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Independent review & score by Carivo
| Seating Capacity | 8 passengers |
|---|---|
| Body Style | SUV |
| Base Price | $20,480–$24,060 |
Source: EPA FuelEconomy.gov & manufacturer data. Figures reflect base trim; actual specs vary by trim level.
The 2012 Chevrolet Traverse is a suv that earns a Carivo score of 6.8/10 — rated Good. Its strongest dimension is Safety at 7.8/10, while Technology at 6.2/10 is where it trails the competition most noticeably. It's a capable but unexceptional suv — stronger alternatives exist if you're willing to shop the segment carefully.
Reliability and safety are the two dimensions that matter most for long-term ownership costs. At 6.6/10 for reliability, this suv trails its segment. That doesn't rule it out, but go in with eyes open on running costs. Safety lands at 7.8/10 — solid, though some rivals offer more advanced driver-assist features as standard. Confirm official results for your trim at nhtsa.gov/ratings.
Performance at 6.3/10 is a genuine liability and a score that should factor heavily into any buying decision. The powertrain and chassis dynamics trail class rivals by a meaningful margin — don't overlook it. Technology scores 6.2/10 — the infotainment and driver-assist features feel dated against current-generation rivals. This is worth weighing if you prioritize connected features or modern safety tech.
Priced from $20,480–$24,060, 10 MPG, seating 8, the Chevrolet Traverse sits in the budget-friendly tier of the suv market. At 7.0/10 for value, it delivers fair pricing for what's on offer, though the best alternatives in this price range score slightly higher. At 14 years old, resale value, parts availability, and whether a successor model has improved on its weak points are all worth investigating before committing.
Verdict: The 2012 Chevrolet Traverse sits in the middle of the field. Until its reliability and performance and technology scores improve, stronger options exist at this price. Worth a look if it fits a specific need; otherwise use our compare tool against the segment leaders first.
Carivo scores are our own editorial assessment, informed by NHTSA safety and recall records, EPA fuel-economy figures, and manufacturer-published specifications. Scores are reviewed periodically and updated when new data becomes available. See our full methodology →
The 2012 Chevrolet Traverse ranks #2205 of 2454 suvs in the Carivo database — better than 10% of the segment. Its 6.8/10 overall score is 0.6 points below the segment average of 7.4/10. Its $20,480 starting price undercuts the segment's median of $36,079 by about 43%.
Rankings are recalculated as new vehicles and scores are added. See the full SUV ranking →
Across the Traverse model years we've scored, the 2012 holds its position — we didn't find an older year that delivers similar scores for meaningfully less money.
| Year | Score | Starting price (MSRP when new) | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 7.6/10 | $38,007 | Read review → |
| 2025 | 7.6/10 | $38,007 | Read review → |
| 2024 | 7.6/10 | $36,900 | Read review → |
| 2023 | 7.5/10 | $35,793 | Read review → |
| 2022 | 7.6/10 | $34,686 | Read review → |
| 2021 | 7.4/10 | $33,579 | Read review → |
| 2020 | 7.4/10 | $32,472 | Read review → |
| 2019 | 7.2/10 | $31,365 | Read review → |
| 2018 | 7.3/10 | $30,258 | Read review → |
| 2017 | 7.3/10 | $29,151 | Read review → |
| 2016 | 7.2/10 | $28,044 | Read review → |
| 2015 | 7.2/10 | $26,937 | Read review → |
The following recall campaigns have been filed with NHTSA for this model and year. Recall repairs are performed free of charge by franchised dealers; check your specific vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
| Structure / Body / Hatchback/liftgate 30/06/2015 · 15V415000 | General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2008-2012 Buick Enclave vehicles manufactured January 3, 2007, to February 29, 2012, 2009-2012 Chevrolet Traverse vehicles manufactured July 6, 2008, to March 9, 2012, 2007-2012 GMC Acadia vehicles… |
|---|---|
| Seat belts 20/05/2014 · 14V266000 | General Motors is recalling certain model year 2009-2014 Buick Enclave vehicles manufactured April 14, 2008, through May 14, 2014, Chevrolet Traverse vehicles manufactured June 6, 2008, through May 14, 2014, and GMC Acadia vehicles manufactured April 9,… |
| Air bags / Side/window 17/03/2014 · 14V118000 | General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2008-2013 Buick Enclave and GMC Acadia and 2009-2013 Chevrolet Traverse and 2008-2010 Saturn Outlook vehicles. In the affected vehicles, increased resistance in the driver and passenger seat mounted… |
| Visibility / Windshield wiper/washer / Linkages 09/04/2012 · 12V151000 | GENERAL MOTORS (GM) IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2011-2012 CHEVROLET TRAVERSE, BUICK ENCLAVE, AND GMC ACADIA VEHICLES CURRENTLY REGISTERED IN ALASKA, COLORADO, CONNECTICUT, DELAWARE, IDAHO, ILLINOIS, INDIANA, IOWA, MAINE, MARYLAND, MASSACHUSETTS,… |
| Air bags / Critical fasteners 08/04/2021 · 21V246000 | General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2010-2015, 2017 Buick Enclave, 2010-2019 Chevrolet Traverse, and 2011-2016 GMC Acadia vehicles. The side curtain air bags may not be properly attached. |
Source: NHTSA recall database, fetched at page build time.
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