2009 Chevrolet Traverse Review

Cars.com experts walk you through the 2009 Chevrolet Traverse and its important new features.

2009 Chevrolet Traverse Review Hi! I am Patrick Olsen, Managing Editor for Cars.com. We are at the Chicago Auto Show looking at the 2009 Chevy Traverse. Now, this is the fourth in line of cross over vehicles from GM, there is a GMC Acadia, the Saturn Outlook. The Buick Enclave and the Traverse is really most like the Enclave in terms of its shape. But what is different about it besides being a Chevy is that at the low end, it maybe more affordable than any of those. And at the high end there are plenty of cool features to get you family moved around. So it’s easy to know that the Traverse is a Chevy, it got a grill that closely resembles the grill on the new Malibu. It got some cool safety features. On the side mirror, it’s got a turn signal to indicate where your car is going, it makes a lot more obvious to other drivers. It also got this great spotter mirror which is sort beveled look from 360 degree view. So when you are in a car like this that is high up and you got a big blind spot because of the back pillar. This mirror helps you know what is driving along side of you so you don’t cut any one off. In addition, the Traverse has the available power lift kit that is great when you got groceries or kids when you're trying to load in to the back. Even though the Traverse will be available in a lower trend model or in LTC and it got some cool features on it. It's got two things when you are backing up, you got both a parking assist to warn you, you know sort of sonar based to warn you when you are near things but it also has a backup camera and that is great because that little kind is running around and you want to make sure that you know nothing tragic happens. In addition and what is unusual for a car of this sort of size and price, since it got heated seats but also cool 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 are always a little skeptical with a third row. Very often they are very small and really meant more for children but in Traverse, I have sat in the third row and frankly with a one hand touch can to move the center out of the way was easy to get in and it was comfortable to sit in the third row. Now there wasn’t the greatest headroom back there but I wasn’t uncomfortable, I didn’t have to crane my neck in getting out was as easy as getting in. The Traverse comes with a 3.6 liter engine that can create 280 horsepower which is a lot of power and normally I am talked too much about horsepower with family cars. But one of the issues we’ve had with its siblings. The Outlook and the Enclave, the Acadia is that we weren’t wild about its gas mileage in city condition. But GM promises that will do it even better. Now as a suburban data I think other suburban as well enjoy the Traverse. It’s got plenty of room for your family. It got great pickup and acceleration if it is the same as its siblings. But we need to see that for ourselves, still it got plenty of potential and we are looking forward to get on our hands on one.