‘TRAVERSE’ AND ENJOY THE LANDSCAPE IN THIS CHEVY CROSSOVER
Numerous three-row SUVs compete vigorously in the market but among the standouts is the Traverse. Sharing its design with the Buick Enclave and GMC Acadia, the body-frame integral structure of this Chevrolet will boost the confidence of any driver. For 2025, the High Country trim has been added to this third-gen midsize SUV while the 3.6-liter V-6 power train has been dropped. It has been replaced by a 2.5-liter 4-cylinder turbocharged engine putting out a healthy 328 (up 18) horsepower @ 5500 rpm and 326 pounds-feet of torque @ 3500 rpm. That is plenty of clout to propel this nearly 4,500-pound SUV toward its destination briskly on challenging roads.
Power routed through the crisp-shifting 8-speed auto gear box delivers adequate performance. Standard active noise cancellation isolates occupants from road sound and imperfections in this front-wheel or all-wheel-drive ride.
The familiar bow-tie emblem sits in the center of the chrome flanked by LED headlights and a three-slat stack underneath. Of course, it’s in the passenger/cargo department that the Traverse truly shines. Have a seat up front in the muscularly-styled SUV and you will notice that the previous center stack hosting the 8-inch infotainment touch screen is history. In its place sits a massive 17.7-inch display as well as an 11-inch driver information center. However, large illuminated climate controls are still in place. Thanks to tri-zone auto a/c, the driver and all passengers can control their own individual temperature settings. The 60/40 second- and 50/50-third-row seats are power operated. That opens up 98 cubic feet of stowing area. Simply put, throw in a stroller, numerous pieces of luggage, backpack, ice chest, cooler, etc. into the cargo hold and the Traverse laps it all up. Lest we forget, there is a huge storage bin underneath the cargo hold as well as hidden nooks and crannies in the passenger-through island-like center console. And there’s even more such as eight-power driver and six-way power front-passenger heated/cooled seats, power steering column/lift gate, heated second-row seat, 10-speaker Bose sound system and Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
Standard safety features include dual front and side airbags, side curtain airbag for both rows, front center airbag, four-wheel antilock brakes with brake assist, antiskid system, stability and traction control, remote vehicle start, rearview camera, rear park, rear cross traffic and forward collision alerts, lane keep and hill start assist, tire pressure monitoring system and daytime running lights. Super Cruise, a hands-free driving assistance system, is a part of the package.
Don’t expect this virtually full-size Traverse to be a fuel-sipper. But a solid chassis and exceptional people- and cargo-carrying capabilities will serve the needs of large households quite well.
TRAVERSE (HIGH COUNTRY FWD)
Tires: P275/45R22 all-season
Wheelbase: 121 inches
Length: 204.5 inches
Width: 79.6 inches
Height: 70.6 inches
Suspension: MacPherson strut independent front; 5-link rear
Steering: electric variable power
Tow capacity: 5,000 pounds
Fuel capacity: 21.7 gallons
Highway: 27 mpg
City: 20 mpg
Base price: $53,600
Price as tested: $56,990
Web site: www.chevrolet.com
Nitish S. Rele operates motoringtampabay.com and Khaas Baat, and was an
automotive editor/columnist for the
Tampa Tribune. Email him at
motoringflorida@gmail.com
