2019 Chevrolet Traverse SUV

Driving Impression

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Abundant power from the sizable V-6 engine enhances the pleasure of piloting a Traverse, assisted by a smooth-shifting 9-speed automatic transmission. Upshifts arrive rapidly, and the 9-speed downshifts readily when extra oomph is needed to pass or merge.

Well-known in other GM models, the 3.6-liter V-6 delivers ample energy through a broad range of the engine’s powerband, which boosts performance potential. Making a V-6 version of the RS available suggests the eventual demise of turbo-4 power.

One prominent drawback is the optional all-wheel-drive system, which functions too much like an AWD setup from the past.

Like other large family carriers, the Traverse tends to steer and handle like a big family sedan, with pitching motions and lean in corners. However, the Traverse tracks well on the highway.

Fuel economy falls close to the norm for its class. With V-6 and all-wheel drive, the Traverse is EPA-rated at 17/25 mpg City/Highway, or 20 mpg Combined. Front-wheel-drive raises the estimate to 18/27/21 mpg. The turbo-four manages 20/26/22 mpg.

Walk Around

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Despite adoption of design themes from Chevrolet’s truck division as part of its 2018 redesign, the current-generation Traverse looks sharp while providing a family-focused experience. Relationships to full-size pickups and SUVs aren’t difficult to spot. Previously graceful body lines have been sharpened.

More upright than the previous-generation model, the Traverse leads off with a taller grille, encompassing a larger “bowtie” badge. Strong shoulder lines lead toward slender taillights, carrying the overall boxy profile all the way through the bodysides.

Interior Overview

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Bountiful cabin space is a strong point of the Traverse, which promises adult-level comfort in any of the three seating rows. Even the third row offers abundant room, though elbow room is on the scant side.

Smart controls and a wide console should impress the driver, and everybody might admire the soft-touch surfaces and durable plastic materials.

Front seats promise long-distance comfort, even for occupants who are ample in girth. Second-row captain’s chairs are particularly appealing. Second-row passengers face more than 38 inches of leg clearance, while rear-seat riders get 33 inches.

Wide-swinging doors ease entry and exit, though they can present a challenge in tight parking lots. Fit and finish generally are good, though Buick’s Enclave has a more premium feel. Most Traverse versions have active noise cancellation.

Behind the third row, there’s a generous 23 cubic feet of cargo room. With the third row flattened, that space passes 58 cubic feet, reaching 98 cubic feet with only the front seatbacks upright.

Summary

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Aiming strictly at families, including large ones, the Traverse is nicely equipped, at least in LT trim and above, though lack of automatic emergency braking earns a demerit. Base L models are seldom seen at dealerships. Topping the lineup, High Country editions push this model beyond the mainstream, but at a price. Options abound, but they push total cost upward in a hurry.

Driving impressions by Aaron Cole, The Car Connection. James M. Flammang contributed to this report.

Model Lineup

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Prices do not include $995 destination charge.

L V-6 ($29,930), offered only with front-drive, includes a V-6 engine, rearview camera, seating for eight, cloth upholstery, three-zone automatic climate control, a 7.0-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility, and 18-inch alloy wheels.

LS V-6 ($32,800 with front-drive, $34,800 all-wheel drive) adds deep-tinted glass.

LT Cloth V-6 ($35,300 with front-drive, $39,100 all-wheel drive) gets upgraded cloth seat upholstery, a power driver’s seat, second-row captain’s chairs, heated power mirrors, and a leather-wrapped steering wheel. Options include 20-inch wheels and blind-spot monitoring.

LT Leather V-6 ($39,000 with front-drive, $41,000 all-wheel drive) substitutes leather seat upholstery and includes a power liftgate, blind-spot monitors, and heated front seats.

RS Turbocharged I4 ($42,900 with front-drive, $45,500 all-wheel drive) is equipped with the turbo 4-cylinder engine, along with blacked-out exterior accents and 20-inch wheels.

RS V-6 AWD (Price N/A) is similar to RS Turbo, but with 3.6-liter engine and all-wheel drive.

Premier V-6 ($45,300) with front-drive, $48,200 all-wheel drive) gets 20-inch wheels, a heated steering wheel, leather upholstery, hands-free power liftgate, 8.0-inch touchscreen, heated and cooled front seats, heated second-row captain’s chairs, wireless charging, navigation, and Bose audio.

High Country V-6 AWD ($53,000) adds twin-clutch all-wheel drive, automatic emergency braking, forward-collision warnings, lane-keep assist, lane-departure warnings, a power-folding third row, polished 20-inch wheels, and adaptive cruise control.