2013 Chevrolet Traverse
Starting MSRP $30,510–$42,425
Expert Reviews
By Cars.com Staff
Cars.com National April 23, 2012Vehicle Overview
The Chevrolet Traverse accommodates seven or eight people in three rows of seats. Like its siblings, the Buick Enclave and GMC Acadia, the Traverse was mildly updated inside and out for the 2013 model year. The Chevy competes with the Honda Pilot, Hyundai Veracruz, Mazda CX-9 and Toyota Highlander, among others.
Exterior
The exterior updates include a new domed hood and a new approach to Chevrolet front ends: larger grilles with the Chevy emblem in the upper grille rather than on a cross-bar between two grille segments. The headlights are also reshaped, and there are more chrome accents.
Around back, redesigned taillights improve greatly on the first generation's small, oddly shaped lenses. Between that and the license plate's relocation from the bumper to the liftgate, the rear end no longer looks like the side of a barn.
Among vehicles in its class, the Traverse is long, but it pays off in interior volume.
Interior
The Traverse's second row comes as a three-seat bench or a pair of captain's chairs, both of which collapse vertically and slide forward to facilitate third-row entry.
Upgrades for 2013 include improved materials, softer surfaces, contrast stitching, new chrome and wood appliques and optional ambient lighting.
A new center control panel on the dashboard improves on the previous generation's look and feel. A 6.5-inch touch-screen optionally includes Chevrolet's MyLink, which communicates with smartphones to stream internet radio stations like Pandora and Stitcher.
Under the Hood
The Traverse is powered by a 3.6-liter V-6 engine with 281 horsepower. An optional dual exhaust system boosts power to 288 hp. Chevrolet says the standard six-speed automatic transmission has been revised to shift more quickly and consistently. Front-wheel drive is standard; all-wheel drive is an option.
The suspension has also been refined for the 2013 model year.
Safety
Standard safety features include side-impact airbags for the front seats, plus side curtain airbags for all three rows. Antilock brakes and an electronic stability system are also standard, as is a backup camera and OnStar (with an introductory subscription).
New safety options include a blind spot warning system and cross-traffic alert.
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