Automotive Trends

When Chevrolet introduced the Traverse way back in 2009 few would have guessed that it would soldier on without a major revamp until 2018. Eight model years is ancient in today’s marketplace, especially in the hot crossover segment.  The Traverse remains the brand’s largest crossover and slots below the jumbo Suburban and Tahoe SUVs. All the basics characteristics that made the Traverse remain; front wheel or all wheel drive with available 8-passenger seating.  The exterior styling seeks to draw the Traverse into line with the rest of Chevy’s lineup. It finds a balance between the sleek lines of the new Equinox and the blocky Suburban, complete with wide sail shaped C-pillar.  This time around the Traverse is distanced from its GMC Acadia platform-mate by featuring class leading legroom for third row passengers whereas the GMC has shed weight, length, 3rd row space, and cargo volume. Improving on the packaging of the outgoing Traverse this new large crossover now has under floor storage behind the 3rd seat. Like the Acadia, the Traverse now offers a base 4-cylinder turbo that will certainly improve fuel economy and a V6 that allows for a respectable 5,000 lb towing capacity.  A 9-speed automatic should allow for better efficiency than the outgoing 6-speed. Smart stop-start technology should also help save fuel around town. A myriad of driver assist and safety features bring the Traverse up to date including forward collision alert, front pedestrian braking, low speed forward automatic braking, lane keep assist, full speed forward automatic braking, surround vision, adaptive cruise control, and intellibeam headlamps. It has been a long wait for the new Traverse but it looks like Chevrolet has done its homework to pull this large crossover in line with the best of the industry.