Video: 2009 Chevrolet Traverse

There's the GMC Acadia, the Saturn Outlook, the Buick Enclave, and the Traverse is really the most like the Enclave in terms of its shape. But what's different about it, besides being a Chevy, is that at the low end it may be more affordable than any of those. At the high end there are plenty of cool features to get your family moved around. So it's easy to know that the Traverse is a Chevy. It's got a grill that closely resembles the grill on the new Malibu. It's got some cool safety features. On the side mirror, it's got a turn signal to indicate where your car is going, makes it a lot more obvious to other drivers. It's also got this great spotter mirror which is sort of a beveled look, sort of a 360 degree view so when you're in a car like this that's high up and you've got a kind of a big blind spot because of the back pillar, this mirror helps you know what's driving alongside of you so you don't cut anyone off. In addition, the Traverse has an available power lift gate. That's great when you've got groceries or kids that you're trying to load in to the back. Even though the Traverse will be available in a lower trim model, we're in the LTZ and it's got some cool features on it. It's got two things for when you're backing up. It's got both a parking assist to warn you, you know sort of sonar based, to warn you when you're near things. But it's also got a back up camera. And that's great if you've got little kids running around. You wanna make sure that, you know, nothing tragic happens. In addition, what's unusual for a car of this sort of size and price, is that it's got not only heated seats, but also cooled seats. This one comes with a navigation system and also satellite radio. So GM says the Traverse can seat up to eight adults. And frankly, we're always a little skeptical with a third row. Very often they're very small, they're really meant more for children. But the Traverse, I've sat in the third row. And frankly with the one hand touch to move the second row out of the way, it was easy to get in and it was comfortable to sit in the third row. Now, there wasn't the greatest head room back there, but I wasn't uncomfortable. I didn't have to crane my neck. And getting out was as easy as getting in. The Traverse comes with a 3.6 Liter engine that can create 280 horse power, which is a lot of power. And normally we don't talk to much about horse power with family cars, but one of the issues we've had with it's siblings, the Outlook, the Enclave, the Acadia, is that we weren't wild about its gas mileage in city conditions. But GM promises that this one will do even better. Now as a suburban dad, I think other suburban dads will enjoy the Traverse. It's got plenty of room for your family. It's got great pick up and acceleration if it's the same as its siblings, but we need to see that for ourselves. Still, it's got plenty of potential. And we're looking forward to getting our hands on one. <v Announcer>For additional information on this car or any other, go to cars.com, and our blog, Kicking Tires.