Chevrolet Traverse

Importing a used Chevrolet Traverse from the USA

The Chevrolet Traverse is one of America's default family haulers: a full-size, three-row crossover with genuine eight-seat capacity, a smooth V6 for most of its life, and the kind of interior volume that European rivals rarely match at the same footprint. For German and EU buyers who want space without stepping up to a truck-based SUV, importing a used Traverse from the USA is a sensible route, because these cars are everywhere on the American used market and were rarely sold new in Europe. As an independent broker, USCar Trader sources, inspects and ships the exact used Traverse you choose — we do not carry stock and we add no hidden vehicle margin.

Generations at a glance

The first-generation Traverse (2009–2017) rode on GM's Lambda platform, shared with the GMC Acadia and Buick Enclave. It introduced the format buyers still want: a wide body, a flat load floor, and up to eight seats. The second generation (2018–2023) moved to the lighter C1XX architecture, grew slightly, and sharpened the styling. This is the sweet spot on the used market today. The third generation arrived for 2024 with a turbocharged four-cylinder replacing the V6 — worth knowing about, but still scarce and pricey used, so most imports are 2018–2023 cars.

Powertrain lineup

Through 2023 the Traverse was defined by GM's 3.6-liter LGX V6, producing 310 hp and 266 lb-ft, paired with a nine-speed automatic. Early 2018–2019 cars offered a 2.0-liter turbo four (255 hp) in the RS trim, but it was a low-volume oddity and the V6 is far more common. Front-wheel drive is standard; a twin-clutch all-wheel-drive system was optional and is desirable for German winters. The first generation used the earlier 3.6 LLT/LFX V6 (281–288 hp) with a six-speed automatic. If you want the strongest resale and the most refined drivetrain, target a 2020+ V6 with AWD.

Trims in the US market

The Traverse is offered only as a five-door crossover, but trims span a wide range: L and LS at the base, the volume LT, the sporty RS, and the upmarket Premier and High Country. Higher trims add leather, a panoramic roof, ventilated seats, a heated steering wheel, adaptive cruise and the larger infotainment screen. Seven- or eight-seat layouts are selectable via second-row captain's chairs or a bench.

The used market stateside

Supply is deep. Second-generation cars from 2018 onward turn up constantly at US auctions and dealers, with typical mileage between roughly 30,000 and 100,000 miles for a three-to-six-year-old example. Many were one-owner family cars or lease returns in clean condition. Southern and western states offer rust-free bodies, which matters for a smooth German TÜV inspection. Because the Traverse was a mainstream, high-volume model, you are choosing from thousands of cars rather than a handful — good for finding the right color, trim and history.

Who should import one

An imported Traverse suits families who need three usable rows and a big boot but do not want a ladder-frame SUV's ride or thirst. It is also attractive to buyers who like the relaxed torque of a naturally aspirated V6, a configuration that has largely disappeared from new European SUVs. If you tow occasionally, the V6 AWD versions rate around 5,000 lb (roughly 2,268 kg). Anyone chasing outright fuel economy or a plug-in option should look elsewhere in the range.

Key specifications

How reliable is it?

The 3.6 V6 is durable but has known Chevrolet Traverse common problems. Watch for oil consumption and, on higher-mileage cars, timing chain wear and cam phaser noise on early V6s — listen for a rattle on cold start. The nine-speed automatic in second-gen cars drew complaints about hesitant low-speed shifts and stop/start harshness; a software update often helps. Also budget for water pump, A/C condenser and, on AWD cars, propshaft or rear-differential attention over time. Regular oil changes and a documented service history are the best predictors of a trouble-free Traverse.

What US models do differently

US-spec Traverses use amber rear turn signals combined into the tail lamp on some trims, MPH-primary speedometers, and no rear fog lamp — all items the TÜV expects to see corrected. Daytime running lights, headlight aim and tire load ratings must meet EU rules. Infotainment is generally the same Chevrolet system, but built-in navigation maps are North American; German buyers usually rely on Android Auto or Apple CarPlay, which the Traverse supports.

Seven steps to your import

The process runs in a clear sequence: you select a specific car; we verify the VIN and confirm the build plant and origin; funds are held in escrow for security; the vehicle moves to a US port and crosses by container or RoRo ocean freight; on arrival in Germany we handle customs clearance; the car then goes through TÜV individual approval (Einzelabnahme) with any required modifications; finally you register it at your local Zulassungsstelle. USCar Trader coordinates each stage as your intermediary.

Customs, taxes and costs explained

In short: the 0% duty rate applies only with documented US origin (VIN/plant) – German import VAT of 19% is always due.

Two separate charges apply and we never bundle them into a car price. First, import duty: under Regulations (EU) 2026/1455 and 2026/1461, a 0% EU import duty applies to used US vehicles only where US origin is provable via the VIN and plant code, with direct transport, valid from 1 July 2026 until 31 December 2029. Many Traverse units are built in Lansing, Michigan, which typically supports US origin — but this must be confirmed per VIN and is never guaranteed. If origin cannot be proven, the standard rate applies. Second, the 19% German import VAT (Einfuhrumsatzsteuer) always applies, regardless of origin. We add no margin on either.

German TÜV and registration

Typical changes for a Traverse include adding a rear fog lamp, adapting or coding the lighting so turn signals and DRLs comply, and converting or clearly documenting the odometer in kilometers. Headlamp aim is checked, and the emissions system must match EU documentation. Once the TÜV report is issued, registration is straightforward.

The buyer checklist

Before committing to a used Traverse from the USA, verify these points: (1) decode the VIN and confirm the build plant for the customs origin question; (2) pull a full Carfax or AutoCheck history for accidents, title and odometer; (3) inspect for rust on the underbody and suspension, especially on northern-state cars; (4) confirm a documented service record with regular oil changes; (5) check the title is clean, not salvage or rebuilt, unless you knowingly accept it; (6) listen for cold-start engine rattle and test all three rows of seats and the AWD system.

Questions and answers

Is the Chevrolet Traverse reliable enough to import?

Yes, a well-maintained V6 Traverse is a durable family SUV. The main watch points are oil consumption, timing chain noise on early V6s, and the nine-speed's shift refinement — all manageable with a good history and inspection.

Does a used Traverse qualify for 0% EU import duty?

Only if US origin is proven via VIN and plant, with direct transport, under Regulations (EU) 2026/1455 and 2026/1461. Many are US-built, but it is confirmed per car and never guaranteed.

Does the 19% import VAT always apply?

Yes. The German Einfuhrumsatzsteuer of 19% is charged on every import regardless of the duty outcome.

Which years are best to import?

Second-generation cars from 2020 to 2023 with the 3.6 V6 and AWD offer the best blend of refinement, features and resale.

How is the Traverse shipped from the USA?

By container or RoRo ocean freight from a US port to a German port, followed by customs clearance and TÜV approval.

Is all-wheel drive worth it?

For German winters and light towing, yes — the AWD system improves traction and does not greatly hurt economy.

What does the TÜV usually require?

Commonly a rear fog lamp, compliant lighting/turn signals, and kilometer documentation, plus headlight and emissions checks.

Explore more with Chevrolet in the Carhub, compare the three-row rivals GMC Acadia, Buick Enclave and Nissan Pathfinder, or browse current Traverse listings.