The Best Country Music Songs: 30 Days Of Ram 1500
Our 30 Days Of 2013 Ram 1500 rolls on today with a deeper dive into UConnect--specifically, all the... Read More
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Around The Web
tuned like a car and could be called a tall station wagon, if that wasn't as big a stigma as calling it a minivan or SUV
this front-drive version exhibited some notable torque steer, even at speed when the throttle is punched
What’s most unexpected about the overall size of the Traverse has nothing to do with the interior, but rather how it performs on the road.
surprisingly peppy for a 5000-pound vehicle
it handled like a much smaller car
PERFORMANCE | 7 out of 10
Expert Quotes:
tuned like a car and could be called a tall station wagon, if that wasn't as big a stigma as calling it a minivan or SUV
Motor Trend
this front-drive version exhibited some notable torque steer, even at speed when the throttle is punched
AutoWeek
What’s most unexpected about the overall size of the Traverse has nothing to do with the interior, but rather how it performs on the road.
MSN Autos
surprisingly peppy for a 5000-pound vehicle
Automobile Magazine
it handled like a much smaller car
Cars.com
There's only one drivetrain offered, a direct-injection 3.6-liter V-6 engine coupled to a six-speed automatic transmission. The 288-horsepower six (281 hp in models with a single exhaust) generates leisurely acceleration and a bit of V-6 grumble at the top of its powerband, but it doesn't really feel anemic unless you've taken on a full load of passengers and chosen the optional all-wheel drive. With 90 percent of peak torque available from approximately 2,500 rpm to more than 6,000 rpm, there's enough punch to adequately move the Chevy's not inconsequential weight of nearly 5,000 pounds.
Chevy's six-speed automatic dithers sometimes when downshifts are requested, and upshifts can be lumpy on light acceleration; it's a bit less on the mark than the Ford transmission that was co-developed alongside it.
The Traverse's handling, simply put, isn't nimble. It's just the predictable norm for its size, with mild steering feedback and moderate body roll when it's pressed to act more like a sport wagon. With a four-wheel independent suspension and crisp hydraulic-assist steering, control is good for a vehicle of this size and weight—especially when equipped with the range-topping LTZ's optional 20-inch wheel and suspension package, with which Chevrolet's engineers manage to hit a sweet spot between secure handling and comfort. You'll never forget you're driving such a heavy vehicle, but body roll isn't too excessive and brakes are strong.
Conclusion
The 2012 Traverse is no letdown in performance--provided you're expecting a big, heavy family wagon.
