If you're considering the 2011 Chevrolet Traverse, you're probably shopping for room and some cargo-carrying capabilities.
While there are full-size SUVs such as the Chevrolet Tahoe that come with more powerful V-8 engines, enhanced towing, and off-road capabilities, the Traverse does a bit better in fuel economy.
However with the introduction of several all-new crossover ute models—the Ford Explorer and Jeep Grand Cherokee—for 2011, the Traverse has much steeper competition this year.
The all-new Explorer promises much better fuel economy than the Traverse—especially in its new four-cylinder variant—while the new Jeep Grand Cherokee is worth reconsidering as it doesn’t make such pronounced sacrifices in ride and handling as it did in the past.
Next to the Toyota Highlander, the Traverse is slightly less fuel-efficient but feels larger and roomier, while those who intend to carry cargo items more often might do well with the Pilot because of its extremely boxy shape.
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 2011 Chevrolet TraverseBrowse Used Listings |  2011 Ford ExplorerBrowse Used Listings |  2011 Ford FlexBrowse Used Listings |  2011 Honda PilotBrowse Used Listings |  2011 Jeep Grand CherokeeBrowse Used Listings |  2011 Toyota HighlanderBrowse Used Listings |
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The 2011 Chevrolet Traverse isn’t fun to drive, but it’s one of the best large crossover wagons for transporting the family comfortably and safely. |
The 2011 Ford Explorer a formidable shot right at the heart of the crossover market--one that's sure to pull some of the remaining SUV loyalists off their very high horses. |
A singular look, along with top-shelf turbo power and features, earns the 2011 Ford Flex our top score among utility vehicles. |
If you can get past the garish grille and overwrought look, the 2011 Honda Pilot is a fine family vehicle, with minivan-like interior space and decent performance. |
The 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee is one capable, good-looking crossover—and a welcome sign of life from Chrysler. |
The very family-friendly Toyota Highlander and Highlander Hybrid impress us with their space and versatility, but show no sign of enthusiasm. |
| MSRP From | |||||
| $29,370 | $28,360 | $29,355 | $28,320 | $30,215 | $28,090 |
| Gas Mileage | |||||
| 16 MPG City / 24 MPG Hwy | 17 MPG City / 25 MPG Hwy | 16 MPG City / 24 MPG Hwy | 16 MPG City / 23 MPG Hwy | 16 MPG City / 23 MPG Hwy | 17 MPG City / 28 MPG Hwy |
| Engine | |||||
| Gas V6 | Gas V6 | Gas V6 | Gas V6 | Gas/Ethanol V6 | Gas I4 |
| EPA Class | |||||
| 2WD Sport Utility Vehicle | Sport Utility Vehicle - 2WD | FWD Sport Utility Vehicle | 2WD Sport Utility Vehicle | 2WD Sport Utility Vehicle | Sport Utility Vehicle |
| Style Name | |||||
| FWD 4-Door LS | FWD 4-Door Base | 4-Door SE FWD | 2WD 4-Door LX | RWD 4-Door Laredo | FWD 4-Door L4 Base (Natl) |
| Drivetrain | |||||
| Front Wheel Drive | Front Wheel Drive | Front Wheel Drive | Front Wheel Drive | Rear Wheel Drive | Front Wheel Drive |
| Passenger Capacity | |||||
| 8 | 7 | 7 | 8 | 5 | 7 |
| Passenger Doors | |||||
| N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | 4 | N/A |
| Body Style | |||||
| 4 Door | 4 Door | 4 Door | 4 Door Sport Utility | Sport Utility Vehicle | 4 Door |
| Transmission | |||||
| Automatic | Automatic w/OD | Automatic | Automatic w/OD | Automatic | Automatic |
| Detailed Spec Comparison | |||||
| 2011 Chevrolet Traverse vs. 2011 Ford Explorer | 2011 Chevrolet Traverse vs. 2011 Ford Flex | 2011 Chevrolet Traverse vs. 2011 Honda Pilot | 2011 Chevrolet Traverse vs. 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee | 2011 Chevrolet Traverse vs. 2011 Toyota Highlander | |
