The Chevrolet Traverse is all about family transportation. From the V6 mounted transversely in its nose back to its tailgate, the Traverse is state-of-the-art middle American family machinery. And isn't that supposed to be Chevy's business? So of all the Chevys, the Chevrolet Traverse is the one that best expresses the essence of what the GM division has been and where it's going.
The Chevy Traverse is built on GM's "Lambda" unibody platform that also underpins several similar crossover vehicles from other GM divisions. Introduced for the 2009 model year, the first-generation Traverse's 118.9-inch wheelbase and 205-inch overall length were both longer than Chevy's full-size, body-on-frame Tahoe SUV. But the Traverse essentially replaced the smaller, midsize Trailblazer in Chevy's line.
However, while the Tahoe is offered only with traditional OHV V8 power plants, the sole engine initially offered in the Traverse was a 3.6-liter DOHC 24-valve, direct-injection V6 rated at 281 horsepower with a single exhaust and 288 hp when the exhaust had dual outlets. A six-speed automatic transaxle was standard on all models and both front- and all-wheel drive were available. By all measures, the first Chevy Traverse was a thoroughly modern crossover.
The Chevy Traverse was a success for Chevy the moment it hit showrooms. While its all-independent suspension offered a solid, well-controlled and comfortable ride, the drivetrain proved up to the task of moving the Traverse's hefty, nearly 2.5-ton weight. But the big attraction was the fact that it offered nearly all the utility of a large, body-on-frame SUV in a more efficient package. With a freeway fuel mileage rating of up to 24 mpg, it was a deal many SUV buyers couldn't resist. About the only thing the Chevy Traverse didn't do as well as its body-on-frame brothers was towing.
But the Chevrolet Traverse was more than a replacement for the midsize traditional SUV. It also virtually replaced the minivan at Chevy. Go looking for a big station wagon at any Chevy dealer and the Traverse is as close as the new-car department will come. That's a lot of market niches for one vehicle to cover, but the Chevy Traverse does it.
