| Compared to the upscale Buick Enclave, the | | | | increased traction on slippery roads by actively |
| distinctive Saturn Outlook and the confident GMC | | | | managing torque distribution between the front and |
| Acadia, the Chevrolet Traverse is probably the best | | | | rear axles. It automatically decides how much torque |
| value amongst all four of GM's new-generation, | | | | to apply and delivers it to the wheels with the best |
| three-row crossover-utility vehicles. | | | | traction. |
| Not by accident, the Traverse looks a bit like a | | | | Riding on a long 118.9-in. wheelbase with wide (67.8-in. |
| tall-wagon version of Chevy's popular Malibu. Beginning | | | | front and 67.4-in. rear) tracks and a relatively low |
| with its Chevy signature split grille, its lines are taut | | | | center of gravity, the Traverse provides a |
| and its shape smoothly aerodynamic to reduce wind | | | | surprisingly crisp and smooth ride, responsive handling. |
| drag and noise. Its body overhangs ahead of and | | | | Suspension is MacPherson struts with aluminum |
| behind the large wheels are minimized to reduce | | | | knuckles and a direct-acting stabilizer bar in front and |
| visual length, a distinctive kick-up above the rear | | | | a compact independent "H" design with isolated |
| wheels sets off the window line, and there are turn | | | | mounting in back. This design also features a near-flat |
| signal "repeaters" in its side mirrors. | | | | floor pan to maximize passenger and cargo space. |
| The cabin can accommodate eight adults with a 60 | | | | Wheels and tires are 17-, 18- or 20-in. depending on |
| 40-split three-passenger bench or seven with | | | | the model. |
| available captain's chairs. Standard third-row seating is | | | | Four-wheel disc brakes with ABS, StabiliTrak |
| a 60/40 bench with a generous 24.4 cu. ft. of cargo | | | | electronic stability control with preventative rollover |
| room behind it. The instrument panel, a Chevy | | | | mitigation, traction control, tire pressure monitoring |
| heritage dual-cockpit design housing two large gauge | | | | and power rack-and-pinion steering are standard, with |
| binnacles surrounded by bright trim rings, is mounted | | | | variable-effort boost available. The standard |
| low and forward to enhance visibility, with the | | | | electronic braking system features Panic Brake Assist |
| available navigation screen prominently integrated at | | | | (PBA)), Dynamic Rear Proportioning (DRP), and |
| its upper-center. | | | | Hydraulic Brake Boost (HBB). DRP optimizes front to |
| The direct-injected 3.6-liter V-6 delivers V-8-like | | | | rear brake balance based on driving conditions and |
| power yet runs on regular unleaded gas. With | | | | vehicle loading, HBB amplifies braking force to reduce |
| available dual exhausts, its rated output swells to 288 | | | | stopping distance when engine vacuum is low and |
| hp and 270 lb.-ft. of torque. Direct injection sprays | | | | PBA assists emergency stopping by maintaining or |
| fuel directly into each cylinder, where it is mixed with | | | | adding brake pressure even if the driver backs off. |
| air, then vaporizes, which cools the air/fuel mixture. | | | | Also standard are second-row sliding seats, heated |
| That enables a higher compression ratio, which | | | | power outside mirrors with blind-spot mirrors, XM |
| improves both performance and efficiency, so less | | | | Satellite Radio and GM OnStar with one year |
| fuel can deliver more power compared to | | | | Directions & Connections service, which features |
| conventional port-injection. EPA economy is better | | | | "Turn-by-Turn" navigation instructions, |
| than most, and as good as any in this segment, at | | | | Bluetooth-enabled hands-free calling and an Advanced |
| 24 mpg highway and 17 city with front-wheel drive | | | | Crash Response System. A "360-degree" safety |
| (FWD) and one mpg less with available all-wheel drive | | | | system includes new anchor pretensioners for |
| (AWD). | | | | outboard occupants and six standard airbags that |
| The advanced six-speed automatic delivers smooth, | | | | cover all three rows. Its rollover sensing system |
| clutch-to-clutch shifting with shift stabilization and | | | | activates the head curtain bags and belt |
| automatic grade braking in both FWD and AWD | | | | pretensioners if sensors conclude that a rollover is |
| models. Its aggressive 4.48:1 first gear delivers | | | | imminent, and the bags stay inflated longer to help |
| excellent launch feel, while its tall 0.74:1 overdrive top | | | | keep occupants from being ejected. If a crash |
| gear lowers rpm to conserve fuel at highway speeds. | | | | activates an airbag, the OnStar system automatically |
| The available intelligent AWD system reacts to wheel | | | | notifies an OnStar advisor, who immediately calls the |
| speed, throttle and surface conditions to provide | | | | vehicle and summons emergency help. |