2018 Chevrolet Traverse – A Handsome Crossover

2018 Chevrolet Traverse

Back in the early 2017 GM released the all new Traverse. The car went on sale months later, back in July, and since then it became one of the better selling crossovers on the US market. So far the Traverse managed to impress with its great driving characteristics and great amount of interior space. Unlike its predecessor, the new model uses GM’s all new C1XX modular architecture which also underpins the Cadillac XT5. This is a front wheel drive unibody design which is quite a bit lighter than its predecessor. The car features a longer wheelbase than before and it is wider as well. However, it is slightly shorter and lower to the ground which translates in quite a bit better driving characteristics. There is also more room available inside the cabin which quite a few people are going to love

In detail

Instead of being dull to drive, the new Traverse falls right between most of its rivals which is quite an impressive feat. The car is stiffer than before but not to the point of being uncomfortable. On top of that, it features far better brakes than the older model and it feels more planted to the road as well.

2018 Chevrolet Traverse

source:chevrolet.com                                                                             2018 Chevrolet Traverse

Not everything is great though. For now there is just an engine choice but we do hope this will change in the near future. It also looks like its price may be a bit much for today’s market. Even so, the 2018 Chevrolet Traverse managed to impose itself as the better crossovers on sale.

Release date and price

The new 2018 version of the car is already available for sale but its price is nothing to write home about. The most basic version of the car, the L, starts at a rather steep $31,000 with the mid-range version going for over $35,500. The range-topping model on the other hand costs $53,000 without any options which is a bit much for a car like the Traverse. Even so, it looks like the car has been quite successful and things won’t change anytime soon.

The design

One of the most impressive parts about the 2018 Chevrolet Traverse has to be the way it looks. GM somehow managed to offer a far prettier crossover while not ruining the proportions.

2018 Chevrolet Traverse Design

source:chevrolet.com                                                              2018 Chevrolet Traverse Design

The longer wheelbase makes the car seem lower than it actually is. On top of that, the front end boasts GM’s all new dual-grille design found on all modern Chevrolets. The window-line is similar to that of its predecessor but it looks a bit sportier too.

2018 Chevrolet Traverse Design

source:chevrolet.com                                                          2018 Chevrolet Traverse Design

The rear on the other hand boasts a far nicer design which is definitely going to stand the test of time. The only real gripe we have with it has to be the dual-exhaust system which doesn’t look all that great on the range-topping model.

The interior

Even the most basic model of the new Traverse gets things such as a 7.0 inch infotainment system, a few safety features as standard, a tire-monitoring system as well as six USB ports, two of which can be used to play music as well.

2018 Chevrolet Traverse Interior

source:chevrolet.com                                                            2018 Chevrolet Traverse Interior

Unfortunately only the higher end versions of the car are going to feature things like leather upholstery, ventilated seats or even a color instrument cluster.

2018 Chevrolet Traverse Specs

For now the 2018 Chevrolet Traverse can be had with a single engine choice. This is a 3.6 liter naturally aspirated V6. Even though its displacement is the same ass that of its predecessor, the engine itself is actually new. This is GM’s new LFY unit which is good for 310 horsepower and 266 lb-ft of torque. The engine sends the power to the front wheels via a standard 9 speed automatic which is not only smooth but quite fast as well. The end result is a 0 to 60 MPH time of around 6.5 seconds with a limited top speed of 130 MPH. The car will do 25 MPG on the highway, as rated by the EPA, and 17 MPG in the city which is barely average. However, things will improve in the near future. It looks like GM is going to install a new 2.0 liter turbo-four. This should boast around 250 horsepower and 300 lb-ft of torque. The perk will be its much better fuel efficiency and its far higher low-end torque.

2018 Chevrolet Traverse
Dimensions And Weight
Wheelbase 120.9 in
Length 204.3 in
Height 70.7 in
Width 78.6 in
Weight N/A
Engine And Transmission
Engine type V6
Displacement 3.6 liter
Power/torque 310 hp/266 lb-ft
Transmission 9-speed automatic transmission
Performance
0-60 mph 6.5 seconds
Top speed 130 mph
PRICE RANGE:$31,000 – $53,000
Competitors:Honda Pilot,Nissan Pathfinder