When Common Motors went bankrupt in 2008, one of many explanations given to elucidate its skidding off the rails was the American large’s stubbornness to multiply the variety of fashions it produced on a single platform. All too typically, the identical automobile was being put in the marketplace sporting a distinct set of garments. The sequence of minivans produced by the automaker (the Chevrolet Uplander, Pontiac Montana SV6, Saturn Relay and Buick Terraza) is however one eloquent instance of this unlucky behavior.
Beginning with the sinking of Pontiac, Saturn and Hummer in 2008, this overuse of the identical platform has step by step given method as the corporate restructured. However there are nonetheless indelible traces of this previous mentality in at the moment’s lineup of fashions below the GM banner.
Take the corporate’s three-row crossovers. GM affords the Chevrolet Traverse, GMC Acadia and Buick Enclave, with the Cadillac XT6 becoming a member of the fray in current months. They’re all household utility fashions, and whereas there are a couple of parts particular to every mannequin, ultimately, we’re nonetheless uncomfortably near the “previous GM” system. Alternatively, given the pinnacle begin proffered on any mannequin dubbed an SUV as of late, you may’t actually fault the highest brass at Common Motors for going again to the identical nicely again and again.
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Probably the most budget-friendly of GM’s quartet of crossovers, the Chevrolet Traverse is likely one of the most welcoming for occupants in its section, and it is also decidedly higher constructed than its predecessor. I spent per week with the spruced-up RS model of it on the tail finish of winter.
A welcoming inside
That includes a “stretched” exterior proportions, the Chevrolet Traverse gives an equally expanded setting inside. There isn’t any scarcity of house on this large SUV. Up entrance, occupants don’t have anything to complain about, nor do passengers within the second row of seats; the 2 buckets may be moved ahead or backward to enhance legroom if wanted. Third row entry, nevertheless, shouldn’t be the Chevrolet Traverse’s biggest energy.
The RS trim is a bit plusher than the LS and LT variations of the Traverse, and that’s clear as quickly as you get inside, with the leather-based upholstery including a component of luxurious you don’t all the time affiliate with a Chevy.
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As for the dashboard, it doesn’t but inherit parts from the brand new dashboard designs of the model’s large pachyderms, the Tahoe and Yukon, which now have a display inserted proper within the center, as is more and more the case all through the trade. The Traverse’s touchscreen can nevertheless be lifted by urgent a button positioned beneath it, which additionally reveals a hidden space for storing.
As soon as once more, I discovered that GM’s infotainment system continues to be the most effective within the trade, in good half due to its picture high quality and ease of use. I also needs to point out that the responsiveness of the touchscreen is superb. Hats off to the designers of the system.
When it comes to consolation, the seats within the first two rows are smooth sufficient to make sure a clean journey. Passengers within the third row should make do with much less well-padded seats. In any case, that row is usually reserved for youngsters.
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Acquainted mechanics
Underneath the hood, the outdated 3.6L naturally-aspirated V6 is again this yr within the Traverse RS, and in my view, it is the most effective mechanical possibility out there. The 6-cylinder isn’t any beast nevertheless it does a high-quality job of transferring this large automobile round. Bolted to that unit is a 9-speed computerized transmission tasked with sending energy to the wheels. Be aware that the Traverse offers drivers the choice of a two-wheel-drive configuration to avoid wasting on gas consumption or outright four-wheel drive, which after all turns out to be useful in Canadian winter circumstances.
Enjoyable to drive the Traverse?
The reply to that query is straightforward: probably not. The Chevrolet Traverse RS, regardless of the glamour of its pink badge, is not a sizzling rod or a thoroughbred. The Traverse’s mission is solely family-oriented, and fulfilling that mandate is when the large SUV is at its greatest. These mothers and dads who need to have somewhat enjoyable behind the wheel of their household automobile ought to look elsewhere. The suspension was designed for a cushty journey, the steering is nothing like that of a Camaro, to say the least, and accelerations aren’t overwhelming.
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Regardless of its chintziness on the driving-pleasure entrance, the Chevrolet Traverse RS shouldn’t be disagreeable to make use of on a day-to-day foundation… fortunately! The acquainted naturally-aspirated 3.6L V6 engine does its job very nicely, the 9-speed computerized transmission stays seamless and you may even select the specified drivetrain. I had a smooth spot for the 2WD mode, which is much less wonky than the 4WD in my view. Nonetheless, it is nonetheless reassuring to have the ability to depend on all-wheel drive; my week-long check drive in snowy and icy circumstances introduced that dwelling fairly clearly.
The final phrase
I’ve to handle the difficulty of worth, just because the RS model of the 2020 Chevrolet Traverse RS retails for $49,098 – earlier than choices, preparation charges and taxes, after all! And that is not probably the most well-equipped trim within the lineup.
At this worth, there is not any scarcity of decisions on this section. The provide is in depth and there are various fashions to contemplate, this on prime of the truth that the Traverse is already “previous” in a always renewed class. Driving pleasure is not its most important energy, although that may not be a giant handicap on this section, and the powertrain might be not probably the most technically superior.
Alternatively, Chevrolet’s second-largest SUV depends on a trusty powertrain that is in vast use in GM fashions, and the standard of development and ending of this second-generation Traverse is certainly superior to the primary mannequin, offered till 2017.
Comfy, roomy and able to towing as much as 5,000 lb, the Chevrolet Traverse is no less than worthy of consideration for these with prolonged households on the lookout for a roomy three-row SUV. However, on the danger of repeating myself, there are many decisions within the section.
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We like
The “angle” of the RS badging and accents
House on board
Total high quality on the rise
We like much less
The colourless efficiency of the powertrain
The absence of clever cruise management at this worth
Tough entry to the third row
The competitors
Dodge Durango
Ford Explorer
Honda Pilot
Hyundai Palisade
Kia Telluride
Mazda CX-9
Nissan Pathfinder
Subaru Ascent
Toyota Highlander
Volkswagen Atlas
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Highway Assessments and Opinions
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