Chevrolet Traverse

Powertrain

The Chevrolet Traverse features the LLT engine, a 3,564 cc (3.564 L; 217.5 cu in) DOHC V6 with VVT and direct injection. The other Lambda-based vehicles also have this powertrain in the 2009 model year. A 6-speed automatic transmission gives power to the front or all wheels. The Traverse delivers 281 hp (210 kW) with the torque at 266 lb·ft. in the LS and LT models. The LTZ model, with dual exhaust, delivers 288 hp (215 kW) and the torque comes in at 270 lb·ft.

Design

The Traverse name was originally used for a concept car at the 2003 North American International Auto Show in Detroit, but that concept gave way when the Chevrolet Equinox launched for the 2005 model year. The production Traverse's design was inspired by the 2005 Chevrolet Sequel concept, and has a chevron-shaped grille similar to the 2008 Chevrolet Malibu. The Traverse has unique sheet metal different from the other Lambda crossovers, with the exception of the doors.

Marketing

The Traverse was part of a product placement by GM in the NBC drama My Own Worst Enemy, along with the new Chevrolet Camaro; the show was cancelled in mid-November 2008. The vehicle also appears on the remake of Hawaii Five-0 and The Mentalist.

Contrary to popular belief, the Traverse is not named after Traverse City, MI.

2010

On the LT models, the early 2010 update caused the Traverse to lose the "TRAVERSE" badges on the front doors. Shortly after the production shift to Lansing, the GM badges were removed from the front doors, particularly for the 2010.5 model year run. Like the Chevrolet Impala, the 2010 model year of the Traverse made it one of the few Chevrolet vehicles to have been updated twice.

2013 Facelift

A smiling facelift of the Chevrolet Traverse was unveiled at the 2012 New York Auto Show. The 2013 Traverse receives a new grill and front fascia, a redesigned rear liftgate, and reworked Camaro-inspired tail lights, and the transmission has been reworked for improved shift quality and timing. Pictures were released by GM on March 28, 2012. Chevrolet's new color touch-screen and MyLink radios are standard, as well as wood interior trim. Both cloth and leather seating surfaces will be available, depending on the model. Cloth is standard on the LS and 1LT models, and leather is standard on the LTZ. Both are available on the 2LT model. Some new wheels will be available, and models will continue to be offered in both front wheel drive and all wheel drive versions, ranging from the base LS to the top-of-the-line LTZ. Base price for the 2013 Traverse LS is at $30,510. A Bose audio system will be standard on 2LT and LTZ models.

2014

While there were no cosmetic changes made for the 2014 model year, Chevrolet did add new features to the Traverse: Forward Collision Alert and Lane Departure Warning. Also, the audio system feature was updated, with a dual charge USB port now located at the rear of the center console.

2015

No cosmetic changes. Only two new features, a revised 18-inch wheel appearance and Siri Eyes Free, were added. Siren Red Tintcoat, Sable Metallic, and Blue Velvet Metallic became available as exterior colors, while Ebony/Saddle Up became available as an interior color option.

2016

The 2016 Traverse received minor changes. The trim level were reduced to LS, LT1, LT2, and LTZ. New features include OnStar 4G LTE connectivity with Wi-Fi hotspot, Iridescent Pearl and Mosaic Black Metallic as color palettes, Leather and Driver Confidence Packages for the LT trims, and 20-inch aluminum wheel designs, painted and machined finishes.

2017 and 2018 Limited

The Traverse LTZ trim is renamed to Premier and received CarPlay. Most of the features from the 2016 model year are carried over to the 2017 models, which will be its last before becoming a fleet exclusive vehicle.

Safety

Second Generation (2018-present)

On January 9, 2017, Chevrolet unveiled the second generation Traverse at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit. Introduced as a 2018 model, it will go on sale in Summer 2017. While Chevrolet will make the vehicle available in North America, plans include expanding the Traverse to The Middle East, and selected South American countries.

The updated Traverse moves away from its egg-shaped design to one similar to the Tahoe (Chevrolet is also touting it as a Mid-size SUV because it is closer to the Tahoe than it is to a CUV) while taking the same cues from the now-midsize Acadia, with the Chevrolet front grille design (the same grille as the Equinox) now used and rear lights redesigned. While similar in dimension to the first generation model, it adds an extra 2.0 inches of wheelbase and 0.7 inch more overall length, while it loses 111 pounds overall to come in at a weight of 362 pounds, thus retaining its status as an 8-seat (or 7-seat optional) passenger vehicle. There will be six trims, LS, LT, new sporty RS, Premier, a new sport-styled Redline Edition, and a top of the line High Country level. At The Chicago Auto Show on February 9, 2017, Chevrolet announced that the Traverse will be among the nine models in the Chevrolet lineup to feature the Redline Edition.

A choice of engines will be offered: a V-6 that generates 305 horsepower and 260 lb-ft of torque, while the Ecotec turbo I-4 puts out 255 hp and 295 lb-ft of torque. Both engines are mated to the new nine-speed automatic transmission that GM developed with Ford, allowing it to provide better mpg ratings. The new features include a switch-mode device that can allow drivers to switch drivetrains from 2WD to AWD, USB outlets and wireless phone charging capability, and a hands-free liftgate, which illuminates the Chevrolet bowtie on the ground upon touching.