Chevrolet's largest crossover, the Traverse can handle up to eight passengers and almost as much cargo as some minivans. Nothing else in its class offers more room for family living, and yet the Traverse starts at a price that fits the average shopper's budget.
What's New for 2017
A full redesign is coming next year, so the Traverse is unchanged for 2017, except the top trim has been renamed Premiere.
Choosing Your Chevrolet Traverse
Every Traverse carries a 3.6-liter V6 and six-speed automatic transmission. The engine is good for 281 horsepower in LS and LT trim, and 288 horsepower in the Premiere (formerly LTZ), where it gets a dual exhaust system. Like all of GM's big crossovers, the Traverse is a front-driver with all-wheel drive optional. So equipped, it can tow up to 5,200 pounds, more than most vehicles in this class.
The Traverse offers a legitimate third row where even adults can get comfortable. With a full crew aboard, cargo space is limited to 24.4 feet, but with the rows folded, you get a cavernous 116.3 cubic feet. That's tops in this class.
The Traverse covers a lot of market territory across its four trim levels:
All models except the Base LS are eligible for a Hit the Road package with an adjustable roof rack and running boards. A panoramic sunroof is available on the 1LT and above as a standalone option.
The LS and LT models fulfill Chevy's aspiration of providing a lot of car for the money. The LS, in particular, is better trimmed than you might expect for the price. There's no getting around the fact that the Premiere's upgrades come at a substantial price. We're not crazy about the notion of non-luxury family crossover priced at $43,000, no matter how spacious it is.