Talking Cars 456: Driving the Chevrolet Traverse

Main theme: In this podcast episode, we give our first driving impressions of the redesigned 2024 Chevrolet Traverse, which we recently purchased for CR’s auto test program. The outgoing Traverse fared well in our testing, owing to its ability to do most things well without any glaring faults. 

While the new Traverse isn’t drastically changed from the previous model, it does feature one pretty important update: All trims come with a 2.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine. That means the smooth-running V6 is no longer available. We discuss the turbo-four’s power delivery and sound “quality,” the latter in quotes for reasons explored within the show. 

We also go in-depth on the Traverse’s interior accommodations, the usability of the controls, second- and third-row seat space, and the ease of child-seat fit, while exploring how it compares overall as a family hauler to vehicles such as the Hyundai Palisade, Mazda CX-90, and Volkswagen Atlas. We wrap up the segment with each panelist giving their personal pick for the three-row midsized SUV they would buy. 

Read our Chevrolet Traverse first drive review.

Audience Questions
• During Hurricane Helene there were reports of Teslas catching fire due to flooding in the Tampa area. Is this a Tesla-only problem? Or are all EVs susceptible to this? 
• I am buying a new 2025 Honda Civic Hybrid, and I was wondering if there is a specific break-in period for a hybrid powertrain? I’ve heard that you shouldn’t push a regular internal combustion engine hard for a few thousand miles, but I didn’t know if that applied to hybrids as well.