2011 Chevrolet Traverse

The 2011 Chevy Traverse rolls into the new model year as a full size crossover with excellent driving dynamics. The Traverse comes in LS, LT and LTZ trim levels, with a starting MSRP of $29,224 - $39,975. The Chevrolet Traverse crossover utility vehicle combines the smooth ride and responsive handling of a car with the cargo capability and high seating position of a traditional truck-based sport utility vehicle. The ride is comfortable and stable, and it lacks the floppiness and bounding common in truck-based SUVs. The Traverse does not pound over bumps, even with the available 20-inch wheels. The brakes are easy to modulate and provide worry-free emergency stops. The Chevy Traverse is an excellent family vehicle and is reasonably priced. If you're buying a family mover, these vehicles are more stylish than a minivan and more practical and efficient than a truck-based SUV. In fact, they make truck-based SUVs practically unnecessary for anyone who doesn't need the extra towing capacity. The well-equipped interior features two front bucket seats and two different seating configurations for the second and third row seats, accommodating a maximum of eight passengers. Each trim is available in front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive. The Traverse carries-on for 2011 with minimal changes.

Chevy Traverse Power and Drive

On the 2011 Traverse, an efficient, direct injection 3.6-liter V6 engine is mated with a six-speed automatic transmission. GM's 3.6-liter V-6 has direct injection and makes 281 horsepower. An optional dual exhaust system boosts horsepower to 288. Power is more than adequate on this model. The V6 moves this Chevy ably from a stop and provides decent passing punch. The Traverse comes standard with a smooth-shifting six-speed automatic transmission. Fuel economy numbers are better than those of most truck-type SUVs, but they're less than for the average family car. Given the Traverse's spacious interior and eight-passenger capacity, the fuel economy is quite good. Though no lightweight, the Traverse is significantly lighter than the Tahoe, allowing the Traverse to deliver superior fuel economy and handling. Anyone coming out of a full-size SUV or a truck-based midsize SUV will find the Traverse much more pleasant to drive. Despite its two-and-a-half ton curb weight, the Traverse is surprisingly nimble. It handles more like a family sedan than a Chevy Tahoe. While the steering is somewhat light, it is direct and responsive, not flaccid and slow like in the Tahoe, Yukon and Suburban.

Design of the '11 Traverse

The 2011 Traverse sports the same stacked grille as the redesigned Chevy Malibu. The high belt line and tall roof are typical of most large crossovers, while the taillights recall Chevy's Camaro. Up front, the Traverse features an attractive version of Chevrolet's split grille. The headlights start next to the grille and wrap around the front fenders. Horizontal fog lights mirror the headlights about six inches lower. A black air dam below the grille gives the front end a dark lower face. A peak at the center of the hood continues down through the grille and fascia, adding a touch of character. At the rear, the Traverse features dark tailgate glass that dips down toward the center. The tailgate lifts up and does not have a separate opening glass. The center peak from the front is repeated here, as is the black lower fascia treatment. The total design is well thought out, smooth and stylish.

2011 Chevy Traverse Cabin

The Chevy Traverse's cabin space has bright gauges and plenty of beveled plastics. The door handles reside on their own raised cutouts, and the dashboard stacks contrasting materials atop one another. Parking assistance comes in the form of rear proximity sensors or a backup camera. The second- and third-row seats fold flat to open up a generous cargo area. The second-row bench seat fits three adults easily and there is plenty of head and leg room. For greater comfort, buyers can opt for second-row captain's chairs; and a second-row center console is available in the LTZ model. In terms of cargo space, the Traverse has more room behind the third-row seat (24.4 cubic feet) than any midsize SUV, and GM provides a handy, though shallow, under-floor bin. With the second and third rows folded down, cargo volume is an impressive 116.4 cubic feet, near the top of the class and almost eight cubic feet more than in the full-size Tahoe. Those two rear rows fold easily, each with the flick of a lever, creating a nearly flat load floor. A strap on each section of the split third-row bench makes it easy to pull the seatbacks upright from the tailgate area. An available power rear liftgate also eases access to the cargo area. Up front, the driver is surrounded by an attractively designed dashboard that has nice graining but uses more hard plastics than customers might expect for a vehicle in this price range. The instrument cluster has two deep-set pods with electroluminescent gauges on a black background. It's easy to read and never washes out in bright sunlight. Overall the Traverse's interior offers great comfort and room.

2011 Traverse Lineup

The Traverse LS comes with cloth upholstery, air conditioning, tilt/telescoping steering wheel, cruise control, four-way manually adjustable driver's seat with lumbar adjustment, three-passenger split-folding second-row seat, three-passenger split-folding third-row seat, power mirrors, power windows, power door locks, remote keyless entry, AM/FM/CD/MP3 stereo with six speakers, XM satellite radio, automatic headlights, roof rails, one year of OnStar assistance, and P245/70R17 tires on steel wheels.

Traverse 1LT adds an eight-way power-adjustable driver's seat, a leather-wrapped steering wheel with audio controls, heated power mirrors with turn signals, a trip computer, rear park assist, and P255/65R18 tires on alloy wheels. Traverse 2LT models get three-zone automatic climate control with rear controls, second-row captain's chairs for seven-passenger seating, Bose 10-speaker audio system with subwoofer, rear radio controls, rearview camera, auto-dimming rearview mirror, universal garage door opener, a power rear liftgate and other features.

The Traverse LTZ has leather upholstery, rearview camera, heated and cooled front seats, four-way power front passenger seat, memory for the driver's seat and mirrors, P255/55R20 tires on alloy wheels and numerous additional features.

Conclusions

An extensive list of safety features come standard; these include: side curtain overhead airbags, seat-mounted side-impact airbags for driver and front-seat passenger, anti-lock brakes, and electronic traction and stability control. The 2011 Chevrolet Traverse offers distinctive styling and a purportedly sportier driving experience than its GMC Acadia and Buick Enclave siblings. Competitors include the Toyota Highlander, Mazda CX-9 and Hyundai Veracruz. For any family looking for a smooth driving vehicle with both passenger and cargo space, the 2011 Traverse does the job perfectly. Visit the official Chevy Traverse site for the latest updates on this model.