Chevy Traverse Z71: What You Get and Is It Worth It
Traverse Z71
Chevy Traverse Z71: What You Get and Is It Worth It
The Traverse built for gravel, snow and two-tracks.
- 7.8 inground clearance
- $51,395AWD standard
- 265/65R18all-terrains
Home › Chevrolet Traverse Guide › Traverse Z71 · Last updated October 31, 2026
Short answer: The Z71 is AWD-only with twin-clutch AWD, off-road suspension, a skid plate, all-terrain tires, Terrain mode and 7.8 in of ground clearance, for $51,395 including destination.
Prices are GM MSRP including the $1,995 destination charge unless noted, checked against Chevrolet.com starting MSRPs on Oct 31, 2026; option prices from GM 2027 order data as reported by GM Authority and GM-Trucks (2026). GM can change prices; confirm on the window sticker or ask for an out-the-door quote.
Z71 vs LT AWD vs RS AWD
| LT AWD | Z71 | RS AWD | |
|---|---|---|---|
| MSRP incl. destination | $45,095 | $51,395 | $59,795 |
| AWD | Standard AWD | Twin-clutch AWD | Standard AWD |
| Ground clearance | 6.8 in | 7.8 in | 6.8 in |
| Tires | All-season | All-terrain, 265/65R18 | All-season, 22-in |
| Skid plate | — | Yes | — |
| Terrain mode, Hill Descent | — | Yes | — |
| Super Cruise | $3,935 | $3,935 | Std |
| Seats | 7 or 8 | 7 | 7 |
Where the Z71 earns its keep
- Cabin roads: gravel and two-tracks to the lake place, with more clearance and grippier tires.
- Deep snow: unplowed township roads and driveway drifts; twin-clutch AWD can send torque side to side at the rear.
- Winter tires: 18-in wheels keep a winter set affordable. All-terrains help, but dedicated winter tires still stop better on ice.
- Towing: same 5,000 lb as other trims — Towing: 5,000 lb explained.
Is it worth it?
The Z71 is about $6,300 more than an LT AWD and about $8,400 less than an RS AWD. If you live on gravel or head north every weekend, yes. If you're on plowed pavement, an LT AWD with winter tires is the better value. Note: no 8-seat option, and Sandstone Gray is Z71-only (Colors and wheels). Compare all trims: LT vs Z71 vs RS vs High Country.
Back to the Chevrolet Traverse buyer's guide.
More buyer questions
Z71 questions buyers ask
Z71 vs an AWD LT — worth $6,300?
Z71 $49,400 vs LT AWD $43,100 MSRP. The extra buys 1 in more clearance, Twin-Clutch AWD, a skid plate, frequency-based dampers, Terrain Mode, Hill Descent Control and all-terrain tires. Gravel road or cabin? Yes. Plowed pavement? Buy the LT AWD and winter tires.
Is the Z71 better in snow?
On deep or unplowed snow, yes — clearance and Twin-Clutch AWD help. On glare ice, tires matter most; a dedicated winter set on any AWD Traverse stops better than all-terrains.
Traverse questions
What does the Traverse Z71 add?
Twin-clutch AWD, off-road suspension, a skid plate, 18-in all-terrain tires, Terrain mode, Hill Descent Control and 7.8 in of clearance.
How much is the Traverse Z71?
$51,395 including destination, AWD standard.
Does the Z71 seat 8?
No, the Z71 seats 7.
Can I get Super Cruise on a Z71?
Yes, with the $3,935 Enhanced Driving Package.
Is AWD standard on the Traverse Z71?
Yes. The Z71 is AWD-only with the Advanced Twin-Clutch AWD system.
More Traverse guides
Sources: GM Authority, 2027 Traverse colors, options and pricing (2026), Chevrolet.com, 2027 Traverse, Chevrolet published Traverse specifications (dimensions, cargo, tank)