2018 CHEVROLET TRAVERSE
In refining an already solid vehicle, they ended up remaking it
The Chevrolet Traverse and the related Buick Enclave and GMC Acadia tall wagons have had great success appealing to buyers requiring cabin space for seven people and cargo volumes that can vary from modest to massive. The mission hasn’t changed with the new 2018 Traverse, although in many respects the members of the trio have gone their separate ways.
The Traverse’s complete makeover cuts about 400 pounds from the total weight. This, despite being nearly the same size as the outgoing model, but with a 2-inch stretch between the front and rear wheels. Although lighter, the platform is stronger, according to Chevrolet.
The big wagon also takes a different approach from a styling perspective and is now a bit more angular and trimmer looking. It has little in common with its Buick and GMC counterparts. In fact, the Traverse remains significantly larger overall than the Acadia, which was reduced in size following a 2017 redo.
A side view of the Traverse reveals some similarity with the Ford Explorer, especially from the rear doors back.
In GM’s stable, the eight-passenger Traverse (seven, if the second-row high-back bucket seats are ordered) represents the least-expensive way to get into one of Chevrolet’s full-size people-hauling machines. The larger and more rugged Chevrolet Tahoe, with body-on-frame construction, costs a whole bunch more.
The interior follows GM’s prescription for making touch-screens the dominating dashboard feature for all of its brands. However Chevrolet resisted the trend of replacing the gear shifter with rotary knobs or pushbuttons, a move that will make many buyers grateful.
All seating positions offer plenty of space for adult-sized folks and both the second and third rows fold flat when everything, including the kitchen sink, requires transporting. The Traverse’s 5,000-pound towing capacity should be plenty for hitching up most recreational trailers.
There’s also more than sufficient power to handle these and other tasks. The usual 3.6-liter V6 is available, producing 310 horsepower and 266 pound-feet of torque. That’s an increase of 29 horses, but the torque level is unchanged.
New for 2018 is a Traverse RS model that runs with a 255-horsepower turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder that out-torques the V6 with 295 poundfeet. The four-cylinder also earns the Traverse’s best-combined city/highway fuel-economy rating of 22 mpg, which is one mpg better than the V6.
The RS somewhat looks the part of a sport wagon with a blacked-out grille, window trim and roof rails as well as black wheels.
A nine-speed automatic transmission is common to both powerplants, replacing the previous six-speed.
All-wheel-drive is optional with V6 models, but it’s not available in the RS.
Standard content for the $30,900 base Traverse L (including destination charges) includes tri-zone climate control with humidity sensor (which prevents the windshield from fogging), heated outside mirrors and a capless fuel filler. Also standard is a system that cancels out intrusive cabin noises by sending opposing sound waves through the audio system’s speakers.
The LS, LT and Premier trims pile on the content, but they fall short of the new High Country. This trickedout Traverse delivers true luxury amenities such as premium leather and suede seat coverings (ventilated in front), heated second-row seats, hands-free power liftgate, powerfolding third-row seats and wireless phone/tablet charging. The High Country also includes a surroundvision camera, rear park assist, automatic low-/high-beam headlights, panoramic sunroof plus a full array of active safety technology to prevent or at least mitigate collisions with other vehicles and pedestrians.
Chevrolet no longer makes minivans, but the Traverse certainly comes the closest to providing the same level of versatility, convenience and performance, but wrapped in what’s become a preferred body style.