The all-new Chevrolet Traverse is still a large family vehicle for 2018. It has opted not to follow the lead of the sister GMC Acadia, which was downsized as part of its reinvention, breaking up the triumvirate that also includes the still-large Buick Enclave.
The three GM crossovers, which used to share a platform known as Lambda, have been popular stalwarts for their respective brands. But for this new generation, they’ve migrated to a new midsize crossover platform known as C1, which underpins the Cadillac XT5 and the new Acadia. The bones have been stretched for the next-generation Traverse and Enclave so they can remain true eight-passenger, three-row family crossovers, which in turn leaves room to slot smaller CUVs such as the Buick Envision and a still-to-come Chevy under them.
The 2018 Traverse will be available midsummer, primed to compete with the Jeep Grand Cherokee, Ford Explorer, Toyota Highlander, Honda Pilot, and Nissan Pathfinder.
Unlike the GMC Acadia, which went for a softer appearance, the 2018 Traverse has migrated to a more trucklike look, selling itself as more of an SUV than a CUV both inside and out. It has a twin cockpit, truck-sized storage bins, and hidden compartments in the rear cargo area, said John Cafaro, Chevrolet global designer.
GM officials are convinced buyers won’t cross shop the vehicle against the even larger body-on-frame Chevrolet Tahoe, which buyers with serious towing intentions go for. If some do, however, “we’d rather eat our own young than have someone else do it,” engineer Rick Spina said.
With a renewed emphasis on Chevy crossovers, the new Traverse expands its trim lineup with a new, sportier RS model and a higher-end High Country trim in addition to a limited-run L introductory model and the volume LS, LT, and Premier trims.
Plans are to roll out the RS sub-brand—inspired by Camaro—across the Chevrolet line. The RS, derived from the LT trim level, has black wheels, a black Bow Tie (as opposed to the traditional yellow), and a more aggressive front end to appeal to male buyers. It is only offered with the 2.0-liter turbo I-4 engine and front-wheel drive, and it’s tuned for a different driving dynamic even though it has the four-cylinder rather than the more powerful 3.6-liter V-6 available on other trim levels.
The High Country is a higher trim level with premium materials, more technology, and a richer look overall with a unique chrome grille and roof rails, polished wheels, and logos in the headrests and floormats. And although every all-wheel-drive Traverse uses a GKN system that declutches the prop-shaft until rear traction is needed, only the High Country version gets the Twinster version with two rear clutches to more directly apply torque to the rear wheel that needs it most in a vehicle designed to perform better off-road.
The average transaction price of the Traverse used to be at the lower end of the spectrum for the segment, said Steve Majoros, Chevrolet marketing director. Chevy added more trim levels to tap what they see as potential in the market by adding more tech and styling. Chevy is targeting males ages 35–54 with a higher income who want a versatile vehicle with all-wheel drive—40 percent of buyers opt for it now—and the ability to tow 5,000 pounds.
The V-6 generates 305 horsepower and 260 lb-ft of torque; the Ecotec turbo I-4 puts out 255 hp and 295 lb-ft of torque. They are mated to the new nine-speed automatic transmission that GM developed in partnership with Ford and that helps save a few mpg. The nine-speed makes it possible to offer standard stop/start technology with both engines. The vehicle also has low rolling resistance tires.
GM officials say this family hauler will do 0 to 60 mph in less than 7 seconds with the V-6 and slightly longer with the four-cylinder, both of which should get a family easily up the ramp and off on their weekend trek. The Traverse has electric variable power steering and 18- and 20-inch aluminum wheels.
The new Traverse is similar in dimension to the model it replaces, but an extra 2.0 inches of wheelbase and 0.7 inch more overall length creates room behind each row of seats. The second row can slide with a child seat intact to ease entry into the back row, where there is more room than in the larger Tahoe. And the Traverse can swallow the obligatory 4-by-8-foot piece of plywood after opening the hatch with a swish of a leg. A Bow Tie–shaped pool of light on the ground shows where the sensor is, so you don’t look like you are doing a bad chicken dance with an arm full of groceries.
The lighter but stiffer body structure saved 111 pounds, contributing to an overall weight loss of 362 pounds compared with the outgoing mode. The vehicle does, however, retain its 6,000-pound gross vehicle weight rating to receive a truck classification, chief engineer Dean Perelli said. All four corners of the chassis have aluminum knuckles. There is a MacPherson strut up front and multilink independent rear suspension with auxiliary return springs in the dampers to aid the jounce bumpers for softer bottoming out. Hollow stabilizer bars reduce roll by 25 percent.
GM has opted for a system where the vehicle tells you when to switch to all-wheel drive, as opposed to automatically engaging additional traction control. It argues there are people who don’t want it to be fully automatic and want to stay in two-wheel drive to avoid spin losses. If you are in regular front drive and the vehicle detects wheel slippage, the display panel will warn the driver to go to AWD. When you switch modes, a message pops up briefly telling the driver what has been engaged. The advanced Traction Select system allows you to turn off the vehicle in all-wheel drive, and when you return, it will still be in AWD.
Amenities include USB outlets and wireless phone charging capability.
The new Traverse is made at GM’s Delta Township plant near Lansing, Michigan, which will also make the new Buick Enclave. The smaller GMC Acadia is being assembled in Spring Hill, Tennessee, alongside the Cadillac XT5.
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