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2016 Chevrolet Traverse

Rating7.4

Ranked #10 in Midsize Suv

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Starting MSRP 

$31,205 - $44,145

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Key Spec of 2016 Chevrolet Traverse
fuel economy

15/18/22

fuel type

Regular unleaded

horsepower

281 hp @ 6300 rpm

basic warranty

3 yr./ 36000 mi.

New Cars
Old CarsBuild In & Price

2016 Chevrolet Traverse Price, Review, Ratings and Pictures

Updated on: December 28, 2021

Nathan Dyer's image
Nathan Dyer 

Senior Editor

The Chevrolet Traverse comes with no cosmetic or mechanical changes for 2016 except for the addition of OnStar service. The Traverse as usual provides a massive three-row cabin along with one of the best cargo capacities in its class. Apart from that it also provides great comfort and the 3.6L V6 engine provides a smooth ride. But the pros end there as the aging V6 suffers from slow acceleration and poor fuel economy figures. 

2016 Chevrolet Traverse Latest Updates

  • Dec' 10, 2021 : 2022 Chevrolet Traverse Pricing and Updates Release Read More »
See detailed review
ProsConsWhat's New

Comfortable ride

Lackluster performance

The 2016 Chevrolet Traverse adds OnStar 4G LTE with a Wi-Fi hotspot.

Spacious cabin

Low fuel economy

Top-rated reliability

Segment-best cargo space

Over All Rating

7.4

Out of 10

Pricing and Features7.00
Features8.50
Engine and Performance7.70
Fuel Economy5.00
Interior7.00
Exterior6.50
Safety8.20
Competition7.00
Notable Rankings

#10 in Midsize Suv

#13 in Suv

Pictures & Videos

Exterior [6]Interior [5]
2016 Chevrolet Traverse exterior
2016 Chevrolet Traverse exterior
2016 Chevrolet Traverse exterior
2016 Chevrolet Traverse exterior
2016 Chevrolet Traverse exterior
2016 Chevrolet Traverse exterior

Trims

LS$31,205 onwards

  • 1St row LCD monitor
  • 60-40 split-bench 3rd row seats
  • AM/FM stereo
  • Cloth Seat trim
  • Driver Lumbar support
  • Manual front air conditioning
  • Pre-Collision system w/ pedestrian detection
  • Siriusxm AM/FM/Satellite
Build Car

LT$34,005 onwards

  • Front Fog/driving lights
  • Rear Park Assist
Build Car

LTZ$42,145 onwards

  • Navigation system
Build Car
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Used 2016 Chevrolet Traverse For Sale

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2017 Chevrolet Traverse39

2017 Chevrolet Traverse 2LT

LT 4dr SUV AWD w/2LT (3.6L 6cyl 6A)

$16,500
Est. $224/mo
Excellent Deal
$7,000 Below market
RMV: $23,500
Houston, TX
N/A
Check Availability
2016 Chevrolet Traverse28

2016 Chevrolet Traverse SUV

LTZ

$16,900
Est. $229/mo
Excellent Deal
$7,092.5 Below market
RMV: $23,992.5
Council Bluffs, IA
N/A
Check Availability
2015 Chevrolet Traverse31
Price Drop, $499
Previous Price: $14999, 16 Apr 2022
New

2015 Chevrolet Traverse LTZ

LTZ 4dr SUV AWD (3.6L 6cyl 6A)

$14,500
Est. $196/mo
Excellent Deal
$5,995 Below market
RMV: $20,495
Tallahassee, FL
N/A
Check Availability
2016 Chevrolet Traverse16
Price Drop, $196
Previous Price: $12991, 14 May 2022
New

2016 Chevrolet Traverse 1LT

LT w/1LT 4dr SUV (3.6L 6cyl 6A)

$12,795
Est. $173/mo
Excellent Deal
$4,995 Below market
RMV: $17,790
Pacoima, CA
N/A
Check Availability
2015 Chevrolet Traverse

2015 Chevrolet Traverse SUV

LT

$12,945
Est. $175/mo
Excellent Deal
$5,042.5 Below market
RMV: $17,987.5
Cincinnati, OH
N/A
Check Availability
2017 Chevrolet Traverse25

2017 Chevrolet Traverse SUV

LT

$17,499
Est. $237/mo
Excellent Deal
$6,556 Below market
RMV: $24,055
Jacksonville, FL
N/A
Check Availability
2015 Chevrolet Traverse6
New

2015 Chevrolet Traverse 1LT

LT 4dr SUV w/1LT (3.6L 6cyl 6A)

