2018 Chevy Traverse Buyer’s Guide

2018 Chevrolet Traverse General Overview

Having undergone a shift from the previous models to accommodate itself for the modern market, the 2018 Chevy Traverse is a sought-after mid-sized SUV. The 2018 Chevy Traverse hit the market at the right time. With considerable changes in its interiors and exteriors, this is one vehicle that you wouldn’t want off your radar.

The vehicle has a modern, stylish and beastly exterior and an upgraded interior. It also comes with updated connectivity, the latest safety measures and economical powertrains, making it suitable for families.

One of the biggest improvements with the 2018 Traverse is the overall aesthetic layout; something that buyers earlier deemed to be the vehicle’s drawback. Earlier, the vehicle was similar in function and style like a large-sized SUV or minivan. The redesigned version of the vehicle is albeit boxier, but the vehicle doesn’t compromise. From a cutting-edge infotainment system to high-end internal accessories, the overall status of the Chevy Traverse seems to be quite elevated.

With a feisty V-6 engine, the Traverse is highly fuel efficient. It also has a suspension that makes the ride comfortable and maintains adequate composure when cutting corners. Inside the vehicle, passengers have access to USB outlets and cup holders; making it truly a car for not just one, but many.

2018 Chevrolet Traverse Pricing and Trims 

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The starting MSRP of the 2018 Traverse is highly competitive and affordable as compared to other mid-size SUVs. Seven trim levels are offered:

• L
• LS
• LT (Cloth)
• LT (leather)
• RS
• Premier
• High Country.

These options make it easy for buyers to make a suitable choice per their requirements.

Exterior 

Dimensions

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Styling

Bold and refined are two words you can use to describe the 2018 Chevy Traverse. The refreshing new take on the Traverse has made it a hot pick in the market. Expect best-in-class passenger space and cargo space. There’s a lot that this vehicle offers car owners who want to add a touch of their fashion to the handsome crossover.

With ten exterior colour options, the 2018 Chevy Traverse provides a diverse range to its buyers. It comes with 18-20 inch tire patterns, diverse iconic liveries, ceiling cross rails, and upscale touches on the chrome grille. It has a keyless entry, tire locks, and splash shields.

You can customize your Chevy Traverse considerably. Distinguished exterior features include a liftgate which is hands-free, aero shutters, chrome accents on the grille and lighting features. You can also get a dual-panel sunroof to exude a lot more panache and flair.

Interior

Let’s have a look at the 2018 Chevy Traverse Interior:

Dimensions

Quality, Space, and Comfort

The initial trim of the Traverse is something that most customers love. The 2018 Chevy Traverse has several basic features, including tech features, to keep the entire family connected, entertained and comfortable. The basic trim is spacious for large families and has eight seats. With a standard second row bench seating in this trim, buyers can access captain chairs in the higher trims. This brings the total capacity of the 2018 Traverse to 7.  

Many comfortable and convenient seating amenities are available on the vehicle’s upper trims. If you opt for LT Leather or Premier trims, you will get access to more configurations. Even long journeys are comfortable in the 2018 Chevy Traverse as passengers enjoy a comfortable and quiet ride. The High Country trim comes with its own towing kit. This makes this vehicle -wheel drive the right choice for buyers who have campers, boats or trailers.

Cargo

One of the best cargo haulers in its class, the Traverse offers extensive space behind the third row of seats with almost 57.8 cubic feet in the third row of seats folded.

As compared to its rivals, the 2018 Chevy Traverse is preferred over its competitors for its passenger space and cargo space. With the second and third rows folded, about 98.2 cubic feet of space available for cargo.

Entertainment

An easy-to-use MyLink touchscreen system equipped with colorful graphics is available on a high-mounted display in the 2018 Chevy Traverse. This vehicle’s infotainment system comes with a 7.0-inch (configurable to an 8.0-inch) screen. It is equipped with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The vehicle strategically has 7 USB ports across the three cabin rows.

Passengers can also enjoy Wi-Fi hotspot which is powered by a 4G LTE data connection. The vehicle however is missing a rear-seat entertainment system.

Features & Specs

Chevrolet Traverse L

The entry-level Traverse includes

• 7-inch touchscreen displayMyLink infotainment interface
• USB ports and bluetooth
• Keyless start
• Voice controlled controls

Buyers have an option to upgrade their vehicle to the L Premier trim where they can access the Tri-zone automatic climate control, TDMS, rear-seat reminder and rear camera.

Chevrolet Traverse LS

In addition to the features provided on the LT, the LS model comes with a dark-tinted rear privacy glass

Chevrolet Traverse LT Cloth

In this trim, buyers can access captain chairs instead of mid-row bench seating. The capacity of the car therefore goes from 8 to 7. More features are as follows:

• 8 different orientations to adjust the driver’s seat
• Satellite radio access
• Leather-covered steering wheel
• Heated mirrors on the outside
• Roof rails

Chevrolet Traverse LT Leather

With leather seating, the first two rows of this trim look more upscale and posh. Other features in this trim include –

• 8-inch touchscreen display
• Navigation System
• Hidden storage compartments
• Heated front passenger seats
• Blind spot monitoring
• Rear parking sensors
• Surround view-parking
• Rear cross-traffic alert

Some other features that can be configured into this vehicle are –

• Power liftgate
• 10-speaker Bose sound unit
• Heated rear passenger seats

Chevrolet Traverse RS

In the RS trim, buyers can access a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine.

