Chevrolet Traverse Z71 2025: The Family Adventure SUV Built for Eastern Townships Exploration
28 octobre 2025,
The leaves are turning vibrant shades of red and gold across the Cantons-de-l'Est, and for families in Cowansville, that means one thing: it's time to get out and explore. Whether it's a weekend hike up Mont Orford, a ski trip to Bromont, or a leisurely drive through Dunham's vineyard country, the redesigned Chevrolet Traverse Z71 2025 delivers the perfect balance of adventure capability and family-friendly comfort for Quebec's diverse terrain.
The Traverse Z71 isn't just another three-row SUV—it's the first off-road-focused variant in the model's history. With lifted suspension, all-terrain tires, and a twin-clutch all-wheel-drive system designed to tackle unpaved cottage roads and snowy mountain passes, this SUV brings legendary Z71 capability to families who refuse to let the beaten path dictate their plans.
Capability That Matches the Eastern Townships Lifestyle
For Cowansville families who split their time between city errands and countryside adventures, the Z71's engineering makes all the difference. The advanced twin-clutch AWD system actively distributes torque to individual wheels, providing confident traction whether you're navigating icy Route 139 in January or climbing a gravel road to a Sutton hiking trailhead.
Ground clearance has been increased by over 25 millimetres compared to the standard Traverse, and the off-road-tuned suspension with unique hydraulic rebound control absorbs the kinds of bumps and ruts you'll encounter on rural Quebec roads. Terrain Mode allows drivers to optimize performance for different surfaces, while Hill Descent Control manages speed automatically on steep declines—a feature that proves its worth when descending from Mont Orford or navigating hilly vineyard roads after autumn tastings.
The Z71 also comes standard with front recovery hooks finished in signature Z71 red, an aluminum skid plate protecting vital undercarriage components, and 18-inch high-gloss black wheels wrapped in all-terrain tires. These aren't just aesthetic touches; they're functional upgrades that expand where you can take your family.
Space and Versatility for Every Adventure
Off-road capability means little if you can't bring your gear. The Traverse Z71 delivers best-in-class cargo capacity with 2,764 litres of maximum space when the second and third rows are folded. Behind the third row, you still have 648 litres—enough for a weekend's worth of luggage, sports equipment, or grocery hauls from Bromont's markets.
Seating configurations offer flexibility for different needs. The standard seven-passenger setup features second-row captain's chairs with SmartSlide functionality, allowing easy access to the third row even with a child seat installed. For families needing an eighth seat, the LT trim offers an optional second-row bench.
Power comes from a 2.5-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine producing 328 horsepower and 326 pound-feet of torque—substantially more powerful than the previous V6. Paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission, this engine delivers confident acceleration for highway merging and mountain driving while maintaining reasonable fuel economy at 12.3 L/100 km city and 9.9 L/100 km highway.
Technology That Keeps Families Connected and Safe
Inside, the Traverse Z71 features a segment-leading 17.7-inch diagonal touchscreen—more than twice the size of the previous generation's largest screen. Google built-in provides seamless navigation through the Eastern Townships' winding back roads, while wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto keep passengers entertained on longer drives to Montreal or Quebec City.
The standard 11-inch driver information centre offers multiple display configurations, and available Super Cruise hands-free driver assistance technology transforms highway portions of your journey. Imagine cruising on Autoroute 10 from Cowansville to Montreal with your hands off the wheel (while remaining attentive), letting the system handle the monotonous highway driving.
Safety features are comprehensive. HD Surround Vision (standard on Z71) provides a bird's-eye view when maneuvering in tight parking lots or aligning with trailer hitches. The full Chevrolet Safety Assist suite includes Automatic Emergency Braking, Front Pedestrian Braking, Lane Keep Assist with Lane Departure Warning, Following Distance Indicator, and IntelliBeam automatic high beams.
Additional standard safety technologies include:
- Blind Zone Steering Assist
- Rear Cross Traffic Braking
- Side Bicyclist Alert
- HD Rear Vision Camera
- Safety Alert Seat
Towing and Trailering Capabilities
With standard trailering equipment and up to 2,267 kilograms (5,000 pounds) of towing capacity when properly equipped, the Traverse Z71 can handle boat trailers for Lac Brome outings, utility trailers for cottage supply runs, or camper trailers for family camping trips to Parc National du Mont-Orford.
The integrated trailer brake controller, trailering camera views, and available Hitch Guidance system simplify what used to be stressful maneuvers. Whether you're backing a boat down a launch ramp or positioning a utility trailer in your driveway, the technology makes towing accessible even for less experienced drivers.
Designed for Quebec's Four Seasons
The Z71's capability shines year-round in the Eastern Townships. Spring mud season on cottage roads? The twin-clutch AWD and all-terrain tires provide the traction you need. Summer adventures to hiking trails? The increased ground clearance protects undercarriage components. Fall foliage tours on gravel vineyard roads? The off-road suspension keeps the ride comfortable. Winter ski trips to Bromont or Orford? The AWD system and winter-capable all-terrain tires deliver confidence in snow and ice.
The Traverse Z71 proves you don't need to sacrifice family comfort for adventure capability. With seating for up to eight, best-in-class cargo space, advanced technology, and true off-road credentials, it's engineered for families who want one vehicle that can handle school runs, grocery shopping, and weekend explorations with equal competence.
Key Specifications at a Glance
|
Feature |
Specification |
|---|---|
|
Engine |
2.5L Turbocharged 4-cylinder |
|
Power |
328 hp / 326 lb-ft torque |
|
Drivetrain |
Advanced Twin-Clutch AWD (Z71) |
|
Seating |
7 or 8 passengers |
|
Max Cargo |
2,764 L (97.6 cu. ft.) |
|
Towing Capacity |
Up to 2,267 kg (5,000 lbs.) |
|
Fuel Economy |
12.3 L/100 km city / 9.9 L/100 km highway |
|
Ground Clearance |
Increased (Z71 specific) |
|
Infotainment |
17.7" diagonal touchscreen |
Experience the Z71 Difference at Rocheleau Chevrolet
The redesigned Chevrolet Traverse Z71 represents a new chapter for families in the Eastern Townships who demand more from their SUV. Whether you're navigating Cowansville's winter streets, exploring Bromont's mountain trails, or taking the scenic route through Dunham's wine country, the Z71 combines rugged capability with the refinement and technology today's families expect.
Visit our team at Rocheleau Chevrolet in Cowansville to experience the Traverse Z71 firsthand. Let us show you how this adventure-ready family SUV can transform your weekends and redefine what's possible for families in Quebec who live for exploration.