The Chevy Traverse AWD makes Bergen County winters significantly more manageable than a front-wheel-drive three-row crossover. All-wheel drive, a ground clearance advantage over smaller crossovers, and the available Z71 package give families from Paramus to Ridgewood the traction and control they need for school runs, weekend trips, and everything in between.
Bottom Line: The Traverse AWD’s automatic all-wheel drive and 7.3-inch ground clearance handle most Bergen County winter conditions without requiring driver input, and the Z71 package adds meaningful capability for families who encounter deeper snow or unplowed roads.
- AWD on the Traverse is always active and requires no driver mode selection for normal winter roads
- FWD Traverse buyers should seriously consider upgrading to AWD before winter in Bergen County
- Z71 adds a suspension tune and off-road package that also improves winter composure on rough surfaces
For the full breakdown of Traverse trims, AWD availability, and which configuration fits your family’s needs, see our complete Traverse guide.
Traverse AWD System: What You’re Working With
The Traverse does not use a truck-based 4WD transfer case with manual mode selection. Instead, it uses an all-wheel drive system that operates automatically without driver input.
Automatic AWD: How It Works
The Traverse AWD system monitors wheel speed at all four corners and distributes power forward when rear-wheel traction is insufficient. In normal dry conditions, the system operates primarily in front-wheel drive to maximize fuel efficiency. In winter conditions - snow, ice, wet roads - it automatically transfers up to 50% of torque to the rear wheels when slip is detected.
This all happens without any driver action. You don’t select a 4WD mode, you don’t need to stay under a speed limit for the system to function safely, and there’s no risk of drivetrain binding from using AWD on dry pavement. The system manages all of it continuously.
FWD vs. AWD Traverse in Winter
Front-wheel-drive Traverse handles light snow and wet conditions adequately but is a different vehicle in serious winter conditions. FWD loses traction on steep hills, in deep snow, and during acceleration on ice in ways that AWD handles seamlessly. Bergen County’s mix of flat commercial roads and hilly residential areas - common in Ridgewood and Paramus - can expose FWD limitations in heavy snowfall.
The AWD upgrade is worth the investment if you regularly drive in winter weather or if your home’s driveway or neighborhood has any significant grade.
Ground Clearance and What It Means for Bergen County
At 7.3 inches, the Traverse’s ground clearance is appropriate for Bergen County’s plowed winter roads but not exceptional for deep snow accumulation.
Practical Winter Clearance
7.3 inches clears most plowed road conditions that Bergen County families encounter - snow ridges at intersections, light accumulation on residential streets, and the snowplow residue that builds up at driveways. When accumulation exceeds 6-8 inches and roads go unplowed, the Traverse will start making contact with snow in the center of the vehicle.
For families who encounter serious snow regularly - those who live on less-traveled streets or frequently drive to areas with higher snowfall - the clearance question is worth weighing against alternatives with more ground clearance, like the Tahoe.
Z71 and Additional Ground Clearance
The Z71 package provides a slight suspension lift and a tuned suspension setup that improves composure on rough winter surfaces. While the additional clearance is modest, the Z71’s Goodyear all-terrain tires and more aggressive suspension calibration make a meaningful difference in how the Traverse behaves on unplowed or snow-packed surfaces.
"The Traverse AWD is a genuinely capable family winter vehicle. The AWD system works without any driver management, which is exactly what you want when you're focused on getting the kids to school safely in Paramus or navigating Fair Lawn side streets after a storm. The Z71 is worth a look for families who see heavier snow or have challenging driveways."
- Mike Tandurella, General Manager, Paramus Chevrolet
Traverse Winter Capability by Configuration
| Feature | LS / LT FWD | LT / RS AWD | Z71 AWD |
|---|---|---|---|
| Drive System | Front-Wheel Drive | Auto AWD | Auto AWD |
| Ground Clearance | 7.3" | 7.3" | ~8.0" (lifted) |
| Suspension Tune | Standard | Standard | Off-Road Tuned |
| All-Terrain Tires | No | No | Yes (Goodyear) |
| Hill Descent Control | No | No | Yes |
| Deep Snow Rating | Adequate | Good | Very Good |
Cold-Weather Prep Checklist for Traverse Families
- Tire Pressure: Check monthly through winter. Cold air drops pressure ~1 PSI per 10°F. Traverse tires are typically 33-36 PSI - check the door jamb for your exact spec.
- Battery: Load-test any battery over three years old. Heated seats, rear defroster, and front defroster all draw significant current in winter.
- Wiper Blades and Fluid: Switch to winter wiper blades. Use washer fluid rated to at least -20°F.
- All-Weather Floor Mats: Protect the third-row carpet specifically - it's harder to dry and salt damage builds up quickly if left unprotected.
- Remote Start: Use Chevy's myChevrolet app or key fob remote start to pre-warm the cabin and defrost all windows before loading the family.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Traverse AWD good enough for ski trips from Bergen County? Yes - the Traverse AWD handles highway winter driving and typical ski area parking lot conditions reliably. For serious mountain access on unpaved or icy mountain roads, the Z71’s all-terrain tires and suspension give additional confidence. Check road conditions and chain requirements before any mountain trip regardless of your vehicle.
How does the Traverse compare to the Tahoe for winter in Bergen County? The Tahoe’s 4WD system (Autotrac with manual 4H/4L) gives more driver control in extreme conditions and offers the Z71’s higher clearance and skid plates. The Traverse’s automatic AWD is more convenient for daily family driving but has less extreme-condition capability. See our Traverse vs. Tahoe comparison for the full breakdown.
Should I get winter tires for my Traverse? If your family regularly drives on uncleared roads or you make ski trips in winter, dedicated winter tires improve braking and cornering on ice meaningfully over all-season tires. For typical Bergen County plowed-road winter driving, standard all-season tires with proper pressure are adequate.
Does the Traverse have heated second and third-row seats? Heated rear seats are available on LT and higher trims as an option. In cold Bergen County winters, rear seat heat is a genuine comfort feature for families with children on long drives. Confirm the option is included before purchase if it’s important to you.
How does the Traverse handle in heavy highway snow on Route 17 or I-287? The Traverse AWD maintains composure in highway snow conditions well. The key is maintaining appropriate speed and following distance, since stopping distances on snow are dramatically longer than on dry pavement regardless of the AWD system’s capability. AWD helps with acceleration and cornering traction; it does not reduce stopping distance.
The Traverse AWD is one of the most practical three-row family winter vehicles for Bergen County. When you’re ready to talk trim and AWD options, or want to schedule a pre-season inspection, the team at Paramus Chevrolet is ready to help - serving families from Paramus and Hackensack to Ridgewood and Fair Lawn.
Schedule your winter service appointment at Paramus Chevrolet whenever it’s convenient.