It's a big year for Chevrolet's crossover lineup, which sees two of its most popular models redesigned for 2018. One is the compact Equinox, and the other is the vehicle you see here, the mid-size Traverse, distinguished by a more spacious interior that accommodates three rows of seating.
This is no half-baked cosmetic update, like those Chevrolet applied to the outgoing Traverse in an attempt to keep that aging design fresh: Chevrolet has completely redrawn this vehicle to create one more attractive despite boxier styling that provides a strong link to the full-size Tahoe SUV.
As before, the Traverse will seat up to eight people, but in a larger body riding on a stretched wheelbase. Chevrolet says it expects the resulting expansion of interior space will give the new Traverse the most third-row legroom of any vehicle in its class, along with segment-best cargo space and passenger volume. Those interior packing improvements also include an evolution of the outgoing Traverse's Smart Slide second-row seats, which can now tip and slide for third-row access, even with a forward-facing child seat installed.
Upper-level trims will include heated rear seats, and leather upholstery all around.
There will also be a pair of new trim levels: a sport-oriented RS model, and a luxury High Country configuration. The latter gets brown leather upholstery with suede accents, 20-inch polished wheels, LED headlights, standard AWD and power-folding third-row seats. Meanwhile, the RS will get its own 20-inch wheel design and blacked-out exterior styling cues.
Most trims will use a 3.6L V6 whose basic spec is the same as that in the outgoing model, but Chevrolet says it's all new, with 10 percent more power (at 305 hp and 260 lb-ft of torque) and an estimated 9.4 L/100 km fuel consumption rating with front-wheel drive.
But that new RS model will be fitted exclusively with a 255-hp, 2.0L turbocharged four-cylinder Chevrolet says "provides a unique driving experience" and boasts 295 lb-ft of torque.
Both engines get a nine-speed automatic transmission and intelligent stop/start fuel-saving technology.
The Chevrolet MyLink infotainment system, accessed through seven- or eight-inch touchscreens (depending on trim), adds Apple CarPlay and Android Auto functionality, and USB smartphone charging ports in all three rows of seating.
High tech improvements extend to safety systems, with the addition of optional active safety features including a surround-vision camera setup, LED headlights, lane keep assist and lane departure warning, front pedestrian braking and forward collision alert with low- and high-speed automatic braking.