$11,995
Est. $162/mo
Excellent Deal
$4,405 Below market
RMV: $16,400
Harlan, IA
N/A
Check Availability
2016 Chevrolet Traverse6

2016 Chevrolet Traverse 2LT

LT 4dr SUV w/2LT (3.6L 6cyl 6A)

$13,900
Est. $188/mo
Excellent Deal
$5,099 Below market
RMV: $18,999
Fayetteville, NC
N/A
Check Availability
2017 Chevrolet Traverse51
Price Drop, $399
Previous Price: $17599, 06 Feb 2022

2017 Chevrolet Traverse 2LT

LT 4dr SUV AWD w/2LT (3.6L 6cyl 6A)

$17,200
Est. $233/mo
Excellent Deal
$6,300 Below market
RMV: $23,500
Eatontown, NJ
N/A
Check Availability
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See all used 2016 Chevrolet Traverse for sale

Colors and Styles

2016 Chevrolet Traverse in Blue Velvet Metallic color
Blue Velvet Metallic

Expert Review, Pricing Analysis and Buying Guide

Other than the highly practical cabin and competitive pricing that starts at as low as $28,700 for the base trim there is hardly anything that the Traverse promises to offer that its rivals can’t. Speaking of rivals the 2016 Chevrolet Traverse locks its horns with the likes of Honda Pilot, Ford Explorer, and Buick Enclave. Let’s see in this review how this budget crossover SUV fairs against them.

Features
8.5/10

The Chevrolet Traverse is offered in five trims, the Base trim that costs $28,700 is offered only with front-wheel-drive, the Base trim features a 6.5-inch touch infotainment system along with ample standard features. Above that is the LS trim that includes all the base features along with some upgrades, the LS starts at $31,205 and can be added with an all-wheel-drive for a $2,000 premium. The LT w/1LT starts at $34,005 and the LT w/2LT at $36,505. The top of the line trim LTZ starts at $42,145 and includes 20-inch wheels, variable effort power steering, and upscale interior features.

Trims

Base LS

LS

LT w/1LT

LT w/2LT

LTZ

MSRP (FWD)

$28,700

$31,205

$34,005

$36,505

$42,145

MSRP (AWD)

-

$33,205

$36,005

$38,505

$44,145 

Key Features

Outside power-adjustable manual-folding black mirrors

Adds or upgrades to ‘Base’

Adds or upgrades to ‘LS’

Adds or upgrades to ‘LTw/1LT’

Adds or upgrades to ‘LTw/2LT’

 

Chrome door handles

Sirius-XM Satellite Radio

Heated outside mirror

Second-row captain’s chair

20-inch alloy wheels

 

Black roof rail moldings

Enhanced Driver Information Center

Rear Park Assist

Power-remote lift-gate

Dual-outlet exhaust with bright tips

 

Rear spoiler

 

18" machined-aluminum wheels

10-speaker Bose premium sound system

Forward Collision Alert and Lane Departure Warning
 

Automatic headlights

 

8-way power-adjustable driver seat with power lumbar control

Heated front seats

Power-folding outside mirrors

 

17-inch steel wheels

 

Leather-wrapped steering wheel

Tri-zone automatic climate controls

Driver’s seat and side mirror memory function

 

Rear vision camera system with display integrated into 6.5-inch touch-screen

 

Remote vehicle start

Auto-dimming rearview mirror

Radio w/ Navigation

 

Remote Keyless Entry

 

 

 

Leather upholstery

 

Premium Cloth seating

 

 

 

Cooled front seats

 

OnStar with 4G LTE and built-in Wi-Fi hotspot

 

 

 

Heated steering wheel

 

Acoustic Insulation Package

 

 

 

 

We Recommend

We suggest picking the LT w/2LT trim that starts at $38,505 with all-wheel drive and includes features like eight-way power-adjustable seats, heated front seats, a power lift-gate, tri-zone automatic climate control, and a ten-speaker Bose audio system along with much more.

Engine and Performance
7.7/10

The 2016 Chevrolet Traverse is powered by a 3.6L naturally aspirated V6 gasoline engine as standard on all of its trims. The V6 engine puts out 281 horsepower along with 266 lb-ft of torque. The V6 comes mated to a six-speed automatic transmission and powers the front wheels as standard. 

All but base trim can also opt for the available all-wheel-drive Overall the engine feels smooth at all RPMs along with linear torque delivery which makes the Traverse a good highway cruiser. Although the aging V6 shows its weakness as the Traverse clocks 8.1 seconds to go from 0-60 mph and took around 16.3 seconds to cover a quarter-mile both the numbers are the slowest in the segment. The braking performance is also average as it takes a distance of 126 feet to stop from 60 miles per hour.

Models

2016 Chevrolet Traverse

2016 Buick Enclave

2016 Honda Pilot

2016 Ford Explorer

MSRP

$28,700

$39,065

$30,345

$31,050

Engine

3.6L V6

3.6L V6

3.5L V6

3.5L V6

Drivetrain

FWD

FWD

AWD

FWD

Transmission

6-speed automatic

6-speed automatic

6-speed automatic

6-speed automatic

Horsepower (hp @ rpm)

281 hp @ 6300 rpm

288 hp @ 6300 rpm

280 hp @ 6000 rpm

290 hp @ 6500 rpm

Torque (lb-ft @ rpm)

266 ft-lbs @ 3400 rpm

270 ft-lbs @ 3400 rpm

262 ft-lbs @ 4700 rpm

255 ft-lbs @ 4000 rpm

0-60 MPH (sec)

8.1 sec

7.9 sec

6.2 sec

6.4 sec

Quarter mile (sec)

16.3 sec

16.3 sec

14.8 sec

14.6 sec

Top Speed (MPH)

126 MPH

118 MPH

128 MPH

127 MPH

Coming to rivals, all of them are powered by a V6 but the Buick Enclave charges the highest for the V6 plus six-speed automatic gearbox combo. The Chevrolet Traverse has the lowest asking price among all. Although the Honda Pilot and Ford Explorer easily manage to beat the Traverse by a big margin in both the 0-60 mph and quarter-mile runs.

Fuel Economy
5.0/10

According to the EPA, the 2016 Chevrolet Traverse does 15 mpg in the city, 22 mpg on the highway, and 18 mpg combined when equipped with front-wheel drive, with four-wheel drive the combined mileage number drops by one mpg across all three parameters. The Chevrolet Traverse comes with a 22-gallon fuel tank and offers a respectable 330 miles and 480 plus miles range in the city and on the highway respectively.

Models

2016 Chevrolet Traverse

2016 Buick Enclave

2016 Honda Pilot

2016 Ford Explorer

MPG (city)

15

15

18

17

MPG (highway)

22

22

26

24

MPG (combined)

18

18

21

20

Fuel tank capacity (gal.)

22.0

22.0

19.5

18.6

Range (City/Highway/Combined, in Miles)

330/ 484/ 396

330/ 484/ 396

351/ 507/ 409

316/ 446/ 372

As for the rivals the Honda Pilot even though has the best performance manages to outshine the competition in terms of fuel economy too. The Honda Pilot returns 3 mpg more in the city, 4 mpg more on the highway, and 3 mpg more combined compared to the Chevrolet Traverse. The Buick Enclave shares the mechanicals with the Traverse so it returns identical fuel economy figures.

Interior
7.0/10

The Traverse's cabin is quite a nice place to be in, it's spacious, quiet, and comfortable, especially the third-row seats which are more usable than most of its competitors. The third row on the Traverse can actually fit adults although average-sized adults. It is still impressive as it does not compromise the cargo capacity behind the third row. 

As standard, there are not many creature comfort features on offer but as you climb the trim ladder you will unlock nifty features like automatic climate control, power-adjustable seats, power-adjustable and folding outside mirror, auto-dimming inside rearview mirror, and a few more. Not giving these features as standard is the secret behind the competitive pricing of the base trim.

Models

2016 Chevrolet Traverse

2016 Buick Enclave

2016 Honda Pilot

2016 Ford Explorer

Passenger capacity

8

7

8

7

Front (Head/Shoulder/Leg) (in.)

40.4/ 61.5/ 41.3

40.4/ 61.6/ 41.3

40.1/ 62.0/ 40.9

41.4/ 61.5/ 42.9

Second (Head/Shoulder/Leg) (in.)

39.4/ 61.0/ 36.8

39.4/ 61.3/ 36.8

40.2/ 62.0/ 38.4

40.6/ 61.0/ 39.5

Third (Head/Shoulder/Leg) (In.)

37.8/ 57.6/ 33.2

37.8/ 57.4/ 33.2

38.9/ 57.6/ 31.9

37.8/ 50.8/ 32.0

Cargo Capacity with rear seats up (cu-ft.)

