Is the 2024 Chevrolet Traverse Z71 a better SUV than a Honda Pilot Trailsport?

FIRST DRIVE: The Traverse Z71 is all new from Chevy for 2024. On the outside you will discover 18in wheels, off-road spec tires, metal skid plate and tow recovery hooks. On the inside there is a 17in infotainment system, 11in digital gauge cluster and 3-row flexability. Under the hood is a 2.5L turbocharged inline-4 producing 328HP & is mated to an 8-speed automatic transmission. Is the 2024 Chevrolet Traverse Z71 a better SUV than a Honda Pilot Trailsport?
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videography: Steven Flood 🎥

[@davidp2888]

I didn’t think I’d like it, but I was wrong. Great styling and it looks capable.

[@RaitisRides]

I feel the same way David!

[@omarcortes5754]

I'm liking this new Traverse, the redesign fits it perfectly and it seems to be very practical.

[@Jay-bw3fl]

When are these manufacturers going to stop holding ventilated seats hostage on top trims only??? 47k and they can’t put a $3 fan under the seats?

[@RaitisRides]

That is the million dollar question.

[@alexmassengale433]

They aren't going to stop because they know plenty of people are willing to pay thousands more for them.

[@Tellurdogisayhello]

Seriously, I live in AZ and I almost refuse to look at a car unless it has cooled/vented seats. Swamp ass is super real here…heated seats mean nothing to me

[@elainnadewitt9355]

@@Tellurdogisayhellosame in TX. Really like the Z71 package but it’s a no for me since there’s no ventilated seats. That should be an upgraded package option without bumping up to the RS

[@Totomuncher]

i just commented this myself! Im in FL I have no need for heated seats.

[@SiriasisOFFICIAL]

Designer deserve some raise for sure

[@SME5724]

I’m not a big fan of GM … but I must admit this looks great

[@alexanderryan1176]

why are you even on this channel if you just want to complain about GM?

[@SCRYMNSTR5]

​@@alexanderryan1176 You n

[@ramennoodlz]

@@alexanderryan1176what? 💀

[@meatl0ad]

​@@alexanderryan1176 probably because this is Raiti's Rides...not General Motors Exclusive Club.

[@peruser155]

Yes apparently Nissan's designer went to work for GM right after creating the Pathfinder 2 years ago...

[@brianporter4352]

For almost $50,000 not having ventilated seats, and no power passenger seat are two definite zonks for me. Otherwise this looks great, not sure why anyone would need an offload styled Traverse, but whatever. Thanks for the review Joe. Love the Magic 8 Ball reference too.

[@RaitisRides]

Thanks Brian for letting me share it. all with you!

[@ZeeMan84]

GMC Acadia will have those features.

[@D0NTsmokeCRACK]

@@ZeeMan84yea at a higher price I’m sure

[@1LElife]

@@ZeeMan84and the XT6 will have even more

[@Gymbugs3]

As a family of six, we go on some rough gravel roads to reach certain hiking trails in Montana and Colorado, so the camera and the Z71 features would be helpful for this reason.

[@TannerBarcelos]

This is going to sell like crazy. It is the perfect option for a great SUV and off road ability while saving money by not paying the outrageous Tahoe and Suburban prices

[@sebaztionabsolution]

incorrec. 4 cylinder engine when it needs a v6 for all of that car.

[@TannerBarcelos]

@@sebaztionabsolution now that I agree with. The 4 cylinder is pretty underwhelming

[@sebaztionabsolution]

@@TannerBarcelos bruh, raiti could barely picc up an go in that 4 cylinder clunker whyle doin a test run.🤣🤣🤣

[@trumpisastump9382]

@@sebaztionabsolution It has more power and torque than the previous 6 cyl.

[@sebaztionabsolution]

@@trumpisastump9382 does it?

[@Darkvirgo88xx]

Im going to have to say its looks visually appealing. A lot better looking Traverse then previous gen styling.

[@RaitisRides]

They got the look down for sure!

[@deepthoughtswithjessica]

I wanna drive on that track so bad, lol. You were definitely having fun!🙌🏻

[@ztech-consulting]

Honestly this is a great car. I wouldn't mind getting one but a bit wary of the long term reliability :(

[@setsunaes]

Chevy has actually made our decision very hard... I'm not talking about deciding if you want a traverse, a highlander, a telluride/pallisade, a cx90, a pathfinder, no no no. That's an easy decision. The hard decision is: You want a Z-71 or an RS Traverse? I was so sold out on that beautiful red RS, but after this video, the Z71 looks actually pretty nice.

