoring, adaptive cruise control, automatic headlights, and forward collision alert with automatic emergency braking.
Additional features that enhance usability include Teen Driver, which allows parents to monitor and set restrictions for younger drivers, and the Rear Seat Reminder, which prompts drivers to check the back seats for children or pets upon arrival at a destination.
Ride and Drive Experience
The 2024 Traverse RS delivers a composed and comfortable ride and handling experience, especially considering its size. The cabin is remarkably quiet, thanks to active sound deadening technology. The all-wheel-drive system offers five different drive modes, including a trailer towing mode that optimizes gear selection for towing up to 5,000 pounds, and a Sport mode that enhances driving dynamics.
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Fuel economy is commendable for a 4,600-pound SUV, rated at 19 mpg city, 24 mpg highway, and 21 mpg combined.
Final Verdict
The 2024 Chevy Traverse RS is a highly impressive SUV in almost every aspect. Its refined ride and handling, quiet and premium interior, and overall pleasant driving experience both in urban environments and on highways make it a top choice in its class.
Priced at $57,495 for the ultra-loaded AWD Traverse RS as tested, it represents excellent value given its luxurious interior, vast space, and extensive list of standard equipment, especially when compared to other less refined or less equipped 3-row SUVs in the market. For those seeking a more budget-friendly option, the base LS trim starts at a competitive $37,600.
For more detailed images, please visit the slideshow on CarPro.com.
CarPro.com Slideshow Pros: Roomy interior, high-quality interior, enjoyable driving dynamics.
Cons: Lack of front fog lights (minor aesthetic preference).
MSRP: Base price $56,200. As tested $57,495 including transportation.
Fuel Economy: 19 mpg city / 24 mpg highway / 21 mpg combined.
Odometer reading during test: 2,700 miles.
Exterior Color: Lakeshore Blue.
Weight: 4,630 lbs / GVWR 6,160 lbs.
Dimensions (L-W-H): 204.3” long / 79.9” wide / 72” high.
Fuel Tank Capacity: 21.7 gallons (driver’s side filler).
Towing Capacity: 5,000 lbs.
Spare Tire: Compact spare included.
Final Assembly Location: Lansing, Michigan.
2024 Traverse RS in summary: A remarkably spacious and enjoyable SUV. GM has delivered a home run with the 2024 updates.
Warranty: 3-year/36,000 mile bumper-to-bumper, 5-year/60,000 mile powertrain with roadside assistance, complimentary first maintenance visit, and courtesy transportation.
Manufacturer Website: Chevrolet
