The floor console between the front seats features a deep storage bin for hiding valuable objects, and there are plenty of cupholders. The optional navigation system's touch-screen interface is easy to use, and connecting your Bluetooth phone takes a little work, but is fairly simple nonetheless.
Powerful V6
GM's ubiquitous 3.6-litre V6 with direct injection is the only engine offered in the Traverse, and does the job nicely. With 281 horsepower and 266 lb-ft of torque, and mated to a 6-speed automatic, 0 to 100 km/h sprints take 8.3 seconds and allows for a towing capacity of 5,200 lbs (2,359 kg).
But all this muscle and all that heft take a toll on fuel consumption; our average of 13.2 L/100 km is unremarkable considering most of our week's mileage was racked up on the highway. Since frugality isn't a strong point, some people think a V8 should be shoehorned into the GM's Lambda quartet instead, but we don't think it would even fit in the smallish engine bay.
However, something in favour of the Traverse is its handling characteristics and how well is hides its 2,234-kg (4,925-lb) girth while being driven. It's a little challenging when backing up, although the standard rear view camera helps, but the big Chevy is easy to drive.
Competition
The Chevrolet Traverse 2LT AWD starts at $44,860, while our test truck includes the $6,750 Sunroof, DVD and Navigation Package as well as the $550 Trailer Tow Package, for a total of $52,160. A front-wheel drive Traverse LS starts at $35,260.
In comparison, here's what the 7-passenger competition offers:
Ford Taurus X Limited AWD, 263 hp, $42,499
Ford Explorer Eddie Bauer with 3rd-row seat, 210 hp, $45,249
Dodge Durango SLT, 303 hp, $45,495
GMC Acadia SLT1 AWD, 275 hp, $46,600
Kia Borrego 3.8L EX, 276 hp, $40,995
Mazda CX-9 GT AWD, 273 hp, $44,395
Nissan Pathfinder SE V6, 266 hp, $40,698
Saturn Outlook XR AWD, 288 hp, $42,460
Subaru Tribeca Limited, 256 hp, $45,195
Suzuki XL7 JLX AWD, 252 hp, $36,995
Toyota Highlander 4WD V6 Sport, 270 hp, $42,085
As you can see, there are adversaries that cost less, but don't offer the interior space of the Traverse.
Conclusion
The Chevrolet Traverse is a capable machine that hauls plenty of stuff or plenty of people. It drives well and is loaded with equipment, and there are several models to choose from.
But this is a big vehicle, which consumes a reasonable amount of fuel and frankly, it isn't cheap. The Traverse arrives at a time when people are downsizing their vehicles, and it might not suit everybody's budget in 2009. We know people tend to hate minivans, but the aging Uplander is much less expensive to buy and run for families on a budget.
If you are looking for a good-sized SUV, though, the Traverse has a lot going for it. Clark Griswold, your great American family wagon is waiting.
photo:Michel Deslauriers
Powerful V6
GM's ubiquitous 3.6-litre V6 with direct injection is the only engine offered in the Traverse, and does the job nicely. With 281 horsepower and 266 lb-ft of torque, and mated to a 6-speed automatic, 0 to 100 km/h sprints take 8.3 seconds and allows for a towing capacity of 5,200 lbs (2,359 kg).
But all this muscle and all that heft take a toll on fuel consumption; our average of 13.2 L/100 km is unremarkable considering most of our week's mileage was racked up on the highway. Since frugality isn't a strong point, some people think a V8 should be shoehorned into the GM's Lambda quartet instead, but we don't think it would even fit in the smallish engine bay.
 |
| With 281 horsepower and 266 lb-ft of torque, 0 to 100 km/h sprints take 8.3 seconds. |
However, something in favour of the Traverse is its handling characteristics and how well is hides its 2,234-kg (4,925-lb) girth while being driven. It's a little challenging when backing up, although the standard rear view camera helps, but the big Chevy is easy to drive.
Competition
The Chevrolet Traverse 2LT AWD starts at $44,860, while our test truck includes the $6,750 Sunroof, DVD and Navigation Package as well as the $550 Trailer Tow Package, for a total of $52,160. A front-wheel drive Traverse LS starts at $35,260.
In comparison, here's what the 7-passenger competition offers:
Ford Taurus X Limited AWD, 263 hp, $42,499
Ford Explorer Eddie Bauer with 3rd-row seat, 210 hp, $45,249
Dodge Durango SLT, 303 hp, $45,495
GMC Acadia SLT1 AWD, 275 hp, $46,600
Kia Borrego 3.8L EX, 276 hp, $40,995
Mazda CX-9 GT AWD, 273 hp, $44,395
Nissan Pathfinder SE V6, 266 hp, $40,698
Saturn Outlook XR AWD, 288 hp, $42,460
Subaru Tribeca Limited, 256 hp, $45,195
Suzuki XL7 JLX AWD, 252 hp, $36,995
Toyota Highlander 4WD V6 Sport, 270 hp, $42,085
As you can see, there are adversaries that cost less, but don't offer the interior space of the Traverse.
Conclusion
The Chevrolet Traverse is a capable machine that hauls plenty of stuff or plenty of people. It drives well and is loaded with equipment, and there are several models to choose from.
But this is a big vehicle, which consumes a reasonable amount of fuel and frankly, it isn't cheap. The Traverse arrives at a time when people are downsizing their vehicles, and it might not suit everybody's budget in 2009. We know people tend to hate minivans, but the aging Uplander is much less expensive to buy and run for families on a budget.
If you are looking for a good-sized SUV, though, the Traverse has a lot going for it. Clark Griswold, your great American family wagon is waiting.
photo:Michel Deslauriers
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