2019 Chevrolet Traverse Premier: The Brand's Three-Row Crossover

Highlight: The Traverse takes a page from the current generation Tahoe, offering a power operated secret storage area, which is built into the infotainment center.

Test Vehicle’s MSRP: $51,049 (Base Model: $31,125)

Seating Capacity: 7 or 8

Standard Safety Features: ABS; airbags; traction control system; a back up camera; a teen driver safety mode; a tool kit road emergency service; a compact tire; and a tire pressure monitor system

Standard Equipment (LS): 18-inch wheels; a 9-speed automatic transmission; cloth seats; 8-passenger seating; a remote keyless entry system; a manually operated tri-zone a/c system; in-car WiFi; a rear seat reminder; a manually operated tilt/telescopic steering wheel; a capless fuel filler door; a cargo storage tray under the floor; and electric parking brakes

Standard Equipment (Premier): 20-inch aluminum wheels; a 3.6-liter engine, producing 310-horsepower; an automatic temperature control system; a lane change alert system with a side blind zone alert system; a memory operated driver seats; a 360-degree camera; a rear parking assist system with audible warning; a power driver’s seat; heated front seats; ventilated seats; power tilt/telescopic steering wheel; a leather wrapped steering wheel; wireless charging devices; a power rear liftgate; and chrome roof rails                                                                                                                   
Options On Test Vehicle: 20-inch painted wheels with red accents and dual sunroof

Other Trim Levels:

LS
LT
RS

Standard Audio On Test Vehicle: AM/FM/SiriusXM with a satellite radio

Apple CarPlay & Android: Yes

Bluetooth Connectivity: Yes

USB Connectivity: Yes

Android/Apple CarPlay: Yes

Bumper-to-Bumper Warranty: 3 years or 36,000 miles

Powertrain Warranty: 5 years or 60,000 miles

Standard Engine/Horsepower: 2.0-liter turbo, 4-cylinder/257-hp

Towing: 1,500 lbs

Recommended Fuel: Regular

Standard Fuel Mileage: 25-city/30-hwy

What’s New: After being redesigned during the 2018 model year, with the exception of a few package tweaks, the crossover is basically a carryover model.

Why: The fullsize crossover/SUV is available in a front wheel drive or an all-wheel drive configuration. Chevy’s car-like people mover is capable of carrying upwards of 8 people comfortably and offers loads of utility space for moving people or carrying cargo. This vehicle is also outfitted with a usable third-row seat, which can easily accommodate adults for road trips or trips around town. 

The Traverse is also available with a variety of powertrains. While Chevy's powertrain team has designed the vehicle with a choice of engines, our review vehicle was equipped with the larger 6-cylinder engine, which produced 310-horsepower. We found this powertrain to be more than adequate for a three-row crossover.

As you might know, the second-generation Traverse underwent a major overhaul during the 2018 model year. This family vehicle offers everything from an optional dual rear entertainment system built into the headrests to a variety of ports to plug-in one's mobile devices to a place holder for tablets to in-vehicle WiFi to a dual skyroof. Many of the aforementioned features are available on the higher line Premier and High Country trims.

Depending on the trim, Chevy’s fullsize crossover is available with the latest safety driving aids, too. Some of those features range from a blind zone alert system to a lane change assist system to a rear parking assist audible system.

And for those seeking the latest high-tech safety driving aids, they’ll need to step up to the more premium High Country trim. The High Country trim is outfitted with a front automatic braking system, a forward collision braking system, a lane keep assist system, a lane departure system and a radar activated cruise control system.

But: Despite Chevy offering a sporty trim on the Traverse, the ride, the handling and the steering is still somewhat uneventful. This is not a performance vehicle. This dependable family vehicle is designed to move both people and cargo comfortably.

Also the exterior design seems to be the most conservative, when compared to  its siblings from Buick and Cadillac. The elongated hood looks like it should be worn on a truck, as opposed to a crossover. The fascia is aligned with the Chevy Malibu, which will soon be one of the few cars that remain in the brand’s line up, as a number of nameplates are being phased-out.

Moreover, for those seeking such driving aids as radar-activated cruise control system, they’ll have to step up to the top of the line High Country. One other item we must note is that the top of the line High Country trim is only available in an all wheel drive configuration.

Lastly, we’re not sure if we would opt for a 4-cylinder engine in this fullsize vehicle. While the turbo is only available in the RS trim, the 6-cylinder engine in the vehicle we reviewed and overall combined mileage was barely 1-mpg less than the 4-cylinder turbo. Ironically, the 4-cylinder turbo engine, which produces 257-horsepower, requires premium fuel, while the 6-cylinder engine, which spews out 310-horsepower, only requires regular unleaded. Go figure?

Verdict: For buyers seeking a people mover that can accommodate upwards of eight occupants, the Traverse should be placed on one’s shopping list. Its available in a variety trims, with an array of features. Chevy’s three-row crossover is great for road trips or tooling around time.

Competition: Ford Explorer; Honda Pilot; Hyundai Santa Fe XL; Kia Sorento; Mazda CX-9; Nissan Pathfinder; Subaru Ascent; Toyota Highlander; and Volkswagen Atlas