The 2013 Chevrolet Traverse goes into production later this year with enhanced style, refinement and safety features.

A new, more athletic exterior design features a more expressive front end Chevy says is the new face of its crossover utilities. It features a new shape supported by a powerdome hood, three-bar upper and two-bar lower grille design, new lamps, chrome accents around the grille and fog lamps, and sculpted front corners similar to the Malibu sedan.

Photo: General Motors

Redesigned tail lights and licence plate pocket are positioned in the new liftgate.

The 2013 Traverse offers class-leading spaciousness, seating for up to eight, and more cargo-carrying capacity than the others in its segment.

Upgraded materials include soft-touch surfaces on the instrument panel and front door uppers, contrasting stitching, chrome and silver accents, and available blue ambient lighting that flows through the cabin. A new centre stack showcases a 6.5-inch colour touch radio with available MyLink infotainment system, and larger, illuminated climate controls.

Power comes from a 3.6L V6 with direct injection technology and continuously variable valve timing mated to a 6-speed automatic transmission for 288 hp and 270 lb-ft of torque. Ride and handling are improved through rebound springs in the front struts and new shock valving.