2013 Chevrolet Traverse — Carivo review carivo.co
SUV

2013 Chevrolet Traverse

Independent review & score by Carivo

Price Range $21,440–$25,770
Fuel Economy 10 MPG
Seating 8 passengers
Category SUV
Est. Annual Fuel $5,250/yr

Key Specifications — 2013 Chevrolet Traverse

Seating Capacity8 passengers
Body StyleSUV
Base Price$21,440–$25,770

Source: EPA FuelEconomy.gov & manufacturer data. Figures reflect base trim; actual specs vary by trim level.

About the 2013 Chevrolet Traverse

With an overall Carivo score of 6.8/10, the 2013 Chevrolet Traverse earns a Good rating among the suvs we've scored. Its strongest dimension is Safety at 7.7/10, while Performance 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. We rate reliability at 6.4/10 — below the segment average in our scoring. Budget for potentially higher maintenance costs and check the recall record below before buying. On safety it earns 7.7/10: respectable, if not class-leading — several competitors bundle more driver-assist tech as standard. Check your trim's official ratings at nhtsa.gov.

Performance at 6.2/10 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 6.5/10 — 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 $21,440–$25,770, 10 MPG, seating 8, the Chevrolet Traverse sits in the budget-friendly tier of the suv market. Value lands at 7.1/10 — you get what you pay for, no more and no less, with a few rivals offering slightly better per-dollar returns. At 13 years old, resale value, parts availability, and whether a successor model has improved on its weak points are all worth investigating before committing.

Bottom line: There's a case for the 2013 Chevrolet Traverse, but it needs the right buyer. Its technology and reliability and performance scores trail the class, and several higher-rated rivals sell for similar money — comparison-shop before committing.

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 →

How It Ranks Among SUVs

The 2013 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 $21,440 starting price undercuts the segment's median of $36,079 by about 41%.

Rankings are recalculated as new vehicles and scores are added. See the full SUV ranking →

Which Traverse Year Should You Buy?

Across the Traverse model years we've scored, the 2013 holds its position — we didn't find an older year that delivers similar scores for meaningfully less money.

YearScoreStarting 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 →

Pros & Cons — 2013 Chevrolet Traverse

✓ What it does well

  • Strong safety ratings from NHTSA and independent testers
  • Accessible entry price makes it one of the more affordable options in the category
  • Versatile body style handles daily commuting and weekend adventures equally well

✗ Where it falls short

  • Below-average reliability data — factor in potential repair and maintenance costs
  • Performance is a genuine liability — well below class rivals and worth factoring into any decision
  • Tech suite is functional but lags behind segment-best options; some features cost extra
  • Fuel economy at 10 MPG is low — running costs will add up quickly

NHTSA Recalls — 2013 Chevrolet Traverse (4 on record)

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.

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…
Air bags / Frontal
07/10/2021 · 21V782000
General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2008-2017 Buick Enclave and 2013-2017 Chevrolet Traverse vehicles. The driver's air bag inflator may explode during deployment, due to a manufacturing defect.
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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