[@johnnydunlap3644]

So for Joe, in my opinion this is your best review of a vehicle...EVER!!!

[@RaitisRides]

Oh wow! That is huge Johnny!

[@SS-wm1wy]

I don't know what's wrong with bench seats. Wouldn't we like to put 5 people in 2 rows with room for cargo in the back, or sometimes road trip with 8 people. Why car makers are limiting our options.

[@watchreport]

The luxury vehicles started with the captains chairs in two rows, or really going back to conversion vans with the captains chairs. It gives a lot of extra space to the passenger and allows for two arm rests, full recline and being able to move each seat independently. I know people that I had in my Explorer loved the captains chairs. I’m not sure on this traverse if you can get a bench on some trims but I know other brands do offer that as an option.

[@anthonywilson9268]

You can't get 8 passenger unless you get cloth seats on the lowest model. No thanks.

[@oliver.79]

Agree. That’s a deal breaker for me. I need bench seats for longer road trips with lots of cargo. Plus…no ventilated front seats, passangers seat controls, and that piano black in the middle…Nice car, almost one for me. The cloth option is not an option.

[@lmbdavid]

@@oliver.79 Bench seats what is so hard about that? Totally agree. This demo has the leather or softtec but at the dealership told us you can't get that on Z71.

[@carlosmcmahon623]

Toyota or Nissan cannot hold up to this (all "new") Traverse. This Traverse is amazing and the interior is second to none. The exterior is a work of art. We are going to look at on tomorrow.

[@dejonbuick6070]

Hey, Joe another good review, and I want to wish all the moms a happy mothers day in advance enjoy your day, my mom is no longer alive, but I have great memories of her 😊😊😊.

[@nijaigreen660]

The new traverse looks nice cause i like the looks of it but the interior looks pretty nice when comes with new big 17 inch touchscreens I like it raiti's

[@mikejames-drummerreginacan1386]

Beautiful vehicle. GM has regained the #1 sales position in the USA and I sure can see why. Thanks Joe for this great review.

[@Mikesg80]

I had a Z71 on order but decided to get a 2025 Pilot instead. Got over $3K off and 3.9% financing on the Pilot Trailsport. Trailsport has power passenger seat, homelink garage opener, real leather, standard pano sunroof, better rated all terrain tires, and IMO looks just as good. V6 should also be more reliable and seems plenty powerful for my family of 4.

[@spursdynasty7378]

Honda V Tech v6 engine is killer 😂 I’d buy a Pilot over this any day myself.

[@philipreed6028]

Nothing but problems with our Honda..... going back to GM!

[@kanbowhunter]

@@philipreed6028 What year of Pilot and is it a TrailSport? I just bought a new 2025 Honda TrailSport. I sure miss my 2015 Honda Pilot.

[@JarmeL.100]

🔥Joe all over the Country today 👏👏

[@kosterjm]

Sounded like you were having a blast. GM will be loving this review.

[@RaitisRides]

It was a lot of fun,

[@wardellward]

I’m diggin that color

[@itsBridge]

Currently waiting for my Traverse Z71! Thanks so much for the info and guidance during the shopping process! Love your videos!!

[@sls78..]

I'm guessing you pre-ordered. Did the dealer have any mark up over msrp? Did they negotiate or just offer msrp? I'm thinking about buying one.

[@Rcmiller]

Well the 4 cylinder just turn me off on getting one. I need it for towing and don’t want to buy a Silverado.

[@rtcturnemup7028]

Well buy a Tahoe 😂

[@nijaigreen660]

Well the Tahoe and suburban are little expensive but the traverse is great bargain bc it's comfortable and safety features like head on display

[@Rcmiller]

Really don’t need something that big either , I already have a truck that I used for towing my 16ft trailer. Retired my business and really don’t need but a 6 cylinder if they still offer the traverse in a 6 I would think about

[@StannisTheMannis305]

I want it for my dogs to be comfortable and to have space for all the trips to Home Depot. I’ll never tow anything bigger than my motorcycles. Perfect for me.

[@nijaigreen660]

@@StannisTheMannis305 buy Silverado or Sierra 1500 or HD bc it's a good trucks

[@jonathane5675]

Chevy should have raised the ground clearance to at least 8 inches. About $50k and no ventilated seats or heads up display, seriously?

[@RaitisRides]

Those are very good points!

[@dannykennedy5885]

You sold me with the magic 8 ball bro lol. Great review as always homie! Keep em coming.

[@RaitisRides]

You got it man

[@michaelt6370]

It's five months into 2024 and I haven't even seen one at the dealer yet. I got a shopping cart full of Twinkies with no where to keep them Joe!

