Up Close: 2009 Chevrolet Traverse
Chevrolet insists its version of GM's three-row crossovers — the Saturn Outlook, GMC Acadia and Buick Enclave — is more than just a new badge. Vehicle line executive Anna Kretz characterized the Traverse's ride as the sportiest of the group, with a direct-injection V-6 that makes incrementally more power than the others.
Indeed, the crossover's two-tier grille lends a taller visage than the Outlook's, and the beady, high-mounted taillights reinforce the stance. I found the LTZ show car's abundant chrome accents a bit distracting, especially against its silver paint. Get one in red or black; I suspect that will look better.
Like its siblings, the Traverse's second-row seats offer plenty of room and travel forward for third-row access with the same spring-loaded calisthenics. The show car was a prototype, and its interior had its share of dashboard gaps and shaky panels. Prime-time status depends on everything fitting together — especially considering the design, which has a lot more interlocking bits than the Outlook's dash. It's interesting to look at, but there are dozens of areas that demand close attention to detail. I hope GM is up to the challenge.
Speaking of the Outlook, Kretz said Chevrolet won't set the Traverse's price based on that sister vehicle, which runs from $28,260 to around $42,000. She said the eventual price will depend more on those of its top competitors, the Toyota Highlander and soon-to-be-redesigned Honda Pilot. Chevrolet general manager Ed Peper told reporters earlier today to expect pricing somewhere near the low end of the Outlook's range, but with features like heated and cooled seats and 20-inch wheels, we suspect a fully loaded Traverse could top even a fully loaded Outlook.
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It's great to see such diversity in all of these Lambda models. This is badge engineering done right! Sure, there are hints of other models in there, but there's enough distinction between each one to immediately identify which one you see on the road.
If you haven't test driven one yet, you owe it to yourself to see how absolutely incredible these things really are. Go test drive an Acadia, Outlook or Enclave soon. You won't regret it.
Tons of Traverse info, pics and news at http://www.traverseforum.com
I agree with Viral. You just gotta get a drive of this vehicle before you pass any judgement. GM's game has stepped up, a lot. They typically blow the doors off all other contenders in quality, and what you get for your $$$$$. If you own a car just to get form point A to point B, you won't get much here (or anywhere for that matter.) If you love to drive, try one of these out. You won't be disappointed.