Numerous three-row SUVs compete vigorously in the market, but among the standouts is the Chevrolet Traverse, which went through a major overhaul this year. It’s like the rebirth of an all-new vehicle, with a total revamping inside and out.
Sharing its design with the Buick Enclave and GMC Acadia, the body-frame integral structure of the Traverse will boost the confidence of any driver. Lighter by 400 pounds with a 3-inch legroom boost for second-row passengers (from previous model), it is equipped with a 3.6-liter V-6 engine putting out a healthy 310 horsepower. That is plenty of clout to propel this 4,362-pound SUV toward its destination briskly on challenging roads.
Power routed through the crisp-shifting 9-speed auto gear box delivers adequate performance. Standard active noise cancellation isolates occupants from road sound and imperfections.
Available as front-wheel or all-wheel drive, the Traverse comes in base L, LS, LT Cloth, LT Leather, RS, Premier and High Country seating seven or eight passengers.
Of course, it’s in the passenger/cargo department that the Traverse truly shines. Have a seat up front in the muscularly-styled SUV and you will notice that the center stack offers MyLink with a 7-inch color touch screen for hands-free phone and audio. Underneath the infotainment system are large illuminated climate control knobs. The instrument cluster of two gauge binnacles hosting readings for speedometer, tachometer, water temp, battery and fuel, as well as a driver information center, is simple but clear.
Thanks to tri-zone auto a/c, the driver and all passengers can control their own individual temperature settings. The 60/40 second-row and 50/50 third-row seats can be folded via a lever. That opens up 98.2 cubic feet of storage area. Simply put, throw in a stroller, numerous pieces of luggage, backpack, ice chest, cooler, etc., into the cargo hold and the Traverse laps it all up.
The four-spoke robust steering wheel, which offers controls for audio, phone and cruise, has a robust look and feel to it. Providing eye candy is wood sprinkled on the front center console around cup holders and doors in certain trims. And, during those occasional rainy days, umbrella holders in the front doors will come in quite handy.
Dual front and side airbags, side curtain airbag for both rows, front center airbag, four-wheel antilock brakes with brake assist, antiskid system, stability and traction control, remote vehicle start, rearview camera, hill start assist, tire pressure monitoring system and daytime running lights are standard.
Go ahead and ‘Traverse’ the landscape in this Chevy crossover. There is abundant power to ensure a quick but silent and smooth ride, with superb handling and cornering balance. A solid chassis and exceptional people- and cargo-hauling capabilities in this nearly full-size SUV will serve the needs of large households quite well.
TRAVERSE (FWD L)
Tires: P225/65R18
Wheelbase: 120.9 inches
Length: 204.9 inches
Width: 78.6 inches
Height: 70.7 inches
Suspension: MacPherson strut independent front; 5-link rear
Steering: electric variable power
Tow capacity: 5,000 pounds
Fuel capacity: 19.4 gallons
Highway: 27 mpg
City: 18 mpg
Base price: $30,925
Web site: DavidMausChevrolet.com
Test drive the Traverse and other Chevrolet vehicles at David Maus Chevrolet, 16414 N. Dale Mabry Highway in Tampa or call (813) 969-2600.
Published December 19, 2018