[@Burwell-fz3pu]

That color pops in the sunshine for sure. Wish the overdone, trendy black wheels on vehicles would begin to disappear but at least they added some character to these on this version. With those beefy tires they actually look pretty decent. WIll have to wait and see how all these 4 cylinder turbos hold up as they get older but the overall design with the needed updates I believe will endure. Nice report as usual Joe!

[@RaitisRides]

You are not the first to say that!

[@aymanlockhartable]

Turbocharged, smaller engines have trade-offs such as greater complexity, which can affect reliability, along with lower responsiveness. None of these problems would be present in an engine with a larger displacement. A larger engine will always have the potential for more power simply because it is larger.

[@Darkvirgo88xx]

I wish they would give people options. The naturally aspirated engines get near the same gas mileage, less stress on components, higher rev range just to name a few things. I think they should give people more choices. Because smaller with a turbo doesn't automatically equal eco.

[@TitoMolina604]

Turned it off soon as they said it wasn't a V6.

[@RaitisRides]

Things they are a changing

[@TitoMolina604]

@@RaitisRides Honda pilot telling emissions where to go

[@user-sv3wr3ud3r]

@@TitoMolina604drive pilot. Acceleration is lackluster even to merge on a highway

[@atg1338]

😭😭😭

[@user-sv3wr3ud3r]

@@viewviewview1236 - May be. Right now a lot in the lots than roads though and that says something

[@user-gd1br4su7n]

You definitely seemed to enjoy the traverse a lot more than the pilot and Highlander.. I’m looking to go 3-row for my next suv, and this is a strong contender for sure

[@RaitisRides]

I really did and I love the look.

[@user-vo4wu7to6d]

Like the look of the Traverse vs the Highlander. Also the driving dynamics seems way better as well. Awesome job Joe!

[@motomarmot6544]

We're in the market for an SUV. That turbo 4 is a deal-breaker. Pathfinder vs Pilot is where we're at.

[@luisojeda4779]

Better jump on the pilot before Honda makes it a 4 cylinder

[@vishalc6658]

@@luisojeda4779 pathfinder is really awesome. I have it for 2 years now and its just amazing. No more CVT. smooth, ultra quiet and extremely quick.

[@RaitisRides]

I know it’s not going to be for everyone

[@RaitisRides]

@@luisojeda4779you know it’s coming

[@RaitisRides]

@@vishalc6658thanks fir sharing that ownership input

[@Charles-mp2vl]

Challenge: Joe can’t mention he’s 6 feet tall. Level: impossible 😂😂😂

[@danyeaton5524]

I have ordered one and am anxiously awaiting the delivery!!!

[@m_m_m_beer8917]

Nicely done Mr Raiti. Thank you for the video. Thanks Steve.

[@RaitisRides]

We really appreciate you taking the time to say that!

[@waseyfarooqui]

my magic 8 ball said no on the traverse, but it did say to like, comment and subscribe

[@CK2957]

No power passenger seat is absolutely wild especially on this trim

[@lifehouseone]

You were having too much fun!! 😂

[@RaitisRides]

You better believe it!

[@fartman10284]

What’s with the “10” in the front turn signal? 7.5” ground clearance is on the low end of ground clearance for the segment. Especially for an “off-road” trim. That skid plate will be tested a lot, along with the poor break over angle from the extra long wheelbase

[@RaitisRides]

We were in vehicle #10. I agree about the ground clearence!

[@tmhill94]

Did not expect to see you rally'ing this truck coming into this review

[@danfisher-vv2fg]

We have had ours for a week now and absolutely love it!!! I do wish it had ventilated seats and electric controls on the passenger side. Great value for the money though!!!

[@crystallazzara1197]

I’ve seen so many of your videos, I know what you’re going to zonk before you say it, lol (and I agree with every single one you call out). I even saw the armrests in the 2nd row and thought “those look just wide enough to escape a zonk” 🤣 Love your content!

[@edwarddejong8025]

A competitive entry. This segment of the auto biz is a battle to the death. This is the category that really pays the overhead of the car companies; high price * high volume. Not many segments of the auto biz have both of those.

[@NinjiaJoeLife]

The only problem with traverse or all American cars are the reliability. I have a 1997 camry, 2016 corrola and a 2022 pilot, none of them had ever given me any issue, literally any issue

[@LuisR-rc2bt]

Not always the case. I have a 2007 Tahoe running strong. The only reason I’m considering to trade it for a new vehicle is because of the new technology. Otherwise my Tahoe is a beast and has not given me any problems.

