The redesigned 2018 Chevy Traverse is bigger, bolder, stronger and more technologically advanced than ever before. For 2018, Chevy was able to add more legroom in the second and third rows, along with an increase to overall cargo space, all while shedding 400lbs – quite the accomplishment! Even more impressive is the redesigned exterior, giving the 2018 Chevy Traverse a sleek and bold exterior that looks rugged and modern.
DRIVING PERFORMANCE
The updated tuning on the 2018 Traverse’s 3.6L V6 engine now outputs 305hp and enough torque to tow up to 5,000lbs. The RS model offers a smaller 2.0L turbo charged engine outputting 255hp for drivers needing mainly city cruising. Paired with a 9-speed automatic and optional AWD, the 2018 Traverse is both a smooth cruiser in the city and a capable off road machine. This transmission is quick and easy to engage off the line – even under hard acceleration, gears can be shifted smoothly and quickly. Under light acceleration, the first few gears can be shifted almost undetectably.
The loss of 400lbs coupled with the additional power greatly improves the driving dynamics of the 2018 Chevy Traverse. With the inverse changes in power and weight, the 2018 Traverse has one of the best in class power-to-weight ratios. This allows even the smaller 2.0L engine in the RS model to provide excellent acceleration to the 4400-pound crossover SUV. Among all models, the acceleration is pretty smooth, strong and linear even at higher speeds.
For its bulky design, the Chevy Traverse is surprisingly smooth to drive, thanks to Chevy’s use of finely tuned suspension and steering control. Inspired from the Camaro, the rack-mounted, belt-driven electric steering has a light touch. The rear multilink suspension meanwhile does a good job of absorbing bumps and making the ride as smooth as possible. This is a much needed change compared to its predecessors which had more of a truck-like feel.
EXTERIOR DESIGN
The 2018 Chevy Traverse is one of the largest SUVs in its class, with its closest competition for size being the 2018 Volkswagen Atlas. The bold exterior of the 2018 Traverse gives it an intimidating presence, allowing it to stand out from the competition. The overall height is a staggering 1796mm and stretches to a length of 5190mm. Combined with a track width of 1701-1710mm and you get a large exterior with the potential for a very spacious interior.
The bold presence of the 2018 Chevy Traverse can be attributed to its wide stance, sharp lines and overall pleasant proportions. The exterior design goes with sharper lines versus smoother curves and highlights the important parts with chrome. The most noticeable feature of the front end is the large, sleek and shiny grille. From there the design flows out to some accent lines on the hood, narrow headlights and another accent line that flows along the entire length of the SUV. The rear end rounds out the entire design with some sharp features including narrow tail lights and a dual exhaust.
SPACIOUS INTERIOR
The increased interior space for rear passengers and cargo volume brings the 2018 Chevy Traverse to the top of its class, while its sister vehicle the 2018 GMC Acadia reduced its interior space. With a choice of 7 or 8 passenger seating and many combinations of seat folding, sliding and reclining, the 2018 Traverse has a truly versatile interior, more than capable of hauling any combination of passengers and cargo.
Chevy has truly come a long way with the quality of materials used within the interior, which is beautifully showcased in the 2018 Traverse we had the pleasure of testing. The two tone black and brown leather interior used soft touch materials, double stitching, a nice balance of polished black with chrome and all put together in a high quality build.
Loaded up with the latest technology, the interior of the 2018 Traverse is a pleasant place to be, whether you’re on a short trip in the city or a longer drive through the country. Packed full of features like wifi, Bluetooth, OnStar, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto and an 8 inch touch screen, there’s plenty to keep passengers entertained. Other features like forward collision alert, lane keep assist, blind spot alert, rear park assist and a 360 camera make maneuvering the Traverse a breeze.
FINAL THOUGHTS
Chevy has truly upped their game with the 2018 Chevy Traverse and has become a fierce competitor in the ultra competitive SUV market. The bold exterior, versatile and spacious interior and overall driving performance, make the 2018 Traverse an ideal pick for a larger sized SUV.
