2024 Chevrolet Traverse Z71: Top Features, Performance, and Comparisons

The 2024 Chevrolet Traverse Z71 represents a significant step forward in Chevy’s midsize SUV lineup, blending comfort, practicality, and rugged capability in a way that appeals to both families and adventurers. This latest iteration of Chevrolet’s popular three-row SUV has been designed to meet the diverse needs of today’s drivers. Whether you’re taking the family on a road trip or tackling a weekend off-road adventure, the Traverse Z71 has you covered.

In this detailed review, we’ll break down every aspect of the 2024 Traverse Z71, from its exterior design to its performance on the road, and delve into the features that make it stand out in a crowded segment. With a focus on expert insights, user needs, and SEO optimization, this review will provide you with all the information necessary to make an informed decision.

Overview of the 2024 Chevrolet Traverse Z71

The 2024 Chevrolet Traverse Z71 arrives as part of the third generation of Chevy’s midsize SUVs, bringing a refreshed design and a host of new features. Chevrolet has aimed to make the Traverse Z71 more versatile, appealing to both urban drivers who value comfort and outdoor enthusiasts who crave off-road capability. With its turbocharged engine, upgraded suspension, and robust safety features, the Traverse Z71 is positioned to compete with other heavyweights in the segment.

Key Features:

• Redesigned exterior with rugged appeal
• Turbocharged 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine
• Enhanced off-road capability with the Z71 trim
• Spacious three-row seating and advanced technology
• Comprehensive safety and driver-assistance features

Design and Exterior Features

The 2024 Traverse Z71 is a departure from its predecessors, with a more aggressive and bold design that signals its off-road ambitions. Chevrolet has prioritized ruggedness in this model, making it stand out in a segment often dominated by softer, more urban-focused designs.

Front Fascia: The front of the Traverse Z71 is striking, with a large, imposing grille that commands attention. The redesigned headlights are sleeker and more angular, giving the SUV a more modern and assertive look. The Z71 trim also adds a brawnier bumper, which not only enhances the vehicle’s appearance but also provides additional protection during off-road excursions.

Wheels and Tires: The Z71 trim comes equipped with 18-inch wheels and all-terrain tires, which are essential for tackling rough roads and uneven terrain. These tires provide a better grip on loose surfaces, making the Traverse Z71 more capable when the pavement ends. The wheels are finished in a dark, metallic color that complements the vehicle’s rugged aesthetic.

Ground Clearance and Skid Plates: One of the key features of the Z71 trim is its increased ground clearance, which allows the Traverse to navigate over rocks and uneven ground without scraping its undercarriage. Additionally, skid plates are included to protect critical components from damage when venturing off-road. These enhancements make the Traverse Z71 more than just a city SUV; it’s ready for adventure.

Exterior Colors: Chevrolet offers a range of color options for the Traverse Z71, including bold hues like Red Hot and Mosaic Black Metallic, which highlight the vehicle’s aggressive stance. These colors, combined with the rugged exterior features, give the Traverse Z71 a distinctive presence on the road.

Interior Comfort and Technology

Stepping inside the Traverse Z71, you’re greeted by a cabin that’s both spacious and modern. Chevrolet has focused on making the interior of the Traverse both functional and comfortable, ensuring that it meets the needs of families on the go. The Z71 trim adds unique touches that align with its off-road character, but without sacrificing the comfort and convenience features that drivers expect in a modern SUV.

Seating Comfort: The Traverse Z71 seats up to eight passengers across its three rows. The seats are well-padded and supportive, making long drives more enjoyable. In the front, the seats are designed to cradle the driver and passenger, offering ample lumbar support. The second-row seats are also spacious, and they can slide and recline to provide extra comfort. The third-row seats, while best suited for children, offer enough space for adults on shorter trips.

Interior Materials: The Z71 trim adds rugged, durable materials that are designed to withstand the rigors of off-road adventures. The upholstery is a combination of premium cloth and leatherette, which provides both comfort and durability. The interior is predominantly black with red stitching, giving it a sporty, tough appearance that matches the exterior’s rugged vibe.

Infotainment System: At the center of the dashboard is a massive 17.7-inch infotainment touchscreen, which is one of the largest in its class. This display is sharp and responsive, making it easy to navigate through the various menus and features. The system supports both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, so you can seamlessly connect your smartphone and access your favorite apps on the go. Additionally, the system includes built-in navigation, a Wi-Fi hotspot, and multiple USB ports for charging devices.

