With the seating capacity of a minivan, the towing capacity of a midsize SUV and the ride quality of a large car, the Traverse may well be the best crossover combo yet. Seating for up to eight, state-of-the-art mechanicals and a dash of style top off this attractive value.
Traverse is the fourth GM crossover to be based on the “Lambda” platform, a frame that allows for many configurations. Reviewers are united in the opinion that Traverse is the best execution of the group. "With seemingly little compromise, Chevy's version of General Motors' midsize crossover quartet is arguably the best value," says Consumer Guide. "Traverse offers space, power and decent handling in a package that looks and feels more expensive than it is." As proof of value, reviewers point to the adult-sized third-row seat in the Traverse (a rarity in crossover land), and the Traverse’s generous cargo carrying capabilities, even with all three rows in seating position. To put icing on this attractive cake, Traverse has better fuel economy than most eight-passenger CUVs.
Many reviewers believe the styling of the Traverse is the best yet with its sleek sloping roofline and Malibu-like front end. The gently sculpted midsection gives the Traverse a fit and trim physique while hinting at a bit of sport in the driving. That sculpted bodyline does not compromise the interior space of the Traverse. This is a large cabin designed for functional comfort and done up with an impressive level of quality, fit and finish. In fact, the Malibu influence continues within where an oversized version of the sedan's "dual-cockpit" dashboard gives a fresh look to the cabin. The gauges are easy to see, controls are easy to use and touches of chrome dress things up.
There’s plenty of good seating in the Traverse. Choose three rows with eight seats total, or seven seats with the option of caprains’ chairs in the second row. A rarity in this class is the comfortable third row. As Consumer Guide observed, "Among the largest midsize SUVs, Traverse's cabin feels especially roomy. Big, supportive seats make for good long trip comfort.” Available SmartSlide seating for the middle row allows the captains’ chairs to glide forward with the pull of a lever, allowing good access to third-row seats. The 2009 Chevrolet Traverse includes all the expected, and some delightfully unexpected, standard and optional features. This includes standard OnStar and XM Satellite Radio and, in a nod to the reality of hands-free phone laws coming on line, GM now offers a Bluetooth option. Options also include heated windshield washer fluid, a rearview camera system, a dual SkyScape sunroof, a DVD entertainment system with Bose 5.1 Surround Sound and a well-designed voice-activated navigation system.
Automotive writers also like the conveniences found in the Traverse cabin. "Neat touches include cell phone and iPod holders and a power plug in the dash, a covered bin atop the dash, a bin big enough to hold a purse in the center console, bottle holders in all doors and cupholders in rear door armrests," noted the Chicago Tribune. As the Fort Worth Star-Telegram pointed out, “The car has the best cargo capacity in the midsize crossover segment with 117.5 cubic feet of space in total, compared with 95.4 for the Toyota Highlander and 87 for the Honda Pilot, which…are expected to be the Traverse's key competitors."
The Traverse takes power from a 281-hp 3.6-liter direct-injection V6 that makes 253 lb/ft of torque. LTZ models, exhaling via a dual exhaust system, put out 288 hp and 270 lb/ft of torque. This is essentially the same engine that’s found in the Cadillac CTS. The Chicago Tribune found it “more energetic and considerably quieter than the 3.5-liter, 260-hp V6 with six-speed in [the Ford] Flex." The Traverse offers both front-wheel and all-wheel drive, and is rated to tow trailers up to 5,200 pounds in weight. According to the EPA, the FWD model nets 17/24 mpg city/highway while the AWD model nets 16/23 - the best fuel economy of any eight-passenger crossover. Chevrolet says this is partly attributable to the latest six-speed automatic transmission found on the Traverse. It’s a beauty that’s geared for low-speed grunt and high-speed economy.
Critics have been impressed with the handling of the Traverse, marveling over the agility and strength of this large CUV. "We tested our Traverse on an enclosed track running a series of obstacle-avoidance tests. Driven back-to-back against the Toyota Highlander, the Traverse exhibited superior capabilities in almost every situation," said Kelley Blue Book. The Fort Worth Star-Telegram recounted another impressive test for Traverse. "A 4,500 pound boat-trailer combination was attached to show how easily the Traverse can tow. Along a road course on the Milford grounds, the Traverse didn't seem to strain at all with the extra weight behind it, and acceleration and handling both were barely different from when there was no trailer attached,” said the test driver.
In government crash testing, the 2009 Traverse received top scores for all seating positions in frontal and side-impact crash tests. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety named the 2009 Traverse a "Top Safety Pick" for its good performance in front, side and rear tests and for having standard electronic stability control. "All the safety goodies are present and accounted for – a full complement of airbags, including curtain-style bags for all three rows. The antilock brakes are discs at all the corners and include electronic brakeforce distribution and brake assist. Stability control with traction control and rollover mitigation and a tire-pressure monitoring system are standard," noted MSN.com.
The 2009 Chevrolet Traverse is packed with quality and is sure to impress. Call us for a test drive today!
