Is the 2023 Chevrolet Traverse Suspension Better for Towing? A Deep Dive into the Technical Specs
You know that moment when you’re driving home a new SUV and you hit a bumpy patch of road, and you think to yourself, “This feels nice and smooth”—but then you remember you bought this thing to tow a boat, and suddenly you’re wondering if that smooth ride means it’ll squat like a tired dog when you hook up the trailer?
If you’re considering a 2023 Chevrolet Traverse for family adventures that might include towing, you’ve probably read the reviews praising its “composed handling” and “relaxing ride” . But here’s the question nobody seems to answer directly: is that suspension actually any good for towing, or is it just built for hauling kids to soccer practice?
TL;DR: The 2023 Traverse uses a MacPherson strut front suspension and a five-link independent rear suspension, both with stabilizer bars . This setup prioritizes ride comfort and daily drivability over heavy-duty towing prowess. While the suspension components are the same regardless of whether you get the trailering package, the package adds critical cooling and transmission features that matter more for towing than suspension changes . The Traverse can tow up to 5,000 pounds when properly equipped—competitive for its class—but the suspension itself isn’t “better” for towing; it’s the same capable setup across all trims .
Key Takeaways
- Same Suspension, All Trims: The suspension specs are identical across the lineup—no heavy-duty suspension upgrade exists for towing
- Independent Rear Suspension: The five-link setup provides a smooth ride and stable handling, which helps when towing
- Stabilizer Bars Standard: Front and rear stabilizer bars help control body roll, a benefit when pulling a trailer
- Towing Package ≠ Suspension Upgrade: The $650 trailering package adds a hitch, wiring, and cooling—not suspension changes
- 5,000-Pound Capacity: With the package, the Traverse tows 5,000 pounds; without it, only 1,500 pounds
What’s Actually Under the Traverse?
Let’s start with the technical specs straight from Chevrolet. The 2023 Traverse uses a fairly sophisticated suspension layout for a crossover :
Front Suspension: MacPherson strut independent with hydraulic control arm ride bushing and hollow stabilizer bar
Rear Suspension: Five-link independent with auxiliary spring aids and hollow stabilizer bar
Both ends of the vehicle get stabilizer bars (also called anti-sway bars). These are critical for controlling body roll when you’re cornering—or when you’ve got a trailer pushing the rear around .
The CarMax review notes that the Traverse offers a “soft and smooth ride” and that the suspension absorbs bumps well . U.S. News echoes this, saying it “handles well and feels planted, even at higher speeds” and that the “brake pedal was easy to modulate and provided nice smooth stops” .
Here’s a visual breakdown of the Traverse’s suspension specs:
What the Towing Package Actually Includes
Here’s where people get confused. The 2023 Traverse offers a $650 Trailering Equipment package . But if you’re hoping it includes heavy-duty springs or upgraded shocks, you’ll be disappointed.
According to the Edmunds specs, the package includes :
- Trailering equipment (hitch receiver)
- Wiring harness
That’s it. The heavy-duty cooling system we discussed in our previous post is included, but suspension components aren’t mentioned anywhere in the package details .
Multiple dealer sources confirm that the 5,000-pound towing capacity requires this package . The Burlington Chevrolet dealer notes that “the 5,000 pounds towing maximum makes the RS an excellent choice for when towing a trailer on any terrain” .
But notice what they don’t say: they don’t mention any suspension upgrades. The CarMax review specifically states that the Traverse’s “soft and smooth ride” can lead to “too much lean on twisty roads” . That body lean is exactly what you don’t want when towing.
So Is the Suspension “Better” for Towing?
The honest answer? No, it’s not specifically better for towing—but it’s also not worse.
The Traverse’s suspension is designed as a compromise. It prioritizes ride comfort for daily driving while providing enough control to handle moderate towing loads. The five-link rear suspension with auxiliary spring aids does a decent job of maintaining stability, but it’s not in the same league as a body-on-frame SUV with heavy-duty leaf springs.
Here’s what the suspension does well for towing:
Stabilizer bars help control the sway that a trailer can induce. By connecting the left and right sides of the suspension, they resist the rolling motion that happens when a trailer starts to fishtail .
Independent rear suspension means each wheel can react to bumps independently. When you’re towing, this helps keep the trailer more stable because one wheel hitting a bump won’t upset the other side.
Hydraulic control arm bushings absorb road vibrations, which smooths out the ride for passengers—and for whatever you’re towing.
But here’s the limitation: the Traverse doesn’t have self-leveling suspension, load-leveling air shocks, or any of the heavy-duty options you’d find on trucks designed for serious towing. The “auxiliary spring aids” mentioned in the specs help with load support, but they’re not magic.
Here’s a comparison of towing-focused features:
| Feature | 2023 Traverse | What a Truck Would Have |
|---|---|---|
| Rear Suspension | Five-link independent | Leaf spring or heavy-duty coil |
| Load Leveling | None (auxiliary spring aids only) | Optional air suspension |
| Stabilizer Bars | Standard front and rear | Often heavier-duty |
| Brakes | Four-wheel discs with Duralife rotors | Larger rotors, sometimes upgraded calipers |
| Cooling | Heavy-duty with trailering package | Often larger standard coolers |
What Matters More Than Suspension
If suspension isn’t the key to the Traverse’s towing capability, what is? Several factors matter more:
The Engine and Transmission
The 3.6-liter V6 makes 310 horsepower and 266 lb-ft of torque . That’s competitive for the class. The nine-speed automatic has a 4.69 first gear for getting heavy loads moving and a 0.62 ninth gear for relaxed highway cruising . The transmission programming in Tow/Haul mode (included with the trailering package) holds gears longer and provides engine braking on descents.
