2009 Chevrolet Traverse Full Review
Date Published: 7/09/08
Also in the 2009 Chevrolet Traverse Review:
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6.
Chevrolet Traverse Full Review
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8.
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2009 Chevrolet Traverse
Sneak Peek
The 2009 Chevrolet Traverse is the first eight-passenger crossover SUV from General Motors' volume division. Traverse shares its basic design with the Buick Enclave, GMC Acadia, and Saturn Outlook. The Chevy differs in pricing, features, and details. Three rows of seats are standard. The 2nd row includes bucket seats or a bench for a total passenger capacity of seven or eight, respectively. Power comes from a 281-hp 3.6-liter V6 engine that teams with a 6-speed automatic transmission. The engine will make 286 hp on models that have a dual exhaust. Traverse will be available with either front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive. Available safety equipment includes ABS, traction control, antiskid system, curtain side airbags, and front side airbags. The Traverse will come in the single, 4-door wagon body style of its corporate cousins, in three trim levels, including entry-level LS, mid-grade LT, and top-line LTZ. 17-inch wheels are standard, 18-inch and 20-inch wheels are available--the 20-inch wheels are standard on LTZ. Available features include DVD entertainment, rear climate control, leather upholstery, navigation system, remote engine start, satellite radio, rear obstacle detection, and a rearview camera. This evaluation is based on preview test drives.
2009 Chevrolet Traverse Road Test
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Pros
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Cons
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Passenger and cargo room |
Coarse-road-surface tire noise |
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Ride and handling |
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Consumer Guide® Road Test Ratings
Acceleration
| AWD LT |
AWD LTZ |
Class Average |
| 6 |
6 |
5.5 |
Ample power with usefully prompt throttle response. Shifts are smooth and generally immediate, though the transmission can be tardy with downshifts at highway speed.
Fuel Economy
| AWD LT |
AWD LTZ |
Class Average |
| 4 |
4 |
4.1 |
No opportunity to measure. Traverse uses regular grade gas.
Ride Quality
| AWD LT |
AWD LTZ |
Class Average |
| 6 |
6 |
5.4 |
Firm and controlled, but always comfortable with no harshness over even major road imperfections. Little real difference between the LT's standard 18-inch wheels and the LTZ's 20s, though very small bumps are more clearly felt in the LTZ. We have not yet tested an LS model with its standard 17-inch wheels.
Steering/Handling/Braking
| AWD LT |
AWD LTZ |
Class Average |
| 5 |
5 |
4.8 |
Traverse is a large vehicle, but is reasonably agile with little lean in corners. Accurate steering and responsive brakes contribute to making Traverse feel sporty despite its size.
Quietness
| AWD LT |
AWD LTZ |
Class Average |
| 7 |
7 |
5.5 |
Wind and road noise are well squelched. Traverse's engine becomes vocal during acceleration, but sounds refined and is otherwise subdued. LTZs with there 20-inch wheels are marginally louder than other models on coarse surfaces.
Controls
| AWD LT |
AWD LTZ |
Class Average |
| 7 |
7 |
6.5 |
Big, bright, clear gauges are easy to read. Major controls are where you would expect them to be. No opportunity to evaluate the available navigation system.
Details
| AWD LT |
AWD LTZ |
Class Average |
| 5 |
5 |
5.4 |
Stylish cabin design presents well at a distance, but a closer inspection reveals mostly hard plastic textured for visual effect. Assembly quality on early production vehicles was to a high standard.
Room/Comfort/Driver Seating (front)
| AWD LT |
AWD LTZ |
Class Average |
| 9 |
9 |
7.1 |
Among the largest midsize SUVs, Traverse's cabin feels especially roomy. Big, supportive seats make for good long-trip comfort. Entry step in is a little high, but it's lower than in most traditional truck-type SUVs. Good outward visibility thanks to big mirrors and unobtrusive rear headrests. The view to the front corners is partially obscured by thick roof pillars.
Room/Comfort (rear)
| AWD LT |
AWD LTZ |
Class Average |
| 7 |
7 |
6.4 |
Easy entry through large doors, and Traverse's sliding 2nd-row seats tilt and slide forward to ease access to the 3rd row. Whether buckets or bench, the 2nd-row seats slide fore-aft about 3 inches to benefit either 2nd- or 3rd-row legroom. With the 2nd row slid forward, the 3rd row can accommodate six footers--though they'll ride knees-up. Foot space can be tight in either row.
