2019 Chevrolet Traverse Reviews, Pricing & Specs

Chevrolet redesigned its full-size Traverse crossover in 2018, replacing its anonymous shape with something handsome and fashion-forward....

Chevrolet redesigned its full-size Traverse crossover in 2018, replacing its anonymous shape with something handsome and fashion-forward. At the same time, Chevrolet preserved all of its positive attributes, especially its cavernous amounts of space and seating for up to eight people. Since the redesign is so recent, there are no major changes for 2019.

The standard engine for the Traverse is a 3.6-liter V6 capable of 310 horsepower and 266 pound-feet of torque, and either standard front-wheel drive (FWD) or optional all-wheel drive (AWD). Opt for RS with FWD, and you’ll instead get a sport-tuned 2.0-liter turbocharged inline 4-cylinder engine with 257 hp and 295 lb-ft of torque. Meanwhile, High Country models get a standard twin-clutch AWD system that’s more advanced than the one offered on other trims. AWD models get 17 city mpg, 25 highway and 20 combined. FWD models get 18 city, 27 highway and 21 combined. The 2.0-liter engine delivers 20 city, 26 highway and 22 combined.

The Traverse comes in several grades. The L trim kicks things off with 18-inch aluminum wheels, a traction mode selector, HID headlights, LED daytime running lights, a 7-inch infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, six USB ports, keyless access and start, and tri-zone automatic climate control. The LS trim adds deep-tinted glass, and also unlocks several packages.

The LT trim comes in cloth or leather sub-trims, but each also has fog lights, a rear power liftgate with programmable height adjustment, an 8-inch infotainment system with motorized up-down movement and hidden storage, a Bose premium 10-speaker audio system, an auto-dimming rearview mirror, a power passenger seat, and heated front seats.

The RS trim carries its own look with gloss black in place of the exterior chrome on other trims, 20-inch black wheels, black Chevrolet emblems with silver outlines, black roof rails, and a black grille.

The Premier trim gets a heated steering wheel, chrome door handles and roof rails, 20-inch machined wheels, leather upholstery, heated outside mirrors with indicators, LED headlights, body-colored side-moldings, a power tilt-and telescoping steering column, and heated second-row captain’s chairs.

The High Country trim is the top of the line, bundling a heavy duty cooling system and trailer hitch, 20-inch polished aluminum wheels, a panoramic sunroof for the first and second rows, a fixed glass roof for the third row, a power-folding split bench seat, and tons of safety technology.

The Traverse was intended to be a family vehicle, and so it certainly has safety at the forefront. A reversing camera and a rear seat reminder come standard. Teen Driver, which allows parents to monitor their children’s driving habits and set limitations on the vehicle, also comes standard. From there, a surround-vision camera system, lane-change alert, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, rear backup sensors, forward collision alert, and LCD-based rearview mirror are all optional. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) has yet to test the Traverse.

If you’re looking for a three-row large crossover that seats an entire family, it’s hard to do better than the Traverse. It definitely deserves a look, especially because of its superior space utilization and drivability versus Chevrolet’s bulkier and pricier Tahoe and Suburban SUVs.