Exterior build quality is superior to that of previous Chevrolet SUV/CUV exercises. Moving into the Traverse's spacious cabin didn't disappoint. The modest interior decorating fails to project the class and elegance of the Enclave but it holds its own nonetheless, perhaps even achieving greater practicality with the use of more basic materials and finishes. Build quality is again a step above that which would have been considered "typical Chevy" not so long ago.
Particularly noteworthy is the ease in which the second and third row seats can be raised and lowered. One tug of a strap pretty much transforms the seating area into a vast cargo hold featuring a flat load floor. When erected, the second row seats travel fore and aft to share legroom with those relegated to the last row of seating.
Of all of the third-row seating arrangements out there, the bench found at the rear of the Traverse is one of the most accommodating. Adults can actually access this seating area of "last resort" with relative ease, and find decent room for their limbs and craniums.
Operational refinement accompanies V6 power
All four Lambda siblings excel in the subject of operational refinement. The plush Buick Enclave may lead the way but the Traverse is tight on its heals when it comes to quiet, refined performance.
A 3.6-litre 24-valve DOHC V6 engine delivers 281 horsepower @ 6,300 rpm and 266 pound-feet of torque @ 3,400 rpm. When the dual exhaust option is selected, those figures rise to 288 horsepower and 270 pound-feet of torque.
My test unit didn't benefit from a dual exhaust system nevertheless it wasn't starved for power. Acceleration from a standstill is impressive. Passing performance on the highway is by all accounts competent but not a standout due in part to the Traverse's substantial curb-weight of 4,925-kg when equipped with AWD.
An automatic 6-speed transmission backs-up the V6. When the shift lever is placed in 'L' for low gear, rocking a switch back and forth mounted on the side of the shift handle manually shifts the transmission; I found this to be a convenient feature while mountain driving.
 |
| The third-row seating arrangements found at the rear of the Traverse is one of the most accommodating of all. |
Particularly noteworthy is the ease in which the second and third row seats can be raised and lowered. One tug of a strap pretty much transforms the seating area into a vast cargo hold featuring a flat load floor. When erected, the second row seats travel fore and aft to share legroom with those relegated to the last row of seating.
Of all of the third-row seating arrangements out there, the bench found at the rear of the Traverse is one of the most accommodating. Adults can actually access this seating area of "last resort" with relative ease, and find decent room for their limbs and craniums.
Operational refinement accompanies V6 power
All four Lambda siblings excel in the subject of operational refinement. The plush Buick Enclave may lead the way but the Traverse is tight on its heals when it comes to quiet, refined performance.
A 3.6-litre 24-valve DOHC V6 engine delivers 281 horsepower @ 6,300 rpm and 266 pound-feet of torque @ 3,400 rpm. When the dual exhaust option is selected, those figures rise to 288 horsepower and 270 pound-feet of torque.
My test unit didn't benefit from a dual exhaust system nevertheless it wasn't starved for power. Acceleration from a standstill is impressive. Passing performance on the highway is by all accounts competent but not a standout due in part to the Traverse's substantial curb-weight of 4,925-kg when equipped with AWD.
An automatic 6-speed transmission backs-up the V6. When the shift lever is placed in 'L' for low gear, rocking a switch back and forth mounted on the side of the shift handle manually shifts the transmission; I found this to be a convenient feature while mountain driving.
 |
| Acceleration from a standstill is impressive. |