The Chevy Traverse is powered by a 3.6L V6 engine mated to a 6-speed automatic transmission. The engine is good for 288 horsepower, giving the Traverse plenty of oomph for merging and more. Power is sent to either the front or to all four wheels with the optional all-wheel-drive option.
Four trim levels are available: LS, 1LT, 2LT and top-of-the-line Premiere. The base LS comes with plenty of standard features, including an AM/FM/CD player with auxiliary input, USB and satellite radio functions, plus OnStar with 4G LTE and built-in Wi-Fi hotspot. Bluetooth connectivity, 17-inch wheels, daytime running lights, a 6.5-inch touch screen display and a rearview camera are also standard. Chevrolet knows that people spend a lot of time in their cars, and so the Traverse features a total of 10 cup holders for occupants.
1LT-equipped Traverses get 18-inch wheels, an 8-way adjustable power driver's seat, rear park-assist, body-colored external moldings, a remote vehicle starter, heated mirrors and a leather-wrapped steering wheel. The 2LT gives buyers a nicer Bose audio system, heated front seats, tri-zone climate control, a universal home remote, electronic auto-dimming mirror and a power rear liftgate. Premiere models add plenty of appearance add-ons and even more luxury. The 20-inch aluminum wheels are matched with exterior chrome accents to set the vehicle apart. Inside, seating is trimmed in perforated leather and both front seats are heated and cooled. The steering wheel is also heated. Upgraded safety tech on the Premiere models includes Blind Zone Alert and Rear-Cross Traffic Alert, making normally tricky reversing maneuvers much easier.
Basic safety equipment across all trim levels is extensive. Anti-lock brakes and StabiliTrak prevent the brakes from locking and the vehicle from going into a skid. A standard rearview monitor provides convenience and added safety, while a tire pressure monitoring system keeps an eye on over- or under-inflated tires. Airbags are plentiful, including a front center side airbag, which inflates between the two front passengers, an industry first. GM's OnStar system is also standard. Optional on 2LT and Premiere models, is a Forward Collision Alert and Lane Departure Warning system, which utilizes cameras to monitor nearby traffic and help assess possible collision threats both in front and around the Traverse.
Room For Up To Eight
Attractive Styling
Upscale Amenities
Car-like Handling
Available All-wheel-drive
The Chevrolet Traverse is unchanged for 2017, though the top of the line LTZ model has been renamed and is now called the Premiere trim.
The Chevrolet Traverse starts at just about $29,000 and offers a lot of space and luxury for the price. Unlike minivans available, the Traverse has bold SUV-like styling without giving up too much interior volume. The interior space combines with a cushy ride, to make the Traverse a fairly pleasant place to spend time in. The vehicle strikes a nice balance between these various attributes, making it a good value for families seeking comfortable transportation.
