4 Key Components Of The 2018 Chevrolet Traverse

Written By: Giancarlo July 30, 2017
New Model Releases

The 2018 Chevrolet Traverse, now on its second generation, is taking cues from a minivan by integrating its stylish exterior with a more spacious interior and third-row legroom. The upscale design is based on what we see on the Tahoe and the Suburban, and the Traverse now rides on an elongated C1XX platform that is also being used by Cadillac XT5 and the 2017 GMC Acadia.

1. Exterior

The 2018 Traverse will look very different from the previous generation. It now has a more mature and sleeker design, thanks to its side profile being based on the Chevy Tahoe and the Suburban. The masculinity of the new Traverse can be seen on the character line that runs rearward, as well as the belt line between the side windows and door handles.

A particularly notable exterior is the D-Optic LED headlights, which will come standard on the High Country and Premier trim levels. The design cues that experts will love the most are the large C-pillar, strong wheel well arches, the increase in ground clearance, and approach and departure angles.

2. Interior

The cabin is larger for the expected eight passengers, including the driver. You can turn the Traverse into a seven seater with the optional second-row captain’s chairs. The second and third rows also have more legroom because of the longer wheelbase, which will also make it possible for the cargo space to be almost incomparable. The 2018 Traverse will now be able to hold 98.5 cubic-feet of random items, four cubic feet more than the Tahoe.

3. Drivetrain

There are two engines the Traverse will make you choose from: the 3.6-liter V-6 engine and the new 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine that is exclusive to the RS model. The former can produce 255 horsepower at 5,500 rpm and 295 pound-feet of torque at 3,000 rpm. On the other hand, the RS model has an output of 305 horsepower at 6,800 rpm while torque remains at 260 pound-feet at 2,800 rpm.

Both the engines are paired with a new nine-speed automatic transmission and an all-wheel drive system is available for all models, including the four-cylinder engine.

4. Prices

The base L trim will sell for $30,875, an increase of $1,280 from the previous model’s starting price. The 2018 Traverse has six trim levels—L, LS, LT, Premier, High Country, and RS.