Chevy Traverse in Winter: AWD, Tires and Cold-Start Tips
Winter driving
Chevy Traverse in Winter: AWD, Tires and Cold-Start Tips
How to set up a Traverse for Barron County winters.
- AWDLT, RS, HC option
- Twin-ClutchZ71 standard
- 87regular fuel
Home › Chevrolet Traverse Guide › Winter driving · Last updated October 31, 2026
Short answer: For most Barron County drivers: AWD (about $2,000 on LT, RS and High Country; standard on Z71), a set of winter tires on 18-in wheels, and a factory block heater on the order. The Z71 adds clearance and Twin-Clutch AWD for unplowed roads.
FWD, AWD or Z71?
| Setup | Best for |
|---|---|
| FWD + winter tires | Plowed town streets, flexible schedule |
| AWD (LT, RS, High Country) | Hills, gravel, early commutes, resale |
| Z71 Twin-Clutch AWD | Unplowed township roads, drifts, cabin trails; 7.8 in clearance |
Tires matter more than AWD
AWD helps you go; tires help you stop and turn. A dedicated winter set is the single biggest winter upgrade. Winter tires for 18-in wheels cost far less than for the 22s on RS and High Country — many owners run a separate 18-in winter wheel set. Ask us to price one with the vehicle.
Cold starts, remote start and the block heater
- Block heater: a factory option that has to be on the order — order it if you park outside.
- Remote start: warms the cabin; heated front seats and heated steering wheel are standard on LT per published specs.
- Idling: a short warm-up and a gentle first mile is better than long idles for a turbo engine and for mpg.
Salt and deer
- Wash the underbody during thaw days; road salt on US-8 and county roads is hard on any vehicle.
- Dawn and dusk are deer hours — deer crash help.
More: Traverse Z71 · packages explained · engine and reliability.
Back to the Chevrolet Traverse buyer's guide.
Traverse questions
Is a Traverse good in snow?
Yes with AWD and winter tires. The Z71 adds 7.8 in clearance and Twin-Clutch AWD for unplowed roads.
Is AWD standard on the Traverse?
Only on the Z71; it is about a $2,000 option on LT, RS and High Country.
Can I add a block heater later?
Order it from the factory; it has to be on the build. Ask us about options for a vehicle already built.
Are 22-inch wheels bad in winter?
They work, but winter tires for 22s cost much more; many owners add an 18-in winter wheel set.
More Traverse guides
Sources: GM Authority, 2027 Traverse colors, options and pricing (2026), Chevrolet.com, 2027 Traverse, Chevrolet published Traverse specifications (dimensions, cargo, tank)