2024 Chevrolet Traverse: Z71 Off-Road Trim

For years, the Chevrolet Traverse served as a dependable, spacious people mover that rarely ventured off the pavement. With the 2024 redesign, Chevy has completely overhauled the image of this three-row SUV. The headline news is the introduction of the Z71 trim. This is not just an appearance package; it involves genuine mechanical upgrades designed for families who want to tackle dirt roads, gravel paths, and campsites without buying a full-size truck.

The Mechanical Shift: New Engine and Performance

Before discussing the off-road hardware, it is vital to understand the powertrain changes. Chevrolet has dropped the 3.6-liter V6 engine used in previous generations. Every 2024 Traverse, including the Z71, is powered by a new 2.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine.

While losing two cylinders might sound like a downgrade, the numbers tell a different story. This new engine produces roughly 328 horsepower and 326 pound-feet of torque. This is a significant bump in torque compared to the old V6, which offered only 266 pound-feet.

This added torque is crucial for off-roading and towing. It allows the vehicle to climb steep grades more easily without revving the engine as high. The engine is paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission that feels responsive and smooth during highway merging or trail climbing.

Real Off-Road Hardware

The Z71 badge carries weight in the Chevy lineup, usually associated with the Silverado and Tahoe. For the Traverse, engineers added specific components to back up the rugged look.

Suspension and Ground Clearance

The Z71 sits wider and taller than the standard LS or LT trims. It features a 1-inch suspension lift, which improves ground clearance. This extra height helps you clear rocks or ruts that would damage the undercarriage of a standard minivan or crossover.

Chevy also widened the track width slightly to improve stability. The most technical addition is the use of unique dampers with hydraulic rebound control. This technology helps smooth out the jarring impact when the suspension extends fully after hitting a pothole or dip, making the ride much more comfortable on washboard gravel roads.

Tires and Traction

Grip is the most important factor when leaving the asphalt. The Traverse Z71 comes equipped with 18-inch wheels wrapped in Goodyear Wrangler Territory all-terrain tires. These tires have a chunkier tread pattern designed to bite into loose dirt and mud.

The All-Wheel Drive (AWD) system on the Z71 is also unique. It uses a twin-clutch AWD system specifically tuned for off-road use. Unlike standard AWD systems that just react to wheel slip, this system can actively distribute torque between the left and right rear wheels. If one rear wheel is in the air or on ice, the system directs power to the wheel with grip to keep you moving.

Protection and Recovery

If you do misjudge a trail, the Z71 includes protection. An aluminum skid plate protects the engine bay from rocks and debris. Additionally, the front fascia is redesigned to provide a better approach angle, meaning you can drive up steeper inclines without scraping the front bumper. If you get stuck, distinct red tow hooks are mounted to the front frame for recovery.

Interior Technology and Comfort

The 2024 redesign brings the Traverse interior in line with modern standards. The dashboard is dominated by a massive 17.7-inch diagonal infotainment touchscreen. This is standard equipment, not an optional upgrade. It runs a Google-based operating system, meaning Google Maps and Google Assistant are built directly into the car.

For the driver, there is an 11-inch digital gauge cluster that can be configured to show off-road data, such as pitch and roll angles.

Because the Z71 is meant for active lifestyles, the interior materials are chosen for durability. The seats typically feature Evotex synthetic leather, which is softer than standard vinyl but much easier to clean than cloth or genuine leather. If you track mud into the cabin, it wipes down quickly.

Comparison to Competitors

The segment for “soft-road” family haulers has grown rapidly. Here is how the Traverse Z71 stacks up against its main rivals:

Ford Explorer Timberline: The Ford offers similar skid plates and a suspension lift. However, the Traverse generally offers more cargo space behind the third row (roughly 23 cubic feet) compared to the Explorer.
Honda Pilot TrailSport: The TrailSport is the closest competitor regarding AWD capability. Both vehicles use torque-vectoring rear differentials. The Traverse has the advantage in screen size and raw horsepower (328 hp vs Honda’s 285 hp).
Kia Telluride X-Pro: While the Telluride is luxurious, the X-Pro trim is more about towing and slight ground clearance. It lacks the aggressive twin-clutch rear differential found in the Traverse Z71.

Towing Capabilities

Many owners buy a three-row SUV to tow a camper or boat. The 2024 Traverse Z71 comes with the trailering package as standard equipment. It is rated to tow up to 5,000 pounds.

The new turbocharged engine helps here as well. Because peak torque comes in lower in the RPM range, the Traverse feels less strained when pulling a trailer up a highway on-ramp. The Z71 also includes a specific “Tow/Haul” drive mode that adjusts transmission shift points to keep the engine in its power band while towing.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does the 2024 Traverse Z71 have a V6 engine? No. All 2024 Traverse models use a new 2.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine. It produces more power and torque than the previous V6.

What is the ground clearance of the Traverse Z71? While final official specs vary slightly by load, the Z71 features a 1-inch lift over the standard model, generally placing it around 8.5 to 9 inches of clearance.

Can the Traverse Z71 go rock crawling? No. This is a unibody crossover designed for “light” off-roading. It excels on fire roads, sandy beaches, and snowy paths. It is not designed for the severe rock crawling you would attempt in a Jeep Wrangler or Chevy Colorado ZR2.

Is Super Cruise available on the Z71? Yes. Chevrolet’s hands-free driving assistance technology, Super Cruise, is available as an option on the Z71 trim. This allows for hands-free driving on over 400,000 miles of compatible roads in the U.S. and Canada.

How much does the 2024 Chevy Traverse Z71 cost? Pricing for the Z71 trim starts approximately at $47,795. This price can increase depending on added packages, such as the sunroof or Super Cruise capabilities.