2021 Chevrolet Traverse — Full Specifications
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Running gear matters most — before anything else, UK: check tyre prices at TirendoUS: check wheel & tyre prices at WheelHero for this car's fitment.
The 2021 Chevrolet Traverse is an SUV powered by a 3.6L 6-cyl regular gasoline engine. Its most fuel-efficient configuration returns around 25 mpg (UK) / 21 mpg (US EPA) combined, with 24–25 mpg (UK) across all configurations. Owners often keep a Chevrolet Traverse workshop manual to hand for servicing and repairs.
Compared with the 2020 Chevrolet Traverse: Fuel economy is essentially unchanged at around 25 mpg (UK) combined. The engine line-up listed by EPA is unchanged. It carries the same 5★ overall NHTSA rating.
Full Specifications
| Engine | 3.6L 6-cyl |
|---|---|
| Transmission | Automatic 9-spd |
| Fuel Type | Regular Gasoline |
| Powertrain | Conventional |
| Drive | Front-Wheel Drive |
| Body Style | SUV |
| Fuel Economy (UK) | 25 combined / 22 urban / 32 extra-urban mpg |
| Fuel Economy (US EPA) | 21 combined / 18 city / 27 highway mpg |
| CO₂ Emissions | 261 g/km |
| EPA Greenhouse Gas Score | 4 / 10 (10 = lowest emissions) |
| EPA Est. Annual Fuel Cost | $3,200 (15,000 mi/yr, US prices) |
Engine & Transmission Options
EPA lists 2 configurations for the 2021 Chevrolet Traverse, all with the 3.6L 6-cyl engine. Combined fuel economy ranges from 20 to 21 mpg (US), or 24 to 25 mpg (UK), depending on engine, transmission and drive. The headline figures at the top of this page describe the most fuel-efficient configuration.
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | MPG (UK) | MPG (US) | CO₂ g/km | Fuel cost / yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.6L 6-cyl | Automatic 9-spd | All-Wheel Drive | 24 | 20 (17/25) | 273 | $3,350 |
| 3.6L 6-cyl | Automatic 9-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 25 | 21 (18/27) | 261 | $3,200 |
MPG (US) shows combined, with city/highway in brackets. Highlighted row = the configuration used for the headline figures. Source: US EPA fueleconomy.gov.
Owner Essentials for the 2021 Chevrolet Traverse
Running Costs: 2021 Chevrolet Traverse
Covering around 8,000 miles a year in a 2021 Chevrolet Traverse at 25 mpg combined, expect roughly 1,455 litres of fuel annually — multiply by your local price per litre for a cost estimate. For US owners, the EPA estimates about $3,200 a year in fuel for the most efficient configuration (15,000 miles, national average prices). Work out exact fuel costs with the fuel cost calculator on 247Calculators.
Convert between MPG and L/100km with the unit converters on 247QuickTools. Not sure what tyre size fits? 247TyreCheck explains tyre sizing.
Planning a road trip? Grab a road trip packing list. Only need this car occasionally? See our buy vs rent comparison.
2021 Chevrolet Traverse Safety Ratings (NHTSA)
Recalls & Owner Complaints (NHTSA)
NHTSA lists 3 safety recall campaigns that include the 2021 Chevrolet Traverse (as of 6 October 2026). Most affected areas: Air bags (2), Power train (1). A campaign often covers several model years or models, so check your own VIN to see whether your car is affected.
- Air bags — campaign 22V210000, reported 31 March 2022. Risk: Roof rail air bags that do not deploy as intended increase the risk of injury in a crash.
- Power train — campaign 21V817000, reported 18 October 2021. Risk: A transmission fluid leak can cause a loss of drive power, increasing the risk of a crash. In addition, a leak in the presence of an ignition source increases the risk of a fire.
- Air bags — campaign 21V472000, reported 24 June 2021. Risk: Air bags that do not deploy as intended can increase the risk of injury.
