Consumer Guide put over 300 miles on Chevy's new-for-2009 people-mover, the Traverse.
Base Price: $35,515
Options: Leather seating (leather-appointed seats, heated front seats, four-way power-adjustable passenger seat), Rear seat DVD entertainment with 115-volt power outlet, Trailering package (heavy-duty cooling system, trailer hitch), Dual skyscape sunroof, Two-way advanced remote start (dealer installed), Roof rack cross rails (dealer installed)
Price as Tested: $41,855
Total Miles Tested: 311 miles
Fuel Economy: 16.8 mpg
| Editors' Comments |
| Jennifer Geiger: This tester strikes me as a bit expensive, but it's also totally loaded with features. Overall, I think Traverse is an excellent alternative to a minivan or a large SUV. It's got all the creature comforts of a minivan, but none of the stodgy styling; it's got a lot of the cargo and passenger space of a larger SUV, but is more maneuverable. |
| Rick Cotta:
It's a big beast to be sure--and never really lets you forget it--but
Traverse impresses with its room, ride, and overall appeal. Large
doors, available 8-passenger seating, copious cargo space, and clever
storage solutions make it a terrific people-mover, while its fine road
manners, beefy composure (those big tires eat Chicago potholes for
lunch), and optional AWD provide rational excuses to those who would
normally be forced to buy a minivan they'd rather not have to drive. |
| Ed Piotrowski: GM can't buy a break. In happier times, Chevy could probably count on Traverse sales to push 200,000 units per year. Given the current economic climate and the corporation's precarious standing, this crossover will probably be lucky to see 40 percent of that figure. That's really a shame, too, because Traverse is nothing short of excellent. It does a wonderful job of blending smooth performance, quiet operation, cavernous passenger and cargo room, and value pricing. If you want or need what a 7- or 8-passenger SUV has to offer, Traverse deserves a spot very near the top of your shopping list. |
Our test 2009 Chevrolet Traverse LT averaged 16.8 mpg in mixed city/highway driving.
04.16.2009
