Big without being huge. Strong without bulging muscles. It comes across as comfortable and capable. Its name is Traverse.
The 2014 version of the Chevrolet Traverse has only seen a couple of changes for this model year after receiving a major re-do for 2013. This year, it gets forward collision alert and lane departure warning as standard on LTZ models and optional on 2LT versions. It also gets dual charge-only USB ports on the rear of the centre console.
It’s a Traverse AWD in 2LT trim GM Canada has sent for a week-long evaluation. This model starts life at $43,345 but the test vehicle carries more than $6,000 worth of options designed to boost its family-friendly quality with rear seat entertainment system for kids, heavy-duty trailering equipment, leather seating and “Hit the Road” package which gives side steps and roof rack cross-rails. It also has the collision alert and lane departure warning systems.
As SUVs go, it’s a good-looking vehicle with pleasing proportions and narrow panel gaps, a rather nice face and trim backside.
Inside, the test vehicle with its three rows of seating has lots of space for people and cargo along with optional entertainment systems, like a rear video system with two sets of infrared wireless headphones and audiovisual input jacks which will keep the kids quietly occupied on a journey.
I’ve also got a 10-speaker BOSE audio system for my ears and optional navigation with MyLink to show me where I am and where I’m going. I like the materials used to finish the spacious cabin, especially the leather seats with heat for the front perches.
Controls are set up to be in easy reach of the driver and gauges are easy to read. The 6.5-inch colour nav and MyLink display shows up well under any ambient lighting situation and can be viewed while wearing polarized sunglasses.
I don’t want to be accused of hogging the driver’s seat, so I try out every other seating position too and I find I can happily ride anywhere in here although it’s a little awkward getting into the third row. That is probably best for younger, smaller, more agile passengers.
So I get dibs on the driver seat after all. It’s comfortable and visibility is good except for the rear corners. And I’m not a fan of the tiny convex mirrors, which are supposed to let me see into the blind spots. The image is too small and it’s difficult, even after a week, to be absolutely sure where that car behind me really is. Those little things get in the way of my view when I have the outer mirrors set for maximum coverage of the guys behind me. Objects are definitely closer than they appear. This is not a good substitute for electronic blind spot coverage.
If for some reason you can’t see yourself driving a mini-van or you don’t really need a sport utility vehicle that will tow huge weights or go into the wilds of the back country, the Traverse might be the choice for you.
It won’t tug a 10,000-lb. trailer, but will easily pull 5,200 lb., which is plenty for the average family. It won’t go traipsing off the beaten track, but when that track gets wet or icy, the Traverse will travel with all-wheel-drive composure.
What it WILL do is carry you, and seven of your friends, over the streets and highways with a car-like smoothness. The optional lane departure warning system waits in the background, ready to alert me should we wander off course.
Handling is reasonably crisp, but its big turning circle makes it difficult to manoeuvre around crowded parking lots.
Traverse gets its motivation from a 281-horsepower 3.6L V6 engine, which puts power to all four wheels through a smooth-operating six-speed automatic transmission. The combination is surprisingly easy on fuel for a vehicle this size.
This full-size crossover has the space of an SUV with the refinements of a sedan (or mini-van) and a variety of configurations to accommodate people and/or cargo. The company claims room for eight, but I’d be reluctant to put anybody in the centre section of either the second or third row seat.
As for carrying space, if you have all seats occupied, there’s 691 litres of space. Behind the second row (with third row seat and cargo management system removed, the capacity jumps to 1,991 litres. With the Traverse configured for maximum cargo capacity, you can load up 3,293 litres worth of stuff.
FACT FILE
2014 Chevrolet Traverse
Trim level: AWD 2LT
Price as tested (before taxes): $49,760
Options on test vehicle: LPO Hit the Road Package with chrome assist steps, black roof rack cross rails and C-channel ($1,150), heavy duty trailering equipment with 2-in. platform hitch receiver, 7-wire harness, electric brake controller harness and heavy-duty cooling ($550), rear entertainment system with AM/FM/CD stereo, rear DVD player with remote control, overhead display, two sets of wireless infrared headphones, audio/visual input jacks, BOSE 10-speaker audio, 115V power outlet and MyLink with Navigation ($2,255), first and second-row leather seat trim with 8-way power front passenger seat ($1,870), all-weather first and second-row floor mats ($175), forward collision alert and lane departure warning ($415).
Freight/PDI: $1,600
Configuration: front engine/ all-wheel drive
Engine/transmission: 3.6L V6/ 6-spd auto
Power/torque: 281 hp/ 266 lb.-ft.
Fuel (capacity): Regular (83.3L)
Fuel economy ratings: 13.0 L/100km city; 8.6 L/100km hwy
Observed fuel economy: 11.8 L/100km over 458 km
Warranties: 5 years/ 60,000 km (basic); 5 years/ 160,000 km (powertrain)
Competitors: Audi Q5, BMW X5, Buick Enclave, Ford Expedition, Jeep Cherokee, Lincoln MKT, Toyota 4Runner, Toyota Highlander
Strengths: interior space, powertrain, economy
Weaknesses: rear visibility, middle seat not easy to fold up for access to rear, tiny inserts in outside mirrors
Report Card (out of 10):
Fuel Economy: 5 – excellent for a vehicle this size.
Equipment level: 7 – Terrific content level
Price: 7 – a lot of vehicle for the cash
Styling: 7 – It’s an SUV outside, car-like inside
Comfort (front): 8 – good leg and headroom
Comfort (rear): 8 – terrific leg room in 2nd and 3rd row.
Handling: 7 – not great in a crowded parking lot
Performance: 7 – Capable but far from spectacular
Storage: 8 – Bring the folks and bring their stuff
Overall: 7 – A capable, comfortable family crossover