Cargo Room
| AWD LT |
AWD LTZ |
Class Average |
| 10 |
10 |
8.7 |
A strong point. There's more usable space behind the raised 3rd-row seat than in most midsize SUVs, plus a handy underfloor compartment. Both the 2nd- and 3rd-row seats fold forward easily to create a flat, nearly-level load floor. The available power liftgate is a handy feature. Several bins and cubbies provide ample interior storage.
Value within Class
| AWD LT |
AWD LTZ |
Class Average |
| 10 |
9 |
6.1 |
With seemingly little compromise except for a slightly downgraded interior, Chevy's version of General Motors's midsize crossover quartet is arguably the best value. Traverse offers space, power, and decent handling in a package that looks and feels more expensive than it is. Put it on your shopping list.
Total Score
| AWD LT |
AWD LTZ |
Class Average |
| 76 |
75 |
65.5 |
Scores for all Midsize Sport-utility Vehicles
| Low Score |
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56 |
| Average Score |
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65 |
| High Score |
|
76 |
2009 Chevrolet Traverse Prices & Equipment
Model Prices
Prices Updated:
Coming soon.
Please check back for more information and Consumer Guide's full review.
Rebates and Incentives
There are no rebates or incentives at this time.
Consumer Guide®'s Rebates and Incentives represent a summary of national
manufacturer programs available. Regional restrictions may apply, and offerings
may vary by model. For a complete list of Rebate & Incentive programs
click here.
Optional Equipment
No factory options.
2009 Chevrolet Traverse Specs & Safety
Vehicle Dimensions
| Specification |
Chevrolet Traverse 4-door wagon |
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| Wheelbase, in. |
118.9 |
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| Overall Length, in. |
205.0 |
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| Overall Width, in. |
78.4 |
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| Overall Height, in. |
72.8 |
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| Curb Weight, lbs. |
4720 |
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| Cargo Volume, cu. ft. |
117.9 |
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| Standard Payload, lbs. |
-- |
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| Fuel Capacity, gals. |
22.0 |
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| Seating Capacity |
8 |
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| Front Head Room, in. |
40.4 |
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| Max. Front Leg Room, in. |
41.3 |
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| Rear Head Room, in. |
39.4 |
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| Max. Rear Leg Room, in. |
36.8 |
Specifications Key: NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist.
Engines
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dohc V6 |
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| Size, liters/cu. in. |
3.6 /217 |
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| Horsepower @ rpm. |
281 @ 6400 |
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| Torque (lb-ft) @ rpm. |
253 @ 5500 |
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| Availability |
Standard |
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EPA City / highway mpg
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| 6-speed automatic |
16/22 |
Engine Key: l/cu in. = liters/cubic inches; ohv = overhead valve; ohc = overhead camshaft;
dohc = dual overhead camshaft; I = inline cylinders; H = horizonally opposed cylinders;
V = cylinders in a V configuration; W = cylinders in a W configuration; rpm = revolutions
per minute; CVT = continuously variable (automatic) transmission; NA = not available; "--"
= measurement does not exist.
NHTSA Crash-Test Results
| Test |
Chevrolet Traverse 4-door wagon |
Coming soon.
Please check back for more information and Consumer Guide's full review.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) tests a vehicle's
worthiness in front- and side-impact collisions and rates its resistance to
rollovers. Front-impact crash-test numbers indicate the chance of serious injury:
5 = 10% or less; 4 = 10-20%; 3 = 20-35%; 2 = 35-45%; 1 = More than 45%. Side-impact
crash-test numbers indicate: 5 = 5% or less; 4 = 6-10%; 3 = 11-20%; 2 = 21-25%;
1 = More than 26%. Rollover resistance numbers indicate the chance for rollover
when the vehicle leaves the roadway: 5 = Less than 10%; 4 = 10-20%; 3 = 20-30%;
2 = 30-40%; 1 = More than 40%.
Built in:
USA
Drivewheels:
front-wheel drive, all-wheel drive
Also in the 2009 Chevrolet Traverse Review:
5.
6.
Chevrolet Traverse Full Review
7.
8.
9.