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2019 Chevrolet Traverse

Starting at $31,125

9/10 C/D RATING
Specs
2018 Chevrolet Traverse
Chris Doane Automotive|Car and Driver
9/10 C/D RATING

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  • Highs Huge cargo capacity, excellent connectivity features, room for up to eight.
  • Lows Garage-hogging size, greatly obscured rear visibility, run-of-the-mill warranty coverage.
  • Verdict Whether navigating the 'burbs or hitting the open road, the Traverse is a family-friendly hauler with a long list of talents.
By Drew Dorian

Overview

Based on size alone, the Traverse has always excelled at hauling both people and cargo. With its all-new-for-2018 redesign, Chevrolet addressed what might have been the Traverse's biggest negative: its minivan-esque appearance. The new Traverse is square-jawed and trucklike and loses none of its usefulness in the makeover. It features a new and contemporary infotainment system, a more refined cabin, and available high-end goodies that push the big three-row crossover upmarket. Its V-6 engine proved to be both gutsy and fuel efficient in our testing. The Traverse's suspension provides a compliant ride while maintaining its composure in corners. The second and third rows can accommodate adults comfortably, and there are plenty of cupholders and USB ports throughout the cabin. Unlike its predecessor, this latest-generation Traverse is more than just a minivan alternative.

What's New for 2019?

The sporty-ish RS trim level, previously available only with front-wheel drive and a four-cylinder engine, can now be had with all-wheel drive and a V-6. There's a new LT Premium package that includes features such as a 360-degree camera view, 20-inch wheels, a larger touchscreen with navigation, and a Bose audio system.

Pricing and Which One to Buy

The midrange Traverse LT Cloth is the best place to start, as it adds features such as 18-inch wheels, fog lights, roof rails, second-row captain's chairs, and a power-adjustable driver's seat. This version is only available with the V-6 engine, but the standard front-wheel drive can be switched to all-wheel drive for $3800, if desired. To this, we'd add the Convenience and Driver Confidence package for $1795, which includes features such as a power liftgate, heated front seats, remote start, and blind-spot monitoring.

Engine, Transmission, and Performance

Likes: Strong and smooth V-6, good balance between comfort and agility.
Dislikes: Weak four-cylinder option.

A potent V-6 engine gives the Traverse its legs, and a slick-shifting nine-speed automatic transmission changes gears unobtrusively. The 3.6-liter V-6 pulls strongly and the Traverse is on the quicker end of its class. The cabin is so quiet that you need to steal a glance at the tachometer to ensure the engine is running while at a stoplight. Speaking of which, the Traverse features what is perhaps the most seamless automatic stop/start feature we've tested. A turbocharged 2.0-liter engine is also available but it's offered on only the front-wheel-drive RS variant and is slower than the V-6 by a few ticks.

When parking or maneuvering at low speed, the Traverse feels every bit its size. Pick up the pace, however, and the big Chevy feels smaller than it is—poised, if not overtly athletic. Steering effort is low, but the system is precise and makes aiming the big SUV easy. The Traverse's suspension is tuned for a good balance between handling and ride comfort.

Fuel Economy and Real-World MPG

Judge the Traverse by its class-average EPA-estimated fuel-economy numbers, and you'd be doing so with only half the information. In our real-world testing, the all-wheel-drive Traverse High Country delivered 27 mpg, the best highway fuel consumption among its key competitors. The front-wheel-drive, four-cylinder Traverse RS we tested achieved 26 mpg.

Interior, Infotainment, and Cargo

Likes: Spacious for both people and cargo, tech-savvy.
Dislikes: More expensive versions don't feel as expensive as they are.

The Traverse provides spacious accommodations for seven or eight passengers, including a third row sized for adults. Chevrolet's six-tier model lineup allows the Traverse to reach a broad swath of the market and appeal to a wide range of buyers. The materials in the top-level High Country are handsome but fall slightly short of expectations given that version's lofty price.

A bounty of USB ports is thoughtfully placed throughout the Traverse's cabin, and its infotainment system is simple to use, with colorful graphics, a high-mounted touchscreen, and standard Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. An infotainment system that responds quickly to user inputs seals the deal for the tech-savvy Traverse.

Drop all of the Traverse's folding seats and it becomes a cargo-hauling champ with more space than any of its rivals. Six carry-on suitcases fit behind the third row, which means it wins at carrying both people and their luggage. It offers the most first-row cubby storage in its class as well.

Safety and Driver-Assistance Features

Overall Safety Rating (NHTSA)

View Crash Test Results

The Traverse received good crash-test results from the National Highway Transportation Administration but hasn't yet been tested by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety. Unfortunately, most driver-assistance features are only available on the two highest-priced trims (some rivals offer these features as standard). Key safety features include:

  • Available blind-spot monitoring
  • Available forward-collision warning
  • Available lane-keep assist

Warranty and Maintenance Coverage

The only thing that distinguishes the Traverse from its peers is the one free maintenance visit. Otherwise, the warranty coverage offered by Chevrolet is average for the segment.

  • Limited warranty covers 3 years or 36,000 miles
  • Powertrain warranty covers 5 years or 60,000 miles
  • Complimentary maintenance is covered for the first visit

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