Test Drive: Chevrolet Traverse, A Pretty Respectable Crossover

What we finally have here is the 2009 Chevy Traverse! If you want to use the promotional literature, it’s not a car, not a wagon, not an SUV nor a minivan; yet, to some degree it’s all of the above, as it can tow a good-sized trailer and it's an 8-passenger crossover vehicle. At close look, it's somewhat a minivan with big wheels and no sliding side doors. A crossover vehicle is usually based on the lighter and unified body structure of a car. The Traverse uses GM’s dedicated Lambda platform, which also fortifies the GMC Acadia. Chevy needed the Traverse on the roads expressly, considering they don't have a fit between the Malibu and Trailblazer, The latter to be discontinued within the year.

Driving impressions

The prospect of driving a Chevrolet Traverse is exceptional. It is a quiet vehicle at cruising speeds and on the highway. The tachometer indicator was just under the 2,000 r.p.m. mark at about 100 km/h, which really spells comfort and economy. But what really was sort of annoying and I couldn’t found a simple way around it is the speed limit tag that kept appearing on the screen hiding the odometer until I had to  slow down to 120 km/h to make it go away!

The all-wheel drive system works on a 90/10 front/rear torque split in most driving situations, but it can send 100 per cent of torque to the rear wheels, if necessary. Distribution of torque is completely automatic which is based upon vehicle speed, throttle position and individual wheel slip with no driver involvement in the equation.

We were asked to test drive the Chevy Traverse on city streets and highways in and around Abu Dhabi, and more importantly, old back roads that were riddled with potholes and broken pavement. What I discovered was a chassis set up to smooth out the bumps and provide a comfortable, compliant ride. The steering was short on feedback, but there was decent on-center feel and we didn't sense the need for constant corrections. In addition, the issue of brakes, which I’m happy to report, doesn't qualify as an issue at all. The four-wheel discs did a praiseworthy job of slowing things down in a hurry, although the ABS system kicked in a little too easily once or twice.

The Engine

Charged with motivating the all-new Chevy Traverse crossover SUV is the same 3.6-liter, direct-injection V-6 engine that's found elsewhere in the GM stable. Our front-wheel-drive 1LT test vehicle boasted 281 horsepower and 343 Nm of torque. Move up to the LTZ, you get dual exhaust and  a jump to 288 horses and 366 Nm of torque. The V-6 engine is mated to a six-speed automatic transmission that lacks sport mode, but does offer a +/- button that allows drivers to manually control shift points. Frankly, driving the 2009 Chevy Traverse doesn't conjure up the desire to rip through the gears, meaning you'll likely be content to let the gearbox do all the work; do that and this Chevy will reward you with smooth, nearly faultless shifts.

Interior Impressions

The 2009 Chevy Traverse will let you find what's offered in many of today's crossovers – two rows of comfortable, spacious seating and a third row best suited for smaller adults and children, or taller individuals in a squeeze. To its credit, that split/folding third row is more accommodating than versions provided by some competitors, and the second row's handy tilt and slide mechanism makes for easy access. For its part, the standard second-row bench offers recline capable seat with plenty of room, especially when you take advantage of the fore/aft sliding feature. I already tried the optional second-row captain's chairs in another test vehicle, finding them to be too narrow and lacking sufficient thigh support. My suggestion would be to attach with the split bench. Move up to the front row and you're treated to supportive seats with ample foot and head room.

Aside from seating, the Traverse's interior is noteworthy because of its style and function. Contrasting colors and curved panels give the cabin an attractive look, and the gauge cluster bears some resemblance to the example we'll be seeing in the new 2010 Chevy Camaro. You'll need to bump up to the GMC Acadia for upgraded plastics, but the Chevy Traverse has you covered with utility – tons of storage with both rear rows folded; cubbies atop the dash, between the seats, on the doors, and elsewhere, and the ability to tow whatever doesn't fit inside!

So where does this leave the Chevy Traverse? Chevy's pricing is going to be the major key in selling comparing to other SUVs in its class.

Verdict

The new Chevrolet Traverse offers extra inside space, seating for seven or eight and good pulling power in a modern-looking package that’s both fuel-efficient and attractive.