Automotive

Chevy gives the Traverse a burlier design and nine-speed transmission

Chevy gives the Traverse a burlier design and nine-speed transmission
Chevy reveals the 2018 Traverse at NAIAS 2017
Chevy reveals the 2018 Traverse at NAIAS 2017
View 24 Images
The new Traverse offers up to eight seats
1/24
The new Traverse offers up to eight seats
Inside the 2018 Traverse
2/24
Inside the 2018 Traverse
Chevy Traverse, NAIAS 2017
3/24
Chevy Traverse, NAIAS 2017
Chevy reveals the 2018 Traverse at NAIAS 2017
4/24
Chevy reveals the 2018 Traverse at NAIAS 2017
The second-generation Chevy Traverse puts a big, strong face forward at NAIAS 2017
5/24
The second-generation Chevy Traverse puts a big, strong face forward at NAIAS 2017
The new Traverse features a fuller, more unified grille design than the outgoing version
6/24
The new Traverse features a fuller, more unified grille design than the outgoing version
Chevy reveals the 2018 Traverse at NAIAS 2017
7/24
Chevy reveals the 2018 Traverse at NAIAS 2017
The Traverse features an available hands-free liftgate
8/24
The Traverse features an available hands-free liftgate
Available safety technologies
9/24
Available safety technologies
Chevy has given the new Traverse versatile storage around its interior
10/24
Chevy has given the new Traverse versatile storage around its interior
The Traverse offers passenger/cargo versatility
11/24
The Traverse offers passenger/cargo versatility
2018 Chevy Traverse
12/24
2018 Chevy Traverse
2018 Chevy Traverse
13/24
2018 Chevy Traverse
Inside the new Chevy Traverse
14/24
Inside the new Chevy Traverse
The new Traverse offers 98.5 cu ft of cargo space from the front row back
15/24
The new Traverse offers 98.5 cu ft of cargo space from the front row back
Inside the new Chevy Traverse
16/24
Inside the new Chevy Traverse
The Traverse includes a new traction mode selector
17/24
The Traverse includes a new traction mode selector
Chevy expects best in class passenger volume, third-row legroom and max cargo capacity
18/24
Chevy expects best in class passenger volume, third-row legroom and max cargo capacity
The Traverse has available MyLink infotainment systems and 4G LTE Wi-Fi hotspot
19/24
The Traverse has available MyLink infotainment systems and 4G LTE Wi-Fi hotspot
The 2018 Chevy Traverse has LED signature lighting and available D-Optic LED headlamps
20/24
The 2018 Chevy Traverse has LED signature lighting and available D-Optic LED headlamps
The 2018 Traverse will go on sale later this year
21/24
The 2018 Traverse will go on sale later this year
The new Traverse definitely looks more confident on the dirt than its predecessor
22/24
The new Traverse definitely looks more confident on the dirt than its predecessor
Chevy SUV lineup
23/24
Chevy SUV lineup
The outgoing first-gen Chevy Traverse, a 2016 model
24/24
The outgoing first-gen Chevy Traverse, a 2016 model
View gallery - 24 images

The large SUV shrinking and softening into a smaller, more efficient CUV is a story that the automotive industry has become quite used to telling. Chevrolet goes against that grain with the all-new 2018 Traverse. The second-generation mid-size SUV doesn't actually grow by all that many inches, but it features a stronger, squarer look that trickles down from Chevy's full-size SUV lineup. It's a more proper SUV with old-school attitude and a bit more space to stretch out.

We've included a photo of the 2016 Traverse just below this paragraph so that you don't think we're exaggerating when we say that the 2018's styling is a dramatic departure. From the big grille centered on the upright front-end, through the strong wheel arches, to the D pillar-wedged rear side windows and the sharply angled liftgate, the new Traverse definitely looks the part of a meaner, more rugged SUV. It's mostly a styling trick, though, as the new version measures less than an inch longer and taller than the outgoing model at 204.3 in (5,189 mm) x 70.7 in (1,795 mm), L x H, and just a tenth of an inch wider at 78.6 in (1,996 mm).

The outgoing first-gen Chevy Traverse, a 2016 model
The outgoing first-gen Chevy Traverse, a 2016 model

Compared to the outgoing Traverse, Chevy has stretched the wheelbase by a full 2 inches (51 mm), up to 120.9 in (3,071 mm), which helps lead the automaker to expect best-in-class passenger volume, third-row leg room and max cargo room. Second-row leg room is up by more than 2 inches to 39 in (990 mm), and third-row legroom is up by half an inch to 33.7 in (856 mm). Maximum cargo volume, however, drops to 98.5 cu ft (2.8 cu m) from 116.3 cu ft (3.3 m).

The new Traverse seats up to eight, depending upon model/configuration, and includes split-folding second-row seating with Smart Slide feature. The curbside seat can tip up and slide forward, even with a front-facing child seat secured, providing seamless access to the rear row. Loading is just a touch easier thanks to a bowtie logo lamp illuminating the ground where the driver has to place a foot to activate the available hands-free liftgate.

2018 Chevy Traverse
2018 Chevy Traverse

The Traverse's wheels get their power from a new 3.6-liter V6 engine with nine-speed automatic transmission, expected to put out 305 hp while also driving fuel economy up to 25 mpg highway. For comparison, the outgoing Traverse gets an EPA-estimated 22 mpg highway and 281 or 288 hp, depending on model. When properly equipped, the 2018 Traverse will offer a 5,000-lb (2,268-kg) trailering capacity.

A new 255-hp 2.0-liter turbo I-4 engine will also be on offer and paired with the nine-speed automatic. That engine will have more maximum torque than the V6, and both engine options will utilize intelligent stop/start technology for improved fuel economy. A traction mode selector lets the driver easily adjust driving mode around current road conditions. The SUV will come in both FWD and AWD.

Chevy expects best in class passenger volume, third-row legroom and max cargo capacity
Chevy expects best in class passenger volume, third-row legroom and max cargo capacity

Inside, the new Traverse keeps passengers connected with features like available 7- and 8-in MyLink infotainment systems with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, available OnStar 4G LTE Wi-Fi hotspot, USB charging ports across all three seating rows, purpose-built device and cargo organization around the interior, and available wireless smartphone charging. Available safety and assistance features, including surround vision, lane keep assist with lane departure warning and low/high-speed forward automatic braking, help keep occupants safe.

The 2018 Traverse will roll out to dealerships in Northern Hemisphere Fall 2017. Pricing has yet to be announced, but sporty RS and premium High Country trim levels will join the lineup as new options.

Source: Chevrolet

View gallery - 24 images
2 comments
2 comments
dugnology
Nine Speed Transmission? Why not go dual motor hybrid and eliminate the transmission? For four wheel drive, eliminate the cross shaft and extra differential.
Fairly Reasoner
I believe what the stylists were trying to say is, "more Ford-like."