The Chevy Traverse sits in a sweet spot that many Bergen County families find ideal: it’s large enough to seat eight, carries genuine cargo alongside passengers, and fits in standard parking structures without the anxiety of driving a full-size body-on-frame SUV. The 2024 redesign made it better in nearly every category that families care about.
Bottom Line: The Traverse delivers best-in-class cargo volume for the midsize three-row segment and genuinely usable three-row seating, making it a strong choice for Paramus families who want Tahoe-like capacity without full-size Tahoe dimensions.
- 98.2 cu ft of maximum cargo space - leads the midsize 3-row segment
- Third row folds flat in a single motion for instant cargo conversion
- Standard automatic emergency braking and forward collision alert on all trims
- Second-row captain’s chairs available for easier third-row access
Third-Row Space: The Honest Assessment
The Traverse’s third row is among the more generous in the midsize crossover segment, but honesty matters here: adults will fit, but it’s not as comfortable as the full-size Tahoe or Suburban for long distances. For Bergen County school runs and shorter trips, it’s genuinely practical.
Headroom in the third row is adequate for most adults - Chevrolet worked hard to preserve ceiling height with the roofline on the current generation. Legroom becomes tight if the second-row seat is pushed back far, which is the more common constraint for families balancing comfort across all three rows.
For families where the third row is primarily for children or occasional short-trip adult use, the Traverse delivers. For families who need adults riding comfortably in all three rows on long trips to the shore, the Tahoe is the more honest recommendation.
Second-Row Access and the Captain’s Chair Advantage
Standard configuration uses a second-row bench that seats three. Moving to captain’s chairs drops total capacity to seven but transforms access to the third row.
Captain’s chairs slide forward automatically when you pull the access lever. Getting in and out of the third row with captain’s chairs requires zero contortion - a meaningful quality-of-life improvement for daily school drop-off in Ridgewood or Fair Lawn.
Second-row bench maximizes capacity and is the right choice for families who regularly seat seven or eight. The bench also provides more versatility for carrying long cargo between rows.
Cargo Capacity: Where the Traverse Leads the Segment
Behind the third row, the Traverse offers 23 cubic feet - respectable for a midsize crossover and enough for a family’s grocery run or weekend luggage. Fold the third row, and that expands to 58 cubic feet. Maximum cargo with all seats folded reaches 98.2 cubic feet.
That maximum number matters for Bergen County families who haul sports equipment, camping gear, or large items from the hardware store. The Traverse handles these tasks with a flat, wide cargo floor that makes loading practical.
The 2024 Traverse adds a hands-free power liftgate on LS and above - a feature that makes grocery loading after picking up kids in Hackensack significantly less frustrating. It activates with a foot swipe under the bumper, hands-free.
"The Traverse's cargo numbers impress families even after they've already driven it. When they actually see what fits behind the third row, and then what opens up when you fold it flat, that's usually when the decision gets made."
General Manager, Paramus Chevrolet
The Cargo Floor and Real-World Loading
The Traverse’s cargo floor is flat and level with the folded seat backs - no step or ledge to work around when sliding items in. The wide opening and low lift-over height make loading strollers, large shopping bags, and sports gear easier than in taller SUVs.
Integrated tie-down hooks anchor cargo in the main floor area. For families transporting fragile items or pets, the anchor points prevent sliding without requiring aftermarket solutions.
Car Seat Compatibility and LATCH Access
LATCH anchor points are standard in second and third rows. Second-row installation is the best experience in the Traverse - lower anchors are accessible and positioned in a natural location that doesn’t require contortion to clip in.
Rear-facing infant seats in the second row allow front passengers to maintain reasonable legroom in most configurations. The Traverse’s wheelbase is shorter than the Tahoe’s, so this math works a bit less generously, but it’s still manageable for daily Bergen County use.
Third-row LATCH installation is more challenging but workable for convertible car seats. Most families use booster seats back there, which require only the seatbelt and are straightforward on the Traverse’s flat third-row cushion.
Front Safety Tech: What’s Standard vs. Optional
All Traverse trims include automatic emergency braking, forward collision alert, lane departure warning, and following distance indicator. These are not premium extras - they’re standard on the base LS.
You can verify the Traverse’s crash test results for specific model years at NHTSA vehicle safety ratings before making your final decision.
Higher trims add rear cross-traffic braking and enhanced automatic emergency braking that activates at highway speeds. For Bergen County families using Routes 4 and 17 regularly, those additions are worth considering.
Browse Traverse inventory at Paramus Chevrolet to see current trim availability.
Traverse vs. Tahoe: Choosing the Right Chevy for Your Family
| Factor | Traverse | Tahoe |
|---|---|---|
| Max Cargo | ✓ 98.2 cu ft | 122.9 cu ft |
| Fuel Economy | ✓ 23/29 MPG | 16/20 MPG |
| Tow Capacity | 5,000 lbs | ✓ 8,400 lbs |
| Starting MSRP | ✓ ~$36,000 | ~$57,000 |
| Parking Ease | ✓ Easier | More challenging |
FAQ: Chevy Traverse as a Family SUV
Is the Chevy Traverse big enough for a family of six? Yes, comfortably. A family of six with two adults in each row and children in the third fits well for daily Bergen County driving. Seven or eight passengers is feasible but gets tight in the third row.
How does the Traverse handle New Jersey winters? FWD Traverse models handle moderate snow adequately. The available AWD system adds confidence on packed snow and ice - worth considering given Bergen County’s typical January conditions. Snow mode and traction control are standard.
Can the Chevy Traverse tow a camper or boat? The Traverse tows up to 5,000 lbs with AWD and the available tow package. That’s enough for a small boat or pop-up camper, but not for a heavy travel trailer. The Tahoe is the right call if serious towing is a priority.
What Traverse trim is best for families? The LT provides the best value for most families, adding heated front seats, the Infotainment 3 Plus system, wireless Apple CarPlay, and rear seat reminder. The RS adds visual flair if appearance matters to your household.
Is the Traverse reliable for a family’s primary vehicle? The Traverse’s turbo 2.5L four-cylinder (base) and 3.6L V6 have strong track records. The current generation is too new for long-term reliability data, but previous Traverse generations accumulated positive reliability reputations over time.
How does the Traverse compare to the Honda Pilot or Toyota Highlander? The Traverse leads on cargo volume. The Pilot and Highlander have historically led on reliability perception, though the Traverse competes well on feature content at equivalent price points.
The Chevy Traverse makes a compelling case for Bergen County families who want three rows, serious cargo, and real fuel efficiency without buying a full-size SUV. It fits in Paramus parking garages, sips fuel compared to the Tahoe, and genuinely carries everything a typical Bergen County family needs for daily life and weekend adventures.
Stop by Paramus Chevrolet in Paramus to test the Traverse with your own family - we encourage bringing car seats and seeing how the load works in real life.