The 2009 Chevrolet Traverse

InScores.com | September 16, 2009

 
The 2009 Chevrolet Traverse is an all-new large crossover SUV based on General Motors' Lambda vehicle platform, the others being the Buick Enclave, GMC Acadia, and Saturn Outlook. With the lowest base price of its three platform siblings, the Traverse will no doubt garner the most attention with its agreeable pricing strategy.

To help differentiate it from GM's other crossover offerings, the Traverse shares some styling cues with the new Malibu, including the distinctive mesh front grille, vaguely circular taillights and the lines of the dual-cockpit dash that extend onto the doors. Overall, the interior styling of the Traverse's cabin, while largely similar to the Acadia's and Outlook's due to parts-sharing, offers an edgier design without losing any mass appeal.

The 2009 Chevrolet Traverse is available in LS, LT and LTZ trim levels. Standard equipment on the LS includes 17-inch steel wheels, eight-passenger seating, split-folding second- and third-row bench seats, a tilt/telescoping steering wheel, air-conditioning, full power accessories, OnStar and a six-speaker CD/MP3 player with an auxiliary audio jack and satellite radio. There is only one engine/transmission combination available for the Chevrolet Traverse -- a 3.6-liter V6 mated to a six-speed automatic with manual shift control. In the LS and LT trims, which sport a single-outlet exhaust, the V6 produces 281 horsepower and 266 pound-feet of torque. In the uplevel LTZ, hp jumps to 288 and torque goes to 270 lb-ft thanks to a dual-outlet exhaust and an upgrade to direct fuel injection, which allows for increased efficiency and reduced emissions when compared to the V6 used in earlier years of the Traverse's platform mates. The direct-inject engine provides excellent fuel economy with EPA numbers of 17 around town and 24 on the highway.

We managed 20.4 mpg in mixed driving, which is impressive considering the Traverse's sheer heft. Antilock disc brakes, traction and stability control, front seat side-impact airbags and side curtain airbags for all three rows are all standard on every 2009 Chevrolet Traverse, as is one year of GM's OnStar service, including turn-by-turn navigation and Bluetooth hands-free phone connectivity. Like the other three large General Motors crossovers, the 2009 Chevrolet Traverse hits a happy medium between secure handling and a comfortable ride. One of the few crossovers on the market that delivers seating for eight, huge amounts of cargo space and good fuel economy, it undoubtedly has the flexibility, efficiency, and affordability to capture the interest of consumers seeking family-oriented transportation.