the second generation Chevrolet Traverse it's a three row midsize SUV that we
really like propelling our positive vibes is a deeply functional interior
let's start somewhere boring door storage the front rear doors are loaded
with bins and nooks galore though I'm not quite sure what defines a bin versus
a nook beyond the aforementioned door nooks smaller items can be stowed in the
sizeable center console in this spot below the second row climate controls or
in a handy USB adjacent bin beneath the center stack aside from slight pressure
in the upper back region the front seats are superbly comfortable and as the
driver you'll enjoy a highly customizable driving position supported
by well-placed arm rests just know drive like a maniac and you'll wish for more
lateral support Headroom is unsurprisingly excellent up front but
that excellence extends rearward as well Tim is six foot something and look his
head is not mashed against the headliner nobody cares also he's British and too
polite to complain about legroom so I'm going to proactively slide and angle my
seats slightly forward. Thank you. Sorry I was uncomfortable. It's fine.
with less diplomatic occupants rear-seat nice space could be tight but as
consolation third row dwellers are gifted a wealth of cupholders decent
foot space under the second row and two USB outlets on that note the Traverse
comes with USB ports in all three rows that plus an optional three prong outlet
means well-charged devices ensuring your family never has to, you know, speak
where material quality is concerned the Traverse leaves room for its Buick
Enclave sibling to fancy things up even so GM's mainstream offering incorporates
some soft materials and in many places uses a soft coating to spruce up hard
plastics in other places it doesn't with the second and third row stowed Traverse
owners have a substantial ninety eight point two cubic feet to fill raised
those seats and twenty three cubic feet of dedicated cargo space remains
supplemented by an additional 3.2 cubic foot underfloor storage hold while
prattling on about the traverses many fine qualities we should reserve time to
talk about how it drives and how it drives is lovely the suspension
skillfully absorbs bumps while keeping the chassis in check when cornering and
when you pick up the pace interior noise is mostly quashed except for some
whistling in this region, which you would hear if I didn't have to stop for that
stoplight the man says I have to stop
providing propulsion is a mighty 3.6 liter v6 that tows up to 5,000 pounds
and moves the Traverse with real authority when asked maybe more
impressive is the standard 9 speed automatic it's a shining star of a
transmission that delivers virtually seamless transparent shifts and when you
introduce the accelerator to the carpet acceleration and downshifts occur without
delay for its size the Traverse is fairly efficient aided by an
inconspicuous but undefeatable automatic engine start/stop system that saves fuel
when the vehicle is motionless if you don't mind giving up a few mpg the
optional all-wheel drive system adds traction inslippery conditions a
turbocharged four-cylinder engine is also available but only in the sporty
Traverse RS producing less horsepower more torque and better city fuel economy
than the v6 the real trick with a relatively large SUV is to hide its
girth the Traverse does just that with light and easy steering and a tight
turning circle that make it a confident parking tool parked on the flipside
visibility over your right shoulder is terrible especially since depending on
where the seats are the right second row headrest completely blocks the side
window in my experience if you can see what's in the adjacent Lane lane changes
are less stressful
helping address those visibility concerns our higher trim features like
blind spot monitoring a 360 degree camera system rear cross-traffic alert
and rear but not front parking sensors rounding out the option roster are
indulgences like wireless phone charging a hands-free tailgate heated and
ventilated front seats leather and a heated steering wheel choose the fancy
high country trim with its power folding seats and traction enhancing dual clutch
rear differential and you can spend nearly fifty three thousand dollars it's
worth mentioning that adaptive cruise control is only offered on the high
country trim while many competitive SUVs offer similar technology at a lower
price point and if you need eight seats you're stuck with the low end L & LS
trims as higher Traverse trims only come with seven in basic not quite $31,000
form the Traverse comes surprisingly well equipped with keyless entry and
push-button start three-zone automatic climate control a wide-angle backup
camera a smart slide 2nd row seat for easy third row access and 7 airbags
including a center airbag that deploys from the inboard side of the driver's
seat the standard infotainment system is a 7-inch unit featuring apple carplay
and android auto but buyers can also upgrade to an 8 inch system with a
lockable storage area behind the screen hiding the traverses elusive seventh USB
port either way the screen is decently sized placed within reach and the menus
are a cinch to navigate while shopping 3 row midsize SUVs it's always smart to
investigate the alternatives some standouts include the roomy VW Atlas
the practical Toyota Highlander the thoughtfully crafted Honda Pilot and the
strong selling Ford Explorer
pleasant to drive and competitively-priced with lots of cargo
space and room for up to 8 passengers the Chevrolet Traverse is fantastically
suited for family duty despite some formidable competition the Traverse is a
midsize SUV that deserves your attention