The 2011 Chevrolet Traverse is a stylish, fuel-efficient car that can compete in the market with its 5-star safety quality. Traverse can provide you with the comfort and protection your family and your cargo need.
Ranking 3 out of 23 in the list of Affordable Midsize SUVs, Chevrolet Traverse is manufactured for those searching for practicality and space. The Traverse is dedicated to drive large families around the city in style along with its eccentric exterior design, spacious and modern interior, high performance, affordability and fuel saving capacity.
Performance
The Chevrolet Traverse is powered by a six-speed automatic transmission engine, 3.6-liter direct-injection V6 which produces 281 horsepower in LS and LTD models, and an extra 7 horsepower in LTZ models. Comparing the Traverse to other eight-seating SUVs and crossovers, it provides a better fuel economy. Moreover, the Traverse provides fine and stable ride. However, unpleasant responses rise about the car’s long braking distances and its automatic transmission. On a lighter note, it offers buyers car-like handling, responsive steering and good maneuverability.
Interior & exterior
The 2011 Traverse is considered as one of the more stylish SUVs out on the market, says reviewers, combining the sloping roofline of the Buick Enclave and the front end of the Chevrolet Malibu.
The Chevy Traverse is of surprisingly high-quality, which tandems functionality with utility. The seats of the Traverse configures in two ways; eight seats arranged in three rows with the third row exceptionally comfortable even for adults, reviewers say, or seven seats with optional second-row captain’s chairs. However, the seats are not available with leather, power seats or heated seats, you’ll have to upgrade in such cases.
The interior features of the Traverse include a cruise control, front and rear climate control, an auxiliary audio input jack, power windows, and a steering wheel that can be adjusted, though it’s a little scarce on standard features. High-tech gadgets are available with the 2LT and LTZ models of the car, which include a power lift-gate, a rear entertainment system, and a navigation system with rearview camera.
In terms of spaciousness and functionality for the family, the Chevy Traverse comes first in line with its top of its class cargo capacity and ample room of approximately 116.4 cubic feet of space with the second and third row seats folded down.
The Competition
While most reviewers agree that the Traverse has a lot of competitors in the market, such as the Ford Flex (MSRP $29,355; 17 city / 24 hwy) proves to be competitive in terms of style, interior comfort and engine power. The Ford Flex comes with an optional EcoBoost engine that can provide a massive 355 horsepower, though the engine would take toll on the Flex’s price.
Another competitor would be the Honda Pilot (MSRP $28,470; 18 city / 25 hwy) that has the same comfortable third row seats as the Traverse’s and costs the same as the Traverse. The Honda Pilot can also provide the added benefit of space for three seats in the second row. The GMC Acadia (MSRP $32,605; 17 city / 24 hwy)and the Buick Enclave (MSRP $36,600; 17 city / 24 hwy) is practically the same as the Traverse though more upscale and costs a little higher.
Safety & Reliability
The Traverse is hailed by reviewers as one of the safest cars in the market. Its safety features include: front airbags for the driver and the front passenger, side-curtain airbags for all three rows, rear body airbags, thorax side impact airbags, StabiliTrak Electronic Stability Control System, Traction Control System, OnStar Automatic Crash Response and Roadside Assistance, and four-wheel anti-lock disc brakes. For 1LT models, a rearview camera is optional.
The 2011 model hasn’t undergone any crash tests yet. Nonetheless, the previous safety praises for the 2010 Chevrolet Traverse model earned the current model almost similar expectations since the two are mechanically similar. The 2010 model was given top scores of five stars for occupant protection and crash tests and four-star rollover scores by the federal government. Additionally, the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety granted the 2010 model top scores of “Good” in front, side and rear tests.
The Predicted Reliability rating for the 2011 Chevrolet Traverse is 6.0 out of 10 as given by J.D. Power and Associates based on the past three years of historical initial quality and dependability data from J.D. Power’s automotive studies. The Traverse is offered in the market with a three-year/36,000-mile basic warranty and five-year/100,000-mile power-train warranty.
Overall Rating
78 out of 100
What others say:
“With ample space for up to eight people and most of their gear, comfortable seats, and compliant ride quality, the 2011 Chevrolet Traverse is passenger-friendly in every way.”Car Connection
“Traverse is a large vehicle, but it’s reasonably agile with little lean in corners. Accurate steering and responsive brakes contribute to making Traverse easy to maneuver despite its size.”Consumer Guide
“Compromised outward visibility; large size hampers maneuverability; a few subpar interior materials.”Edmunds
“Changes for 2011 are limited to some new paint colors, a relocated USB port and the availability of heated cloth seats on LT models.”KBB
Specifications
| Vehicle Type: Crossover SUV | Base Price: $29,430.00 |
| Fuel Tank Capacity: 22 gallons (83 liters) | MPG: 16 city / 23 hwy |
| Length: 205 in. (520 cm) | Width: 78.4 in. (199 cm) |
| Height: 70.4 in. (178 cm) | Wheel Base: 118.9 in. (302 cm) |
| Curb Weight: 4859 lbs (2204 kg) | Ground Clearance: 7.2 in. (18 cm) |
| Luggage Capacity: 24.4 cu ft | Maximum Seating: 8 people |
| Engine: 24-valve DOHC V6 | Displacement: 3.6 liter |
| Horsepower: 281 HP | Max RPM: 6300 RPM |
| Torque: 266 lb-ft @ 3400 rpm | Transmission: 6-Speed Automatic |
| 0-60 mph: NA | Max Towing Capacity: 5200 lbs (2358 kgs) |
| Option:Traverse 1LT AWD | MSRP: $32,010; MPG: 16 city / 23 hwy |
| Option:Traverse 2LT AWD | MSRP: $34,590; MPG: 16 city / 23 hwy |
| Option:Traverse LTZ AWD | MSRP: $38,250; MPG: 16 city / 23 hwy |
