After only a few mild facelifts since its debut in 2018, the Chevy Traverse is one of the oldest competitors in the three-row SUV segment. But that will probably change soon, as these spy photos show a new version of the Traverse. It’s not entirely clear whether this is a complete redesign or just a significant update, but either way, it should help make the Chevy more relevant.
The front fascia still bears Chevy’s trademark cross-bar grille, but the openings have been greatly enlarged. This makes the Traverse look a lot like Chevy’s pickup trucks and truck-based SUVs. The headlights and the upper edge of the grille also seem a bit higher, which in turn makes the hood more horizontal, truck-like.
The profile of this Traverse prototype makes it hard to tell whether this is a complete redesign, or just a major refresh. There are a number of detail changes that are not straight forward. For example, the side mirrors are different, and the C-pillar is no longer a continuous piece of sheet metal joining the roofline. Instead, it becomes smaller, allowing some black trim or glass to create a pseudo-floating ceiling effect. There is also no harsh shoulder crease like the current Traverse. But at the same time, the proportions, the basic window shapes and the wheel wells all look In fact Same as current model.
Not much can be said about the tail of this Traverse right now. It doesn’t have production-style taillights, and the details in the rear bumper and hatch are well disguised. For whatever it’s worth, it has a dual-outlet exhaust.
Given how old the current Traverse is, it would make sense for Chevy to bring this new model out as soon as a 2024 model. It could be introduced in a few months, with sales starting either at the end of the year or early next year. It will likely continue to use the version of the 3.6-litre V6 currently available. A hybrid version would be welcome, but Chevy is abandoning hybrids to go straight to EVs, and it’s doing so with dramatically different models that closely reflect what’s on sale now.
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