The 2024 Chevy Traverse RS marks a significant step forward for Chevrolet in the competitive midsize SUV segment. Long a recommended choice for families needing space and versatility, the Traverse has been completely redesigned for the 2024 model year, bringing fresh styling, a new powertrain, and enhanced technology to challenge rivals like the Ford Explorer, Toyota Highlander, Mazda CX-90, and Honda Pilot. This review delves into the details of the all-new 2024 Traverse Rs, exploring its exterior, interior, performance, and features to provide a comprehensive understanding of what this SUV offers.
Strikingly Modern Exterior of the 2024 Traverse RS
Chevrolet has undeniably elevated the Traverse’s visual appeal with the 2024 redesign. The exterior of the 2024 Traverse RS showcases a modern and assertive aesthetic. A newly designed front fascia immediately grabs attention, while distinctive lines flow along the sides, culminating in a built-in spoiler and dual quad exhaust outlets. The integration of LED lighting for both the front and rear lamps adds a premium touch, and the RS trim is further distinguished by the black Chevy bow tie emblem on the grille, enhancing its sporty character.
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One of the more unique design elements of the 2024 Traverse RS is the shark fin detail incorporated into the side rear windows. This distinctive feature sets it apart and adds a touch of modern flair. The large 22-inch black wheels are a standout feature, providing a striking contrast against the Lakeshore Blue paint of the test vehicle and contributing to the SUV’s bold stance. Notably, the 2024 Traverse is dimensionally larger than its predecessors, being longer, wider, and taller, which translates to increased interior space and a more substantial road presence.
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Innovative Powertrain: Turbocharged Performance for the 2024 Traverse RS
Beneath the redesigned exterior, the 2024 Traverse RS features a completely new powertrain. Chevrolet has moved away from the previous V6 engine, opting for a 2.5-liter inline 4-cylinder engine that is turbocharged. This change might raise eyebrows for those accustomed to larger engines, but the new configuration offers compelling advantages. The turbocharged 4-cylinder actually delivers more horsepower and torque than the outgoing V6, while simultaneously improving fuel economy. Specifically, the 2024 Traverse RS boasts 328 horsepower and 326 pound-feet of torque, ensuring robust performance and a towing capacity of 5,000 pounds. The engine is paired with a smooth-shifting 8-speed automatic transmission, complete with paddle shifters for a more engaging driving experience. The test model was equipped with a front-wheel-drive biased all-wheel-drive system, with a two-wheel-drive option also available for buyers who prefer it.
Trim Levels Simplified for the 2024 Chevrolet Traverse
Chevrolet has streamlined the trim level lineup for the 2024 Traverse, making it easier for buyers to choose the model that best suits their needs. The range begins with the base LS trim, followed by the LT, the Z71 designed for off-road adventures, and culminates in the top-tier, luxurious RS model reviewed here. The High Country trim from the previous year is no longer offered. For those curious, RS stands for Rally Sport, signifying the sporty focus of this particular trim.
Premium and Functional Interior of the 2024 Traverse RS
Stepping inside the 2024 Traverse RS immediately reveals its position as the top-of-the-line model, with a clearly premium interior ambiance. The cabin is characterized by extensive stitching details and soft-touch materials throughout. Red accents are strategically placed to enhance the sporty RS theme and add visual excitement. Beyond aesthetics, the interior is also designed for functionality and user-friendliness.
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The driver is greeted by an 11-inch digital gauge cluster that is both bright and highly configurable. Drivers can choose from minimalist displays showing just the digital speedometer to more comprehensive screens including a tachometer, trip information, and audio details. Controls for customizing the gauge display are conveniently located on the heated, power tilt and telescoping flat-bottom steering wheel.
A significant upgrade for the 2024 Traverse RS is the new 17.7-inch touchscreen infotainment system. This large, responsive screen is intuitive to use and operates quickly. It integrates a Bose sound system, Google navigation, a Wi-Fi hotspot, Bluetooth, SiriusXM, AM/FM radio, and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
2024 Chevy Traverse RS Large Touchscreen Display
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The touchscreen also hosts apps for Google Assistant, Alexa, trailer management, ambient lighting controls, and more, accessible through simple swipes. Conveniently, shortcuts for frequently used functions are positioned at the top of the screen. The rearview camera system is particularly impressive, even offering a trailer hitch view to simplify connections.
