NEW FOR 2014:
– New available forward collision and lane departure warning
– Standard second-row USB ports
Chevrolet continues to enhance its full-size Traverse crossover for 2014 with new family-friendly features. After last year’s update that included improved ride and handling, plus upgraded interior and exterior styling, the Traverse now receives available camera-based forward collision and lane-departure warning systems to help keep drivers and passengers out of harm’s way. These systems are optional on the 2LT, and standard on the LTZ. Meanwhile, second-row riders with hand-held tech gadgets will rejoice at the dual USB ports for charging tablets and smartphones.
A sibling to the Buick Enclave and GMC Acadia, the Traverse offers buyers seating for up to eight with plenty of cargo capacity. Handling is safe and secure, and the ride is cushy without being overly soft. It does feel rather big going down the road, though. Power comes from a 3.6-litre direct-injected V6 which makes 281 hp and 266 lb-ft of torque; the LTZ with its free-breathing dual-exhaust makes 288 hp and 270 lb-ft of torque. Towing capacity is impressive at 5,200 lbs when properly equipped. All drive through a six-speed automatic, and can be had with either front- or all-wheel drive.
The Traverse is offered in LS, 1LT, 2LT, and LTZ trims.
Features on the LS include OnStar, alarm, solar tinted privacy glass, power mirrors with integrated spotter mirror and black plastic housing, argent bodyside moulding, reverse camera, roof rails, rear spoiler, 17-inch steel wheels with wheel covers, acoustic insulation, single-zone air conditioning with rear vents, floor console with storage and dual cupholders, cruise control, trip computer with maintenance reminder, keyless entry, tilt and telescoping steering column, under-floor storage, illuminated vanity mirrors, power windows with driver’s side auto down, second-row Smart Slide 60/40 bench seat, premium cloth upholstery, four-way manual driver’s seat with lumbar support, six-speaker audio system, 6.5-inch display audio system with AM/FM/CD/MP3, satellite radio, USB and aux-in jack, Bluetooth, and dual rear-seat USB input.
1LT adds inboard front seat mounted airbag, variable-assist power steering, remote starter, fog lights, body-colour mirrors with integrated turn signals, body-colour bodyside moulding, rear parking sensors, 18-inch aluminum wheels, leather-wrapped steering wheel, and eight-way power adjustable driver’s seat.
The 2LT adds heated exterior mirrors with integrated turn signals, automatic tri-zone climate control, auto-dimming rear-view mirror, garage door opener, Smart Slide second-row captain’s chairs, heated front seats, MyLink display audio system with 6.5-inch display, 10-speaker Bose premium audio system, rear-seat audio controls and earphone jacks.
The LTZ adds dual exhaust with chrome tips, power folding mirrors, chrome bodyside mouldings, 20-inch machines aluminum wheels, eight-way power adjustable passenger seat, driver’s side memory seat and mirrors, forward collision alert, rear cross-traffic alert, lane-departure warning, blind-spot monitoring system, heated steering wheel, auto-up/down driver and auto-down front passenger windows, heated and cooled front seats, and perforated leather upholstery.
Depending on the model, available options include a rear-seat DVD entertainment system, sunroof, leather upholstery, all-wheel drive, and trailer tow package.
