Specifications of Chevrolet Traverse II 3.6 V6 (314 HP) AWD Automatic

General characteristics of Chevrolet Traverse II 3.6 V6 (314 HP) AWD Automatic

To accommodate three spacious seating rows, the Traverse's dimensions reflect its size. The SUV is 205.9 inches long, 78.6 inches in width excluding the mirrors, and 70.7 inches tall. The wheelbase is 120.9 inches. Not an off-roader by any means, a handy 7.5 inches of ground clearances help tackle dirt roads or mall curbs.

The base curb weight of 4,310 pounds applies to the LS with front-wheel drive, but better-equipped trims and those with all-wheel drive are naturally heavier.

Although it may not be the most advanced engine in its class, the dependable 3.6-liter V6's outputs are competitive at 310 hp and 266 lb-ft. Like most naturally-aspirated engines, the power is delivered in a smooth and linear fashion. This makes the Traverse quite a pleasure to drive in town and out on the highway, where it will cruise at the top legal speed without any drama.

The V6 is mated to a nine-speed automatic transmission. We had no major complaints with this gearbox as shifts proved to be smooth and fast enough for a fairly large mid-size crossover like this. The automatic start/stop system was smooth and hardly noticeable, something we can't say for every new vehicle, including a few that cost significantly more.

With FWD, the Traverse's gas mileage figures work out to 18/27/21 mpg city/highway/combined. The AWD system doesn't impact fuel economy too dramatically, as this configuration returns 17/25/20 mpg according to the EPA. The Kia Telluride is more efficient, though, managing 23 mpg combined with FWD despite a larger engine.

FWD Traverse models have a 19.4-gallon gas tank, enough for a range of about 407 miles. A larger 21.7-gallon gas tank comes with AWD variants, so the range here is 434 miles.

Our Traverse RS came with the optional second-row captain's chairs for a maximum of seven seats, but a second-row bench is available on several trims to take the total seating capacity to eight. All trims come with a 60/40 split-folding rear bench. The eight-way power driver's seat with lumbar is generally supportive and we quickly and easily found a comfortable position with adequate rearward visibility. Both the driver and front passenger seats were heated, a very much welcomed feature in late January. The dual-skyscape sunroof was lovely to have but it'll set you back $1,500.

Moving about the cabin is an easy task thanks to an impressively large interior volume - 157.1 cubic feet. Adjusting the second and third-row seats is accomplished by means of old-fashioned handles and straps, and electronic adjustment would bring the Traverse in line with modern alternatives. This faux pas aside, space is the name of the game with 38.4 inches of legroom in the second row and 33.5 in the third. The headroom is equally as generous with a minimum of 38.2 inches in the rearmost seats. Accessing those is easier with the second-row captain's chairs, and aside from the manual labor required, they're capable of hosting smaller adults without too much trouble.

Behind the 3rd row of the Chevy Traverse, the SUV still has a generous 23 cubic feet of cargo space. That's more than enough for daily needs and the faux floor provides extra, more secure hidden storage. With the 60/40 split-folding third-row folded, the cargo space increases to a generous 57.8 cubes, and with both the second and third rows folded, there is a cavernous 98.2 cubes available. The Traverse is one of the best for cargo in this segment.

In the cabin, all Chevy Traverse models have a front center console with dual cupholders, a large bin, and a removable tray. In total, there are ten cupholders dotted around the cabin. In the first two rows, there are also useful door pockets.

Whether you want the essentials only or an array of upscale amenities, the Traverse lineup has something to suit you. The base LS comes with tri-zone automatic climate control, a rearview camera, a six-way manual driver's seat, a manual tilt/telescopic steering column, keyless open and start, regular cruise control, and a small 3.5-inch driver information display. It's decently specced safety-wise, too. You won't need to pay extra for automatic emergency braking, forward collision alert, front pedestrian braking, and lane keep assist.

Further up in the lineup, the Chevy Traverse is much more comfortable thanks to additions like power-adjustable front seats, a power-folding third row, and a power steering column. It's also more advanced, with features like remote start, adaptive cruise control, a much larger driver information display, and a universal home remote all added. Rear parking sensors and rear cross-traffic alert are some of the safety items equipped to selected models.

In general, Chevy's infotainment system is very easy to use, though not quite as good as Stellantis' Uconnect 5.0. The button sizes are all big enough so that your finger doesn't accidentally tap something it shouldn't. Response times are fine and we like how quickly the system recognized our Android device. The screen's colorful graphics are pleasing to the eye and the general UI layout is good. Owners should have no problems navigating the system starting from day one.

The high-mounted touchscreen is easily accessible for both driver and passenger. A seven-inch touchscreen comes standard but our RS trim came with the upgraded eight-inch HD color touchscreen with voice recognition. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility also come as standard fare, as does Bluetooth audio streaming. The standard Wi-Fi hotspot is a huge bonus. Full props to Chevy for not forcing customers to pay extra for it. GM's subscription-based OnStar-connected services with 4G LTE comes standard too.

The also optional 10-speaker Bose audio system is worth the extra money for a vehicle this size. A 6-speaker audio system is standard.