Chevrolet Traverse trim comparison

2024 Chevrolet Traverse LS Fleet vs Z71

The Traverse LS Fleet starts at $38,100 while the Z71 is $46,400. That $8,300 gap buys 4 meaningful differences.

The short answer

The Z71 adds AWD instead of FWD. If you deal with winter roads or need traction off-pavement, that could be worth $8,300 by itself. If not, the LS Fleet saves you the money.

The LS Fleet is the cleaner fit if FWD already covers the job. The Z71 only earns the extra money when AWD is the reason you are shopping up.

Think about this as a monthly tradeoff, not just a sticker gap. The Z71 adds about $146/month on a typical 60-month loan, or around $8,760 more overall with interest. The real question is whether AWD changes your day-to-day use enough to justify paying above FWD.

$8,300
Price Gap
Same
HP Diff
+2 MPG
MPG Diff
Trim navigation

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Compare another trim against Z71 Z71 stays locked on this side. Pick a different trim for the other slot without leaving the exact head-to-head route.
LS LS Fleet LT
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LT Z71 RS
Lower-price trim
Starts at $38,100
VS
Higher-price trim
Starts at $46,400
Practical Choice: LS Fleet
Daily Comfort: Z71

Who notices the difference

The higher trim starts to make more sense when extra traction matters for your weather, roads, or weekend use.

When both feel the same

The LS Fleet and Z71 are mechanically identical where it counts: the same 8-speed shiftable automatic transmission and identical wheelbase and body dimensions.

The upgrade math

You are paying $8,300 for 3 measurable differences, which works out to about $2,767 per change.

Key Differences at a Glance

This is the fast read: price, power, efficiency, and the feature flips most likely to change the answer.

MSRP
$38,100
vs
$46,400
Drivetrain
FWD
vs
AWD
Fuel Economy
23 MPG combined
vs
21 MPG combined
Annual Fuel Cost
$1,900/yr
vs
$2,100/yr
All-weather floor mats for the 2024 Chevrolet Traverse Check prices on Amazon (paid link)

Every Difference, Side by Side

This is the full read behind the quick decision signals above: the complete hardware, comfort, and equipment story. 4 specification differences, 3 shared.

Drivetrain Biggest
Z71AWD
Fuel Economy
LS Fleet23 MPG combined
Z7121 MPG combined
Annual Fuel Cost
LS Fleet$1,900/yr
Z71$2,100/yr

Full Specification Comparison

Specifications reflect available data as of early 2024. Confirm details with an authorized dealer before purchasing.

Spec LS Fleet Z71
Pricing
MSRP$38,100$46,400
Powertrain
Engine2.5L I4 Turbo2.5L I4 Turbo
Horsepower328 hp328 hp
Torque326 lb-ft326 lb-ft
Transmission8-speed shiftable automatic8-speed shiftable automatic
DrivetrainFWDAWD
Fuel Economy
City MPG2019
Highway MPG2724
Combined MPG2321
Annual Fuel Cost (EPA)$1,900/yr$2,100/yr
Dimensions
Wheelbase121.0"121.0"
Length204.5"204.5"
Width79.6"79.6"
Height69.9"70.7"
Safety
NHTSA Overall5/5 stars5/5 stars
IIHS AwardTSPTSP
Warranty
Bumper-to-Bumper3yr/36k3yr/36k
Powertrain5yr/60k5yr/60k
Corrosion6yr/100k6yr/100k
Roadside Assistance5yr/60k5yr/60k

Data sources: licensed third-party automotive data, EPA fueleconomy.gov, NHTSA, and official manufacturer materials. Values marked est. are estimated.

2024 Chevrolet Traverse LS Fleet vs Z71 Questions Shoppers Ask

Use this page for the direct trim answer, then zoom back out to the Chevrolet Traverse lineup, the Chevrolet brand hub, the Full-Size SUVs, the how to pick a trim guide, or our mid-trim value research when you need the bigger shopping path behind this one matchup.

How much more does the 2024 Traverse Z71 cost than the LS Fleet?

The Z71 starts at $46,400 compared to $38,100 for the LS Fleet. That is a $8,300 difference, or approximately $146/month more on a 60-month loan.

Do the 2024 Chevrolet Traverse LS Fleet and Z71 have the same engine?

Yes. Both use the 2.5L I4 Turbo producing 328 hp and 326 lb-ft of torque. The engine hardware does not change between these trims, so the real differences are in equipment and feature content.

Does the 2024 Traverse LS Fleet come with AWD?

No. The LS Fleet comes standard with FWD while the Z71 has AWD. This affects traction, fuel economy, and curb weight.

Is the 2024 Traverse LS Fleet or Z71 safer?

Both share the same Chevrolet Traverse platform with an overall 5-star NHTSA safety rating and an IIHS TSP designation. Safety ratings are model-level and identical across trims. The trim choice affects comfort and features, not crash protection.

What warranty does the 2024 Chevrolet Traverse come with?

All 2024 Chevrolet Traverse trims, including both the LS Fleet and Z71, come with Chevrolet's standard warranty: 3yr/36k bumper-to-bumper and 5yr/60k powertrain coverage. Warranty does not vary by trim level.

Is the 2024 Chevrolet Traverse Z71 worth $8,300 more than the LS Fleet?

The $8,300 adds AWD. Worth it if you need the traction. Not worth it if you drive on dry roads year-round.

Which 2024 Chevrolet Traverse trim gets better fuel economy, the LS Fleet or the Z71?

The LS Fleet is the more efficient of the two at 23 combined MPG, versus 21 for the other trim. That matters most if you are balancing running costs against the extra power, drivetrain, or comfort equipment tied to the pricier trim.

Breaking Down the $8,300 Gap

At $8,300 more, the Traverse Z71 adds AWD. This is a situational call. If those features are on your must-have list, the upgrade makes sense. If not, the LS Fleet delivers the same core Traverse experience for less.

How the LS Fleet and Z71 Feel Different

AWD on the Z71 means better grip in bad weather. If you live somewhere with mild winters, the LS Fleet's FWD may be fine.

Fuel Economy Comparison

The Traverse LS Fleet gets 2 more combined MPG. At $3.50/gallon and 12,000 miles/year, that saves roughly $174 per year or $870 over five years of ownership.

What Both Trims Share

Despite the differences above, the LS Fleet and Z71 share engine and transmission, keeping the core Traverse experience consistent across trims.

The Short Version

The Traverse Z71 costs $8,300 more than the LS Fleet (about $146/month more on a 60-month loan). That buys 3 meaningful changes at $2,767 per change. Whether that trade-off is worth it depends on which features matter to your daily driving.

Trim-Matched Accessories

These add-ons are split by trim intent so the recommendations follow the actual use case, not just the same repeated product block.

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Specifications shown combine licensed third-party automotive data with official manufacturer, EPA, and NHTSA source material for the 2024 model year. Actual pricing, features, and availability may vary by region and dealer. Always confirm details with an authorized dealer before making a purchase decision. TrimAtlas is not affiliated with Chevrolet or any dealership.

Page updated 2026-03-18. Verify equipment, pricing, and regional availability with the manufacturer or dealer.

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Official Sources & Methodology