Audio System: The Traverse Z71 comes standard with a six-speaker audio system that delivers clear and balanced sound throughout the cabin. For audiophiles, an upgraded Bose sound system is available, which provides a richer and more immersive listening experience. Whether you’re listening to music, podcasts, or navigating with GPS, the sound quality in the Traverse is top-notch.

Cargo Space: One of the standout features of the Traverse is its generous cargo space. With all seats in place, the Traverse offers 23 cubic feet of cargo space, which is ample for groceries, sports equipment, or luggage. Fold down the third row, and that space expands to 57.8 cubic feet. For maximum cargo capacity, fold down both the second and third rows to reveal an impressive 98.2 cubic feet of space. This makes the Traverse one of the most spacious SUVs in its class, perfect for families who need room for gear on road trips.

Practical Features: Chevrolet has added several practical features to the Traverse Z71 that make it easier to live with daily. These include a hands-free power liftgate, keyless entry, and push-button start. There are also plenty of storage compartments throughout the cabin, including a large center console and door pockets, making it easy to keep your belongings organized.

Performance and Driving Experience

Under the hood of the 2024 Traverse Z71 is a turbocharged 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine that replaces the V6 found in previous models. This engine delivers 315 horsepower and 317 lb-ft of torque, providing plenty of power for both city driving and off-road adventures.

Engine Performance: The turbocharged engine offers strong acceleration, and the Traverse Z71 feels responsive when merging onto highways or passing slower vehicles. However, some drivers may notice a slight delay in throttle response when accelerating from a stop. This is a characteristic of turbocharged engines and is something to be aware of, but it doesn’t detract from the overall driving experience.

Transmission: The engine is paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission, which shifts smoothly and efficiently. The transmission is well-matched to the engine, providing a good balance of performance and fuel economy. In addition, the Traverse Z71 includes a manual shift mode, allowing drivers to take control of gear changes when tackling off-road trails or steep inclines.

Off-Road Capability: The Z71 trim is designed with off-road enthusiasts in mind. It includes features like a special off-road suspension, all-terrain tires, and skid plates that protect the underside of the vehicle from damage. While the Traverse Z71 isn’t a hardcore off-roader like the Jeep Wrangler or Toyota 4Runner, it’s more than capable of handling dirt roads, gravel trails, and light off-road conditions. The all-wheel-drive system provides good traction on loose surfaces, and the increased ground clearance allows the Traverse to clear obstacles that would stop lesser SUVs.

Steering and Handling: On the road, the Traverse Z71 is easy to drive, despite its size. The steering is light and responsive, making it easy to maneuver in tight spaces. However, there is a slight vibration felt through the steering wheel and pedals during acceleration, particularly between 3,000 and 4,500 RPM. This could be due to the all-terrain tires or a characteristic of the pre-production model, but it’s something to keep in mind if you’re sensitive to vibrations.

Ride Quality: The ride quality in the Traverse Z71 is generally smooth, thanks to its well-tuned suspension. It absorbs most road imperfections without issue, providing a comfortable ride for passengers. However, the all-terrain tires can generate more road noise than the standard tires, especially on rougher surfaces. If you’re planning to do a lot of highway driving, this is something to consider.

Fuel Efficiency

Fuel efficiency is a critical factor for many SUV buyers, and while the Traverse Z71 doesn’t offer hybrid or plug-in hybrid options, it still performs respectably for a vehicle of its size.

Fuel Economy Ratings: The Traverse Z71 is rated at 19 MPG in the city, 23 MPG on the highway, and 21 MPG combined. These numbers are in line with other non-hybrid midsize SUVs, but they fall short of hybrid competitors like the Toyota Highlander Hybrid, which can achieve significantly better fuel economy.

Driving Range: Thanks to its large 21.2-gallon fuel tank, the Traverse Z71 offers a driving range of 450-500 miles on a single tank of gas. This makes it an excellent choice for long road trips, as you won’t need to stop for fuel as often as you might in smaller SUVs.

Fuel-Saving Features: To help improve fuel efficiency, the Traverse Z71 includes an automatic start-stop system that shuts off the engine when the vehicle is idling, such as at stoplights. While this system can save fuel, some drivers find the frequent restarting of the engine While the automatic start-stop system can save fuel, some drivers find the frequent restarting of the engine at stoplights to be somewhat intrusive. Fortunately, the system can be disabled via a button on the dashboard if it becomes bothersome. Overall, the Traverse Z71’s fuel efficiency is competitive for its class, offering a good balance of power and economy.

Safety and Driver Assistance Features

Safety is a paramount concern for families and individuals alike, and Chevrolet has equipped the 2024 Traverse Z71 with a comprehensive suite of safety and driver assistance features. These technologies not only help keep passengers safe but also enhance the overall driving experience.

