Why is there even a crossover SUV segment in the automotive industry?  The reason is simple, once we saw the unibody design the goal was to make these vehicles perform and drive like sedans as much as possible.   In order to do that, the vehicles had to get smaller, but we still want space, so they had to retain some size as well.  One of the most popular crossover SUVs that does this perfectly is the Chevrolet Traverse.  This SUV has been the blend between the size of a Tahoe and the drivability of a Malibu for years and continues its excellence into the 2016 model year.

In a class with the Honda Pilot, Toyota Highlander and Ford Explorer you can see what the Traverse is up against and what it needs to offer.  This SUV offers the size you need with the drive you want and can accommodate the whole family in a three-row setup that has a reasonable beginning price of around $32,000.  With the ability to tow up to 5,200 pounds the Traverse is the vehicle of choice when the job is easier and the road is where you spend most of your time but you want to be able to head out on trails as well.

As I said this SUV is a great drive.  The drivetrain offers a fantastic suspension and stiff chassis to make it a smooth, strong and confident drive for you.  This is not the vehicle to turn sharp corners or to spin around quickly, but it does have a ride you can enjoy that allows you to feel you are in control.  This SUV takes on the pavement and takes care of the blemishes and potholes without making you feel every bump or bruise in the road.

What has become the favorite part of most GM vehicles (or at least the most advertised)?  The built in Wi-Fi hotspot that is available through the OnStar system right?  Of course and its present on the Traverse along with keyless entry, a rearview camera, Bluetooth connectivity, satellite radio, a 6.5-inch touchscreen and USB ports all are standard on the LS base model.  The LT adds a power driver’s seat, a leather wrapped steering wheel, rear parking assistance and a power liftgate.  At the top, LTZ model the additions include leather upholstery, dual exhausts, a power increase, a Bose premium audio system, a heated steering wheel, heated and cooled front seats and a blind spot monitoring system with forward collision monitoring.

That seems like a lot of standard items for a Chevrolet, but you can up the ante by adding AWD, a navigation system, blind spot monitoring with rear cross traffic alerts for the LS and LT, a power liftgate, a ten-speaker Bose audio system, a rear seat DVD entertainment system, a dual panel sunroof and the MyLink Touch telematics which has the Bluetooth connectivity, hands free phone communication, voice recognition and apps such as Pandora.

The single engine offered for the Traverse is a 3.6-liter V6 engine that is attached to a six-speed automatic transmission.  For the LS and LT trims this engine puts out 281 horsepower and 266 lb.-ft. of torque.  For the LTZ trim a dual exhaust is added which helps add power to bring the engine to 288 horsepower and 270 lb.-ft. of torque.  The fuel mileage for this vehicle comes in at 17 city/24 hwy for the FWD version and 16 city/23 hwy mpg for the AWD model.  The Traverse offers a 5,200 pound towing capacity which is more than most of the competition giving you a great way to bring more stuff with you.

Three rows of seats are fund in the Traverse allowing seating for seven or eight and the third row is actually large enough to allow adults to sit in them.  The controls are easy to find and intuitively placed in order to make driving and immediate task.  On the outside the Traverse is highly recognizable with its rounded edges, sharp styling and great look that seems both aggressive and attractive.

As a great model, the price for the Traverse begins at the LS trim by asking $32,000.  The LT has two options the 1LT which is $34,900 and the 2LT which comes in at $37,400 while the LTZ starts at $43,040.  AWD will cost an additional $2,000 on any model that doesn’t have it and a fully loaded Traverse can run just over $50,000 but at this price you are in the luxury range and making some serious waves in the market.  As a highly popular model, the Traverse makes a smart choice of an enjoyable drive with plenty of great features for the whole family to enjoy.