[@amesweb]

Same, have silverados and suburban. The burb is 13 years old not a sigle thing is has been replaced besides the, fluids, tires and brakes. I think most cars are the same today with reliability. Every manufacture has lemons or glitches but on par its not liek it was in the 80s and 90s. The tech is so different.

[@kendavis3604]

Wow, you really had a lot of fun with this one, hahaha. Great job on the video starting with Mr. Ed 😂

[@rockrunner387]

As many KZbinrs Camp/sleep in the back of these SUVs, forget the cubic feet mention, tell us the max length, width (between and above the wheel wells) and height of the cargo area.

[@MidSouthUTV]

I'm surprised the baby poo brown paint works so well on the Traverse. I would have to say, I do like the exterior of the Traverse a smidge over the new Acadia but definitely pick the Acadia's interior over the Traverse's interior 100%. BUT what ticks me off about these twin vehicles, is that GM did not give the "off-road" capable Z71 or AT4 packages the option for memory seats & mirrors or power memory tilt/telescope steering wheel, which you have to up go up to either the RS or Denali to get those options as standard. This should of been standard or at least an option package for both the Traverse Z71 and Acadia AT4 for this price range. WHAT vehicle in this category does not have front memory setting seats & mirrors these days. Not every manufacture does the power memory tilt/telescope steering wheel but if you are going to offer it in one trim level as standard, the trim just below it should have it as optional if not standard.

[@Iamajn316]

Simply, I love it. When I can afford it, the Chevy traverse Z71 will be mine.

[@jayza275]

Cant help but follow you everytime you say "TO THE DOOR PANEL!"

[@RaitisRides]

Heck yeah Brother!

[@user-wg9lb2mw8y]

Seems like a lot for a traverse

[@RaitisRides]

You are so very right

[@MostlyTechRelated]

Thanks to you, Joe. I started my own KZbin channel, (mostlytechrelated).

[@Joe11100]

Really like the new redesign! Also like how you drove that thing the way it should be driven

[@RaitisRides]

Thanks Joe! I am glad that I could take you for a ride!

[@angelmatos5987]

This Chevy Traverse Z71 model is my favorite, both for the countryside and the city, the comfort of the passengers, the economy of its powerful engine, my favorite option to buy

[@Terrylevi-ts6ez]

As an ex Silverado owner,I can’t give GM another chance so soon Looking at a Pilot for my wife,with today’s prices,reliability is high,very high for our next vehicle.

[@davehartenstein6602]

I'm with you on the red trim.

[@RaitisRides]

Great minds think a like Dave!

[@lizwoodworth9632]

The 2.5 Liter engine is a joke. You need the V-6. They’re doing this on purpose now so you have to have either a new vehicle or pay them a bunch of money when your engine blows. I’ve had this issue TWICE now with a 2.5 engine.

[@iwazaru8101]

Great review as always. Let's not deny that @11:32 is all the "offroading" this thing will do for most buyers. Okay, maybe @ 28:00. 🙂

[@kevinatkins282]

When your driving you use to have a better angle for us to see what's coming. But this upward angle kind of not so good

[@RaitisRides]

Many people wanted a POV style

[@davonne225]

manual on the passenger side is a zonk and I admit they shouldn't have went with the same interior as the RS with the red and yes gloss black heavy. Curious to see how its twin the GMC Acadia drives.

[@coltonmarshburn1828]

Most unibody three row family SUVs should be around the size of the Traverse

[@RaitisRides]

I agree sure you

[@farhancsgo_25]

Front passenger seat still manual why is it

[@RaitisRides]

To cut costs on the Z71

[@YankeeMav]

Well said re the red on the interior. And how it should be earthen toned. Or even outer space…toned. But not childish red. And, Mr.Ed 🐎😂

[@RaitisRides]

Thanks for letting me share the laughs and the SUV with you

[@alanklaus7774]

Much improved from its minivan like beginning. I liked Mr Ed. Where was Wilber?

[@sn4ke47]

I REALLY HATE that there are no front ventilated seats, only heated??!! WHY??

[@williambronner3123]

love the red door and dash accents!

[@craigsouder9334]

Entry level 2025 acadia for this price.

[@RaitisRides]

We will see what happens for sure

[@Thebusdriverandgamermorefan790]

Yes of course Joe & I'm definitely buying this.

[@RaitisRides]

Nicely done man!

[@Clappedout_films]

How do you activate paddle shifters

[@user-nl8qd8mj7q]

Hi from Kazakhstan❤❤

[@MulitSeeker]

Wow wish they would redo the Equinox like this, Its more affordable. Great review.

