The 2013 Chevrolet Traverse lasts around 250,000 miles with only some minor A/C and power steering issues. At $12,556 to $16,287, it’s a good value for a spacious and dependable SUV.
Is the 2013 Chevrolet Traverse a Good Used SUV?
- Overall Rating 7/10 – 2013 is a good year for the Chevy Traverse. Owner reviews praise the passenger room, comfortable seats, and smooth suspension.
- Interior Quality 7/10 – The materials are durable, but not as luxurious as some other SUVs, has room for up to 8 people, and the stereo system is easy to use.
- Reliability 7/10 – We recommend buying the 2013 model or a 2016–2017 which are all reliable. Avoid models 2010–2012 and 2014–2015 since there are mechanical problems.
- Performance 6/10 – The V6 engine is weak for a full size SUV since most competitors have a V8.
- Safety 8/10 – The Traverse is very safe, earning a perfect 5-star overall rating in government crash tests, with the lowest score being 4-stars in the rollover risk. There’s also an optional blind-spot monitoring system.
- Gas Mileage 7/10 – Fuel economy is good for a full size SUV at up to 19 MPG, which should get owners around 418 miles of range out of the 22 gallon gas tank. Fuel costs are $11 higher than average at $246 per month.
Positive Owner Reviews
Negative Owner Reviews
What Do Critics Say About the Chevy Traverse?
- Consumer Reports says the Traverse is a comfortable family vehicle, but owner satisfaction scores are lower than average.
- Edmunds gives the Traverse a 3.5/5 praising the excellent cargo space, but doesn’t like the poor rear visibility.
- Kelley Blue Book users rate the Traverse 4.2/5 and enjoy the efficiency of the V6 engine, but owners don’t like the low towing capacity.
What Common Problems Does the 2013 Chevrolet Traverse Have?
The most common problems found on the 2013 Chevy Traverse include the A/C not working, a loss in power while driving, and power steering issues. Overall, these problems are similar to other large SUVs from 2013, and repair costs are average too.
A/C system issues are the most widespread complaint from owners at around 45,000 miles. The source of the problem is usually the A/C compressor which starts to wear out in some models. Replacing the compressor costs about $1,400 depending on local labor rates.
A loss in power while driving shows up on some Traverse models at around 90,000 miles. A failing fuel pump is the most common source of the problem, but it can also be caused by the Stabilitrak system. Replacing the fuel pump costs about $600, and usually fixes the issue.
Power steering system issues are another complaint from owners at roughly 35,000 miles. The power steering pump wears out in some Traverse models as they age. Replacing the power steering pump and associated hoses costs around $1,400.
There are 4 recalls, which is better than other large SUVs from 2013. The most serious recall is for a seat belt cable and Chevrolet will replace it for free. The other recalls are all for airbags and are common on all large SUVs from 2013.
How Long Will the 2013 Chevrolet Traverse Last?
A well-maintained 2013 Chevy Traverse lasts around 250,000 miles, which is about 50,000 miles shorter than top-rated large SUVs like the Chevy Tahoe. Regular annual maintenance costs are average for a large SUV, according to Repair Pal, at $681 per year.
Since most 2013 Traverse models will have over 100,000 miles buyers should be prepared to replace items including the door lock actuators for $300, starter relay costing around $100, and the exhaust muffler for $600.
It is very reliable. We have had no problems with the traverse. We do regular maintenance and have had no issues.
So far the 2013 Chevrolet traverse ls has proven to be a reliable vehicle. I haven't had any problems with it.
Yes it is very reliable and had not had major problems. Every time I have had it in for routine maintenance, I get good reports.
The price was good and affordable for my income, I did have to make some repairs but it was covered mostly by my warranty.
No problems whatsoever! It lasts long. It is 6 years old and still remains consistently reliable and not deteriorating.
It is very reliable. No problems so far. It is a gas water and does not have good gas mileage. Maintenance is reasonable.
Knock on wood. I have not had any problems with my Chevy traverse. I keep up with the maintenance and luckily have been problem free.
Is the 2013 Chevrolet Traverse a Good Value?