24.4

23.3

18.5

21.0

Talking about the cargo capacity, Traverse has the best in class cargo capacity, behind the third row there are 24.4 cubic feet of cargo space, if you fold the third row the space increases to 70.3 cubic feet, and folding the second row the cargo capacity jumps to 117.5 cubic feet which means the Traverse can haul a large family or 117.5 cubic feet worth of stuff. In terms of cabin space, the Traverse is only second to the more than generous cabin of the Ford Explorer. Although the Traverse has a more usable third-row space while the Explorer has a more spacious second row. Key interior features include:

  • Front and rear air conditioning
  • 60/40-split folding second and third-row seats
  • Tilt-and-telescopic steering wheel
  • Available power-adjustable driver’s seats
  • Available heated and ventilated front seats
  • Available heated steering wheel

How intuitive is the Chevrolet Traverse’s infotainment system?

The 2016 Chevrolet Traverse offers a 6.5-inch touchscreen display with AM/FM/CD player as standard for the infotainment system. As you go for the higher trims you will add Chevrolet’s MyLink infotainment system. For this year Chevrolet has also introduced the OnStar connectivity suite that adds 4G LTE connectivity with a Wi-Fi hotspot. Key infotainment features include:

  • 6.5-inch touchscreen
  • Six-speaker stereo w/ CD player
  • Bluetooth audio connectivity
  • Satellite radio
  • Available 10-speaker Bose sound system
Exterior
6.5/10

Since the Traverse was first introduced back in 2009 the design hasn't changed much other than a minor facelift in 2013 which only added some modern bits to make it look relevant. The Traverse is curvy with smooth flowing lines but does not lose the taller stance of a traditional SUV. The looks and design of the Traverse are simple, tasteful, and elegant. Overall, the exterior design of the Traverse is quite subtle which is perfect for buyers who don't like to draw too much attention. On the flip-side, this kind of design language ages well with time. 

Models

2016 Chevrolet Traverse

2016 Buick Enclave

2016 Honda Pilot

2016 Ford Explorer

Curb Weight (lbs.)

4,713

4,724

4,220

4,443

Length (in.)

203.7

201.9

194.5

198.3

Width (in.)

78.5

79.0

78.6

78.9

Height (in.)

69.9

71.7

69.8

70.0

Ground clearance (in.)

7.2

7.6

7.3

7.8

Wheelbase (in)

118.9

118.9

111.0

112.8

Dimensionally the Chevrolet Traverse is second to none and is the longest vehicle and comes with the longest wheelbase in the competition. While the Buick Enclave remains 0.5-inches wider and 1.8-inches taller than the Traverse. The Ford Explorer has the highest ground clearance of 7.8-inches which is 0.6-inches more than the Traverse’s ground clearance. Key exterior features include:

  • 17-inch steel wheels
  • Rear parking sensors
  • Automatic headlights
  • Available power-folding outside mirror
  • Rear spoiler
  • Available 18- and 20-inch alloy wheels
  • Available panoramic sunroof
Safety
8.2/10

The Chevrolet Traverse has put up a stellar show in the crash-test ratings of both the NHTSA and IIHS. The NHTSA rated the 2016 Traverse with a perfect score of five stars for the overall, front, and side crash test while the rollover test was rated as four out of five-star ratings. The IIHS gave the 2016 Traverse a rating of ‘Good’ in all its four parameters while the ease of use of LATCH was given the second-best rating of ‘Acceptable’. Key safety features include:

  • Forward collision alert w/ side blind zone alert
  • Rear cross-traffic alert
  • Lane departure warning
  • Rear vision camera
  • Front center side-impact airbag
Final Verdict

The Chevrolet Traverse is strictly a budget family-hauler. It has loads of space and practicality with high-reliability ratings. But then you will have to compromise with the performance and the gas mileage. The cabin quality is also average for the segment and honestly, you get what you pay for. Thus if you are on a shoestring budget then only we would recommend going for the Traverse otherwise the Ford Explorer and Honda Pilot would be a far better choice.

Features

vehicle bio
base price

$44145

body style

4dr SUV

engine type
displacement

217 cu in

horse power

288 hp @ 6300 rpm

torque

270 lb.-ft. @ 3400 rpm

transmission

6 speed shiftable automatic

dimensions
length

204 in

wheelbase

119 in

width

73 in

curb weight

4956 lbs

Height

70 in

Ground Clearance

7 lbs

capacity
passenger volume

150.8 cu ft

cargo volume

116.3 cu ft

passenger capacity

5 Seats

fuel economy
city/combined/highway

17/17/22 mpg

highway range

484.0 mi

warranty
basic warranty

3 yr./ 36000 mi.

