| Pros | Cons | ||
| ✓ Sharp styling | ☓ Average fuel economy (per GM estimates) | ||
| ✓ Turbo performance is better than the old V6 | ☓ Infotainment is still a bit fussy | ||
| ✓ Comfortable ride | ☓ 8-passenger seating only available on LS and LT trims | ||
| ✓ Z71’s AWD system, and off-road-friendly upgrades | ☓ RS model is seriously pricey | ||
Neither the Chevy Traverse Z71 nor RS are an off-roader or sports car, but they’re both still good.
If you were to judge the 2024 Chevy Traverse Z71 and RS from the outside, one looks more rugged and the other looks somewhat sportier. But that’s only part of the picture. Both vehicles have different mission statements, and a few mechanical differences, on top of the obvious garnish.
There is only one engine that both crossovers use is an all-new 2.5-liter turbocharged engine that makes 315 horsepower and 317 lb-ft of torque. That’s a 19% gain in torque over the midsize SUV’s old 3.6-liter V6. All new Traverse models are paired to an eight-speed automatic transmission. If properly equipped, the Traverse has a max trailering rating of up to 5,000 pounds.
GM estimates the 2024 Traverse’s EPA fuel economy rating have improved to 20 City / 27 Highway / 23 Combined mpg for the front-wheel drive models, falling to 19 City /24 Highway / 21 Combined mpg with all-wheel drive. My gut tells me that the heavier Z71, with its off-road tires, may not reach that estimate, but we’ll have to see with further official figures and testing. It may be similar for the RS, with its hilariously large (read: heavy) 22-inch wheels.
Mind you, it ain’t cheap (depending on the trim).
Prices start at $38,995, including Chevy’s $1,395 destination fee. That gives you a base FWD LS, but you still get the new turbo four-cylinder. With the exception of the AWD-only Z71, adding AWD to all other models carries a $2,000 premium. The Z71, if you go that route, comes with a unique twin-clutch AWD system and some off-road-friendly gear. Pricing for the Z71 start at $49,190.
The volume seller is expected to be the mid-level LT, which has a base price of $42,790. The top-of-the-line model is the RS, which has some of the largest wheels I’ve even seen on a factory crossover. Brandishing 22-inch, painted wheels, standard equipment like Super-Cruise, high end entertainment, and a luxury interior. Be prepared to pay all the money for it, though: The 2024 Chevrolet Traverse RS has a base price of $56,990.
What’s the driving experience like?
First and foremost, they both have a balanced, comfortable ride. That said, I can’t get my head around the reasoning for paying $10,000 more for the RS…Sure, it handles a bit better than the Z71, but I never felt the toys and interior added up to the premium. As for acceleration, braking and overall handling, you’ll have a good experience across the lineup. I used Toyota’s Grand Highlander and even Chevy’s own truck-based, body-on-frame Tahoe as reference points throughout my drive.
We went “off-road” on what I would describe as an excellent rally stage through the woods. The only challenge for the Z71 was squeezing around obstacles. It never lost traction, it never struggled and I’m pretty sure the AWD system wasn’t bothered much. That system has a dual-clutch that takes torque, sends it aft, and allows all of that power to reach the rear axle. From there, the rear end vectors the torque to the wheels that need it.
The other system on all other AWD Traverse models has a single clutch, and splits the torque front-to-rear as needed, up to 50% between both axles. Driving the Traverse RS though the hills around suburban Atlanta, I never felt this new model was at a loss for power, and the AWD system was seamless. Honestly, GM only wanted us to drive the RS on backroads and highways to play with the Super Cruise system. It worked, but it’s not a system you can use everywhere. Though the company has significantly expanded its footprint, you can only engage Super Cruise in certain areas, mainly on divided highways.
Both the Z71 and RS were pleasant commuters, with some added bravado.
Overall, I prefer the value and potential capability of the Z71. It’s an inch higher, has tow-hooks and a bit of underside armor. I think it looks better, but that’s subjective. On the basis of price and depending on your use case for a family rig, I think both crossovers would be a good substitute for the need to own a heavier, truck-based Tahoe, considering how many buy one without needing its beefiness.
Check out more of my impressions on the 2024 Chevy Traverse in the full review video below:
