Pros: The Chevrolet Traverse offers up heaps of interior space and room for eight along with decent towing capacity and plenty of onboard gadgets and gobs of safety features.
Cons: Not the most stylish midsize SUV on the market, the Traverse might be class-leading in terms of interior space and a few amenities, but it’s definitely lagging behind in the design and curb-appeal department.
2015 Chevrolet Traverse Price and Fuel Economy: There are four trim levels available in the Chevrolet Traverse lineup, each upselling the next in terms of interior features and exterior aesthetic upgrades. Engine specs and transmission remain the same across the board.
- 2015 Chevrolet Traverse LS $35,105
- 2015 Chevrolet Traverse 1LT $38,560
- 2015 Chevrolet Traverse 2LT $42,210
- 2015 Chevrolet Traverse LTZ $51,745
Since the engine and transmission are identical, the only defining factor for differing fuel economy numbers is front-wheel drive vs. all-wheel drive. If you opt for the FWD version you’ll see fuel numbers in the 12.3L/100km range (combined). Spring for the winter-ready AWD version and that number increases slightly to 12.6L/100km (combined).
Powertrain: It’s true, there is only one engine for all four models, however, that engine is tweaked ever so slightly to squeeze out a bit more horsepower and torque in the LTZ model. Said engine is a 3.6L V6 with VVT. In the LS/1LT/2LT output sits at 281 horsepower and 266 lb-ft of torque; however, in the LTZ those numbers jump slightly to 288 horsepower and 270 lb-ft of torque.
Regardless of FWD or AWD, the same 6-speed automatic transmission is offered.
Changes and Improvements: No major changes or improvements were made to the 2015 Chevrolet Traverse save for revised 18” wheels, as well as the addition of Siri Eyes Free -- the ability to access your iPhone’s text messages and alerts via voice-activation. Three new exterior colours were also added: Blue Velvet Metallic, Sable Metallic, and Siren Red Tintcoat, as well as Ebony/Saddle Up was added as an interior colour choice.
Cargo Capacity: The Chevrolet Traverse can seat seven to eight passengers, and can tow up to 5,200lb. Will all rows up, the Traverse offers up 691L of cargo space. Fold the third and second rows down and that number increases to 3,293L (the most in its class).
Safety: The 2015 Chevrolet Traverse comes equipped with all manner of safety equipment and airbags, along with OnStar (standard across all models), Stabilitrak and traction control, as well as optional Forward Collision Alert, Lane Departure Warning, Side Blind Zone Alert, and Rear Cross Traffic Alert.
Comparing the 2015 Chevrolet Traverse: Hyundai Santa Fe XL, Kia Sorento, Honda Pilot, GMC Acadia, Ford Explorer, Nissan Pathfinder, Toyota Highlander.