2018 Chevrolet Traverse

Chevrolet redesigned the Traverse for 2018 addressing the biggest negative: its minivan-like esque. The new version is square-jawed, truck-like and commands attention. Chevy has equipped the Traverse with a 3.6-liter V-6 engine with impressive power and towing capacity. Plus, the 9-speed automatic transmission offers smooth shifting and good fuel economy. The RS model in the line-up gets a 2.0-liter turbo engine that offers more exhilarating drive.

There is no shortage of trims if you are going to buy a Chevrolet Traverse, as it boasts seven trim levels: L, LS, LT Cloth, LT Leather, RS Premier, and High Country. These trims range from reasonably well-equipped to luxury standards. Most of the trims are fitted with a V-6 and a nine-speed automatic transmission, but the sport-styled RS is unique and it comes with a torque turbocharged four-cylinder engine.

Front-wheel drive (FWD) is standard on almost every model, and most have all-wheel drive (AWD) as an available upgrade. Besides price, the major differences between each trim level are the quality of interior amenities and the number of seats (see below for further details).

Trims	L	LS	LT CLOTH	RS	LT LEATHER	PREMIER	HIGH COUNTRY
MSRP(FWD)	$29,930	$33,095	$35,595	$43,095	$42,195	$45,495	N/A
MSRP(AWD)	N/A	$35,095	$39,395	N/A	$44,195	$48,395	$52,050
Features	Notable Standard features include:	Everything that L has to offer with the addition or substitution of:	Includes LS features and adds:	Includes LT Leather (3LT) features and adds:	Includes LT Cloth and adds:	Includes LT Leather (3LT) and adds:	Includes Premier and adds:
	Dual-outlet exhaust	Deep-tinted glass	Outside heated power-adjustable body-color mirrors with turn signal indicators	2.0L turbocharged 4-cylinder engine	Surround Vision with bird’s-eye view (includes rear vision camera)	Dual-outlet exhaust with rectangular tips	Trailering equipment: Heavy-duty cooling system and trailer hitch
	Traction Mode Select		18″ Bright Silver-painted machined-face aluminum wheels	20″ Dark Android-painted aluminum wheels	Side Blind Zone Alert with Rear Cross Traffic Alert	LED D-Optic bi-function projector-beam headlamps	IntelliBeam automatic high beam assist
			Foglamps	Signature Black accents including Black roof rails, Black bowties, Gloss Black window trim and Black Ice front grille	Rear Park Assist with audible warning		Forward Collision Alert and Following Distance Indicator
			Roof rails

We Recommend 

Out of the Traverse family, the LT trim delivers a true bang for your buck. It comes with ample features which are absent on the lower trims. We would urge you to buy the All-Wheel-Drive for improved traction and better driving dynamics. 

 “The new Traverse is lighter by 350 pounds, offers more power, sharper styling, modern technology, and a top-of-its-class driving experience. With seating for up to eight people, tons of cargo space even with the third row up, and better-than-respectable fuel economy, the new Traverse deserves a spot on every family-car shopper’s list.” -Kelly Blue Book

Engine and Transmission 

The 310 Hp V6 on the Traverse coupled with the nine-speed automatic transmission feels very active and you might not even notice the gear shifts as it feels very smooth and responsive. All Traverse except the RS is mated to a new 3.6-liter V-6 with 310 horsepower and 266 pound-feet of torque which is 20-hp more than the last year’s V-6. The RS trim receives a turbocharged 2.0-liter 4-cylinder with 255 horsepower, 295-pound-feet of torque and is only available in front-wheel drive.

RS has also been equipped with the same leather quality as the LT model, but it has unique styling cues and accents. The smaller engine also comes mated to the same 9-speed gearbox. Both the engines are quite spirited and pull this heavy SUV with quite some might. The engines are refined and whether you are driving in the city or on the highway, you'd be pretty happy with the performance. Infact, the new V6 engine in the Chevy is the most powerful engine of the lot. 