Yes, the 2013 Traverse is a great value for a large SUV. Blue book prices range from $12,556 to $16,287, making the Chevy Traverse cheaper than similarly equipped large SUVs including the GMC Yukon and Ford Expedition. When new, the price range was $30,510 to $42,575. Depreciation is worse than average, losing about 12% of its current value per year.
What are the Different Models of the Chevy Traverse?
There are three main models of the Traverse offered in 2013, including the base LS, common LT, and the luxurious LTZ.
LS is the entry-level model with:
- 17-Inch Steel Wheels
- Cloth Seating
- Keyless Entry
- 6.5-Inch Touchscreen Stereo System
- OnStar
- Bluetooth & USB Connectivity
LT is a step up, adding:
- 18-Inch Alloy Wheels
- Heated Mirrors
- Fog Lights
- Rear Parking Sensors
- Remote Starter
- Tri-Zone Climate Control
LTZ is the luxurious model which adds:
- 20-Inch Alloy Wheels
- Leather Seating
- Second Row Captain’s Chairs
- Blind Spot Monitoring
- Heated Steering Wheel
- 10-Speaker Bose Stereo System
What Engines Come In the Chevy Traverse?
The engine found in the Chevy Traverse is the relatively weak 3.6L V6, which makes 281 horsepower while getting up to 19 MPG. The dual exhaust on the LTZ model is slightly stronger at 288 horsepower.
Performance is worse than average, taking 7.5 seconds to go from 0-60 MPH, and the towing capacity is lower than V8 SUVs at only 5,200 pounds.
What Colors Does the Chevy Traverse Come In?
How Comfortable Is the Chevy Traverse?
The 2013 Chevy Traverse is a full size SUV with comfortable seats used throughout the cabin, but the materials have a cheap feel. Although it’s a full size SUV, it is smaller than the Chevy Suburban or Nissan Armada.
Passenger room is excellent throughout the cabin, and there’s enough legroom for adults in the third row.
How Is the Storage In the Chevy Traverse?
Cargo space is lower than other full size SUVs with enough space for 5-6 suitcases behind the third row, 8-10 behind the second row, and over 15 with the seats folded flat.
What Are the Differences Between Years?
The first generation of the Chevy Traverse was introduced for the 2009 model year, and replaced by the second generation in 2018.
2011: New stereo system added, and heated cloth seats available.
2012: No major changes.
2013: Minor exterior styling refresh and new interior materials.
2014: Additional USB charging ports added, and collision alert/lane departure warning added.
2015: Siri Eyes Free added to navigation system.
2016: OnStar system improvements with in-car Wi-Fi hot spot.
How Does the Chevy Traverse Compare to the Competition?
The Chevrolet Traverse is a good choice for the 2013 model year offering a comfortable cabin and smooth suspension. We recommend the 2013 model, or ones from 2016–2017, which all have the fewest complaints.
The Ford Explorer is a competitor which costs about $2,000 more. Performance is better in the Ford Explorer since it has V8 engine options, but there’s more passenger room in the Chevy Traverse. We recommend the Chevy Traverse for 2013, but if you need to tow then go with the stronger Ford Explorer.
The GMC Acadia is another large SUV that’s about $2,500 more expensive. Both the Chevy Traverse and GMC Acadia are built on the same platform, but the GMC Acadia has a more luxurious interior. We recommend the Chevy Traverse for 2013 since it’s a better value for your money.
Do Owners Recommend the Chevy Traverse?
Yes, it gets decent gas mileage. It is comfortable fits my family of six. Has been reliable and drives well it bad weather.
The Chevrolet traverse ls, in my opinion, is a good vehicle. It is roomy, drives smooth, and is decent on gas mileage.
It is a very reliable vehicle. Good gas mileage and rarely has mechanical issues. Good traction and lots of room.
I like the vehicle, its roomy only downfall is the trunk is small, the radio could be better guess I have the standard version.
A great vehicle. The traverse has enough room for my whole family, dogs included! Three row seating makes it all easier.
It is a great vehicle. Comfortable and can fit 4 car seats. Great trunk space. I also love the captain seating, it is a game changer
Yes. I love my Chevy traverse. It handles the road well. It is a lot roomier than it appears. We can easily pack for a week long trip for four people and still have room.