Comfort is prioritized with power-adjustable, heated and ventilated front seats that include lumbar support. Headroom is abundant throughout the cabin, even with the dual-pane moonroof. The gear shifter is column-mounted, freeing up center console space, and physical knobs and switches are retained for radio and climate controls, alongside buttons for drive modes and disabling the start/stop system. A camera mirror is included to enhance rear visibility, especially when the third row is occupied.
The center console features a pass-through design with storage space underneath. Above, there is a wireless phone charger, a covered storage compartment, and a large center console bin serving as a comfortable armrest.
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The second row of the test vehicle features heated captain’s chairs, accommodating seven passengers in total. A bench seat option is available, increasing seating capacity to eight. Rear passengers have their own climate controls, two USB-C ports, and a power outlet. The second-row seats also slide and recline for enhanced comfort. Ceiling-mounted air vents for the second and third rows improve cooling efficiency throughout the cabin.
Access to the third row is facilitated by second-row seats that tilt and slide forward with a simple push of a button, even accommodating child seats left in place (without the child). The third row offers sufficient legroom for two adults or three children, and includes 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 of the 2024 Traverse RS
The 2024 Traverse RS excels in utility, starting with a power liftgate that includes hands-free operation activated by foot motion under the bumper. Cargo space is a major strength, with a generous 58 cubic feet available behind the third-row seats. Folding down the second-row seats expands this to a massive 98 cubic feet, creating a completely flat cargo floor. An under-floor storage compartment in the rear provides additional space, and beneath that, a compact spare tire is included – a practical feature.
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Adding to its convenience, the Traverse RS includes power-folding third-row seats, controllable via switches in the rear cargo area. The second-row captain’s chairs can also be folded from the rear, though they require manual operation for raising. This setup offers exceptional flexibility for managing passenger and cargo configurations.
Generous Standard Equipment on the 2024 Traverse RS
The RS trim of the 2024 Traverse comes exceptionally well-equipped as standard. Features like keyless entry, remote start, a panoramic moonroof, trailer towing package, walk-up lighting, power adjustments, and adaptive cruise control are all included at no extra charge.
Notably, the RS also includes GM’s Super Cruise, a sophisticated semi-self-driving system. While it requires a subscription to activate, Super Cruise is a standout feature. GM has mapped extensive miles of divided highways across the US and Canada. On compatible roads, activating Super Cruise allows for hands-free driving, including automatic lane changes when the turn signal is engaged, provided it’s safe to do so.
A driver-monitoring system ensures driver engagement, and should the system detect inattentiveness, it will issue warnings and eventually safely bring the vehicle to a stop and call for assistance via OnStar if necessary. In terms of safety features, the 2024 Traverse RS is comprehensively equipped with 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.
Helpful features like Teen Driver, which allows monitoring and control for younger drivers, and a rear seat reminder system, which prompts drivers to check the back seats upon arrival if a rear door was opened prior to the journey, further enhance the Traverse RS’s practicality and safety focus.
Driving Experience: Composed and Quiet Ride in the 2024 Traverse RS
The 2024 Traverse RS delivers a composed and comfortable ride, handling its size with surprising agility. The cabin is remarkably quiet, thanks to active sound deadening technology. Drivers can select from five different drive modes with the all-wheel-drive system, including a trailer towing mode that optimizes gear selection for towing up to 5,000 pounds, and a Sport mode that sharpens driving dynamics.
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Fuel economy is respectable for a 4,600-pound SUV, rated at 19 mpg city, 24 mpg highway, and 21 mpg combined.
Final Verdict: The 2024 Traverse RS is a Top Contender
The 2024 Chevy Traverse RS impresses across the board. Its ride and handling are refined, the cabin is quiet and upscale, and it provides a genuinely enjoyable driving experience both in urban environments and on highways. Considering its premium interior, generous space, and extensive list of standard equipment, the as-tested price of $57,495 for the ultra-loaded AWD Traverse RS represents strong value, especially when compared to other three-row SUVs that may not offer the same level of features or refinement. For those seeking a more budget-friendly entry point, the base LS trim starts at a competitive $37,600. The 2024 Traverse RS is a compelling option in the midsize SUV segment, demonstrating GM’s commitment to innovation and quality in this popular vehicle class.
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