In 2008, General Motors debuted a single platform that would not only turn seven vehicles into four, but help the brand regain its sanity previously lost. When it came time to consolidate, the Lambda full size SUVs took over working duty for both the aging GMT360 truck-based utilities and the admittedly lack-luster U Platform minivans. Like other component sharing GM products, the crossovers are ranked accordingly with their brand namesake and among the current Lambdas, it is the Chevrolet Traverse that serves gateway duty as it is the least expensive and least bling-filled. It may lack the serene ambiance of the Buick Enclave and the bold angles of the GMC Acadia, but the bow tie hauler is still a force to be reckoned with and it looks to continue taking the American people, their families and all of their gear on seemingly endless adventures. For 2012 however, the industry has taken notice and the question now becomes: does this Michigan made crossover still have what it takes?
All Lambda vehicles are currently still in their first generation and with that, the same 118.9 inch wheelbase, 205 inch length and 78.4 inch width that debuted in 2008 remains. At first glance, the Traverse is, well, rather large. More times than not, adjectives such as “huge”, “enormous”, “behemoth” and “school bus” were used by passers-by to describe the Chevy. Not nearly as large as the still-truck based dinosaurs GM puts Suburban and Escalade badges on, the Traverse is honestly as big as any SUV needs to be. Unlike the decade-old haulers, the Lambdas are actually maneuverable, can fit in parking spots and have the ability to not get caught on fire by upset environmentalists. This is how the full size family machines of the 1970s should have evolved as they blend the capacity of a bus with the finesse of a minivan. The secret lies underneath the Traverse’s sheet metal as at its core, its front wheel drive standard, all wheel drive option platform was developed from the Epsilon cars.
In order to find out just how useful GM’s family machine really is, we got behind the wheel of a loaded out LTZ Front Wheel Drive. Starting out with an MSRP of $38,805, the LTZ is the most expensive Traverse: nearly $10 grand more than the base LS trim. For that money, consumers get leather seating with heating and cooling for the front, power folding mirrors, remote start, back up camera, a Bose supplied stereo, tri-zone climate control and 20 inch chrome wheels. Added to our tester was a $395 coat of Crystal Red Tincoat paint, $525 Trailering Package and $3,360 navigation with rear seat entertainment system to bring the final asking price to $43,895 with destination charge.
Like the last Lambda we tested, a 2011 Enclave, the 2012 Traverse uses the power of six for motivation. Under the hood is the direct injected, DOHC 3.6 liter V6 that has now become a corporate standard for GM. In LTZ trim, the “High Feature” six cylinder uses variable valve timing to put to the ground 288 horsepower and 270 lb-ft of torque via the front wheels. Making sure every pony gets sorted is the six speed Hyrda-Matic automatic transmission. This powertrain, like the Enclave’s, is beyond smooth and does an excellent job of dealing with the Traverse’s 4,720 lb curb weight. Driving around at city speeds is no-fuse easy and never once did the transmission not know what to do with the engine’s power. This is one aspect where the Chevrolet separates itself from its rivals as the Hydra-Matic could easily be considered a work of engineering art. How it manages to shift so smoothly is a mystery and it never once got sick with a case of the “gear-hunts”. Even if all out, wide open power is needed, the six speed with act accordingly and let the silky sounding six sing to its near 7,000 rpm redline. With the added trailiering package, the front drive crossover can even pull a decent amount: 5,200 lbs. Butter smooth as it may be, there is a strange case of torque steer that didn’t seem to be present with the Enclave. It only showed its ugly face when certain steering angles met with high rpms, but it still was an annoyance. Perhaps a revised front differential would do the Traverse some good or the optional all wheel drive system.
To be perfectly honest, if left on paper the Chevy would appear to be dynamically uninspiring due to its large size and front wheel drive. Off paper however and in the real world, the Traverse absolutely surprises when the road turns curvy. The steering feel is fantastic and never once revealed just how big the SUV really is. Body roll is very subdued and transitioning from turn to turn wasn’t accompanied by wallowing but instead, confidence. There is a level of connection found in the Lambdas that is usually never associated with their respective segments. Just like the Buick and Acadia we tested in 2011, the Traverse will always tell a driver when its time to calm down. This is a very safe and capable chassis that might only be bested by just a few rear drive offerings. But unlike those other seven seaters, the Lambdas are dynamically stout while riding on what can only be described as a bed of marshmallows. The suspension’s damping is, without a doubt, near perfect. It’s soft, supple and would easily coax any passenger into a deep and peaceful sleep. At freeway speeds, there is no intrusion by the outside world, especially with the Bose stereo tuned to the appropriate level. Each seat, including the way-back third row, is a special place and numerous passengers were astounding to find such a high level of material quality inside a GM product.
In LTZ trim, the Traverse is borderline Acadia and Enclave level of special on the inside but on the outside, things are not quite the same. By no means ugly, the body lines of the Chevy lack the class of the Buick and the muscle of the GMC. Instead, it is extremely safe looking and has the ability to offend absolutely no one. At the same time, it also has the ability to get lost in a parking lot. The visual pizzaz is simply lacking and all the 20 inch wheels in the world can’t overcome the Traverse’s corporate-looking body. As much as the interior trim quality and comfort has improved compared to previous GM products, the navigation’s display looks dated compared to other manufacture offerings. The screen’s picture resolution could use an upgrade, especially when considering the Durango’s Uconnect system. Despite that, the Traverse’s navigation is easy to operate and going back and forth from the stereo to the map is fast and responsive.
As a big, family hauling machine, the Chevrolet Traverse simply makes sense. When seven seating is truly needed, the Lambdas work so much better in the real world than the truck like hulks that clutter the road more often than not. They handle like cars, are easy to park, easy to get in and out of all while having the ability to haul just about anything realistic. Add in the pillow-like ride quality and attention grabbing rear seat entertainment system, and the Traverse will surly make any cross-country trip with the kids a breeze. When placed in highway-cruise mode, the Traverse could even be called efficient as 25 mpg can be averaged. There is no getting past its size and weight when driven around town however as we averaged 17 mpg; not outstanding but world’s better compared to the mileage of a Suburban. Unlike that Chevrolet offering, the Traverse can haul kids and stuff all while telling a driver what is happening between them and the road underneath. This is a big hauler that doesn’t act like one as it is spry, maneuverable and at times, smile inducing. Any large family would be content for years if a 2012 Chevrolet Traverse were added to their driveway.
