2024 Chevrolet Traverse; Are Flooded EVs a Fire Hazard?

·50 min·5 clips

An engineer says the Traverse's new turbo engine sounds like a tiny engine screaming in an echo chamber.

The episode begins with the hosts introducing the 2024 Chevrolet Traverse, a three-row midsize SUV they bought for testing. They note its redesign includes new styling, an infotainment screen, and a major powertrain change: replacing the V6 with a 2.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder. The discussion immediately focuses on this engine, with a quote from engineer Alex Nizek describing it as excessively loud, though Steve finds it performs well despite the noise. The hosts then evaluate the ride and handling, describing it as a balanced, confident vehicle for its size. They move to interior practicality, highlighting the second-row captain's chairs' comfort and a useful feature for accessing the third row with a forward-facing child seat installed. The third row is deemed acceptable for kids but cramped for adults, though ceiling vents improve comfort. A significant critique emerges about the driver's seat, where Mike and Steve find the fixed lumbar support intrusive and potentially a deal-breaker. Controls are discussed, with Emily frustrated by hidden steering-wheel volume buttons and Mike criticizing the overhead emergency flasher button as dangerously placed. The episode covers standard safety features, and Emily provides a detailed explanation differentiating rear belt minders from rear occupant alert systems. An optional feature, GM's Super Cruise, receives praise from Steve for its smooth operation and automatic lane-changing, though Emily expresses caution about its confidence in traffic. Cargo space and in-cabin storage are noted as strengths. In a final segment, each host names a competing three-row SUV they would personally choose over the Traverse: Steve picks the Volvo XC90, Emily the Hyundai Palisade, and Mike the Mazda CX-90. The episode concludes with two audience questions: one clarifying that all EVs and hybrids with high-voltage batteries are fire risks if flood-damaged, especially by saltwater, and another about following the owner's manual for breaking in a new hybrid engine.

As heard by us

A grounded look at the Traverse's cabin comfort and turbo-four change.

PlayNext frames the redesigned 2024 Chevrolet Traverse as a practical three-row midsize SUV, and the review stays focused on the version bought anonymously from a local dealer for the test program.

Read the full review in PlayNext →

Why you'd press play

A first-impressions look at the redesigned 2024 Traverse if you care about the turbo-four and whether the seat works for real time behind the wheel.

Read the full recommendation in PlayNext →

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