Models	Chevrolet Traverse	Ford Explorer	Honda Pilot	GMC Acadia
MSRP	$30,925	$31,990	$30,900	$29,995
Engine	3.6L V6 SIDI VVT Gas engine	3.5L V6 Gas engine	3.5L V6 Gas engine	2.5L DOHC 4-cylinder Gas engine
Transmission	9-speed automatic	6-speed Automatic	6-speed Automatic	6-speed automatic
Power	310 hp @ 6800 rpm	290 hp @ 6500 rpm	280 hp @ 6000 rpm	193 hp @ 6300 rpm
Torque	266 lb-ft of torque @ 2800 rpm	255 ft-lbs. @ 4000 rpm	262 ft-lbs. @ 4700 rpm	188 lb-ft @ 4400 rpm

Acceleration

The 2018 Traverse is a beast with strong acceleration.  The 3.6-liter V-6 engine is smooth and resonant in the way it sounds under hard acceleration. The Traverse makes 0-60 in 6.5 which is pretty good for an SUV this size. The Explorer and the Pilot are faster to 60 mph in spite of having lesser power. The Pilot is quite light and its understood that the Pilot could be faster than the Traverse. The Explorer being heavier than the Traverse is surprisingly faster to the 60 mph. The new nine-speed automatic transmission feels velvety while shifting, although downshifts may become a bit abrupt while driving fast.

Models	Chevrolet Traverse	Ford Explorer	Honda Pilot	GMC Acadia
0-60 MPH	6.5 sec	5.8 sec	6.1 sec	6.8 sec
Quarter mile	15.6 sec @ 97mph	14.4 sec @ 94.5 mph	15.1 sec @ 91.2 mph	15 sec @ 90 mph
Engine	3.6L	3.5L	3.5L	2.5L
EmissionTons/yr of CO2 Emissions @ 15K mi/year	8.4	9.8 (Est)	8.0	7.7

Braking and Handling

The 2018 Traverse is blessed with a nimble and predictable handling character, thanks to the five-link rear suspension and MacPherson strut in the front. The suspension soaks up most of the bumps in the roads. Infact, one of the highlights of the Traverse has to be its ride comfort and stability even at high speeds. The car feels solid on the road and wind noise and tyre noise have been very well damped as well.

Steering with all electric assist feels responsive.  Traverse body stays remarkably grounded through the curves, with no wallow or roll. It's not something you'd expect from an SUV in this class but it actually takes the corners better than most of its rivals. Brakes feel strong, with good pedal feedback and inspire confidence. It maintains its composure well even under hard braking. The stopping distance of 126 ft is pretty decent for an SUV. 

Model	Chevrolet Traverse	Ford Explorer	Honda Pilot	GMC Acadia
Brake front(in)	12.8	12.6	12.6	17*tbd
Brake Rear(in)	13.0	12.8	13	17*tbd
Curb weight(lbs)	4713	4901	4288	3956
60-0 MPH (ft.)	126 est	120	128	126

Towing Capacity

Traverse has an impressive towing capacity, it can tug up to maximum 5,000 pounds. But you will need to spend extra $650 to get a Trailering Equipment installed which also includes a heavy-duty cooling system to eliminate the risk of overheating while pulling heavy loads. GMC Acadia inches past the Traverse with extra 200 pounds of towing capacity.

Model	Chevrolet Traverse	Ford Explorer	Honda Pilot	GMC Acadia
Capacity (lbs)	5000	5000	5000	5200
Drive Train	AWD	AWD	AWD	AWD

The 3.6-liter V-6 with a 9-speed automatic helps boost the Chevy Traverse to an EPA estimated combined rating of 21 mpg with front-wheel drive and 20 mpg with all-wheel drive. City rating although remains in the teens, with the front wheel drive returning 18 mpg, while the rating for the four-wheel drive drops by a point. Highway ratings are impressive, with 27 mpg on front wheel drive and 25 mpg on all-wheel drive. These ratings show a healthy improvement over the last traverse, which was rated at 15/22/18 mpg.

