2009 Chevrolet Traverse

It was the last to be introduced of GM’s quartet of new-generation three-row crossovers (car-based SUVs), and it may be the best in value. First came the 2008 Saturn Outlook and GMC Acadia, each with its own distinctive look and personality, followed a few months later by the more boldly styled and upscale Buick Enclave, one of three finalists for the 2008 North American Truck of the Year. Now this Chevy Traverse, available in base LS, mid-range LT and top-of-the-line LTZ models, slides in below the Saturn in price yet gives up nothing in value.


All four are nice-looking, smooth-driving, fairly fuel-efficient alternatives to truck-based SUVs with near-equivalent people- and cargo-hauling capability. The 2008 trio launched with a port fuel-injected 3.6-liter V-6, but all four for 2009 get a new, more powerful and more efficient 281-hp direct-injected version of that same engine. EPA economy is as good as any in this segment, and better than most, at 17 mpg city and 24 highway with front-wheel drive (FWD) and one mpg less with available all-wheel drive (AWD). With its 22-gallon fuel tank, its potential cruising range is more than 500 miles, and it can haul an impressive 116.4 cu. ft. of cargo behind its front seats, or 68.8 cu. ft. behind its second row.

Exterior and Interior

Not by accident, the Traverse looks a bit like a tall-wagon version of Chevy’s popular Malibu, which was 2008 North American Car of the Year. Beginning with its Chevy signature split grille, its lines are taut and its shape smoothly aerodynamic to reduce wind drag and noise. Its body overhangs ahead of and behind the large wheels are minimized to reduce visual length, a distinctive kick-up above the rear wheels sets off the window line, and there are turn signal “repeaters” in its side mirrors.


The cabin can accommodate eight adults with a 60/40-split three-passenger bench or seven with available captain’s chairs. Standard third-row seating is a 60/40 bench with a generous 24.4 cu. ft. of cargo room behind it. The instrument panel, a Chevy heritage dual-cockpit design housing two large gauge binnacles surrounded by bright trim rings, is mounted low and forward to enhance visibility, with the available navigation screen prominently integrated at its upper-center.

Powertrain

The direct-injected 3.6-liter V-6 delivers V-8-like power yet (unlike many) runs on regular unleaded gas. With available dual exhausts, its rated output swells to 288 hp and 270 lb.-ft. of torque, with 90 percent of that torque available from about 2,500 to more than 6,000 rpm. Direct injection sprays fuel directly into each cylinder, where it is mixed with air, then vaporizes, which cools the air/fuel mixture. That enables a higher compression ratio, which improves both performance and efficiency, so less fuel can deliver more power compared to conventional port-injection. Another bonus is that the direct-injected engine’s unique pistons help reduce cold-start emissions by up to 25 percent. It also boasts new-design engine mounts, advanced high-pressure injectors, center-feed fuel lines and an acoustically tuned intake manifold and engine cover to reduce underhood noise and vibration.


The advanced six-speed automatic delivers smooth, clutch-to-clutch shifting with shift stabilization and automatic grade braking in both fwd and awd models. Its aggressive 4.48:1 first gear delivers excellent launch feel, while its tall 0.74:1 overdrive top gear lowers rpm to conserve fuel at highway speeds. The available intelligent awd system reacts to wheel speed, throttle and surface conditions to provide increased traction on slippery roads by actively managing torque distribution between the front and rear axles. It automatically decides how much torque to apply and delivers it to the wheels with the best traction.