As you shop for a new or used SUV, you’ll see that the Chevrolet Traverse is one of the most popular options out there. One of the best-rated versions of the Chevy Traverse is the 2018 model. According to some owners, the 2018 Traverse pleases in almost every way except one.

Performance is a highlight for the 2018 Chevy Traverse 

Critics and buyers alike appreciate that Traverse has a “car-like” quality about it. For a vehicle its size, the Traverse is relatively simple to maneuver. Don’t expect it to have the same sporty feel that its smaller sibling, the Chevy Equinox, does, though. The Traverse is more for those who favor a relaxed, supple ride.

There are two engine choices for the 2018 Traverse. Base models will have a 310-hp, 3.6-liter V6. The Traverse’s V6 provides plenty of power and accelerates with ease. Your other choice is a 257-hp turbocharged 2.0 four-cylinder found on the RS trim. Both engines are connected to a nine-speed automatic. Front-wheel drive and all-wheel drive are available. 

The turbo-four doesn’t provide much of an advantage with fuel-economy. It has an EPA rating of 22 mpg overall with premium gas. This rating is only one point higher than the standard V6 model. 

According to Consumer Reports member survey data, 2018 Traverse owners were most satisfied with how their SUV drives. Owners expressed how smooth and quick this Chevy is. One consumer even said that the Traverse handled better than their BMW 7 Series. 

Comfort is second-best 

After the driving experience it provides, 2018 Traverse owners are most satisfied with the SUV’s comfort levels. The Traverse can seat up to eight people in its standard configuration. Models with the captain’s chair setup have room for seven. Most owners say that the Traverse has exceptionally comfortable seats, and the cabin is quiet. One consumer stated that the only excess noise they have experienced is from the kids. 

Families also appreciate the Traverse’s standard tech. It comes with a 7-inch touchscreen with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay connectivity. Other helpful features include a backup camera and a rear-seat reminder to make sure kids aren’t left in the backseat. For more advanced safety features, shop for the upper-level trims like the Traverse LT Leather model. The LT Leather model replaces the Traverse’s standard cloth seats with leather and adds gadgets such as blind-spot monitoring. 

What’s the one thing that disappointed Traverse owners?

Consumers Reports’ survey shows that Traverse owners have been most satisfied with their car’s driving dynamics, comfort, and style. But the one aspect that disappointed them was in terms of value. Compared to other SUVs in its class, the Traverse doesn’t come with as many advanced safety features. Chevy only made them available on the higher trims, as CR noted. The 2018 Toyota Highlander fared much better in this category. 

Technically, the Traverse is one of the worst SUVs to buy “gently used.” That is if you’re looking for a cheap deal. It has the lowest percent price difference between a new and one-year-old model, a study found. But this is a testament to how much families enjoy the SUV. CR says that 64% of owners would repurchase the Traverse. The current MSRP range for a 2018 Traverse is $20,350 – $33,850.