First Drive: 2010 Ford Taurus
While the lion's share of media attention regarding the all-new 2010 Ford Taurus will go toward... Read More
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Likes:
- Crisp handling
- Smooth-shifting transmission
- Quiet interior
- Impressive build quality
Dislikes:
- Bland exterior styling
- Heavy weight leads to leisurely acceleration
For drivers looking to abandon their full-size truck or SUV for something nearly as capable and roomy, the 2009 Chevrolet Traverse is a good choice. It provides much of what they need in a considerably more fuel-efficient package.
While the all-new 2009 Chevrolet Traverse is the first full-size crossover to arrive at Chevrolet dealers, it’s closely related to the GMC Acadia, Buick Enclave, and Saturn Outlook.
Regarding its exterior style, the 2009 Chevrolet Traverse lacks the chunky, truck-inspired lines of the GMC Acadia or the elegant lines of the Buick Enclave. What Chevy delivers is pure vanilla design, with the brand’s "bow tie" on the grille and relatively simple trim; it won’t draw attention, but it’s unlikely to offend.
Inside, the mainstream styling continues. Gauges are easy to see, and controls are easy to use. Touches of chrome dress it up. Seating for seven or eight is available. TheCarConnection.com likes the easy-to-use second-row seats that slide forward to provide access to the surprisingly comfortable third-row seats. However, it does take a high-step up to enter that back row.
As for performance, the 2009 Chevrolet Traverse is capable of doing much of what a full-size SUV can do while being more efficient than those SUVs (17/24 mpg front-wheel drive, 16/23 mpg all-wheel drive).
Experts from TheCarConection.com have driven all three Traverse models (LS, LT, and LTZ); each is equipped with the direct-injection V-6 from the Cadillac CTS and STS. The 3.6-liter engine produces 288 horsepower and 270 pound-feet of torque, and this is adequate to move the Chevy's not inconsequential weight of up to 4,925 pounds. Compared to the most powerful of GM's full-size trucks and utilities, the 2009 Chevrolet Traverse accelerates at a leisurely pace, but it is far from being dangerously slow and never feels anemic. Shifts from the six-speed automatic transmission are very smooth and timely, and the Traverse is impressively quiet when cruising.