Owners have filed 89 complaints with NHTSA about the 2021 Chevrolet Traverse. The most-reported areas are Electrical system (22), Unspecified (19), Power train (15). Complaints include 4 reported crashes, 6 reported injuries. That is well below the median of 292 complaints across the 17 Chevrolet Traverse model years in our data.
Used-buyer checklist for the 2021 Chevrolet Traverse
Based on where NHTSA recalls and owner complaints cluster for this model year, these are the areas worth checking before you buy:
- Transmission & drivetrain (1 recall campaign · 15 owner complaints) — On the test drive, watch for hesitation, jerking or slipping between gears and ask for transmission service history.
- Electrical system (22 owner complaints) — Test every switch, window, light and warning lamp on a test drive, and ask about battery or alternator replacements.
- Air bags (2 recall campaigns) — Confirm any air bag inflator or module recalls were completed — enter the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
- Engine (11 owner complaints) — Listen for unusual noise on a cold start, check for warning lights and ask for the service records.
Source: US NHTSA recall and consumer-complaint databases, retrieved 6 October 2026. Complaints are unverified owner reports, not confirmed defects. Check any vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls, and see our guide to checking a used car for recalls.
How It Compares
How does the Chevrolet Traverse compare to similar SUVs? For context, SUVs in our database average around 27 mpg (UK) combined — this model's 25 mpg figure is 2 mpg below that average. Its 261 g/km CO₂ figure is 8 g/km higher than the 253 g/km average for SUVs on this site. This comparison is based on 1824 SUVs in our dataset.
Chevrolet models in our database average about 29 mpg (UK) combined on their most efficient configuration; the 2021 Chevrolet Traverse's 25 mpg is 4 mpg below that make average. Its 261 g/km CO₂ figure is 15 g/km higher than the 246 g/km Chevrolet average.
Of the 17 Chevrolet Traverse model years we cover, the 2021 ranks 6th for combined fuel economy on its best configuration (25 mpg UK combined, against a high of 28 mpg). See every Chevrolet Traverse year side by side.
Last updated: · Data: US EPA (fueleconomy.gov) and NHTSA safety ratings 18 July 2026; NHTSA recalls and complaints 6 October 2026; Wikidata & curated EU catalogue 18 July 2026; European generation and engine data from Wikipedia 7 October 2026
Vehicle data sourced from manufacturer specifications. Always verify with your vehicle handbook or a qualified mechanic. This is a reference tool, not professional advice.
Recommended Accessories for the 2021 Chevrolet Traverse
Frequently Asked Questions
What engine does the 2021 Chevrolet Traverse have?
It's fitted with a 3.6L 6-cyl regular gasoline engine, paired with a automatic 9-spd transmission.
What is the fuel economy of the 2021 Chevrolet Traverse?
The most efficient configuration returns around 25 mpg (UK) combined, or 21 mpg on the US EPA cycle. Across all configurations the UK combined figure runs from 24 to 25 mpg.
How much does the 2021 Chevrolet Traverse cost to fuel per year?
The US EPA estimates about $3,200 a year in fuel for the most efficient configuration, based on 15,000 miles of mixed driving and national average fuel prices. Your own cost will depend on mileage and local prices.
Does the 2021 Chevrolet Traverse have a good safety rating?
It holds an overall NHTSA rating of 5 stars, with 4 stars for frontal crash protection.
Does the 2021 Chevrolet Traverse have any recalls?
NHTSA lists 3 safety recall campaigns that include the 2021 Chevrolet Traverse (as of 6 October 2026). Most affected areas: Air bags (2), Power train (1). A campaign often covers several model years or models, so check your own VIN to see whether your car is affected.
What are the most common problems reported for the 2021 Chevrolet Traverse?
Among the 89 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the most-reported areas are Electrical system (22 complaints), Unspecified (19 complaints), Power train (15 complaints). Complaints are unverified owner reports, not confirmed defects, and raw counts rise with how many cars were sold.
Is the Chevrolet Traverse's fuel economy good for an SUV?
It returns around 25 mpg (UK) combined, against a same-body-style average of roughly 27 mpg among the SUVs we track.