Used 2018 Chevrolet Traverse

The all-new 2018 Chevrolet Traverse manages to improve on the old Traverse’s shortcomings in every way, and yet also manages to upgrade the things we thought were just fine about the old model. The new Traverse is lighter by 350 pounds and offers more power, sharper styling, modern technology, and a top-of-its-class driving experience. That’s saying something because its class includes the Honda Pilot, Toyota Highlander, Nissan Pathfinder, Ford Explorer, Volkswagen Atlas, and more midsize 3-row crossover SUV models. Front-wheel drive (FWD) is standard, and all-wheel drive (AWD) is available, depending on trim level. With seating for up to eight people, tons of cargo space even with the third row up, and better-than-respectable fuel economy, the new Traverse deserves a spot on every family car shopper’s list.

There’s no lack of power in the 2018 Traverse. Its 3.6-liter V6 engine smoothly puts 310 horsepower to the ground through the smooth shifting 9-speed automatic transmission. Unlike many other 8-, 9-, and 10-speed front-wheel-drive transmissions we’ve experienced lately, this one feels just right, downshifting quickly, getting to higher gears swiftly, and providing surprisingly good fuel economy. The turbocharged 2.0-liter 4-cylinder that’s exclusive to Traverse RS models has less horsepower than the V6, but more torque. That combination, plus its forced induction, equals acceleration and passing power that feel on par with the V6, all while providing the snappy response inherent in a turbo engine. Unlike the V6, though, the 4-cylinder turbocharged Traverse only comes in front-wheel drive. Whether you choose the standard V6 or the intriguing 4-cylinder option, the Traverse’s suspension quells bumps big and small while keeping the SUV from leaning too far in corners. The sharp steering puts its electrical assist on the rack instead of the steering column, resulting in better feel, and the brakes not only provide sure stops but feel good doing it. We’re not trying to oversell it, and the new Traverse isn’t anybody’s first choice for fun on a twisty mountain road, but neither is it intended to be. But on drives long and short, this SUV is surprisingly satisfying.

The new Chevy Traverse interior features a big, bright infotainment screen complemented by an available full-color display between the main gauges. The front seats and 2nd-row seats offer up ample headroom and legroom, and the rear bench can accommodate three across without difficulty. The third row is tighter, but still acceptable for kids for long trips, and there’s a ton of cargo space behind the third row even without using the hidden storage area under the floor. Some of the plastics lower on the dash and console feel a little cheap, and we wish there were thicker padding on the door armrest, but that’s about the end of the gripe list.

The new Traverse is a sharp looking crossover SUV, looking something like a Chevy Tahoe that cut the carbs and hit the gym. It’s actually longer than the Tahoe, with a longer wheelbase as well. The wide track and body-colored C-pillar give the Traverse an upscale but recognizably Chevy look. If you opt for the High Country you get multi-element LED headlights and more. The RS ups the aggressive factor with an all-black scheme with red backgrounds on all the badges. About the only quibble is the awkward placement of the word “Traverse” on the middle of the front doors.

REARVIEW CAMERA
The rearview camera uses a wide-angle lens to give you a commanding view of the world behind you, projected onto a screen on the rearview mirror. Best of all, if you don’t like it, with a flick of the switch you’re back to reflective glass.

HIDDEN STORAGE
The Traverse offers a cool little hidden storage compartment behind the infotainment screen, with a twist: The screen keeps working even if it’s open, and you can lock the whole thing with a PIN if you like. There’s also a massive hidden compartment under the cargo floor that’s the same size in front- and all-wheel-drive models.

All 2018 Chevy Traverse models come with a 3.6-liter V6 engine and 9-speed automatic (save for the RS model with its turbocharged 4-cylinder). The base L model (front-drive only) comes better equipped than you might expect, with six USB ports, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto on the 7-inch Chevy MyLink touch screen, a rearview camera, Teen Driver monitoring tech, keyless ignition, and even a traction mode selection. There’s also 3-zone automatic climate control, and seating for eight, including a SmartSlide 2nd-row seat that makes getting to the third row a snap. In addition to multiple airbags, standard safety equipment includes a rear-seat reminder that chimes a warning to make sure you’re not leaving a little one back there.

Chevy Traverse LS, LT, Premier and High Country models can all be ordered with all-wheel drive. Beyond that, LS models get tinted glass and a wider color palette. LT models with a cloth interior add nicer wheels, fog lamps and roof rails. Order an LT model with leather, and you’ll also get a surround-view camera, blind-spot and rear cross-traffic alerts, parking assist, and an upgraded infotainment system with an 8-inch touch screen. In addition to its small turbocharged engine, RS models add a power tailgate, Bose audio system and navigation. Premier and High Country models include LED headlights, memory seats, hands-free rear tailgate, a power tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel, and heated and cooled front seats. The High Country also adds a dual-clutch rear differential, adaptive cruise control, and remote start.

The standard engine and the one that’s suitable for most buyers in the 2018 Traverse SUV is a 3.6-liter V6 with 310 horsepower and 266 lb-ft of torque. It powers the front or all four wheels through a 9-speed automatic transmission. Developed jointly with Ford, the transmission’s smooth shifts and rapid downshifts embarrass the ZF-built 9-speed automatic used in the Honda Pilot and elsewhere. All-wheel drive in the High Country uses a dual-clutch system for enhanced traction, while the rest of the lineup uses a single-clutch system. The turbocharged 4-cylinder in the Traverse RS makes up for its horsepower deficit to the V6 with more torque. Available only in front-wheel drive, the turbocharged Chevy Traverse provides satisfying and at times even invigorating power delivery. Like the standard model, it uses a 9-speed automatic transmission. Its tow rating is limited to 1,500 pounds versus 5,000 for the V6. Fuel economy for the V6 is pretty solid, topping out at 27 mpg on the highway in front-wheel-drive models. The 4-cylinder Traverse is only rated up to 26 mpg on the highway, but has a slightly better combined fuel economy than the V6 — 22 mpg vs. 21. The caveat is that pricier premium-unleaded fuel is recommended for the turbo-4, while the V6 drinks the regular stuff. According to the EPA, you’ll actually spend more on fuel in a given year for the 4-cylinder Traverse RS than you will for the standard V6. All Traverse models use an engine start/stop that shuts down the engine at idle to save fuel. Unlike others with similar systems, though, this one cannot be disabled.

2.0-liter turbocharged inline-4
255 horsepower @ 5,500 rpm
295 lb-ft of torque @ 3,000 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 20/26 mpg

3.6-liter V6
310 horsepower @ 6,800 rpm
266 lb-ft of torque @ 2,800 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 18/27 mpg (FWD), 17/25 mpg (AWD)