Buckle up! Today we’re taking a look at the Chevy Traverse to see how this mid-sized SUV compares with other options such as the Nissan Kicks, Rav4, and Chevy Trax. While the Trax let us down, we have more hope for the Traverse. 

Assessing The Capabilities of the Chevy Traverse 

With a name like ‘Traverse,’ you would expect this compact SUV to have the ability to traverse all sorts of different terrain to allow you to follow your adventures where ever they go. 

By starting around $29k, the Chevy Traverse seems reasonably priced for adventuring. However, this is moderately higher prived than the CR-V and Rav4, which both start around $25k. So, what do you get by paying more for the Traverse? 

For one thing, you do not get an improved fuel efficiency. The Chevy Traverse only receives an average of  18 mpg in the city, and 27 mpg on the highway, meaning this SUV is hungry for fuel. Similar SUVs get around 25 mpg in the city and over 30 mpg in the city. 

Even the Kia Sorento that also seats up to seven passengers gets an average of 29 mph on the highway, and with the hybrid version coming out soon, its fuel efficiency will only improve. 

Chevy Traverse Power 

The Traverse isn’t short on power, which may explain it’s higher price. The standard engine is a 3.6-liter V6 that produces 310 horsepower and 266 lb-ft torque. Also, the Traverse can tow up to 5,000 pounds. The Kia Sorrento also maxes out at towing 5,000 pounds. 

With more than enough room to take your family on a trip and the ability to haul your boat, you can enjoy a decent acceleration speed with the ability to go from 0 to 60 mph in only 7.1 seconds. This is pretty fast for a vehicle with three rows of seats. 

The Traverse is also available in all-wheel drive options for control and stability in adverse conditions. You should also be able to go down country roads and dirt paths. 

To go over obstacles, the Traverse sits up high on 18” tires, but some options come with larger 20” tires. These tires are an excellent size for control and cornering off the beaten path. 

The StabiliTrak, electronic stability control system with traction control, will also help you stay on your intended path. 

By automatically monitoring for tire slippage, this system automatically sends braking pressure to tires in need and reduces engine torque to help drivers remain in control. This is essential for keeping you and your passengers safe while driving through the snow. 

The Traction Mode Select system also allows you to quickly adjust your driving mode to adapt to changing road conditions. 

Chevy Traverse Luxury 

This mid-sized SUV is a luxury option at a fair price. The cabin has noise cancellation technology to keep you and your passengers comfortable during your trip. 

Enjoy premium leather seats that move up to provide easy access to the third row. Plus, the Traverse offers 90 cubic feet of cargo space to fit a variety of large items, along with hidden storage cubbies places through the cabin. 

The Traverse earned a five-star safety rating and as an HD surrounding camera along with modern safety features such as forward-collision warnings, lane departure assistance, and more. 

So, not only is the Chevy Traverse rugged and capable, but it’s also spacious, comfortable, smart, and safe. If only it had a better fuel economy.