2018 Chevrolet Traverse — Carivo review carivo.co
SUV

2018 Chevrolet Traverse

Independent review & score by Carivo

Price Range $30,258–$34,957
Fuel Economy 17 MPG
Seating 8 passengers
Category SUV
Est. Annual Fuel $3,088/yr

Key Specifications — 2018 Chevrolet Traverse

Seating Capacity8 passengers
Body StyleSUV
Base Price$30,258–$34,957

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

About the 2018 Chevrolet Traverse

The 2018 Chevrolet Traverse is a suv that earns a Carivo score of 7.3/10 — rated Good. Its strongest dimension is Safety at 8.4/10, while Performance at 6.7/10 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 6.9/10 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 8.4/10 — solid, though some rivals offer more advanced driver-assist features as standard. Confirm official results for your trim at nhtsa.gov/ratings.

Performance at 6.7/10 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 6.8/10 — 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 $30,258–$34,957, 17 MPG, seating 8, the Chevrolet Traverse sits in the mid-market bracket of the suv segment. At 7.7/10 for value, it delivers fair pricing for what's on offer, though the best alternatives in this price range score slightly higher. At 8 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 2018 Chevrolet Traverse sits in the middle of the field. Until its reliability and technology and performance 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 →

How It Ranks Among SUVs

The 2018 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 $30,258 starting price undercuts the segment's median of $36,079 by about 16%.

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

Which Traverse Year Should You Buy?

Smart-money pick: the 2015 Chevrolet Traverse scores 7.2/10 — within striking distance of the 2018's 7.3 — and starts roughly $3,500 lower. If you don't need the newest model year, that's money better spent on a higher trim or kept in your pocket.

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 (this review) 7.3/10$30,258
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 — 2018 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 17 MPG is low — running costs will add up quickly

NHTSA Recalls — 2018 Chevrolet Traverse (2 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.

Power train / Automatic transmission
29/10/2020 · 20V668000
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2018-2019 Chevrolet Cruze and Buick LaCrosse, 2018-2020 Chevrolet Equinox, Chevrolet Traverse and GMC Terrain, 2018 Chevrolet Malibu, 2019-2020 Buick Encore, Buick Enclave, Cadillac XT4, Chevrolet Blazer and GMC…
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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