2016 Chevrolet Traverse LTZ Review: Features, Price, MPG & Ownership Cost

The 2016 Chevrolet Traverse LTZ is a full-size SUV designed for families and drivers seeking a spacious, comfortable, and feature-rich vehicle. With three rows of seating, advanced technology, and a smooth ride, the Traverse LTZ stands out as one of Chevrolet’s top SUV offerings for 2016. In this article, we’ll dive into the features, pricing, fuel efficiency, and overall ownership experience of the 2016 Chevrolet Traverse LTZ, helping you decide if it’s the right SUV for your needs.

Overview of the 2016 Chevrolet Traverse LTZ

The 2016 Chevrolet Traverse LTZ is the top-tier trim in the Traverse lineup. It offers luxury features, enhanced comfort, and premium technology that appeal to families and long-distance drivers alike. Chevrolet’s full-size SUV offers seating for up to eight passengers, making it an ideal choice for larger families or those who often carpool.

Some key highlights of the 2016 Traverse LTZ include:

Spacious Interior: Three rows of seating with generous legroom and cargo space.
Advanced Technology: Touchscreen infotainment, navigation system, and premium audio.
Safety Features: Multiple airbags, stability control, and optional rearview camera and blind-spot monitoring.
Powerful Performance: V6 engine with smooth handling and responsive acceleration.

The combination of luxury, practicality, and performance makes the 2016 Chevrolet Traverse LTZ a versatile SUV for everyday driving and long road trips.

Key Features of the 2016 Chevrolet Traverse LTZ

The 2016 Chevrolet Traverse LTZ comes fully loaded with features designed to enhance comfort, convenience, and safety. Here’s a detailed look at what you can expect:

Interior and Comfort

The LTZ trim prioritizes passenger comfort with leather upholstery, heated and ventilated front seats, and tri-zone automatic climate control. Second-row captain’s chairs or bench seating provide flexibility, while the third row is spacious enough for adults on shorter trips.

Additional interior features include:

Power-adjustable driver and passenger seats
Premium leather-wrapped steering wheel
Adjustable cargo space with fold-flat rear seats

Infotainment and Connectivity

Chevrolet equipped the Traverse LTZ with advanced tech to keep drivers and passengers connected. Features include:

Chevrolet MyLink infotainment system
Navigation with real-time traffic updates
Bose premium audio system
Bluetooth, USB ports, and smartphone integration

Safety and Driver Assistance

Safety was a priority for the 2016 Traverse LTZ. Standard and available safety features include:

10 airbags including front, side, and curtain airbags
Rearview camera
Blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert
Forward collision alert and lane departure warning

These features help make the 2016 Chevrolet Traverse LTZ one of the safer options in the 2016 SUV market.

Engine and Performance

Under the hood, the 2016 Chevrolet Traverse LTZ is powered by a 3.6-liter V6 engine producing 288 horsepower and 270 lb-ft of torque. This engine is paired with a six-speed automatic transmission, delivering smooth acceleration and confident highway merging.

Driving Experience

Ride Comfort: The Traverse LTZ offers a composed and comfortable ride, absorbing road imperfections effectively.
Handling: Despite its size, the SUV handles well in turns and highway maneuvers.
Towing Capacity: With the available towing package, it can tow up to 5,000 pounds, making it practical for small trailers or boats.

For drivers prioritizing all-weather capability, the Traverse LTZ also offers an all-wheel-drive (AWD) option for enhanced traction on wet or snowy roads.

Fuel Economy (MPG)

Fuel efficiency is an important consideration for a full-size SUV. The 2016 Chevrolet Traverse LTZ delivers:

Front-wheel drive (FWD): Approximately 17 MPG city / 24 MPG highway
All-wheel drive (AWD): Approximately 16 MPG city / 23 MPG highway

These numbers are competitive for the class, offering a reasonable balance between power and efficiency for a vehicle of its size.

Pricing and Cost of Ownership

When it was new, the 2016 Chevrolet Traverse LTZ had a starting MSRP around $46,000, depending on options and packages. Today, as a used vehicle, prices vary based on condition, mileage, and location. On average, a well-maintained 2016 Traverse LTZ ranges from $20,000 to $28,000 in the used market.

Maintenance and Reliability

Chevrolet vehicles are known for their reliability and ease of maintenance. Some factors to consider:

Routine maintenance such as oil changes and tire rotations is straightforward and widely available.
Replacement parts are accessible and relatively affordable compared to some luxury SUVs.
Expected major service milestones include transmission fluid changes and brake servicing.

Insurance Costs

Insurance premiums vary depending on your location and driving history, but full-size SUVs like the Traverse LTZ typically cost moderately more than midsize vehicles. The safety features and good crash-test ratings help keep insurance costs reasonable.

Pros and Cons of the 2016 Chevrolet Traverse LTZ

Before making a purchase decision, it’s helpful to weigh the advantages and disadvantages of the 2016 Traverse LTZ:

Pros

Spacious interior and versatile seating
Comfortable and smooth ride
Strong V6 engine and towing capacity
Well-equipped with safety and tech features
Solid resale value for a used SUV

Cons

Fuel economy is average for the segment
Third-row legroom may be tight for adults on long trips
Large size can make parking in tight spaces challenging

Buying Tips for a 2016 Chevrolet Traverse LTZ

If you’re considering purchasing a used 2016 Chevrolet Traverse LTZ, keep the following tips in mind:

Check Vehicle History: Verify accident history, service records, and title status.
Inspect Thoroughly: Look for signs of wear in the engine, transmission, brakes, and suspension.
Test Drive: Ensure the vehicle drives smoothly, and all electronics and safety features function properly.
Compare Prices: Check multiple listings to ensure you’re paying a fair price for the condition and mileage.
Consider Certified Pre-Owned: Buying from a CPO program can offer added warranty and peace of mind.

Ownership Experience

Owners of the 2016 Chevrolet Traverse LTZ generally praise its spaciousness, comfort, and reliability. Families appreciate the flexible seating and large cargo capacity, while drivers enjoy a smooth, quiet ride with plenty of tech features to enhance convenience.

Regular maintenance ensures that the Traverse LTZ continues to perform well even after many years and miles. With proper care, it can serve as a dependable family SUV for long-term ownership.

Final Thoughts

The 2016 Chevrolet Traverse LTZ is a strong contender in the full-size SUV segment, offering a balance of comfort, performance, and technology. Its spacious interior, advanced safety features, and reliable V6 engine make it ideal for families and anyone in need of a versatile SUV.

Whether you’re seeking a vehicle for daily commuting, weekend adventures, or long road trips, the 2016 Chevrolet Traverse LTZ provides the features and space to meet your needs. For those looking to buy used, careful inspection and research can help ensure you get a well-maintained SUV at a fair price.

If you value safety, comfort, and technology in a full-size SUV, the 2016 Chevrolet Traverse LTZ remains a practical and enjoyable choice even years after its release.