Chevrolet Traverse: 2018 Motor Trend SUV of the Year Finalist

We Like: Brawny style, ride/handling balance, stowage and USBs aplenty

We Don’t Like: Dumb AWD switch, no driver-side tilt/slide seat

We expected a typical generational upgrade from the dozy last-gen Traverse, but we found ourselves awarding the newbie high marks in nearly all of our criteria. Chevy’s sharp new look translates surprisingly well to this full-figured CUV. The weight loss and superbly tuned nine-speed automatic advance its efficiency standings, and in terms of performance of intended function it trumps the rival VW Atlas.

Here’s a sampling of the love. Christian Seabaugh: “The interior materials quality is noticeably higher than in the VW Atlas.” Scott Evans: “The handling is excellent for the size and weight, and the new automatic maximizes power delivery without always grabbing the highest gear no matter what.” Angus MacKenzie: “The Chevy proved better on the off-road sections than the Volkswagen—quieter, smoother, more comfortable, and more enjoyable. Linear steering with meaty feel.”

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All the tough stuff—driving dynamics, design, pricing, and packaging—are nearly spot-on, so the to-fix list is pretty short. At the top: Add the cool second-row tilt-n-slide mechanism to the left-side seat; we usually load the car in a driveway or garage, not at the curb. Reposition and redesign the AWD-mode switch so we can see and comprehend it. Fix the jiggly, flimsy exterior door handles. And relocate the rear-hatch latch away from the bumper, where it clearly will freeze over with accumulated snow.

Although the VW’s third row is more comfortable and accessible, everywhere else this Chevy has the minivan-replacement mission accomplished.

2018 Chevrolet Traverse AWD (Premier)
POWERTRAIN/CHASSIS
DRIVETRAIN LAYOUT	Front-engine, AWD
ENGINE TYPE	60-deg V-6, alum block/heads
VALVETRAIN	DOHC, 4 valves/cyl
DISPLACEMENT	217.5 cu in/3,564 cc
COMPRESSION RATIO	11.5:1
POWER (SAE NET)	310 hp @ 6,800 rpm*
TORQUE (SAE NET)	266 lb-ft @ 2,800 rpm*
REDLINE	6,500 rpm
WEIGHT TO POWER	15.0 lb/hp
TRANSMISSION	9-speed automatic
AXLE/FINAL-DRIVE/LOW RATIO	3.49:1/2.16:1
SUSPENSION, FRONT; REAR	Struts, coil springs, anti-roll bar; multilink, coil springs, anti-roll bar
STEERING RATIO	17.3:1
TURNS LOCK-TO-LOCK	3.3
BRAKES, F; R	12.6-in vented disc; 12.4-in vented disc, ABS
WHEELS	8.0 x 20-in cast aluminum
TIRES	255/55R20 107H (M+S) Continental CrossContact LX 20
DIMENSIONS
WHEELBASE	120.9 in
TRACK, F/R	67.3/67.0 in
LENGTH x WIDTH x HEIGHT	204.3 x 78.6 x 70.7 in
GROUND CLEARANCE	7.5 in
APPRCH/DEPART ANGLE	13.3/21.3 deg
TURNING CIRCLE	39.0 ft
CURB WEIGHT	4,639 lb
WEIGHT DIST, F/R	57/43%
TOWING CAPACITY	5,000 lb
SEATING CAPACITY	7
HEADROOM, F/M/R	41.3/40.0/38.2 in
LEGROOM, F/M/R	41.0/38.4/33.5 in
SHOULDER ROOM, F/M/R	62.1/62.2/57.5 in
CARGO VOLUME, BEHIND 1st/2nd/3rd	98.2/57.8/23.0 cu ft
TEST DATA
ACCELERATION TO MPH
0-30	2.5 sec
0-40	3.6
0-50	4.9
0-60	6.7
0-70	8.7
0-80	11.1
0-90	13.9
0-100	—
PASSING, 45-65 MPH	3.4
QUARTER MILE	15.2 sec @ 90.6 mph
BRAKING, 60-0 MPH	135 ft (126 ft est)
LATERAL ACCELERATION	0.77 g (avg)
MT FIGURE EIGHT	27.8 sec @ 0.61 g (avg)
TOP-GEAR REVS @ 60 MPH	1,600 rpm
CONSUMER INFO
BASE PRICE	$48,295
PRICE AS TESTED	$50,140
STABILITY/TRACTION CONTROL	Yes/Yes
AIRBAGS	7: Dual front, front side, front center, f/r curtain
BASIC WARRANTY	3 yrs/36,000 miles
POWERTRAIN WARRANTY	5 yrs/60,000 miles
ROADSIDE ASSISTANCE	5 yrs/60,000 miles
FUEL CAPACITY	21.7 gal
REAL MPG, CITY/HWY/COMB	Not tested
EPA CITY/HWY/COMB ECON	17/25/20 mpg
ENERGY CONS, CITY/HWY	198/135 kW-hrs/100 miles
CO2 EMISSIONS, COMB	0.98 lb/mile
RECOMMENDED FUEL	Unleaded regular

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