Chevrolet Traverse

Please, let me introduce you to the industry’s best full-size entry-level crossover. Pretty strong words, I know, but Chevrolet’s

Chevy's bold new grille works well on the traverse. (Photo: Canadian Auto Press)

new Traverse is an amazingly strong competitor.

First for the caveats: I didn’t say the best entry-level crossover and I didn’t say the best full-size crossover. After all, GM makes the Buick Enclave, which by its own marketing jargon is “The Finest Luxury Crossover Ever”, and Saturn’s Vue is easily one of the best entry-level crossovers. Yes, within its varied brand family the General does a superb job fulfilling the needs of CUV buyers, with the Traverse only being the latest of a very large offering.

General Motors has come under some criticism over the years for its breadth of cloned models, a business strategy it has used to service the needs of its unique dealer body. Under the GM umbrella there are two brand families, one that retails Chevrolet products, like this Traverse, and another that deals with Pontiac, Buick and GMC, selling various models including the aforementioned Enclave and the Acadia, both of which share Traverse underpinnings. Cadillac, Hummer, Saab and Saturn are standalone brands, the first two of which can be

Styling sells, so the Traverse should do well. (Photo: Canadian Auto Press)

added to either a Chevrolet or PBG rooftop, as the second brand family is known internally, while the latter makes the Outlook, also a fraternal twin of the Traverse. Confused yet? Yes, while this system has worked for the time being, recent economic conditions and subsequent admissions from the General’s general, Rick Wagoner, point to the possibility that this arrangement may not last forever. Still, no matter what happens with the global restructuring of the world’s automotive industry, which probably won’t allow GM to escape unscathed, Chevrolet will remain an international powerhouse, and the Traverse will be its ultimate family hauler.

Just one look is all it takes to see that Chevy got this vehicle right. The Traverse, like its Buick, GMC and Saturn cousins, is a good looking vehicle, well proportioned with long, low and lean flanks, and needs little embellishment to pull off the overall design. Its bisected grille looks as good on a full-size crossover as it does on the midsize Malibu sedan, and its unique

A unique tail lamp treatment sets the Traverse apart from the other GM crossovers and everything else on the market. (Photo: Canadian Auto Press)

rear end design, with smallish double-bubble tail lamps, a creative spin on a classic Chevy look, is elegantly understated yet sportier than any of its familial forerunners.

Inside is a well constructed cabin made of high-quality materials, and the overall design is extremely pleasing to the eye. GM has done a fabulous job of improving its overall image when it comes to quality and the Traverse continues this trend, first with much higher end switchgear that feels substantial to the touch and executes each task with total effectiveness, while all of the latest features are either standard or available. Not the top-line LTZ, at first glance I thought my test example bordered on base due to its cloth seats, but it was hardly austere so I knew it had to be above the lowest LS model. A 2LT, third rung up from the bottom and one below the top-tier leather-clad model, a deep anthracite grey offset the classic metallic silver exterior paint scheme, while silver brightwork inside complemented the look and brought everything up to premium-like standards. I would have liked to see

The Traverse fits into the better neighborhoods well. (Photo: Canadian Auto Press)

leather covering the seats and door panels, but then again I’m kind of glad that GM ordered this press vehicle the way more buyers will likely outfit it. After all, I’m guessing that leather won’t be at the top of buyers’ shopping lists while the economic turmoil persists, and with the high quality and stain resistant nature of today’s fabrics, there’s really no reason to spend extra on hides unless pampering yourself is part of your plan.

While the seats are comfortable and majority of plastic surfaces soft touch and richly textured, the Traverse pampers in other ways. My 2LT featured second-row captain’s chairs, which reduce seating capacity from the standard eight to seven but look great and allow easier access to the rear, tri-zone automatic climate control, Bluetooth cell phone connectivity, a 10-speaker Bose audio system with auxiliary connection and XM and Sirius satellite radio (the first time I’ve seen them both together on one unit), a rear-view backup camera assisted by GM’s Ultrasonic parking sensors, and much more. My tester also came

Traverse feels stable at speed and quite adept in the corners. (Photo: Canadian Auto Press)

with the navigation system, plus two glass sunroofs overhead that shed light on all below and really added an airiness to the rear quarters, plus a DVD entertainment system my kids enjoyed.

More importantly the Traverse offers expansive real estate for up to eight occupants, as mentioned, and/or loads of gear, with second row seats that flip quickly out of way when entering the rearmost seats and alternatively slide back and forth up to 8.9 cm (3.5 inches) for increasing legroom, in either locale, or cargo space. The rear seats fold flat into the floor and the second row mimics the procedure for minivan-like cargo capacity of 3,296 litres (116.4 cubic feet) behind the driver and front passenger. Yes, that’s class-leading cargo space, if you were wondering, another notch in Chevy’s favour.

