When it was time for a redesign, the 2018 Chevrolet Traverse swam in a different direction than its GMC Acadia twin. While the Acadia shrunk, the Traverse grew to better accommodate its third row. In the process, the Traverse now looks more like the Tahoe than a midsize SUV. Did Chevrolet go too far?
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The new Traverse receives a bigger grille and thinner headlights for 2018. Not only that, but its hood is more squared off than before. Chrome accents adorn the striking integrated grille, with the new High Country model receiving the most bling. Meanwhile, sporty Redline models get a blacked-out bow tie emblem and black wheels as well as other updates.
One look at the side profile and it's clear that the Traverse looks much more like a truck now. Consider the lines of the windows and the rear liftgate. All of its round edges have been replaced with square shapes. Much like the headlights, the taillights have also narrowed.
Inside, the Traverse gets a larger 7- or 8-inch touchscreen as opposed to the old 6.5-inch screen. No longer is the area surrounding the screen sprinkled with buttons and knobs. Chevy has also freed up space right below the central display and in front of the shifter for a more open cabin look. The model also receives a new split-folding second row seat instead of the old Smart Slide setup. The curbside seat can tip up and slide forward even when a child seat is installed, providing easier access to the third row.
Do you think the 2018 Chevrolet Traverse is refreshing or revolting? Let us know in the comments below.
Last week, we asked for your thoughts on the 2018 Hyundai Elantra GT. Most of you had good things to say about the redesign.
"I applaud Hyundai for giving this car the proper mature treatment without overdoing it," notedBrian Rosado. Meanwhile,Sven R Larsoneven likened the Elantra GT to the Volkswagen Golf.
"Nice, the old one looks frumpy in comparison," commentedMadison TSX.
Okanaganguypreferred the old model: "This looks nice, but to me, it's a little boring."
When I tell people I write about cars, the most common reply I receive is “Really?” I guess I never strike people as a car type as I drive down the freeway in the right lane going 60 mph in my old SUV. My gripes about driving in city traffic and fast drivers don’t help my case, either. For a time, the only cars I liked were old cars. Not old as in "classic" or "vintage," but as in well-worn. My first appreciation of cars came when I drove a very old Ford pickup. It wasn't perfect: I used a booster seat to reach the gas pedal, and the turn signal once fell off in my hand as I was learning to drive. But the thing I valued most was the memories. It took several years for me to truly become a "car person." Being a long-time writer and an avid reader has helped me develop a healthy curiosity and a desire to know how things work. This has made cars one of the most fascinating points of study for me because they are such intricate machines. I am interested in how cars can reach 200 mph, how they can run on hydrogen, and how they can drive and park on their own. I also enjoy learning how cars can solve problems whether it be in the form of reducing pollution, minimizing traffic, or helping people stay connected on the road. Yes, maybe I’m not a gearhead. Perhaps I’m a car nerd. Either way, I very much enjoy writing about cars and helping people stay in tune with the automotive industry. I wouldn't want to be writing about anything else. And don’t get me wrong: I know how to drool over a hot car. I am fascinated by the Tesla Model S, awed by the Lamborghini Veneno, and am hopelessly obsessed with the Audi R8.
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