The 2018 Chevy Traverse is a mid-sized crossover sports utility vehicle. For 2018, this mid-sized has been made with significant interior, exterior, mechanical, and engine improvements. The Traverse is the successor to General Motor’s previous models, the Chevrolet Uplander, the Chevrolet TrailBlazer, the Chevrolet HHR, Chevrolet Astro, and the Saturn Outlook.
What’s New for 2018
The Chevy Traverse has an entirely new platform GM has designed for midsize and large crossovers. Shifting away from the rounded exterior design, the newly developed body sports a more chiseled body style. This new body style for the Traverse shares it’s GM platform with GMC Acadia and Buick Enclave.
New engine options include a 2.0-liter turbo-four with 255 horsepower, with a new nine-speed automatic transmission. This new engine/drivetrain is available only on the RS trim level, and cannot be ordered with the all-wheel versions of the Traverse. The standard engine is the 3.6 liter V-6 with the new nine-speed automatic transmission. Fuel economy EPA ratings for the V-6 are 18/27 mpg city/highway and 20/26 mpg city/highway for the turbo-four. Both engine options run off front-wheel-drive powertrains.
Overall Driving Impressions
The 2018 Chevrolet Transverse does the job quietly and with ease with its standard V-6. For the size of the Traverse, the crossover provides excellent handling with little body roll. Interior space is more than ample, with plenty of cargo space due to the underfloor storage which is now integrated into the body style. Overall, the new body style and other interior and improved exterior elements, along with the mechanical improvements, have resulted in quicker acceleration and improved handling characteristics. Previous Traverse owners will find the new 2018 Traverse has a stiffer and upgraded suspension, upgraded transmission, and faster acceleration.
Trim Levels
Traverse L
Standard items include a rearview camera, Chevy’s MyLink information system with the 7.0-inch touchscreen with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay build in the information system. Standard wheels are 18-inch alloy wheels, HID headlights, six available USB ports, a center 3.5 multi-information display, keyless entry/start, tri-zone climate control, and Teen Driver feature.****
Traverse RS
This model is the sports trim of the Transverse. The wheel goes up to 20-inch alloy wheels, wireless device charger, LED headlights, hands-free power liftgate, memory driver’s seat, heated steering wheel, leather upholstery, ventilated front seats, and heated second-row captain’s chairs.
Traverse Premier
This model is Premier’s luxury trim. Luxury items include metallic alloy wheels, wireless device charger, LED headlights, hands-free power liftgate, memory driver’s seat, heated steering wheel, leather upholstery, ventilated front seats, and heated second-row captain’s chairs.
Summary
The redesigned Traverse has a lot to offer in the competitive market of mid-sized crossovers. Apple Car Play, Android Auto, V-6 engine, improved transmission, more storage are just a few of the options that are standard on the base Traverse L. For these reasons, the 2018 Chevy Traverse offers customers in the crossover market a much better bang for their buck than many peers.