2012 Chevrolet Traverse

The 2012 Chevrolet Traverse is a handsome-looking crossover SUV available in either a seven- seater or eight-seater, with lots of room. Our test model featured two seats up front, two in the second row buckets and three seats in the back. The exterior look is smooth and contemporary with a neatly defined side profile and inoffensive styling. It won’t blow the mind of the Nascar crowd but then again, it won’t offend anyone at the local golf club either.

This is an ideal family vehicle, with its big wide doors providing easy access to the second row of seats. Until automakers figure out how to put three doors on each side of a vehicle, the third row seats have to be accessed as normal by climbing behind the folded second row. A plus however is that the Traverse third row seats are roomier than most. The rear seats also fold flat to produce decent cargo space. Use all the seats and you gain 691litres of space. Drop the third row and you gain 1,948 litres of cargo area while maximum cargo space gives you an impressive 3,297 L of hauling area.

The interior is neat, conservative and functional. Ergonomics are good and the placement of the switches and controls are logical and well thought out. The steering-wheel features extra controls and audio and cruise control adjustments. The cloth seats in our tester were comfortable and supportive. The cabin proves to be roomy and great for long family drives. An optional panoramic sunroof lets even more light into the airy cabin, whilst kids and young adults will not complain at all about the rear DVD entertainment system which should keep them amused on long road trips.

The Traverse is powered by a 281-horsepower, 3.6L direct injected V6 gas engine paired with a six-speed automatic transmission. Given the size of the Traverse, it is smooth and powerful and has decent acceleration and enough puff for long distance highway cruising. In and around town the handy, wide angle rearview camera with a small display in the rearview mirror is a nice touch to help see what’s behind while backing up. The outside, side view mirrors also have small, neat, wide angle mirrors so you can have a better field of view.

On a Sunday drive out to Chilliwack in the Fraser Valley in an absolutely atrocious winter storm, the Traverse proved to be sure footed and smooth with its four wheel independent suspension. The ride is big-car like with competent handling and good braking. If you want to tow a boat or trailer, a heavy duty trailer equipment package including hitch platform, transmission cooler and trailer receiver is also available.

Canadian EnerGuide fuel economy ratings are as follows, 12.7 L/100km city; 8.4 L/100km hwy. On the safety front the Traverse has good U.S official test scores and feels safe and sturdy.

Not a whole lot to complain about. The Traverse apart from its size can be a handful in tight areas, but it is the same with any bulky SUV or CUV in urban areas. Use of the rearview camera and the aforementioned wide angle exterior mirrors really helps. Overall, the Traverse with its large seating capacity, hunky good looks, decent interior room and comfort, make it an SUV with a lot to offer. Highly recommended.

2012 Chevrolet Traverse priced from: $35, 845