Compared to the exclusive Buick Enclave, the distinctive Saturn Outlook and the confident GMC Acadia, the Chevrolet Traverse is probably the best value among GM’s four next-generation three-row crossover utility vehicles.
Not by accident, the Traverse looks a bit like a tall wagon version of Chevy’s popular Malibu. Starting with its signature Chevy split grille, its lines are taut and its shape smoothly aerodynamic to reduce wind resistance and noise. Its body overhangs in front of and behind the large wheels are minimized to reduce visual length, a distinctive setback on the rear wheels marks the window line, and there are turn signal “repeaters” on its side mirrors.
The cabin seats eight adults with either a 60/40 split seat bench for three passengers or seven with available captain’s chairs. Standard third-row seats are a 60/40 bench with a generous 24.4 cu. Ft. Capacity. foot of cargo space behind him. The instrument panel, a Chevy crew cab design that houses two heavy-gauge binnacles surrounded by glossy trim rings, is mounted low and forward to improve visibility, with the available navigation display integrated prominently into the rear. top center.
The 3.6-liter V-6 engine with direct injection offers similar power to the V-8 engine, but runs on regular unleaded gasoline. With dual exhausts available, its power rating increases to 288 hp and 270 lb.-ft. of torque. Direct injection sprays fuel directly into each cylinder, where it mixes with air and then vaporizes, cooling the air / fuel mixture. That allows for a higher compression ratio, which improves both performance and efficiency, so less fuel can provide more power compared to conventional port injection. EPA economy is better than most, and as good as any in this segment, at 24 mpg highway and 17 city mpg with front-wheel drive (FWD) and one mpg less with available four-wheel drive (AWD).
The advanced six-speed automatic transmission offers smooth clutch-to-clutch shifting with shift stabilization and automatic grade braking on FWD and AWD models. Its aggressive 4.48: 1 first gear offers excellent starting feel, while its 0.74: 1 overdrive top high gear lowers rpm to save fuel at highway speeds. The available Intelligent AWD system reacts to wheel speed, throttle and surface conditions to provide increased traction on slippery roads by actively managing the torque distribution between the front and rear axles. It automatically decides how much torque to apply and delivers it to the wheels with the best traction.
Ride on a length of 118.9 inches. Wheelbase with wide tracks (67.8 inches front and 67.4 inches rear) and a relatively low center of gravity, the Traverse provides a surprisingly sharp and smooth ride with responsive handling. Suspension is MacPherson struts with aluminum knuckles and a direct-acting stabilizer bar in the front and a compact independent “H” design with isolated mounting at the rear. This design also features a nearly flat floor tray to maximize passenger and cargo space. The wheels and tires are 17, 18 or 20 inches. depending on the model.
Four-wheel disc brakes with ABS, StabiliTrak electronic stability control with preventive rollover mitigation, traction control, tire pressure monitoring, and rack-and-pinion power steering are standard, with power boost. variable effort available. The standard electronic braking system features Panic Brake Assist (PBA), Dynamic Rear Proportionality (DRP), and Hydraulic Brake Boost (HBB). DRP optimizes front-to-rear brake balance based on driving conditions and vehicle load, HBB amplifies braking force to reduce stopping distance when engine vacuum is low, and PBA aids emergency stop maintaining or adding brake pressure even if the driver backs up.
Also standard are second-row sliding seats, power heated exterior mirrors and blind-spot mirrors, XM Satellite Radio and GM OnStar with one year of directions and connections service, which features “turn-by-turn” navigation instructions, Bluetooth-enabled hands free calls and an advanced accident response system. A “360 degree” restraint system includes new tether pretensioners for outside occupants and six standard airbags that cover all three rows. Its rollover detection system activates the head curtain bags and belt pretensioners if sensors conclude that a rollover is imminent, and the bags stay inflated longer to help prevent occupants from being ejected. If a collision triggers an airbag, the OnStar system automatically notifies an OnStar advisor, who immediately calls the vehicle and requests emergency assistance.