Model	Chevrolet Traverse	Ford Explorer	Honda Pilot	GMC Acadia
Mpg (city)	18	16	18	21
Mpg (highway)	27	22	26	26
Mpg (combined)	21	18	21	23

 “The front seats and 2nd-row seats offer up ample headroom and legroom, and the rear bench can accommodate three across without difficulty. The third row is tighter, but still acceptable for kids for long trips, and there’s a ton of cargo space behind the third row even without using the hidden storage area under the floor.” - Kelly Blue Book

Seating and Comfort 

The fit and finish of the Interiors of the Traverse are top-notch with rich-looking padding on the dashboard and average plastic finish on the lower part of the doors. Overall the interior looks fresh and reminds you of other new Chevrolet models like the Cruze. A huge infotainment screen takes center place on the dashboard and it looks quite premium. The instrument cluster also looks pretty slick with two analog gauges and a digital screen in between. The base $31,000 trim gives you adequate satisfaction and it gets properly fancy in the $53,000 Traverse High Country.

Chevy Traverse seats depend on the trim you choose. Lower trims come with a bench seat in the second row which can carry eight people. Whereas, upper trims boast a two second-row captain’s chairs, limiting seating to seven. Cloth Upholstery, a third-row bench seat with a 60/40 split come as standard. Seats are broad with good thigh support, and the available second-row captain’s chair make makes it easy to climb into the third row.

Seating options include:

• Leather upholstery
• Eight-way power-adjustable driver’s seat
• Heated and ventilated front seats
• Heated second-row seats
• Leather-wrapped steering wheel
• Heated steering wheel
• Power-folding third-row bench

Model	Chevrolet Traverse	FORD EXPLORER	HONDA PILOT	GMC ACADIA
Passenger capacity	8	7	8	7
Passenger Volume(ft cube)	150.8	151.7	151.7	143.8
Front (Head/Hip/Shoulder/Leg)(In.)	41.3/58.1/62.1/41	41.4/57.3/61.5/42.9	39.5/59.1/62/40.9	40.3/55.7/59.4/41
Second (Head/Hip/Shoulder/Leg)(In.)	40/56.9/62.2/38.4	40.6/56.8/61/39.5	39.9/57.3/62/38.4	39.6/53.3/58.7/39.7
Third (Head/Hip/Shoulder/Leg)(In.)	38.2/48.5/57.5/33.5	37.8/40.7/50.8/32	38.9/44.9/57.6/31.9	37.2/42.9/54.3/31.1

Infotainment

The USB ports are thoughtfully placed and they are plenty in numbers throughout the Traverse cabin. MyLink infotainment system is easy to use, with colorful graphics on the touchscreen. The Traverse can easily entertain all the on-board members, as well as charge multiple devices simultaneously.

Cargo Space

The 2018 Chevy Traverse has best in class cargo space with 98.2 cubic feet with all seats folded. It has extra cargo space than almost every other midsize three-row SUV and even some vehicle in the full-size SUV segment. So, there is definitely no comparison when it comes to cargo space.  Pull down the rear seats and you get a flush cargo floor. There is also no shortage of cubbies throughout the cabin.

Model	Chevrolet Traverse	Ford Explorer	Honda Pilot	GMC Acadia
Behind 3ndRow(ft.cube)	23.0	21.0	16.5	12.8
With 3rd row folded (ft.cube)	58.1	43.9	46.8	41.7
With All  Seats folded (ft.cube)	98.2	81.7	83.9	79

The new Traverse is a sharp looking crossover SUV, looking something like a Chevy Tahoe that cut the carbs and hit the gym. It's actually longer than the Tahoe, with a longer wheelbase as well. The wide track and body-colored C-pillar give the Traverse an upscale but recognizably Chevy look-KBB

Dimensions and Weight 

The 2018 Chevy Traverse somewhat resembles the Tahoe that has lost some weight. It is although longer than the Tahoe and others in the competition, with a longer wheelbase. The wide front grille and the body colored C-pillar gives the Traverse an upscale Chevy look. Opting for the High-Country trim gets you multi-element LED headlight and more. The RS model, however, comes in an all-black scheme with red background on all the badges.

