2010 Chevy Traverse
Parks Chevrolet of
Augusta KS is the Top Butler County Chevy Dealer. This month, Parks Chevy of
Wichita KS has all Traverse models on SALE! We are offering some of the
best DISCOUNTS in Wichita. If you previously had a negative purchase
experience with a Wichita Chevy Dealer or you don't want to be harassed as you
pull into the dealer, come experience the Parks Advantage and see for yourself
the advantage of buying from a family owned dealer who really cares.
If you have any
questions or concerns about your next purchase, please call us and one of our
representatives will help assist you in your next purchase. We will not be undersold.
Call our Toll Free # (877) 259-2519 and talk to a Traverse expert. Come visit
us today and see why we are rated #1 in CUSTOMER SERVICE! Don't forget about
our Free Loaner cars for as long as you own the vehicle.
As the entry-level model of its
platform siblings, the 2010 Chevrolet Traverse doesn't give up much at all,
providing a roomy, comfortable cabin and a pleasant-to-drive demeanor.
Pros
Complaint ride, seating for up to
eight passengers, adult-friendly split-folding third-row seat, massive cargo
area, top safety scores.
Cons
Compromised outward visibility,
large size hampers maneuverability, some forgettable interior materials.
What's New for 2010
It's USB ports all around for the
2010 Chevrolet Traverse, as the handy connectors are fitted to audio,
navigation and DVD entertainment systems. Beyond that and some minor equipment
shuffling, the competent Traverse enters its sophomore year essentially
unchanged.
2010
Chevrolet Traverse Review -- Edmunds.com
Introduction
Volatile gas prices and altered
priorities have forced many consumers to reconsider the need (or lack thereof)
for a large, gas-thirsty, truck-based SUV. Without the need for massive towing
capacity or off-road capability, these folks could be well served by the
oh-so-practical and user-friendly minivan. Of course, many of them can't get
around the minivan's less-than-flattering image.
Filling the breach is the large
crossover SUV, a vehicle that combines nearly the same amount of family-focused
functionality and car-based dynamics of a minivan with the ruggedly sporty
appearance and personality of an SUV. And in this segment, the 2010 Chevrolet
Traverse is one of the better vehicles for providing plenty of space, comfort
and performance for an attractive price.
One of four GM quadruplets built
on the same "Lambda" platform (that also includes the Buick Enclave,
GMC Acadia and Saturn Outlook), the Traverse was introduced just last year.
It's probably overkill to have four versions of essentially the same vehicle,
and the Traverse differs little other than in styling and minor equipment and
interior trim variations. But like its siblings, the Traverse boasts greater
amounts of passenger and cargo space than a traditional large SUV while also
delivering a more pleasant, carlike driving experience and superior fuel
economy.
Though it's the entry-level
Lambda, the Traverse doesn't necessarily look it. It shares some handsome
styling cues with the well-received Malibu -- such as the split mesh grille
outside and the dual-cockpit dash theme inside -- and generally makes a
convincing argument for itself. True, it does have some faults, including
relatively poor outward visibility and a third-row seat that's not as
comfortable as that of the Ford Flex. Nor is it as nimble around town as the
Mazda CX-9. But if you're looking for a well-performing people mover that hauls
a lot of cargo and doesn't scream "mommy (or daddy) mobile," the
Traverse deserves your serious attention.
Body Styles, Trim Levels,
and Options
The 2010 Chevrolet Traverse is a
large crossover SUV available in LS, LT and LTZ trim levels. Standard equipment
on the LS includes 17-inch steel wheels, eight-passenger seating, split-folding
second- and third-row bench seats, a tilt-telescoping steering wheel,
air-conditioning, full power accessories, OnStar and a six-speaker CD/MP3
player with an auxiliary audio jack and satellite radio.
The midrange LT trim level is
actually comprised of a choice of two sub-trims: the well-equipped 1LT and the
more upscale 2LT. The 1LT package offers 18-inch alloy wheels, heated sideview
mirrors, an eight-way power driver seat, a trip computer, a leather-wrapped
steering wheel and rear parking sensors. Select the 2LT package and get all
that plus tri-zone automatic climate control, a 10-speaker Bose system (with
USB port), rear audio system controls, seven-passenger seating (featuring
second-row captain's chairs), a power liftgate and a rearview camera integrated
into the rearview mirror.
The Traverse LTZ ups the luxury
ante with 20-inch wheels, leather upholstery, heated and ventilated power front
seats (with driver memory settings), Bluetooth connectivity and remote
ignition. Many of the standard features on upper trim levels can be added to
the lower ones via optional packages. Other option highlights include a
trailering package, a navigation system (with real-time traffic, a rearview
camera and a USB port), dual sunroofs and a rear-seat DVD entertainment system
(with USB port).
Powertrains and
Performance
There is only one
engine/transmission combination available for the Chevrolet Traverse -- a
3.6-liter V6 mated to a six-speed automatic with manual shift control. In the
LS and LT trims, which have a single exhaust system, the V6 produces 281
horsepower and 266 pound-feet of torque. In the uplevel LTZ, output jumps up to
288 hp and 270 lb-ft thanks to a dual-outlet exhaust.
EPA fuel economy estimates for
the front-wheel-drive Traverse are 17 mpg in the city/24 mpg on the highway and
19 mpg combined. All-wheel-drive Traverse models are very close at 16/23/19
mpg. Properly equipped, the Traverse can tow up to 5,200 pounds.
Safety
Antilock disc brakes, traction
and stability control, front seat side-impact airbags and side curtain airbags
for all three rows are all standard on the 2010 Chevrolet Traverse, as is one
year of GM's OnStar service, including turn-by-turn navigation and hands-free
phone connectivity.
In both frontal- and side-impact
crash tests performed by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration,
the Traverse received a perfect five-star rating for its protection of
occupants in head-on and side-impact collisions. The Traverse also aced the
Insurance Institute for Highway Safety crash tests, where it got the highest
rating of "Good" in both the frontal-offset and side-impact tests.
Interior Design and
Special Features
Inside the Traverse's roomy cabin
is an attractive layout in a two-tone color scheme with brushed aluminum and
chrome trim. The instrument panel consists of dual gauges featuring bright
white numbers on a black background that are simple and easy to read. Minor
complaints include a few lower-grade interior plastics and audio and climate
controls that consist of too many small and similar-looking buttons.
Depending on the configuration
chosen, the Traverse seats either seven (with second-row captain's chairs) or
eight (split-folding second-row bench seat) passengers in three rows. The
first- and second-row seats are quite comfortable and supportive, and the
split-folding third-row seat - which is often a kids-only zone in traditional
SUVs -- can accommodate adults in reasonable comfort. Maximum cargo capacity is
a generous 117 cubic feet with the second- and third-row seats folded down, and
even with all three rows of seating in use, there are still a useful 24 cubic
feet of luggage space.
Driving Impressions
Like the other three large
General Motors crossovers, the 2010 Chevrolet Traverse hits a happy medium
between secure handling and a comfortable ride. However, you'll never forget
that it's a big and heavy vehicle (4,925 pounds with all-wheel drive), and it
feels a bit more cumbersome to drive than other large crossovers on the market.
Opting for the larger 19- or 20-inch wheels can also degrade the Traverse's
ride quality. We have no complaints about the 3.6-liter V6, as it provides
peppy acceleration in almost all situations. Previously, the six-speed
automatic transmission was often reluctant to downshift, but a reprogramming
for 2010 has remedied the situation.
