There are two new exterior colors in the mix, as Sterling Gray Metallic and Radiant Red Tincoat enter the selection assembly. A leather-wrapped steering wheel and shifter become standard now on LT Cloth, LT leather, RS, Premium, and High-Country trim levels. The rest of what you see here is mainly carried over from last year's model, featuring the 310 horsepower 3.6-liter V6 paired 9-speed automatic transmission. All models come standard with front-wheel drive, and all-wheel drive is also available.
The US News auto staff praised the new Traverse for its winning combination of value and stellar performance, along with more than ample cargo space. With its peppy V6 and enough room for 8, there is a long list of driver-assistance features, plenty of passenger space in all three rows, and the awesome updates present on the 2022 model. These include refreshed exterior styling, more standard driver-assistance features, and wireless Apple CarPlay along with Android Auto.
When compared to the close relative in the form of the GMC Acadia, the Traverse gets a bit better gas mileage with its base-level engine, and a bit more accessible comfort in the front two rows of seats. The Traverse’s infotainment offerings are simple to use and all on a layout that makes sense, with bright graphics and reasonable response. Standard equipment includes a 7-inch screen, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a Wi-Fi hotspot, satellite radio, a 6-speaker audio system, Bluetooth, and 6 USB ports.
Available as extra are an 8-inch screen, navigation, wireless device charging, and the stellar jump in quality with the audio upgrade to the 10-speaker Bose audio setup. For the ultimate in comfort and proper weekend tailgating accessibility, you can opt for a 4.2-inch digital instrument cluster, universal garage door opener, a power sunroof, remote start, and 120-volt household-style power outlet. Few SUVs can come close to rivaling the cargo space the Traverse offers, with 23 cubic feet of room behind the third row, 57.8 cubic feet behind the second row, and a maximum capacity of 98.2 cubic feet.
The interior of the 2023 Traverse has an impressive quality of airy space and seats up to 8 people across three rows. Some of the upgrades we’d highly recommend making things stellar for the long haul would be leather upholstery, power-adjustable front seats, heated and ventilated front seats, a heated steering wheel, and heated second-row seats. We were front and center when Autotrader also claimed after their test drives that: “the extra space is very appealing to growing families, along with the Smart Slide seat that allows for simple and quick access to the third row.”
