By Jim Meachen and Ted Biederman

Redesigned for the first time since its initial introduction in 2009, the new 2018 Chevrolet Traverse is endowed with 98.5 cubic feet of cargo space with all seatbacks folded and a segment-leading 23 cubic feet of luggage space behind the three rows of seats. That's four cubic feet more than its sibling, the truck-based Chevy Tahoe, and the most in the three-row crossover utility segment.

While the Tahoe is good for a lot of things including towing and rugged off-road jaunts, the more citified Traverse has the edge in cargo and passenger volume while possessing a solid 5,000-pound towing capacity.

The Traverse has a two-inch longer wheelbase than the outgoing model while at the same time giving second-row passengers an extra three inches of legroom and offering above average third-row space. It has also shed 400 pounds while gaining 29 more horsepower to a stout 310 from the carryover 24-valve direct-injected 3.6-liter V-6 engine that develops 266 pound-feet of torque at a useable 2,800 rm.

A nine-speed automatic transmission is now standard equipment helping to improve fuel economy by an average three miles to the gallon — rated 18 mpg city, 27 highway and 21 overall on regular gas. The 6-cylinders quickly — and quietly — hauled us to whatever speed we needed — with nearly impeccable shifts from the 9-speed. And if you are in a playful mood, there is a manual shift mode available. For comparison purposes, the Traverse with front-wheel drive has been measured from 0-to-60 in 6.2 seconds, and 95 mph in the quarter mile at 14.9 seconds.

Styling has taken a turn for the modern. The new Traverse sports a sleeker appearance with a pronounced character line from the wrap-around headlight assembly through the rear taillight. A new rendition of the familiar Chevrolet grille graces the front end. There are some stylish chrome accents around the parking lights and along the bottom of the doors. LED accent lighting and available LED headlights lend a more upscale look.

The Traverse's steering offers good feedback and the ride is refined with the ability to soak up most road imperfections. Wind and road noise have been nicely muted. Its cornering ability is decent, but remember this is a large crossover designed to haul people and cargo, not a sports sedan.

The interior is well styled and functional. A large number of interior storage spaces — something always welcome in a minivan or crossover — grace the vehicle including a neat compartment hidden behind the infotainment screen. It motors up to reveal ample space for smartphones, small cameras, sunglasses, wallets and other traveling necessities. Chevrolet's infotainment interface is easy to use while driving thanks to large, color-coded icons that are easily identified at a glance.

The front seats proved comfortable for long stints behind the wheel. Our rear-seat passengers said they were pleased with the legroom available and captain's chairs that can be moved fore and aft as well as recline. We were pleased with the available driving aids including a backup camera with cross-traffic alert and surround vision, blindspot monitoring, and lane change alert. Our test vehicle also came with a novel camera-based rearview mirror, which, when switched to a display screen provides a wide-angle view behind the vehicle. Although we couldn't get used to it on a regular basis, it is handy when tall cargo obstructs the view out the back.

And even though Traverse is large it drives smaller — a cozy effect. Add that to exceptionally good steering response and a suspension that excels and size takes a back seat.

Unfortunately, automated emergency braking and adaptive cruise control (one of our new favorite features on a vehicle) are not available at any price on the lower trim levels. Several competitors offer these features as options on all trim levels.

The Traverse is available in seven flavors — L, LS, LT Cloth, LT Leather, RS, Premier and High Country. The High Country with a starting price of $53,000 is a new trim designed to compete with such luxury brands as the Volvo XC90, Acura MDX and Audi Q7. The base L starts at $30,925 with such standard features as the healthy V-6, LED running lights, xenon headlights, 18-inch wheels, tilt-adjustable steering wheel, rearview camera, 7-inch touchscreen display and AppleCarPlay and Android Auto.

Chevrolet says the most popular model will probably be the mid-level LT Leather trim starting at $42,095 in front-drive format. It comes well enough equipped to make options unnecessary. That was the model we used for our test. And by the way, all-wheel drive is available across the lineup.

Essentials
Base price: $30,925; as driven, $42,095
Engine: 3.6-liter V-6
Horsepower: 310 @ 6,800 rpm
Torque: 266 pound-feet @ 2,800 rpm
Transmission: 9-speed automatic
Drive: front wheel
Seating: 2/2/3
Wheelbase: 120.9 inches
Length: 204.3 inches
Curb weight: 4,362 pounds
Turning circle: 39 feet
Towing capacity: 5,000 pounds
Luggage capacity: 23 cubic feet
Cargo capacity: 98.2 cubic feet
Fuel capacity: 19.4 gallons (regular)
EPA rating: 18 city, 27 highway, 21 combined
0-60: 6.2 seconds (Car and Driver)
Also consider: Honda Pilot, Ford Explorer, Toyota Highlander

The Good
• Excellent passenger space
• Energetic V-6 engine
• Generous standard features

The Bad
• Front drive torque steer

The Ugly
• Some safety features omitted from lower trims