Model	Chevrolet Traverse	Ford Explorer	Honda Pilot	GMC Acadia
curb weight(lbs)	4713	4901	4288	3956
Length(in)	204.3	198.3	194.5	193.6
Width(in)	78.6	78.9	66.3	75.4
Height(in)	70.7	70	69.8	66
Ground clearance(in)	7.2	8.3	7.3	7.20
Wheelbase(in)	120.9	112.8	111	112.5
Track width(in) F/R	67.3/67.0	67/67	66.3/66.3	64.5/65.5

The entire goal of Chevrolet with the Traverse was to give crossover buyer a truck-like styling experience with a rugged look.  The slim wraparound taillights are nicely mated with the strong shoulder line that runs through the entire body. Higher trims on the Traverse gets stylish jeweling on the headlight as a part of Chevrolet’s D-optic design

Wheels 

There is something for just about everyone’s taste when it comes to wheels. The base and the LS comes standard with 18-inch wheel option, however, there is an option to go for the 20-inch wheel with the LS. Move higher in the trim and you will have a wide array of options to choose between different 20-inch wheel line-up. Top of the trim High Country comes standard with the 20-inch polished aluminum wheel.

Model	Chevrolet Traverse	Ford Explorer	Honda Pilot	GMC Acadia
Size F/R (in.)	17*7/18*7.5	20*8.5/20*8.5	18*18/18*18	17*7.5/17*7.5
Quality	Aluminum	Aluminum	aluminum	Aluminum
Wheel type	Alloy	Alloy	alloy	Alloy

Traverse gets a five-star rating overall with some of the crash test conducted on the car by NHSTA. More test is yet to be conducted so we’ll have to wait to provide a further rating. However, the car has performed well in the crashworthiness test by IIHS.

The 2018 Traverse comes with a 3-year/36,000-mile bumper-to-bumper warranty and a 5-year/60,000-mile powertrain warranty.

NHSTA Rating

Overall rating	5 star
Frontal crash	4 star
Side crash	5star
Rollover	4 star
Front driver	Not rated
Front passenger	Not rated
Side driver/passenger	Not rated
4×2 Rollover	Not rated
4×4 Rollover	Not rated

IIHS Crashworthiness

Moderate overlap front	Good
Side	Good
Roof strength	Good
Head restraints & seats	Good

Crash avoidance & mitigation

Frontal crash prevention	Basic
LATCH	Acceptable

Traverse gets most of General Motor’s active safety feature, however, many of them are available on the two highest-priced trim. Standard safety features include:

• StabiliTrak electronic stability control system
• Airbag system
• OnStar Basic Plan for 5 years
• OnStar Guidance Plan Limited Service Trial
• Rear Vision Camera
• Child security rear door locks
• Passenger Sensing System
• Rear seat reminder
• LATCH System
• Teen Driver
• Tire Pressure Monitoring System
• Horn, dual-note

Chevrolet Traverse Vs Ford Explorer

There are similarities and differences between the two beasts but Traverse ranks a bit higher than Explorer. Ford comes standard with a 3.5-liter V-6 with 290 horsepower whereas Traverse gets a 3.6-liter V-6 with 310 horsepower. So clearly Chevy has got more power with a 9-speed transmission as compared to the Explorer’s 6-speed transmission.

Chevrolet Traverse Vs Honda Pilot

Honda Pilot has one of the most comfortable third-row seats and choosing between the Pilot and Traverse may come down to your personal preference on styling and techs. However, Pilot feels more upscale inside, while the Traverse infotainment system is user-friendly. Chevy also comes standard with Android and Apple CarPlay which you will only find in higher trims in the Pilot.

Chevrolet Traverse Vs GMC Acadia

In GM’s garage, GMC vehicles are little more expensive than their Chevy cousin. Although, the Traverse starts $1,000 more than the Acadia. You get a larger cargo area and room for passengers for the extra price. Traverse also fills in eight people while Acadia only holds seven. Feature list and performance are almost similar in both the cars, but you get a better value for money with the Traverse.

Taking everything into consideration the Traverse is a bit of mixed bag. It neither does anything groundbreaking nor it has any fatal flaws. It is an excellent vehicle if you need to accommodate a larger group of people and still have room for shopping bags. Third-row seats are comfortable and spacious, treating passengers with a wide array of techs and features. The interiors are pleasing too but when compared to the Honda Pilot, some might find the latter more appealing.

It is a handsome looking SUV on the exterior too and it commands great road presence. It is priced very competitively in its segment which makes the choice all the more difficult. While there is little to choose in between these vehicles and the choice perhaps now comes down to personal preference but the Chevrolet Traverse makes a strong case for itself and stands as a great vehicle by itself.