In the white-hot three-row SUV segment, I have always liked the Chevrolet Traverse. It is among the largest of the car-based SUVs in the three-row category before you move into the mastodon-sized, truck-based class of the Chevy Tahoe, Ford Expedition, Nissan Armada and Toyota Sequoia. This means plenty of interior room without the hassles of parking a substantially larger vehicle. The Traverse High Country package is a fully loaded version of the Traverse with some nice off-road rugged touches.
Phil Zak, executive design director, notes, “The bold exterior of the all-new Traverse helps redefine its role and capability for customers. It is as versatile as ever, but with an increased focus on capability that reflects the spirit of its owners.” Scott Bell, VP of Chevrolet, adds, “Our new Traverse is designed and engineered to act and look more like an SUV.”
New Powerplant
So, with all the talk of the High Country looking beefier, it may come as a surprise that Chevrolet has ditched the old V6 engine in favor of a turbocharged 2.5-liter four-cylinder. The good news is that the new engine is excellent—and very quiet to boot. All Traverse models are powered by this new powerplant, which delivers 328 horsepower and 326 lb-ft of torque. It’s paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and available all-wheel drive, including an off-road-capable twin-clutch AWD system.
The new Traverse has a maximum trailering rating of up to 5,000 pounds, so getting your small boat to the launch ramp with your family in tow won’t be a problem. The package also includes a 220-amp alternator and a special “Hitch View” feature in the exterior camera system. This allows you to keep an eye on your trailer and easily line it up for hitching.
The Niceties
The Traverse High Country rolls on 22-inch high-gloss black wheels that look fantastic. The door handles feature a tasteful touch of chrome. Inside, luxury and convenience reign: to assist in loading passengers and gear, the High Country includes a power-folding third-row bench seat with control buttons in the rear area. The middle-row captain’s chairs are very comfortable—some might not even realize they are in a Traverse and could mistake the roomy rear seat area for a Tahoe!
To bring in natural light, there’s an available power panoramic sunroof. Rear passengers also stay cool and comfortable thanks to separate HVAC controls—and they even get heated seats.
Infotaining
The centerpiece of the cabin is a class-leading 17.7-inch infotainment display, similar to the one found in Chevrolet’s larger high-end pickup trucks. In the smaller (but still spacious) Traverse, it truly shines. I especially love how the hard volume knob illuminates when turned and then seamlessly blends back into the screen design. The screen is twice as large as the one in the previous-generation Traverse, offering a dramatically modern experience.
Wireless phone charging and Wi-Fi hotspots are part of the package, along with six USB ports distributed throughout the cabin. Although Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are present, GM is eager to showcase its own interface with the latest Google-based technology. That means Google Maps is built-in and beautifully rendered on the large screen. Press the microphone button, and Google understands voice commands with impressive accuracy. Real-time traffic updates are included, thanks to data drawn from Google Maps users, including Waze users.
However, fans of the Waze layout will still need to rely on Apple CarPlay or Android Auto to access it. I happen to prefer Google Maps—and there it is, right on the native navigation screen. Still, Waze loyalists may be disappointed by the additional step required to bring up their favorite interface.
Safety Suite
The Traverse features GM’s full suite of advanced safety technologies, and the High Country trim showcases GM’s impressive Super Cruise system. This hands-free driving system is a sanity-saver in traffic jams, allowing the vehicle to handle stop-and-go movement and steering while you stay attentive to the road. It even inches forward and makes minor steering corrections in heavy traffic, offering drivers a chance to relax—or even meditate (just a little).
One unexpected new safety feature is Buckle to Drive. It requires that both the driver and the front passenger have their seatbelts fastened before the vehicle can be driven. According to Chevrolet, features like Buckle to Drive and the Rear Seat Belt Reminder are intended to reinforce the importance of safety by reminding everyone in the vehicle to buckle up. There’s no official word yet on whether this system can be disabled for situations like driving on private property where frequent stops are common.
The 2025 Traverse is a surprisingly pleasant family hauler, loaded with the latest in vehicle technology. Moreover, the technology is user-friendly and intuitive. With its generous size—especially within the car-based SUV segment—Chevy has a winner on its hands. Factor in an overall fuel economy rating of 21 MPG (not bad for something this large), and it’s clear this vehicle deserves serious consideration. My test vehicle, fully equipped, came in at $57,000.
Looking to experience everything the 2025 Chevrolet Traverse High Country has to offer? Visit the BestCarAudio.com Dealer Locator and connect with a specialty mobile enhancement retailer in your area to learn more.