Cooling Capacity
This is the real star. As we covered in our previous post, the trailering package includes heavy-duty cooling that helps the engine and transmission survive sustained loads . Heat kills transmissions, and the Traverse’s upgraded cooling is what makes 5,000 pounds possible.
Brakes
The Traverse uses four-wheel disc brakes with Duralife rotors . These are designed to resist corrosion and last longer. The front rotors are 12.64 inches, the rears 12.40 inches. That’s adequate for stopping a 5,000-pound trailer, but you’ll want to use engine braking (via Tow/Haul mode) to save your brakes on long descents.
Weight Distribution
The Traverse’s curb weight ranges from about 4,310 to 4,519 pounds depending on drivetrain . That’s heavy enough to provide a stable platform for towing, but light enough that you’ll feel a 5,000-pound trailer behind you.
Real-World Towing Experience
The CarMax review notes that the Traverse “suffers body roll in curves and corners, which can lead to carsickness for sensitive passengers” . Now imagine that body roll with a trailer attached. It’s not ideal, but it’s manageable if you drive appropriately.
The U.S. News review quotes Car and Driver: “When parking or maneuvering at low speed, the Traverse feels every bit its size. Pick up the pace, however, and the big Chevy feels smaller than it is—poised, if not overtly athletic” . That “poised” feeling at speed is good for towing stability.
Consumer Reports adds: “The Traverse has a comfortable ride. The suspension absorbs bumps and ruts with very muted kicks. The body, benefitting from its long wheelbase, remains steady and controlled” . That long wheelbase (120.9 inches) helps with stability when towing—longer wheelbases track better with trailers.
How It Compares to Competitors
The Traverse’s 5,000-pound towing capacity is competitive but not class-leading . The Dodge Durango and Ford Explorer can tow more . The Honda Pilot and Toyota Highlander are in the same ballpark.
Where the Traverse stands out is interior space, not towing capability . If you’re choosing between the Traverse and something like a Durango, the Durango will likely feel more stable with a heavy trailer because it’s built on a more truck-like platform.
Tips for Towing with Your Traverse
If you’re planning to tow with a 2023 Traverse, here’s what the experts recommend:
Get the Trailering Package
This is non-negotiable for anything over 1,500 pounds. The package includes the hitch, wiring, and critical cooling upgrades . Without it, you’re limited to light loads .
Use Tow/Haul Mode
When you’re pulling a trailer, press that button. It changes shift patterns to reduce gear hunting, provides engine braking on hills, and helps keep the transmission cool .
Watch Your Tongue Weight
The Traverse’s suspension isn’t designed for heavy tongue loads. Keep your trailer properly loaded with about 10-15% of total weight on the tongue. Too much and you’ll sag the rear suspension; too little and the trailer will sway.
Consider a Weight Distribution Hitch
For trailers approaching 5,000 pounds, a weight distribution hitch can help transfer some of that tongue load to the front axle, improving steering and stability. This is especially helpful with the Traverse’s independent rear suspension.
Don’t Expect Sports Car Handling
Remember what the CarMax review said about body roll . Take it easy in corners, leave extra stopping distance, and be smooth with your inputs. Your trailer will thank you.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does the 2023 Traverse have a special suspension for towing?
No. The suspension is identical across all trims. The towing capacity comes from the engine, transmission, cooling system, and the hitch itself—not suspension upgrades.
What’s the towing capacity with and without the package?
Without the trailering package, the Traverse is limited to 1,500 pounds. With the package, it jumps to 5,000 pounds .
Does the RS trim handle towing better?
The RS has the same suspension as other trims. The dealer description mentions “sportier ride-and-handling characteristics” for the RS, but the technical specs don’t show any suspension differences . The main RS benefits are cosmetic and tech features.
Will the Traverse squat when I hook up a trailer?
Yes, some squat is normal. The “auxiliary spring aids” help, but they’re not as robust as the leaf springs on a truck. If you’re towing near capacity, expect some rear-end drop.
Can I add air springs or helper springs?
Aftermarket options exist, but they’re not from Chevrolet. If you need more load support, consult a reputable suspension shop about options like air bags that fit inside the rear coils.
Is 5,000 pounds enough for a travel trailer?
It depends. Many lightweight travel trailers fall in the 3,000-4,500 pound range, which is fine. But you need to account for cargo, water, and gear in your calculations. Never exceed the Traverse’s ratings.
What’s the best Traverse for towing?
Any trim with the trailering package will tow the same 5,000 pounds. Higher trims add features like the Hitch View camera, which makes hooking up a trailer much easier .
The Bottom Line
The 2023 Chevrolet Traverse’s suspension is a well-engineered compromise that prioritizes daily comfort while providing adequate control for moderate towing. It’s not specially upgraded for towing duty, but it doesn’t need to be—the 5,000-pound capacity is achievable with the standard suspension when properly equipped.
What matters more than suspension is getting the trailering package, using Tow/Haul mode, and understanding the Traverse’s limitations. It’s a family hauler that can tow, not a dedicated tow rig. Keep your expectations realistic, and you’ll be fine.
If you’re planning to tow near the maximum regularly, or if you live in mountainous terrain, you might want something with a heavier-duty suspension. But for occasional towing of boats, campers, or utility trailers, the Traverse gets the job done.
Have you towed with a 2023 Traverse? How did the suspension handle it? Drop your experience in the comments below!
References:
- Chevrolet Pressroom: 2023 Traverse Official Specs
- U.S. News: 2023 Chevrolet Traverse Performance Review
- CarMax: 2023 Chevrolet Traverse Review
- Cars.com: 2023 Chevrolet Traverse Specs
- Edmunds: 2023 Chevrolet Traverse RS Specs
- Burlington Chevrolet: 2023 Chevy Traverse RS
- iSeeCars: 2023 Chevrolet Traverse Specs
