Here at Jim Butler of St Louis the past few years, we have watched the popularity of crossover SUV's grow with every waking moment. It is one of those categories that is as family-friendly as can be, and will always require a very stand-out contender to even make a dent in the stratosphere sales-wise. The 2019 Chevy Traverse debuted in 2008, and for the 2018 model year, and all-new, second-generation version was put out. Boasting seating for up to 8, two separate available engines, and receiving backing from a nine-speed automatic transmission, the knowledgeable folks atRoad Show blog thought that it would be a good choice to showcase in their characteristically glossy digital print version for the week.
The first engine choice is a 3.6-liter V6, which is rated for 310 horsepower, and 266 lb- ft of torque. If you choose to equip with front-wheel drive, it yields 18 miles per gallon city, and 27 mpg highway, while all-wheel drive versions can turn in EPA scores ranging from 17 to 25 miles per gallon. You may want to opt for the turbocharged 2.0-liter inline-four, with 257 horsepower, and 295 lb-ft, the featured power source for the RS trim level. Offered with front-wheel drive only, it is much more efficient in all ways than the V6, with EPA ratings of 20/26 mpg.
The Roadshow write-up experts were quite excited about the luxury trims available for the Traverse: the Premier and High Country. The Premier trim builds on the LT leather with LED headlights, 20-inch wheels, the addition of more exterior chrome, a heated steering wheel, a power steering column, heated and cooled front seats, heated second-row seats, and the very useful feature of wireless phone charging. If you opt for the High Country, it tops things off appropriately with features like adaptive cruise control, pre-collision braking, a sunroof, a power-folding third row, and the dependable and trusty towing package.
Writer Andrew Krok plainly states that “Chevy has a hit on its hands” here, due to the high level of in-car tech, driving dynamics that don't stale, and plenty of space available across all three rows. He was pretty excited about the second-row legroom, and claimed that a 6-ft tall person sitting behind another would be aptly comfy on an interstate journey. All three rows have USB ports, so you'll never have to worry about batteries dying while streaming via the onboard 4G LTE Wi-fi, which provides the medium to enjoy games, stream movies, and get necessary work done during the journey.
Andrew also claimed that during the shifting of gears, the Traverse's nine-speed automatic was “butter smooth”, whether shifting up or down. Come see us soon here at Jim Butler of St Louis, to check out how high-performing fuel economy, a solid ride, and space to do whatever you want will sway you wholeheartedly for next fall, straight into the throngs of Traverse country!