See All Features & Specs

2016 Chevrolet Traverse User Reviews

2.6

[40 Reviews]

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1

[8.0%] [3 Reviews]

2

[3.0%] [1 Reviews]

3

[30.0%] [12 Reviews]

4

[58.0%] [23 Reviews]

5

[3.0%] [1 Reviews]

POPULAR TAGS

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N

Nancy

2016 Chevrolet Traverse

LT 4dr SUV AWD w/2LT (3.6L 6cyl 6A)

3

User Overall Rating

Posted On: May 19, 2022

Dismal mpg figures.

Pros - Easy to use center console, Spacious.

Cons - Brake lever vibrations, Transmission, Fuel economy.

Crappy transmission. My Chevrolet Traverse has started to cause a lot of problems. The brake lever vibrates a lot during hard braking. The transmission, on the other hand, misshifts most of the time while driving in traffic. Also, the mileage has gone down by 5 mpg after all these years. Try to stay away from this dealership. Totally unorganized sales team. Try to bring in your own finance.

7/10
Features
7/10
Interior
4/10
Design
3/10
Safety
3/10
Reliability
4/10
Deal Value
3/10
Dealer Review
SP

Stanley Pittman

2016 Chevrolet Traverse

LS 4dr SUV AWD (3.6L 6cyl 6A)

6

User Overall Rating

Posted On: January 3, 2022

smooth and comfortable midsize SUV

Pros - Plenty of cargo and passenger space, attractive interior along with good safety and reliability.

Cons - Cumbersome to drive along with sluggish acceleration and less functional infotainment and climate controls.

midsize SUV with lots of passenger and cargo space. My Toyota Sienna was traded in for the Traverse. I completed an extensive study comparing the Traverse to the Hi Lander and the Honda Pilot, and by far, the Chevy Traverse came out on top. There is enough space for people and luggage, which is ideal for my weekend family trips. The 3.6-liter engine provides enough power for highway travel. Adult...

6/10
Features
5/10
Interior
6/10
Design
6/10
Safety
6/10
Reliability
7/10
Deal Value
6/10
Dealer Review
Read more »
KL

Kellie Lawrence

2017 Chevrolet Traverse

LT 4dr SUV AWD w/1LT (3.6L 6cyl 6A)

5

User Overall Rating

Posted On: April 25, 2022

Doesn't feel safe at high speeds

Pros - Spacious. Transmission.

Cons - Steering feel, Handling, Highspeed stability.

Of set steering No matter how much I drive the Traverse, the handling on this car feels off and that makes it a challenge at times to maneuver the car. I don't feel confident driving the Traverse at higher speeds as the faster I go, the more disconnected the steering wheel feels and that isn't a very comfortable situation to be in. What I like about this car is the refinement the transmission has...

7/10
Features
7/10
Interior
6/10
Design
4/10
Safety
6/10
Reliability
6/10
Deal Value
4/10
Dealer Review
Read more »
Add A Review

Top Cars

Top User Reviews

3/10

User

Rating

Dismal mpg figures.

Crappy transmission. My Chevrolet Traverse has started to c...

by Nancy

6/10

User

Rating

smooth and comfortable midsize SUV

midsize SUV with lots of passenger and cargo space. My Toyo...

by Stanley Pittman

5/10

User

Rating

Doesn't feel safe at high speeds

Of set steering No matter how much I drive the Traverse, th...

by Kellie Lawrence

6/10

User

Rating

Practical and affordable midsize SUV

Safe and reliable midsize SUV with good handling. I've owne...

by Cassidy Cobb

6/10

User

Rating

Guessing the gibberish on Instagram was easier than figuring the controls on this car

Defnitely not the most spacious 3rd row The Traverse came i...

by Adeline Rogers

view more reviews

Chevrolet Traverse 5 year Cost To Own

Cash Price(MSRP)
$32,814
5 Year Cost To Own
$51,596
Total 5 year Cost To Own -  $51,596
Year 1Year 2Year 3Year 4Year 5total
Depreciation$6,329$2,594$2,460$2,894$2,778$17,055
Insurance$1,026$1,117$1,142$1,140$1,155$5,580
Fuel$2,281$2,332$2,362$2,498$2,555$12,028
Maintenance$512$828$696$1,974$2,410$6,420
Repairs$33$-21$173$354$532$1,071
Financing Interest$2,003$1,664$1,232$778$232$5,909
Taxes and Fees$2,728$227$194$215$169$3,533
Total Cost-To-Own$14,912$8,741$8,259$9,853$9,831$51,596
Read more about Cost-To-Own »

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