2017 Chevrolet Traverse — Carivo review carivo.co
SUV

2017 Chevrolet Traverse

Independent review & score by Carivo

Price Range $29,151–$35,670
Fuel Economy 16 MPG
Seating 8 passengers
Category SUV
Est. Annual Fuel $3,281/yr

Key Specifications — 2017 Chevrolet Traverse

Seating Capacity8 passengers
Body StyleSUV
Base Price$29,151–$35,670

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

About the 2017 Chevrolet Traverse

Our scoring places the 2017 Chevrolet Traverse at 7.3/10 overall, which translates to a Good rating for this suv. Its strongest dimension is Safety at 8.1/10, while Performance at 6.8/10 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 score reliability at 7.0/10 — better than most direct rivals, if short of the segment's best. The safety score of 8.1/10 is solid mid-pack territory. If advanced driver aids matter to you, compare standard equipment carefully and verify ratings at nhtsa.gov.

Performance at 6.8/10 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 6.9/10 — 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 $29,151–$35,670, 16 MPG, seating 8, the Chevrolet Traverse sits in the mid-market bracket of the suv segment. The 7.6/10 value score says the pricing is fair rather than generous; cross-shop the segment before signing anything. At 9 years old, resale value, parts availability, and whether a successor model has improved on its weak points are all worth investigating before committing.

Our take: The 2017 Chevrolet Traverse is a passable suv but not a standout one. Weaknesses in technology and performance hold it back from being a strong recommendation. It may suit buyers with specific needs it serves well, but we'd encourage comparing at least two or three higher-scored alternatives before deciding.

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 2017 Chevrolet Traverse ranks #1384 of 2454 suvs in the Carivo database — better than 44% of the segment. Its 7.3/10 overall score is 0.1 points below the segment average of 7.4/10. Its $29,151 starting price undercuts the segment's median of $36,079 by about 19%.

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 2017 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 (this review) 7.3/10$29,151
2016 7.2/10$28,044 Read review →
2015 7.2/10$26,937 Read review →

Pros & Cons — 2017 Chevrolet Traverse

✓ What it does well

  • Strong safety ratings from NHTSA and independent testers
  • Good overall value; holds its own against pricier alternatives in the segment
  • Versatile body style handles daily commuting and weekend adventures equally well

✗ Where it falls short

  • Reliability scores are mid-pack; some owners report higher-than-expected maintenance needs
  • Driving dynamics are adequate but uninspiring; not the choice for enthusiast drivers
  • Tech suite is functional but lags behind segment-best options; some features cost extra
  • Fuel economy at 16 MPG is low — running costs will add up quickly

NHTSA Recalls — 2017 Chevrolet Traverse (3 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.

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.
Air bags / Frontal / Driver side / Inflator module
10/05/2023 · 23V334000
General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2014-2017 Buick Enclave, Chevrolet Traverse, and GMC Acadia vehicles. The driver's air bag inflator may explode during deployment, due to a manufacturing defect.

Source: NHTSA recall database, fetched at page build time.

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