The 3.6L V6 combines with the smooth-shifting nine-speed automatic transmission to deliver urgent acceleration and serene operation.
The electric power steering is precise, nicely weighted and has good directional stability at highway speeds. Braking is confident and the brake pedal location, feel and degree of travel needed to stop the car are all nicely judged; quite a change from GM cars of just a few years ago.
The suspension reconciles ride and handling very well; the Traverse absorbs bumps adroitly and the vehicle feels solidly planted on the road. Despite its prodigious size, the Traverse actually drives smaller than it is.
Solidly constructed, there are no squeaks or rattles noted on the two vehicles driven and road and wind noise are quite successfully suppressed.
The long-wheelbase combines with the XXL format to provide impressive room for a three-row CUV, maintaining one the greatest marketing features of the previous model. With pleasing shapes and attractive bright accents, the cabin of the Traverse is quite elegant. While most vehicles in this segment feature soft-touch dashboard surfaces and door toppers, those of the Traverse are hard plastic painted with a low sheen paint. This move no doubt saves GM money on each Traverse sold and the finish looks so good that occupants won’t notice unless they touch them. The interior of the new Traverse has a multitude of oddments storage to be the go-to crossover for vehicular hoarders.
Front occupants are supported by substantial, supportive seats and enjoy abundant space. The individual second row seats are comfortable, can be moved forward and back to furnish greater legroom for third-row seat riders and have enough space between them to let third-row riders pass easily to the third row. Though the space and comfort of the third-row seat can’t compare with those available in a minivan, it is good for this type of vehicle and adults can easily tolerate a cross-town hop back there.

GM’s ubiquitous 3.6L V6 is the sole power unit for the 2023 Traverse. Power finds its way to the wheels via a nine-speed automatic transmission in all cases. Front-wheel drive is standard, with all-wheel drive, optional. Most models offer an optional all-wheel drive system with Normal, 4×4, Off-Road and Tow-Haul modes; with the High Country employing a more sophisticated set up with torque vectoring delivering greater stability in challenging driving situations.

Moving from the LS to the LT trims adds a tow package, hitch guidance system, a power tailgate, remote starting, heated front seats, blind spot and rear cross traffic monitors, wireless cellphone charging, roof rails and rear parking sonar, at a price that reflects the value of the added content. Moving from the LT to the True North trim includes a panoramic sunroof, a rear camera washing system, a Bose-branded audio system, navigation, a 360 degree camera system, adaptive cruise control, power-fold door mirrors, a heated steering wheel and leather seating, and is tremendous value. The RS trim offers little for the money asked. The Premier trim contains features like a power tilt steering wheel, an peril alert driver’s seat, heated rear seat and ventilated front seats, but is significantly overpriced. Migrating from the Premier to the High Country range topper has little additional content for its enormous price supplement.

Insufficient data on this generation of this. The basic warranty on the Traverse is three years 60,000 kilomtres, with five years/100,000 kilometres on the powertrain. The Enclave is covered by a basic four year/80,000 kilometre warranty, with six years/110,000 kilometres on the powertrain. A GM extended warranty recommended if you plan to keep these vehicles past the warranty period.