Chevrolet Traverse: 2018 Motor Trend SUV of the Year Finalist
Minivan stand-in
We Like:Brawny style, ride/handling balance, stowage and USBs aplenty
0:00 / 0:00
We Don't Like:Dumb AWD switch, no driver-side tilt/slide seat
We expected a typical generational upgrade from the dozy last-gen Traverse, but we found ourselves awarding the newbie high marks in nearly all of our criteria. Chevy's sharp new look translates surprisingly well to this full-figured CUV. The weight loss and superbly tuned nine-speed automatic advance its efficiency standings, and in terms of performance of intended function it trumps the rival VW Atlas.
Here's a sampling of the love. Christian Seabaugh: "The interior materials quality is noticeably higher than in the VW Atlas." Scott Evans: "The handling is excellent for the size and weight, and the new automatic maximizes power delivery without always grabbing the highest gear no matter what." Angus MacKenzie: "The Chevy proved better on the off-road sections than the Volkswagen—quieter, smoother, more comfortable, and more enjoyable. Linear steering with meaty feel."
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All the tough stuff—driving dynamics, design, pricing, and packaging—are nearly spot-on, so the to-fix list is pretty short. At the top: Add the cool second-row tilt-n-slide mechanism to the left-side seat; we usually load the car in a driveway or garage, not at the curb. Reposition and redesign the AWD-mode switch so we can see and comprehend it. Fix the jiggly, flimsy exterior door handles. And relocate the rear-hatch latch away from the bumper, where it clearly will freeze over with accumulated snow.
Although the VW's third row is more comfortable and accessible, everywhere else this Chevy has the minivan-replacement mission accomplished.
Read about 2018 SUV of the Year contenders:
- Audi Q5
- BMW X4
- Buick Enclave
- Buick Encore
- Buick Envision
- Chevrolet Equinox
- GMC Terrain
- Hyundai Santa Fe Sport
- Jeep Compass
- Maserati Levante
- Mazda CX-5
- Mercedes-Benz GLC Coupe
- Mini Countryman
- Nissan Rogue Sport
- Toyota C-HR
- Volkswagen Tiguan
- Volvo V90 Cross Country
Read about other 2018 SUV of the Year Finalists:
I started critiquing cars at age 5 by bumming rides home from church in other parishioners’ new cars. At 16 I started running parts for an Oldsmobile dealership and got hooked on the car biz. Engineering seemed the best way to make a living in it, so with two mechanical engineering degrees I joined Chrysler to work on the Neon, LH cars, and 2nd-gen minivans. Then a friend mentioned an opening for a technical editor at another car magazine, and I did the car-biz equivalent of running off to join the circus. I loved that job too until the phone rang again with what turned out to be an even better opportunity with Motor Trend. It’s nearly impossible to imagine an even better job, but I still answer the phone…
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