Chevrolet's largest crossover, the Traverse can handle up to eight passengers and almost as much cargo as some minivans. Nothing else in its class offers more room for family living, and yet the Traverse starts at a price that fits the average shopper's budget.
A full redesign is coming next year, so the Traverse is unchanged for 2017, except the top trim has been renamed Premiere.
Every Traverse carries a 3.6-liter V6 and six-speed automatic transmission. The engine is good for 281 horsepower in LS and LT trim, and 288 horsepower in the Premiere (formerly LTZ), where it gets a dual exhaust system. Like all of GM's big crossovers, the Traverse is a front-driver with all-wheel drive optional. So equipped, it can tow up to 5,200 pounds, more than most vehicles in this class.
The Traverse offers a legitimate third row where even adults can get comfortable. With a full crew aboard, cargo space is limited to 24.4 feet, but with the rows folded, you get a cavernous 116.3 cubic feet. That's tops in this class.
The Traverse covers a lot of market territory across its four trim levels:
Comes with a second-row bench for eight-passenger capacity, plus features like a rearview camera, rear air conditioning, Bluetooth phone, two USB charging ports, a six-speaker sound system, and 17-inch steel wheels. The Base LS is front-drive only.
Adds satellite radio and the availability of all-wheel drive. A power driver seat is a standalone option.
Gains a bundle of standard equipment including heated mirrors, rear parking sensors, fog lamps, remote start, a power driver's seat, and 18-inch alloy wheels. The seating arrangement is the same as the LS, but the interior is dressed up with a leather-wrapped steering wheel and woodgrain trim. The optional Style and Technology package adds an upgraded infotainment system, heated front seats, a universal home remote, and 20-inch wheels. There's also a Traveler's package with a rear video entertainment system, Bose surround-sound, and tri-zone automatic climate control.
Gets second-row captain's chairs (or bench if you want seating for eight), auto-dimming side mirrors, navigation, and most of the 1LT's options as standard. The video entertainment system remains optional. The 2LT's available Leather and Driver Confidence package gets you leather upholstery, driver memory, a power passenger seat, power-folding mirrors, blind spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert.
Comes standard with everything available on the 2LT, minus the entertainment system. You also get lane departure warning, front collision alert, ventilated front seats, and a heated steering wheel. Note second-row captain's are mandatory on the Premiere.
All models except the Base LS are eligible for a Hit the Road package with an adjustable roof rack and running boards. A panoramic sunroof is available on the 1LT and above as a standalone option.
The LS and LT models fulfill Chevy's aspiration of providing a lot of car for the money. The LS, in particular, is better trimmed than you might expect for the price. There's no getting around the fact that the Premiere's upgrades come at a substantial price. We're not crazy about the notion of non-luxury family crossover priced at $43,000, no matter how spacious it is.
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