Chevrolet Traverse Premier

With the Premier trim, buyers have access to

• Heated front seats
• Heated steering wheel
• Hands-free liftgate
• Memory settings

In this trim you also get heated seats for the second row and wireless device charging.

Chevrolet Traverse High Country

Luxury knows best with the Chevrolet Traverse High Country. In this trim, you can find a trailering kit. Other features include –

• Dual-panel sunroof
• Automatic high beam
• Adaptive cruise control
• Rearview camera mirro
• Power-folding third-row
• Front braking for pedestrains
• Warning for front collision
• Lane departure warning
• Distance indicator
• Lane-keep assist
• Automatic Emergency Braking.

What’s the best Trim Option on the 2018 Chevy Traverse?

In our opinion, it doesn;t get better than the LT Leather trim with the 2018 Chevy Traverse. This trim level offers a top-quality riding experience at an affordable price, with the best features included. Many driving assistance features that are not available on lower trims, are available on this one.

Overall, the vehicle, equipped with a 3.6-liter V6 engine and 9-speed automatic transmission, make up the vehicle’s standard features across all trims.

All Traverse L models have the option of configuring the vehicle to all-wheel drives (AWD).

As a buyer, you need to decide and evaluate which model will work best for your budget and specifications. If you have the budget for a higher trim, opt for the RS or Premier trims. These trims have a host of active safety features that may be missing or optional in the lower trims.

Engine and performance

• 3.6-liter V6
• Power: 310 horsepower @6,800 rpm
• Torque: 266 lb-ft @2,800 rpm
• Automatic Transmission: 9-speed
• Drivetrain: Front-Wheel Drive (FWD), All-wheel drive (AWD) (optional)

Powered by a new gen 310-horsepower 3.6-liter V-6, the 2018 Chevy Traverse provides excellent driveability and fuel efficiency in comparison to its past makes. The high-performing engine is intuitive in terms of both high speed, or when the car is about to merge into traffic or needs to pass vehicles moving at a low speed.

Drivers find the 9-speed automatic’s shifts easy, however aggressive driving can lead to an abrupt driving experience in case of the downshifts. If you’re parking this vehicle or maneuvering it at a lower speed, you are bound to feel the turns. Once the speed picks up, the vehicle feels almost compact and easy to reach a high speed.

Ride and handling

Overall the 2018 Chevy Traverse delivers good ride and handling.

The ride quality is very comfortable, and the vehicle provides adequate braking performance and well-coordinated handling. These factors make this car an all-rounded option in the face of its rivals. However, drivers have complained of a not-so-easy parking or low-speed maneuvering experience, and that’s when one can really feel the size of the car. Nonetheless, once the pace is picked up, the 2018 Chevy Traverse feels compact and elegant.

The Traverse has a well-tuned suspension which offers good balance in terms of the ride handling and passenger comfort. Body rolls and bumps are well controlled and the overall ride is very quiet as little to no noise is transmitted to the passengers during the journey.

Fuel efficiency

The gears shift smoothly and at the appropriate times by the transmission. It has an automated transmission with nine different gear ratios. With the 2018 Chevrolet Traverse, you can expect a combined average of 19.70 mpg.

For a mid-sized SUV, the front-wheel drive model has an estimated-EPA 18/27/21 mpg in the city. Nonetheless, as compared to alternate vehicle options in the 9-speed automatic segment, it delivers average fuel economy.

Safety

NHTSA Safety Ratings

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IIHS Safety Ratings

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Safety Features

Standard & advanced safety features include –

• Forward Collision Alert
• Front Pedestrian Braking
• Lane Departure Warning
• Automatic Braking
• Lane Keep Assist
• Rear Park Assist
• Rear Seat Reminder
• Rear Cross-Traffic Alert
• Teen Driver

How the 2018 Traverse Compares Against Key Rivals

Vs Dodge Durango?

The 2018 Chevy Traverse is a strong contender when it comes to choosing the right mid-sized SUV. While the Dodge Durango prioritizes fun, the Chevy Traverse is all about practicality. The Chevy fairs above the Durango when it comes to styling as well as space, especially in terms of a three-row race.

Vs Ford Explorer

Many buyers can’t choose between the 2018 Chevy Traverse and the Ford Explorer since both models are in neck-to-neck competition with each other. While the lower trim of the Chevy Traverse is more affordable, the Ford Explorer offers better features. Opt for a slightly higher or a configured vehicle and the amenities available in the Chevy Traverse make it the right option as compared to its rival.

Conclusion Review with (Pros & Cons)

Pros

• HID headlights
• Smooth 9-speed transmission
• Roomy and comfortable first two rows
• Large space for cargo hold
• Excellent infotainment and navigation

Cons

• Some features are exclusive to expensive trims.
• Exterior styling are better on rivals.
• Advanced safety features are available on higher trims
• Tight third row seating for adults.

Verdict

Overall, the 2018 Chevy Traverse has roomy seating for seven or eight people, including a third row for adults. The lower trims, which are more affordable, have been built with durable insides. These interiors are equipped with intuitive controls and aesthetic decor. As you go higher, the trims become fancier; for example, faux suede lines the door panels and the dash.

From embroidered logos to grained leather seating, the Traverse doesn’t cut corners when it comes to style. In fact, a vinyl instrument panel has been made to match the color of the interiors. In terms of the engine as well, the car delivers high performance with a V6 which provides enough thrust to power the SUV.

FAQ’s