Chevrolet Traverse

The Chevrolet Traverse is a minivan-replacing full-size crossover with seating for up to eight passengers. Alongside its sister models, the Buick Enclave and GMC Acadia, the Traverse competes with the Toyota Highlander, Honda Pilot, Ford Explorer, Nissan Pathfinder, and just about every minivan on the market.

See our 2013 Chevrolet Traverse review for pricing with options, specifications, and gas mileage ratings

When it went on sale for the 2009 model year, the Traverse replaced two vehicles in the Chevy lineup, the Uplander minivan and the TrailBlazer SUV. It's now one of the mainstays of the lineup, along with the five-passenger Chevy Equinox.

The Traverse is powered by direct-injected 3.6-liter V-6 engine. Peak output is rated at 288 horsepower and 270 pound-feet of torque for models equipped with a dual exhaust, or 281 horsepower and 266 pound-feet of torque for models with a single exhaust. With 90 percent of peak torque available from approximately 2,500 rpm to more than 6,000 rpm, the engine has flexible power and good acceleration.

It also affords it good fuel economy and performance. Despite weighing some 4,925 pounds, the Chevrolet Traverse achieves a fuel economy of 17 mpg in the city and 24 mpg on the highway in front-wheel-drive guise—much better than the more truck-like TrailBlazer it succeeded, for sure. All-wheel-drive versions fare slightly worse, achieving a fuel economy of 16 mpg in the city and 23 mpg on the highway. The impressive figures (for such a big vehicle) are helped by the vehicle’s six-speed automatic transmission, which shifts gears very smoothly but can hesitate when downshifts are called for.

There's seating for up to eight in the three-row Traverse; second-row captain’s chairs are also available but carrying capacity is then reduced to just seven. The Chevrolet Traverse is also one of the safest vehicles in its class, scoring well in independent crash testing and in NHTSA crash tests as well.

The latest Chevrolet Traverse is available in three levels of trim, LS, LT, and LTZ, as well as either front- or all-wheel-drive configurations. All models get four-wheel independent suspension and StabiliTrak stability control, as well as wheel sizes measuring 17, 18, and 20 inches. Some of the vehicle’s options include a rearview camera, power liftgate, a DVD player and XM Satellite Radio, plus heated and cooled front seats. Up-spec models can also be fitted with a rear spoiler, 20-inch aluminum wheels, a dual-exhaust system, perforated leather, and a panoramic sunroof.

The 2013 Chevrolet Traverse has a refreshed appearance, with a new front end more like the one on the latest Malibu sedan, as well as taillights that could be influenced by the Camaro. Otherwise, the design remained essentially the same, although more brightwork was used on the outside and interior materials were significantly improved. The powertrain gets some new programming, though the V-6 and six-speed will remain mechanically the same. Side Blind Zone Alert and Rear Cross Traffic Alert are included in the LTZ; and a new front center airbag is included in all models.

Also new to the 2013 Chevrolet Traverse lineup is the Chevrolet MyLink system, which includes a 6.5-inch color touch screen, enabling smartphone integration as well as easy streaming—with a smartphone and data plan—of Pandora and Stitcher internet-based entertainment.

Production of the Chevrolet Traverse takes place at GM’s Delta Township plant in Lansing, Michigan.

A replacement for the Traverse isn't due until the 2015 model year.