 2012 Chevrolet Traverse 2LT. Click image to enlarge |
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Review and photos by Chris Chase
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2012 Chevrolet Traverse
At its introduction in 2009, the Chevrolet Traverse was the newest of GM’s mid-size crossovers to come to market, following the GMC Acadia and Saturn Outlook in 2007, and the Buick Enclave that was added in 2008.
I tested the Acadia and Enclave shortly after their respective launches and found them to be pleasant and capable, but lacking for power from the 3.6-litre V6 engine they shared. Since then, GM has moved in the same direction as many of its competitors, adding a direct fuel injection system designed to both boost power and save fuel.
Changes for 2012 are few. The top-of-the-line LTZ model gets power-folding mirrors with driver’s side auto-dimming, and the 2LT trim adds side mirrors with integrated turn signals and driver’s side auto-dimming; these are included in 1LT models when the rearview camera is ordered.
 2012 Chevrolet Traverse 2LT. Click image to enlarge |
While the direct fuel injection version of this engine arrived in 2009, this 2012 Traverse is the first of these crossovers equipped with it that I’ve driven. On paper, the “new” engine makes 281 horsepower and 266 lb.-ft. of torque, increases of 6 hp and 15 lb.-ft. Doesn’t sound like a lot, but it makes a big difference: while the engine still has to work hard to move the Traverse’s nearly 5,000-pound (2,234 kg) curb weight, it feels more eager to do so, especially in the engine’s high end, where it pulls the truck along with some authority and a snarly exhaust note, which you hear a lot of at wide open throttle. Speaking of exhaust, an available dual-exhaust system (my tester didn’t have it) boosts output to 288 hp and 270 lb.-ft.
The six-speed automatic transmission is the same one used in these crossovers since 2007. It’s a good one, shifting smoothly and responding promptly when asked for acceleration. There’s a manual shift mode designed mostly to hold the transmission to a lower gear for engine braking. Top gear keeps the engine turning less than 2,000 rpm at 120 km/h.
   2012 Chevrolet Traverse 2LT. Click image to enlarge |
The Traverse’s fuel consumption ratings, per Natural Resources Canada, are 13.1 and 8.8 L/100 km with all-wheel drive, city and highway, respectively. My tester averaged 14.8 L/100 km in mostly city driving, including some cold mornings and brutal back-to-school traffic. Given the conditions, that’s a good real-world figure for this type of vehicle, again considering what it weighs.
Notwithstanding a lack of mainstream demand in North America, and the extra cost associated with their production, diesel engines are made for big vehicles like this, with their added low-end torque and lower fuel consumption.
It’s typically in the higher price ranges that you’ll find a crossover or SUV that handles well (think Porsche Cayenne or VW Touareg), but the Ford Flex, one of the Traverse’s direct rivals, boasts better responses from a performance point of view. For what it’s made to do, though, this Chevy’s chassis is very well-sorted. The ride is firm and well-controlled, but not punishing, and aside from lots of body lean, the Traverse handles curves pretty well. The brake pedal is perfect – firm but not hard, and connected to four-wheel discs that are good at hauling the Traverse’s significant mass down from highway speeds in a hurry, without drama. The cabin is quiet at highway speeds, with little wind or road noise getting in, despite my tester’s chunky Goodyear Fortera tires.
Up front, the driver’s seat is comfortable and supportive, thanks to a full range of adjustments, including lumbar and height controls. The front passenger chair is almost as good, getting the same lumbar adjustment; the only demerit is the lack of a height adjustment, which means not enough support under the thighs. Leg- and headroom are very good in both front seats.
My tester’s second-row captain’s chairs are decent except for a bottom cushion too short and too low to provide much thigh support. A fore-and-aft adjustment allows for great legroom with the seat slid fully rearward, and headroom is excellent.