Standard Safety Features:

• Automatic Emergency Braking: This system helps prevent or reduce the severity of collisions by automatically applying the brakes if it detects an imminent crash.
• Forward Collision Warning: Alerts the driver to potential frontal collisions, giving them a chance to take action before an accident occurs.
• Lane Departure Warning: Monitors the vehicle’s position within its lane and provides alerts if it begins to drift without signaling.
• Blind Spot Monitoring: Alerts the driver to vehicles in their blind spots, helping to prevent accidents during lane changes.
• Rear Cross Traffic Alert: Warns the driver of approaching vehicles when reversing out of parking spaces.
• Rear Park Assist: Helps with parking by providing visual and audible alerts when the vehicle is close to objects behind it.

Available Driver Assistance Features:

• Adaptive Cruise Control: Maintains a set speed and distance from the vehicle ahead, adjusting speed as necessary to keep a safe following distance.
• Surround-View Camera System: Provides a 360-degree view around the vehicle, making parking and maneuvering in tight spaces easier.
• Head-Up Display: Projects key driving information onto the windshield, allowing the driver to keep their eyes on the road while monitoring essential data.

Pricing and Trim Levels

The 2024 Chevrolet Traverse Z71 is available in several trim levels, each offering a different set of features and capabilities. Pricing for the Traverse Z71 starts at approximately $47,000, making it a mid-range option in the Traverse lineup. Here’s a breakdown of the pricing and features for each trim:

Traverse L: The base model starts at around $34,000 and includes essential features such as a rearview camera, an infotainment system with a 7-inch touchscreen, and a suite of basic safety features.

Traverse LT Cloth: Priced at about $37,000, this trim adds more comfort and convenience features, including upgraded upholstery, additional USB ports, and enhanced driver assistance technologies.

Traverse LT Leather: Starting at $40,000, this trim includes leather upholstery, a larger touchscreen, and additional premium features.

Traverse RS: At approximately $43,000, the RS trim adds sporty design elements and additional technology features, such as a premium sound system and advanced driver assistance systems.

Traverse Z71: The top-tier trim begins at $47,000 and includes all-terrain tires, an upgraded suspension, and unique design elements that highlight its off-road capabilities.

Traverse High Country: The ultimate luxury trim starts at $52,000 and includes all of the features of the Z71 plus additional luxury touches and advanced technologies.

Comparison with Competitors

To understand how the 2024 Chevrolet Traverse Z71 stacks up against its competitors, let’s compare it to some key rivals in the midsize SUV segment:

Toyota Highlander TRD Pro:

• Price: Starts around $46,000
• Engine: 3.5-liter V6 with 295 horsepower
• Off-Road Capability: Equipped with off-road features similar to the Traverse Z71, but with a more rugged design.
• Fuel Economy: 20 MPG city / 27 MPG highway

Jeep Grand Cherokee Trailhawk:

• Price: Starts around $50,000
• Engine: 3.6-liter V6 with 293 horsepower
• Off-Road Capability: Superior off-road performance with advanced 4WD systems and a more rugged build.
• Fuel Economy: 19 MPG city / 26 MPG highway

Ford Explorer Timberline:

• Price: Starts around $48,000
• Engine: 2.3-liter turbocharged four-cylinder with 300 horsepower
• Off-Road Capability: Designed for off-road use with increased ground clearance and skid plates.
• Fuel Economy: 20 MPG city / 26 MPG highway

The Traverse Z71 holds its own in this competitive field, offering a balance of off-road capability, comfort, and technology. Its pricing is competitive, and it offers a unique blend of features that make it an appealing choice for those who need both rugged capability and family-friendly features.

Final Verdict

The 2024 Chevrolet Traverse Z71 is a standout choice for those seeking a midsize SUV that combines off-road prowess with family-friendly amenities. Its bold exterior design, spacious and comfortable interior, and comprehensive set of safety features make it a well-rounded vehicle for a variety of needs. The addition of all-terrain tires and an upgraded suspension in the Z71 trim sets it apart from competitors, making it a solid option for drivers who want to venture off the beaten path.

While its fuel efficiency is competitive, it’s important to consider whether the Traverse Z71’s power and off-road capabilities align with your driving needs. The Traverse Z71 offers a good balance of performance and practicality, making it a worthy choice for families and adventurers alike.

If you’re in the market for a midsize SUV that excels in both on-road and off-road conditions, the 2024 Chevrolet Traverse Z71 is certainly worth considering. Its combination of rugged design, advanced technology, and spacious interior make it a versatile and appealing option in its class.