Chevy Traverse 2.5L Turbo: Power, Reliability and Warranty
Engine and reliability
Chevy Traverse 2.5L Turbo: Power, Reliability and Warranty
The 4-cylinder turbo question every former V6 owner asks, answered with Chevrolet numbers.
- 328 hp2.5L turbo
- 326 lb-fttorque
- 5/60powertrain warranty
Home › Chevrolet Traverse Guide › Engine and reliability · Last updated October 31, 2026
Short answer: Yes, it is enough. The 2.5L turbo makes 328 hp and 326 lb-ft, more than the 310-hp, 266-lb-ft 3.6L V6 used through 2023, with an 8-speed automatic and up to 5,000 lb of towing. New Traverses carry 3-year/36,000-mile bumper-to-bumper and 5-year/60,000-mile powertrain limited warranties.
2.5L turbo vs the old 3.6L V6
| 2024+ 2.5L turbo I4 | 2018–2023 3.6L V6 | |
|---|---|---|
| Horsepower | 328 @ 5,500 rpm | 310 |
| Torque | 326 lb-ft @ 3,500 rpm | 266 lb-ft |
| Transmission | 8-speed automatic | 9-speed automatic |
| Max towing | 5,000 lb (properly equipped) | 5,000 lb (properly equipped) |
| Fuel | 87 regular | 87 regular |
2024+ figures from Chevrolet.com; V6 figures from Chevrolet's published 2018–2023 specs.
What owners notice: the turbo pulls harder from low rpm, so merging and passing on two-lane highways feels easier, especially loaded. It sounds like a four-cylinder at full throttle; at cruise it is quiet.
Living with a turbo in northwest Wisconsin
- Oil: follow the oil-life monitor and use the GM-specified oil (dexos). Turbo engines are less forgiving of stretched intervals.
- Cold starts: remote start and a short, gentle first mile are kinder than long idles. A factory block heater is worth ordering — it must be on the build.
- Towing: stay within 5,000 lb and about 500 lb of tongue weight; let the transmission's tow/haul logic do its job. See the towing guide.
- Fuel: Chevrolet lists 20/26 mpg on FWD; AWD runs a bit lower on the highway.
Warranty in plain English
- Bumper-to-bumper: 3 years/36,000 miles.
- Powertrain: 5 years/60,000 miles, covering the engine, transmission and drive system.
- After that: a GM Extended Service Plan can be bought at signing if you keep vehicles past 60,000 miles; price and coverage are on the contract.
Checking a used Traverse
- Run the VIN for open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
- Ask for service records showing regular oil changes.
- The 2024+ generation is still young, so long-term data is limited; a certified or warranty-backed unit removes most of the guesswork.
- On 2018–2023 V6 models, test-drive for smooth 9-speed shifts and check the AWD system on a gravel road.
More: specs, dimensions and cargo · winter driving · trims.
Back to the Chevrolet Traverse buyer's guide.
Traverse questions
Is the 2.5L turbo enough engine for a Traverse?
Yes. It makes 328 hp and 326 lb-ft, more than the previous 3.6L V6, and tows up to 5,000 lb properly equipped.
Does the Traverse still offer a V6?
No. Since 2024 every Traverse uses the 2.5L turbo 4-cylinder with an 8-speed automatic.
Does the Traverse need premium fuel?
No. Chevrolet specifies 87-octane regular unleaded.
What warranty does a new Traverse have?
3-year/36,000-mile bumper-to-bumper and 5-year/60,000-mile powertrain limited warranties.
Is the new Traverse reliable?
The 2024+ generation is still young, so long-term data is limited. Follow the oil-life monitor, check recalls by VIN and consider extended coverage past 60,000 miles.
More Traverse guides
Sources: GM Authority, 2027 Traverse colors, options and pricing (2026), Chevrolet.com, 2027 Traverse, Chevrolet published Traverse specifications (dimensions, cargo, tank)