The last generation of Traverse claimed a trusty 3.6-liter V6 cranking out 310 horsepower and 266 lb-ft of torque, and this brings to our attention one very admirable feature of the incoming 4-cylinder. It rises to the occasion by still cranking out 328 horsepower and enjoys a massive torque spike resulting in 326 lb-ft as compared to the V6’s 266. The previous generation approached the table with a very capable 9-speed automatic, while the incoming model’s 8-speed offers better drive quality, is more fuel efficient, and is lighter.
The all-new Traverse boasts a tow rating of 5,000 pounds, which is enough to provide the necessary grunt for an exciting lake day or impromptu college student storage pod haul! The 8-speeed automatic sends power to the front wheels except on the Z71 trim, equipped with a twin-clutch all-wheel drive system that is appealing (and trail-ready!) standard fare. The Traverse’s exterior drew inspiration from the full-size Tahoe, with a very prominent and taller front end, and a large Chevy bowtie in the middle of a bar right on the grille.
Passengers in the third row will benefit from the Traverse’s larger rear quarter-glass panel, and the RS trim now replaces the Premier and High Country. The RS trim now exists as the premium-level offering, riding in style with 22-inch high-gloss black wheels and blackout accents on the grille, roof rails, and moldings. It also comes prepared for any rougher caliber of roads ahead with a sports-tuned suspension, and there are well-placed red accents with the dark interior as a backdrop. Power-folding third-row seats come in quite handy during any winter excursion with more onboard, such as trying your hand at an afternoon of ice skating near Pointer’s Creek!
The LS trim comes standard with 8-passenger seating, with all other trims offering up room for seven and captain’s chairs on the second row. There’s an available second-row bench that still suffices for 8 in a pinch, and all Traverse trims come properly equipped for the next airport run with a max cargo capacity of 98 cubic feet. This cold and blustery month also welcomes another exciting milestone for Chevy, as this is the first unibody SUV with the Z71 Off-Road Package.
Enjoying brand-new Traverse ownership just got that much more awesome, as the Z71 Package features off road tuned suspension, twin-clutch AWD, and the challenging incline-ready Hill-Descent Control. There is also now an automatic Autosense Liftgate included for the first time on the Traverse, which quickly opens the liftgate if it senses your key fob hovering near the rear of the vehicle. The Motor Trend crew was thrilled with the massive 17.7-inch infotainment screen upgrade, which is angled directly towards the driver and ready to please the masses who are constantly on the quest for bigger and better.