And

A high-quality visually appealing interior. (Photo: Canadian Auto Press)

then there’s the driving experience. Tight, taut and almost Teutonic in feel, the Traverse would be well appreciated on European roads. Certainly its size would be a bit of a hindrance amid the claustrophobic confines of some older urban areas, but outside of the cities, in Germany’s picturesque countryside or France’s Alsace region, the Traverse’s grand touring prowess would be ideal. As far as I know, GM isn’t planning on exporting the Traverse to Europe. I only mention the Continent because of the CUV’s brisk, confident acceleration from standstill or for passing on the highway, its capability of running at autobahn speeds without taxing the 281-horsepower 3.6-litre V6 or its fuel economy thanks to a slick shifting six-speed automatic with two overdrive gears, and its firm, planted road presence, whether motoring high-speed down the freeway or nudging the curbs on a winding back road. It’s really a flyer, making total use of its wide

Seating for eight is standard; this Traverse has seven seats. (Photo: Canadian Auto Press)

track to maintain horizontal to the road surface and therefore optimize grip in all situations.

The Traverse certainly has no problem adhering to asphalt, and GM makes sure of this via a bevy of standard mechanical and electronic driving aids, including four-wheel discs with ABS, electronic brakeforce distribution (EBD) and brake assist (BA), plus traction and stability control. There are few crossovers that’ll have you feeling safer, and its active elements are all matched by passive safety measures to increase your ease. Airbags galore protect all occupants in case of an accident, and the CUV’s structure has been designed with the latest impact absorption techniques to protect everyone inside.

As

Loads of room inside. (Photo: Canadian Auto Press)

you can tell, I like this crossover. It’s more understated than the glitzier Enclave, and a little more sporting. Yes, all-round it’s more my style. What would I ask Chevy to do for improvements? Not a heck of a lot, actually, but I’m a big fan of being able to power down and up the windows with a single touch. This type of upgrade couldn’t cost all that much to implement and it adds a premium experience that would give this crossover a step up on the competition.

And that competition is fierce, with Hyundai’s Veracruz and Toyota’s Highlander offering similar takes on the full-size CUV theme, while Ford’s Flex marches to the offbeat of an entirely different drummer yet accomplishes the job at hand quite well. The Traverse feels a cut above all but the Veracruz, however, more solid and substantial than the Highlander, surprisingly enough, and more sporting than the Flex. In the end, it’ll have to come down to your personal preferences, but then again, that’s where GM’s multi-brand strategy comes in. If the Traverse doesn’t work for you, one of the PBG crossovers or Saturn’s Outlook might appeal more. They all look distinctively different and offer unique driving experiences, and they’re all excellent at hauling people and things in grand style, comfort and optimal safety. The Traverse just happens to be my favourite.

Specifications (2009 Chevrolet Traverse):

• Price Range (MSRP): $35,260 – $56,830
• Price as Tested: $51,935
• Destination Charge: $1,300
• Body Type: 5-door crossover
• Layout: front engine, AWD
• Engine: 281-hp, 266 lb-ft of torque (288-hp, 270 lb-ft w/ dual exhaust) 3.6L, 24-valve DOHC V6
• Transmission: 6-spd auto w/manual mode
• Brakes (front/rear): disc/disc, ABS, BA, EBD
• Dimensions (L/W/H/WB): 5,206 / 1,991 / 1,846 / 3,019 mm (205.0 / 78.4 / 72.8 / 118.9 in)
• Curb Weight (FWD – AWD): 2,141 – 2,234 kg (4,720 – 4,925 lbs)
• Tires: P245/70R17 (opt. P255/65R18; P255/55R20)
• Cargo Volume (3rd row up / folded / 2nd row folded): 681 / 1,948 / 3,296 L (24.4 / 68.8 / 116.4 cu ft)
• Fuel Economy (est. FWD – AWD city/hwy): 12.7 – 13.1 / 8.4 – 8.8 L/100 km
• Warranty (mo/km): 36 / 60,000 comprehensive; 60 / 160,000 powertrain
• Competitors: Acura MDX, Audi Q7, BMW X5, Buick Enclave, Dodge Journey, GMC Acadia, Ford Taurus X / Flex, Honda Pilot, Hyundai Veracruz, Mercedes-Benz GL-Class, Mazda CX-9, Toyota Highlander, Saturn Outlook, Subaru Tribeca, Suzuki XL-7, Volvo XC90
• Website: www.gm.ca