Crossover vehicles, named for crossing over the line between car and sport utility vehicle, have been around for 10 years. Using the same type of unit-body construction as a car, crossover SUVs are generally lighter and more fuel efficient than traditional truck-based SUVs that use a heavier body-on-frame design.
Before 2007, crossovers were small-to-midsize vehicles. But GM revolutionized the design when it introduced crossover vehicles nearly as big as a Chevy Tahoe: The 2007 GMC Acadia and Saturn Outlook followed a few months later by the 2008 Buick Enclave. All three are based on GM's Lambda platform. Oddly, Chevrolet didn't get a Lambda crossover. That is, until now.
Chevrolet introduced the 2009 Traverse at the 2008 Chicago Auto Show in February. The Chevy Traverse is the latest Lambda-based crossover, and it comes with V6 power and seating for up to eight passengers.
The Chevrolet Traverse debuts this fall 2008. It will be offered with front- or all-wheel drive. The lone engine will be GM's high-feature 3.6-liter dual-overhead cam V6, with variable valve timing, direct injection, and single or dual exhaust. The single exhaust version will produce 281 horsepower and 253 pound-feet of torque, while the dual exhaust version will be slightly more powerful at 286 horses and 255 pound-feet of torque. Both versions will be mated to a six-speed automatic transmission.
The big Traverse takes styling cues from the new and highly successful Chevrolet Malibu. The front ends are similar, and the interior features a dual cockpit design used in the Malibu.
Like its Lambda stablemates, the Traverse will boast independent front and rear suspensions and seating for up to eight passengers. Standard seating will be for eight, with two front bucket seats, a three-passenger 60/40 split folding second-row bench, and a three-passenger 60/40 split folding third-row bench. Available second-row captain's chairs will allow for seven-passenger seating. The second- and third-row seats will fold flat to open up 117.9 cubic feet of cargo volume, and the second-row will have a Smart Slide feature to allow easy access to the third row.
The 2009 Chevy Traverse lineup will include LS, LT and LTZ models. The LTZ will come standard with 20-inch polished aluminum wheels. OnStar with Turn by Turn Navigation will be standard. Available features will include a panoramic sunroof, rear park assist, a rearview camera, a power liftgate, rear DVD entertainment, a navigation system, XM satellite radio with real-time traffic, a Bluetooth hands-free cell phone link, and heated and cooled front seats.
Standard safety features will include dual-stage front airbags, front side airbags, curtain side airbags for all three seating rows, a tire-pressure monitor, antilock brakes, traction control, and GM's StabiliTrak electronic stability control with rollover mitigation.
Pricing hasn't been announced, but we expect the Traverse to start at about $27,000 when it hits dealerships this fall. It will be built at GM's plant in Spring Hill, Tennessee.
On Sale:
Third quarter 2008
Expected Pricing:
About $27,000
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