[@maverick-zj3jz]

I want u to put the entire chevy line up side by side so I can compare them for myself.

[@RaitisRides]

Sounds like a plan

[@harrisinva]

You are right, having red for all exterior colors is really dumb. The clash when you open the door is horrible. Agree, they should have used some sort of natural wood to compliment the outdoor vibe

[@brianb7844]

All trims need a bench option!!!!!

[@dilligafmofoker]

It looked great until you popped the hood. No way I’m owning a turbo’d 4-banger. Hello Pilot trailsport.

[@BluRadoZ71]

I wish my 22 Colorado Z71 interior had the same soft touch materials. My interior is terrible.

[@pfwww12]

2024 SUV Truck of the Year🏆Inside and out GM nailed it with this new Chevy Traverse!

[@mickeybrumfield764]

Chevy has done some big things with the Equinox. Joe, don't forget to bring it to the Twinkie parties.

[@RaitisRides]

You know that I will!

[@watchreport]

47,000 starting and you don’t get a power passenger seat. Come on.

[@johngolembiewski2693]

Great review of this and the RS. Both look to be great vehicles with a lot to offer. The only thing missing piece on both trims to make them perfect is a HUD. Even the Pilot offers HUD as an option on certain trims.

[@AHungryHunky]

It might be something they are keeping off the Traverse to make the Acadia feel more upscale. That said, previous gen goes to the Acadia for styling, this gen goes to the Traverse, but I would not hate owning either.

[@LionessDiva]

Love this color...seen it in person looks good even when dirty.

[@RaitisRides]

Yeah I agree with you!

[@sb-jq1rl]

The engine is a big concern.

[@jasone1290]

I don't mind the red trim. Stands out more than a muted color.

[@RaitisRides]

I’m glad that you are digging it

[@jmoore4156]

Really like the design, inside and out! I just don’t trust the quality of that powertrain! If it proves to be reliable 10-20 years down the line I’ll consider a used one!

[@RaitisRides]

You would keep one for 10-20 years???

[@Tellurdogisayhello]

I really wish the traverse line as a whole was about 5k cheaper. I’d absolutely buy a mid level one if I could get it for 30-35k.

[@yachi9152]

I would zonk the lack of window/glass for the third row.

[@halfisher3598]

Id like to see how well the rear sensors work. How soon, and how small, do they pickup rear obstructions. Can they detect a child behind it?

[@RCree_]

It looks great. But with the money being spent, no electric seat for the passenger, no fog lights.....no thanks

[@justincredible9294]

Like it, but NEVER buy a year 1 redesign.

[@RaitisRides]

This is true for some

[@user-nr2ch9pp2g]

Better looking than the Pilot. But probably wouldn't be affordable to fix after the warranty expires,but that's also applicable to most vehicles with small turbo engines.

[@RaitisRides]

I guess we will see how it goes.

[@TheCarHornMaster]

Anything’s better than the pilot lol

[@canoeclanner]

Does it have the same sequential turn signal as the RS?

[@saravananoct31]

I have been waiting for this redesigned vehicle. Will take test drive soon.

[@Boostedbeard]

55K!! How did we get here? I remember 50k for a loaded suburban was wild Another great vid tho!

[@whitemailprivilege2830]

Nice review of this ESH You Vee.

[@RaitisRides]

I love what you did there

[@mansamusa2000]

Love the new design, but still skeptical of that engine too many horror stories

[@DwightCraneDenver]

I wish they had a non turbo v-6 option. I hate turbo lag and every turbo has it. Just dont' understand why they can't give you an option for those that like direct power, not wait while it winds up power. By the numbers the turbo has more HP and torque, but in real world driving it still has a lag to reach those numbers. That lag has caused me dangerous issues in the past. I refuse to buy a turbo.

[@aryehrosenthal2138]

Great review

[@RaitisRides]

I really appreciate you taking the time to say that!

[@aryehrosenthal2138]

Of course its my pleasure anytime. I'm really enjoying your reviews and they mean a lot to me.

[@robinpazmino78]

I am not fan of chevy but I must admit that it looks nice,a radical redesign and nice color as well.

[@oliver.79]

The NO bench seat is a deal breaker for me. I need bench seats for longer road trips with lots of cargo. Plus…no sun shades on the 2nd row, no ventilated front seats, passangers controls, and that piano black in the middle…Nice car, almost one for me. The cloth option is not an option!

[@ULAGDNA1]

They should build a ZR2 version of traverse