The Chevrolet Traverse has been the brand’s crossover-based 3-row people mover since it debuted as a 2009 model. Sharing a platform with the GMC Acadia, Buick Enclave, and Saturn Outlook, the Traverse was the last addition to the big 3-row crossover family of GM vehicles. With the demise of the entire Saturn brand, the Traverse has taken over the blue-collar role of the big GM crossovers.
Now in its second generation, and with refreshed styling as of the 2022 model year, our 2023 High Country looks to take that blue-collar attitude upscale to flirt with the likes of corporate cousin GMC’s Denali line of vehicles. This High Country model sits at the summit of the Traverse trim levels and is the fourth vehicle in the Chevrolet lineup to wear the badge. Tahoe, Suburban, and Silverado all have a High Country trim level for those wanting Denali-level luxury but who are unwilling to leave the bowtie brand.
We wait and wonder if the Colorado, Blazer, Trailblazer, and new 2024 Trax will also see this upscale trim applied to their platforms. It would be hard for us to see the High Country trim branch outside of the SUV and pickup market within the Chevy lineup, but a Corvette High Country or a Camaro High Country would be fun to see, right?
The High Country takes the Premier trim upscale in subtle exterior detailing and nice touches for occupants inside the spacious cabin. Up front, the grille is adorned with bronze crossbar accents, like its bigger brand siblings, bespoke 20-inch polished aluminum wheels, along with SkyScape® 2-panel power sunroof on the inside, and unique perforated leather-wrapped seats with heat and ventilation up front, and heated second-row captains chairs. Try-zone climate control helps make sure everyone is comfortable, and the ceiling-mounted vents help ensure air gets to each occupant.
Sound comes from the 10-speaker Bose® premium audio system that features active noise cancellation to help isolate passengers from the road noise outside, further adding to the premium experience. Chevy’s infotainment screen makes accessing the built-in Wi-Fi® hotspot or using the wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto a breeze.
Power is supplied by the same 3.6L, naturally aspirated V6 that is found in all other models, paired with the same 9-speed automatic transmission. Our model here is an AWD configuration, but front-wheel-drive is standard.
Ultimately, you would shop this High Country model if you are looking for the best that the Traverse line has to offer. Based off our time in it, we would be glad to have this one in our driveway.
2023 Chevrolet Traverse High Country Specs:
3.6L V6 Engine
310 Horsepower
266 lb.-ft. of Torque
9-speed Automatic Transmission
All Wheel Drive
Adaptive Cruise Control
Safety Alert Seat
Standard SkyScape® 2-panel Power Sunroof
Hands-free Power Programmable Lifgate
8-inch Chevrolet Infotainment 3 Plus Touchscreen Infotainment
Leather-Trimmed Seats with Clove Accents
Heated and Ventilated Front Seats
Heated Second Row Captain’s Chairs with Passenger Smart Slide®
Tri-zone Automatic Climate Control
2-Person Memory Power Driver's Seat
Proximity Key with Push Button Start
24.75 Cubic Feet of Storage Space Behind the Rear Seats
57.8 Cubic Feet of Storage Space with Third Row Folded
Class-leading 98.2 Cubic Feet of Maximum Cargo Space
20-inch Polished Aluminum Wheels
EPA Fuel Economy 17/25/20(city/hwy/cmb)
Starting Price: $54,200 (High Country)
Price as tested: $56,590
Thanks to Peltier Chevrolet for the vehicle, check out their inventory here: