When you’re looking for a large, three-row crossover that rivals large, big dollar SUVs, it’s hard to find one as large as the Traverse. And, a major makeover is what potential buyers have been looking for.
Gone is the bland styling of the last Traverse. It shuns the crossover’s softer lines for a style that’s more truck-like than ever before with a new tough, squared-off look like the big Chevy Tahoe. The RS model is very daring in the Traverse world of the past with an aggressively large, blacked-out grill, modern slim LED lighting, and big 22-inch wheels that help the Traverse standout.
As a past owner of a Traverse, the biggest selling-point for me was the spacious size that rivals bigger and more expensive body-on-frame SUVs. That hasn’t changed with this makeover. The Traverse is one of a few midsize SUVs that offer good cargo space with three rows in use.
You can get a Traverse that seats eight. However, most trim levels have seating for seven with second row captain’s chairs and a third row with seating for three. It’s also easier to fold those seats now with a one-touch button for the second row and now power folding for the third row.
Choose the new RS model and those seats come in soft, black leather with red accents to help dress up the interior. A large panoramic roof lets loads of light inside. A new 17.7-inch infotainment display is large and easy to use.
The improved Traverse keeps on giving in the driving experience with enhanced road manners on the highway, and even on backroads. This is no sporty SUV, but the steering feels more connected than before with a nicely weighted feel. The Traverse has always been an easy road trip vehicle, and it’s more confident now.
With the addition of Super Cruise, the Traverse can handle some of the highway driving without much intervention from the driver. If you’re coming from a small car or crossover, the larger Traverse can take a few minutes to get used to in size.
However, it’s easier to drive than say, the big Chevy Tahoe or Ford Expedition SUV. It fits in city garages and smaller spaces, but with some effort.
One big thing gone from the past is the smooth V6. From now on, it’s a 2.5L turbo-four with more power and torque, and it seems at bit noisier than the old V6 when floored.
Cost: $56,300; as tested $57,495 with destination a charge of $1,395
MPG: 19 mpg city and 24 mpg highway. I managed 21.2 mpg in 417 miles of mixed driving.
Safety: Front and rear park assist; adaptive cruise control; HD surround vision; teen driver mode; automatic emergency braking; lane change alert with side blind zone alert; forward collision alert; following distance indicator; IntelliBeam headlamp control; rear cross traffic alert; Chevy safety assist
Things to know: The remade Traverse is a better SUV than before. With improved looks and a better-appointed interior, the Traverse is now a worthy rival in the midsize SUV market, and with loads of space.
Pros:
- New tougher SUV styling will now get noticed.
- Better to drive than the previous generation with more power.
- Vastly improved interior with nicer materials and infotainment screen.
Cons:
- Gets pricey in higher trim levels.
- No hybrid version as this point.
- Some might miss the V6 engine of past versions.