By Jim Prueter
MotorwayAmerica.com

(January 26, 2018) For the record, General Motors got out of the shrinking minivan market when it pulled the plug on the Chevrolet Venture and Pontiac Montana back in 2005, replacing them with a trio of Lambda-platform-based large crossover vehicles named the Chevrolet Traverse, GMC Acadia, Buick Enclave, and, at the time, Saturn Outlook.

It’s been nearly a decade since Chevrolet’s mid-sized three-row crossover Traverse has had a complete redo. Thanks to new architecture and significantly improved design, it’s both larger and roomier, yet lighter than the outgoing model.



The new Traverse is the biggest crossover in a class that includes vehicles like the ever-popular Ford Explorer, Toyota Highlander, VW Atlas, Dodge Durango and others. Already roomier inside than its Chevrolet Tahoe sibling, the new design language actually looks more like the Tahoe than the original Traverse.

For this review, Chevrolet provided us with the Traverse High Country trim level that features premium content including Loft Brown leather and suede seating and trim accents, great looking 20-inch chrome wheels, and a long list of upgraded features over lower trim levels. The base 2018 Traverse starts at $29,930 for a front-wheel-drive model while top-of-the-line all-wheel-drive High Country starts at $52,995, including destination charges.

Not unlike GMC’s Denali trim level, our High Country came full equipped with both interior and exterior upgrades and a full complement of active-safety and high-tech operational features. Standard features included front fog lights; LED headlights, taillights and daytime running lights; hands-free power tailgate; trailering equipment; remote start; tinted glass; leather seat trim; seven-passenger seating; power front seats; power folding 60/40-split folding rear seat; heated second-row seats; heated and ventilated front seats; heated steering wheel; tilt and telescopic steering column; wireless device charging; Bose 10- speaker sound system; three-zone climate control; memory for driver settings; universal home remote; eight-inch touch screen; voice recognition; Bluetooth compatibility; Apple CarPlay; Android Auto; 4G LTE Wi-Fi hotspot; trial XM satellite radio service; OnStar trial service.

The interior was mostly attractive, but cost cutting was noticeable, with two smaller sunroofs with manually operated shades rather than power and full panoramic. Further, the second-row “smart-slide” that affords easy access to the third row is only on the passenger side.

Given the price of our High Country, we thought there was a bit too much hard plastic, including the top of the instrument panel upper door trim, and excessive glossy “piano black” around the center-stack LED screen and air vents. It shows every fingerprint and collection of dust.

All Traverse trim levels currently come with a 310-horsepower 3.6-liter V-6 engine connected to a new nine-speed automatic transmission — with the exception of the RS model, which is powered by a 2.0-liter 255-horsepower four cylinder with a base price of $44,040. Given the hefty curb weight of around 4,500 pounds, most people will be more pleased with the V-6.

We didn’t drive the High Country off-road but on paved surfaces we found it to be a capable performer with ample power for highway merging and passing slower vehicles. But the engine is loud and noticeable to occupants, especially compared to other competitors in its class.

The Traverse boasts 5,000-pound towing capacity, which is only bested by the Dodge Durango and Nissan Pathfinder.

The Traverse is a big SUV that feels more like a minivan yet has the good looks of a utility vehicle. Doors are large for easy access to the first two rows of seats. The second-row captain seats that slide fore and aft are more than roomy for adults to be comfortable, and add to the minivan comparison.

The captain chairs make it easy for third row passenger to gain access, but there’s less room back there than in the VW Atlas because Chevrolet has seating for three rather than two. Swap out the second-row captain chairs for a bench seat and you have a vehicle with seating for eight. However, that’s only available on lower trim levels with cloth seats.

Driver’s rear view is compromised by wide D pillars and third row headrests. Still, there’s a standard rearview backup and surround view cameras, along with a rear cross traffic alert system. There’s also an optional rear camera mirror with a wide-angle view that helps with rear visibility. I found it a bit disconcerting and distracting to use but there is a switch to turn it off. Perhaps with time I would have gotten used to it.

Standard safety features on Traverse include teen driver technology, rear seat occupant alert, rear park assist, lane change alert with side blind zone alert, following distant indicator, forward collision alert, forward automatic emergency braking, lane keep assist with lane departure warning, and front pedestrian braking.

Overall, the Traverse High Country is an excellent vehicle that’s easy to drive with good looks and excellent utility as a people and cargo hauler. Popular with families, we expect the all-new 2018 version of the Traverse to be only more popular than the outgoing model in this competitive automotive segment.

Vital Stats
Base Price: $29,930 - $52,995
Price as Tested: $53,390
Engine: 3.6-Liter V6
Horsepower: 310
Transmission: Nine-speed automatic
Fuel Economy: 17-MPG City – 25-MPG Highway
Seating: Up to eight

Crash Test Results: Overall 5 out of 5 stars from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration

Competes With:
Buick Enclave
Dodge Durango
Ford Explorer
Ford Flex
GMC Acadia
Honda Pilot
Mazda CX-9
Toyota Highlander
Volkswagen Atlas

Fab Features
Roomy, seating for eight
Large cargo area
Easy to use infotainment system and operating controls