2011 CHEVROLET TRAVERSE: AN EFFICIENT CROSSOVER FOR ALL LIFESTYLES
08/07/2010
Chevrolet
Chevrolet Traverse is an expressively styled, well-equipped crossover that offers the people-hauling and cargo-carrying capability typically found in larger SUVs - all delivered with more efficiency. A technically advanced 3.6L V-6 with direct injection technology and variable valve timing is matched with a six-speed automatic transmission to help the Traverse deliver an EPA-estimated 24 mpg on the highway (FWD models).
Since it entered the market, the Traverse has quickly become one of the most popular competitors in the segment, selling more than 91,000 in 2009 - its first full year on the market.
For 2011, Traverse continues to be offered in LS, LT and LTZ models, in both front-wheel-drive and all-wheel-drive configurations. Product highlights include:
- Four-wheel independent suspension system
- StabiliTrak electronic stability control system
- Family of 17-, 18- and 20-inch wheels
- Second-row Smart Slide seat feature, for easy access to the third-row seats
- Rear-seat entertainment system with second-row controls
- Six standard air bags, including side curtain air bags that deploy over all three seating rows
- OnStar with Turn-by-Turn Navigation and Direction Download, eNav (with navigation system) and Automatic Crash Response
- XM Satellite Radio including NavTraffic real-time traffic feature (with navigation system)
- Bluetooth hands-free phone connectivity
- Cruising range of more than 500 miles (800 km)
- Towing capacity of 5,200 pounds (2,358 kg).
Changes for 2011 include available heated cloth seats availability on LT models and a relocated USB port for the radio that provides easier access. Two new exterior colors are also offered: White Diamond Tricoat and Steel Green Metallic.
Traverse design
Chevrolet Traverse has a unique profile with a sleek, smooth and flowing design that characterizes the global face of Chevrolet. Elements such as chrome-ringed grille inserts and large wheel-and-tire combinations highlight the vehicle's attention to detail. Some of the upscale design details include:
- Deep-set grille inserts with chrome-ringed trim
- Turn signals integrated in the outside mirrors
- Expressive taillamps
- Rear spoiler integrated over the liftgate window
- Roof moldings designed to enhance Traverse's sleek appearance
- 20-inch machined cast aluminum wheels (standard on LTZ models)
- Dual, bright exhaust outlets
- Panoramic, power-operated sunroof.
Like the exterior, the Traverse's interior blends refined styling, technology and attention to detail. The instrument panel has a dual-cockpit design that is a hallmark of Chevrolet's heritage; it flows into the door panels, creating a sleek, highly detailed appearance. The instrument panel is mounted in a "low and away" position that enhances outward visibility.
The Traverse's interior can be configured for seven or eight adults, including two front bucket seats, a 60/40-split second-row bench (three passengers) or two second-row captain's chairs (two passengers) and a 60/40-split third-row bench seat. Perforated leather seats as well as second-row captain's chairs are available. The third-row seat is capable of comfortably seating adults while simultaneously providing generous storage space behind it.
Useful technology
A comprehensive roster of standard and available amenities complement the Traverse's exterior and interior design and enhance the driving experience for driver and passengers alike. They include:
- Rear ultrasonic parking assist
- Rearview camera
- Heated, power-adjustable outside mirrors with blind-spot mirrors
- Power liftgate
- Extended-range remote vehicle start
- DVD entertainment system
- DVD navigation system (with OnStar Directions and Connections or eNav and XM NavTraffic)
- Heated and cooled front leather seats
- Heated cloth or leather front seating
- XM Satellite Radio with available real-time traffic feature (with navigation system).
Performance and efficiency
The 3.6L engine's direct injection technology helps produce power similar to many V-8 engines and uses regular unleaded gasoline. It is rated at 288 horsepower (215 kW)* and 270 lb.-ft. of torque (366 Nm)* with dual exhaust (281 hp/210 kW* and 266 lb.-ft./361 Nm* with single exhaust). Ninety percent of the engine's peak torque is available from approximately 2,500 rpm to more than 6,000 rpm.
The 3.6L engine is mated to the Hydra-Matic 6T75 six-speed automatic transmission, an advanced transmission with clutch-to-clutch shift operation for front- and all-wheel-drive vehicles. It also offers automatic grade braking, shift stabilization and precise shift control.
The available intelligent all-wheel-drive (AWD) system provides increased traction on slippery roads by actively managing the torque distribution between the front and rear axles, based on factors such as wheel speed, throttle and surface conditions. There is no driver intervention; the system automatically decides how much torque to apply and delivers it to the wheels that have the best traction.
Chassis and suspension
Traverse rides on a long 118.9-inch (3,019 mm) wheelbase, with a wide 67.8-inch (1,721 mm) front track and 67.4-inch (1,712 mm) rear track - a combination that lowers the center of gravity and enables smooth, stable ride and handling. Sharp reflexes are also supported by independent front and rear suspensions.
The front suspension features a MacPherson strut design, with a direct-acting stabilizer bar and aluminum knuckles. Isolated mounting points help reduce noise and vibration. The rear suspension uses a compact, state-of-the-art linked "H" design, which uses an isolated mounting system to reduce noise and vibration transmitted to the passenger compartment.
Power-assisted rack-and-pinion steering is standard, with variable-effort steering available. The suspension and steering systems meet the road via 17-, 18- or 20-inch wheels, depending on the model, while four-wheel anit-lock disc brakes are standard on all models. Additional features include:
- Dynamic Rear Proportioning
- Hydraulic Brake Boost
- Panic Brake Assist
- StabiliTrak electronic stability control system with rollover mitigation technology
- Traction control system
- Tire pressure monitoring system.
Safety features
The Traverse has 360-degree safety system that helps protect passengers before, during and after a crash, including anchor pretensioners for outboard occupants and pelvic-thorax seat-mounted side air bags. The structure is reinforced in numerous areas with high-strength steel, including a stiff steel cross-car beam welded across the floor between the B-pillars. It also uses dual-phase steel in select areas, such as the lower engine compartment rails. Dual-phase steel is strengthened in the paint oven and offers easier formability, reduced mass, greater strength and better crash energy absorption than most high-strength steels.
Traverse is equipped with six standard air bags: two dual-stage frontal air bags for the driver and front passenger, two seat-mounted pelvic-thorax side-impact air bags in the first row and two head curtain side-impact air bags that cover all three seating rows. The head curtain side air bags are among the longest air bags in any production vehicle.
Complementing the air bags is GM's rollover sensing system, which can activate the head curtain side-impact air bags and safety belt pretensioners if sensors determine a rollover is imminent. In the event of a rollover, the air bags stay inflated longer to improve occupant containment. Dual front-seat safety belt pretensioners (anchor and retractor) also are part of the Traverse's standard safety equipment.
The Traverse comes standard with OnStar (with a six-month Directions and Connections plan), which features Automatic Crash Response, Emergency Services, Crisis Assist, Stolen Vehicle Assistance, Remote Door Unlock, Roadside Assistance, Remote Horn and Lights, Turn-by-Turn Navigation with OnStar eNav (where available), Hands Free Calling and OnStar Vehicle Diagnostics.