The 2010 Chevrolet Traverse is a full-size crossover SUV built on the same GM Lambda platform as the Saturn Outlook, GMC Acadia, and the Buick Enclave. Assembled only at GM’s proprietary plant in Spring Hill, Tennessee, the Traverse is a successor to GM’s previous offerings such as the Uplander Minivan and the Trailblazer SUV.
Offered as either a Front Wheel Drive (FWD) or an All Wheel Drive (AWD), the Traverse is powered by a 3.6L VVT DI V6 engine that produces 281 hp @ 6300 rpm and a torque of 266 @ 3400 rpm. Within both the versions, the trims are the standard GM ones – LS, 1LT, 2LT and LTZ. These can in turn be made to be either 8 or 7 passenger seaters.
Transmission is six-speed automatic. Both the front and rear suspensions are independent. Fuel injection is direct. The overall length of the vehicle is 205 inches, overall width is 78.4 inches, and the overall height is 70.4 inches. The Traverse has a wheelbase of 118.9 inches, with a curb weight of 5066 and a cargo volume of about 116.4 cubic feet.
Take a Quick Drive with the Traverse, in this Video from Cars.com:
On the safety front, 4-wheel ABS as well as 4-wheel disc brakes along with StabiliTrak Electronic Stability Control System is Standard across both the models and their respective trims. Standard air bags are plenty across both models and their trims including driver and passenger air bags, thorax side impact air bags, rear body air bags, front and rear head curtain side impact air bags as well as a passenger air bag on/off switch. Numerous OnStar services such as Automatic Crash Response, Remote Door Unlock, Emergency Services, Roadside Assistance and Vehicle Diagnostics are all standard across all models and their trims. You also have a Rear Door Child Security Lockout, Remote Keyless Entry and a Tire Pressure Monitor, all available as Standard.
On the Entertainment front, you have an AM/FM stereo as well as a CD player with MP3 playback as Standard. A Premium Sound System though is Standard only on the 2LT and LTZ trims. XM Satellite Radio is available as Standard on all models and trims. Bluetooth connectivity is Standard only on the LTZ while it is available on the others.
Inside the Chevy Traverse
Power steering and an adjustable steering wheel is Standard on all trims. An Electrochromic, Automatic-Dimming Rearview Mirror is Standard only in the 2LT and LTZ trims.
Standard Exterior features include – Automatic headlamps, daytime running lights, power door locks, remote keyless entry, power driver and passenger side mirrors, privacy glass, intermittent wipers, traction control system, a compact spare tire as well as a rear spoiler.
The Traverse from the Exterior - in all its Glory!
At a price tag of starting MSRP of $31,745, the Traverse definitely does not come cheap, especially when compared to its competition such as the Toyota Highlander or the Ford Flex. But where the Traverse scores is its fuel economy of 24 MPG on the highway, which is in fact the best fuel economy of any eight-passenger crossover. It also scores heavily in terms of cargo space – more than its competitors, as well as sheer power of its engine in terms of horsepower, which is more than that of all its competitors, in this segment. Get a lowdown in terms of a full, independent competitive comparison of the Traverse with other competitive offerings in the segment, here.
Combined with the fact that this is yet another offering from your very own, American Chevy brand, there is little reason for you to even consider others in the fray!