We can probably guess your first question upon seeing this headline on our blog — Chevy Traverse? Really? While the Traverse isn’t a typical choice for customization or off-roading, last year the automaker decided to give it its very own Z71 trim level. Chevrolet reserves the Z71 badge for off-road packages, so our very own Jared Glover thought he’d go ahead and give it a review by filming his first drive and sharing those first impressions. You can watch the video at the bottom of this blog to get all of his opinions as well as a much better look at the ins and outs of the vehicle.
We’ll dive into what exactly comes with the 2025 Chevy Traverse Z71 trim level a little bit later, but first we want to just go through some of the highlights of Jared’s first impressions from the video.
- The rear cargo area is quite spacious when compared to the competition
- Very easy to fold down the rear seats from the cargo area
- Very easy to slide second-row seats forward to access the third row
- Third row has three individual seats with seatbelts
- Third row seating isn’t designed for full-size adults, but perfect for children
- Second-row seating is perfectly comfortable for any size
- Second-row console features two USB-C ports, a 110-volt outlet and rear climate controls
- Third row also has a USB-C port on either side
- 17.7” infotainment touchscreen; featuring Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Google Assistant, more
- 11” driver information center; featuring customizable screens, including full navigation
- Also offers awesome family feature that displays seatbelt indicators for rear seats
- The indicators will turn green when everyone has their seatbelts engaged
- Will turn red and beep anytime a seatbelt comes undone while driving
- Heated steering wheel; featuring paddle shifters and many other controls
- Driver selectable modes; Normal, Sport, Off-Road, Terrain, Tow/Haul
- Toggleable all-wheel drive; huge for fuel efficiency, especially on long drives
- Backup camera has multiple, selectable views; including HD Surround Vision
What’s added to the Z71 trim level?
As Jared mentions in the video, the Z71 trim level is mostly an appearance package; however, it does add a few other features to make it more off-road capable. Here’s a list detailing most of the things added in the Z71 trim level:
- Increased track width, ground clearance by more than an inch
- All-terrain tires wrapped around 18” wheels; featuring Z71 exclusive design
- Unique front fascia; featuring aluminum skid plate, signature Z71 red tow hooks
- Twin-clutch all-wheel drive system
- Unique dampers; featuring hydraulic rebound control
- Aforementioned driver-selectable Terrain Mode
- Hill Descent Control
- Trailering package comes standard
- Increased overall vehicle length (+0.2”), height (+1.1”)
- Available Enhanced Driving Package
- Super Cruise; featuring three years of use plus Digital Services by OnStar
- Driver Attention Assist
- Enhanced Automatic Parking Assist
- Bose premium 10-speaker audio system
- Rear Camera Mirror
- Available Z71 Adventure Package
- 18” Black aluminum wheel upgrade
- Black lug nut and wheel lock kit
- Roof rack cross rails
- Molded assist steps
As you can see, the 2025 Chevy Traverse Z71 makes for a great family vehicle and has some mild capabilities for hitting the off-road trails. It remains to be seen whether or not the Traverse will be a wise choice for your next custom build, but you should definitely reach out to us if you have any ideas. Regardless, the vehicle is spacious, stylish and packed full of great content. One aspect that you’ll see Jared gushing over in particular is the dashboard, the updated design with the sweeping screens is gorgeous and easy to use. If you have any questions about the vehicle at all, feel free to give us a call here at Glover Customs, we’d be happy to help you in any way we can.