2009 Chevy Traverse: Worth the Wait?

When GM began introducing their new flotilla of mid-size SUVs, the manner in which they began to release the oh-so-similar looking lineup confused a great many critics. With the GMC Acadia and Saturn Outlook rolled out as the first two to break cover, with the Buick Enclave coming shortly after, it seemed odd for GM to keep the Chevy-branded variant under wraps. Now we know why, but more on that later.

After all, Chevrolet has historically been GM’s high volume brand, and the generally accepted practice for manufacturers is to introduce the high volume models first, with the more specifically-targeted variations coming later. Although not sharing any sheetmetal with its upmarket cousin, the Traverse borrows the Enclave’s suburban styling, opting for tapering rear windows and flowing fenders over the Acadia and Outlook’s more robust, squared off SUV-styled flanks. As the literature states, “the Traverse is infused with styling cues inspired by the acclaimed '08 Chevy Malibu,” and the link is undeniable. Wandering around the front of the vehicle exposes one to the same sleek urban chic grill as the Malibu, albeit rendered in venti. Sadly, the rest of the vehicle’s styling looks like it would have benefitted from a couple shots of espresso in the designer’s Starbucks order. Not to say it’s ugly, but with a pair of taillights that seems completely incongruously with the remainder of the vehicle’s styling, and bodysides that could be mistaken for a Hyundai’s, it lacks the handsome qualities of its Lambda stabelmates.

• Also: 2009 Chevrolet Traverse: The fourth in the series…

But thankfully, it’s inherited its stablemates’ on-road prowess. As tested, the Traverse was equipped with the 3.6L direct-injected V6 driving through all four wheels (front wheel drive is standard), and the driving experience was expectedly good. Underpinned by some seriously over-engineered components, the Traverse uses a unique linked “H” design with gigantic cast aluminum suspension components to reduce unsprung weight while maintaining rigidity; something you won’t find under its Japanese competitors. Likewise, the rear suspension design minimizes floorpan intrusion, maintaining interior cabin room. However, the Traverse isn’t without its foibles. Power delivery through the six speed  automatic is good, but the transmission tries almost too hard to keep the motor in the drivetrain, shifting between gears at odd times. Likewise, the test 2LT trim level includes the optional variable effort power steering as standard, which has an unnatural, gritty feel as low speeds, almost as if there was sand in the steering box. A minor issue, it doesn’t effect the vehicle’s dynamics, but with the base price for the 2LT AWD sitting at $44,860 dollars, it’s fair to expect more fluid steering feedback at parking-lot speeds.

Which brings me to perhaps the most frustrating area of the Traverse; the interior. While the Acadia and Enclave offer surprisingly high levels of comfort and quality, the Traverse disappoints. Yes, it is just as comfortable and practical as the GMC and Buick offerings, but the quality of a few select components is simply not up to standard. As expected, everything that’s shared with those other vehicles is excellent, with everything from the wiper/turn signal stalks to center console-mounted controls to the steering wheel being of the highest quality. However, the plastic dashboard and center console appliqué is downright atrocious. As is clearly visible in the photo, the hole through which the climate controls mount through is too large, leaving the ugly mechanisms behind the buttons exposed from the driver’s perspective. Also, it’s rough, looking as if it was hewn out by a coarse hacksaw blade. Furthermore, the driver information center controls are poorly mounted, and recede into the dashboard from left to right. However, it’s not all bad. The large black dashboard conceals a massive glovebox, and the center console has a nice, fuzzy well-sized (if somewhat shallow) storage bin in the conveniently adjustable armrest. However, even in that there is frustration: a gigantic storage well concealed by a roll-top style door lies underneath the armrest, and is inaccessible with the armrest in all but the most rearward position. But, for all its foibles, it’s worth noting the practicality of the Traverse’s trim spec. Although an upscale model complete with navigation, DVD player, and pretty much every other option you could want, the 2LT comes equipped with fabric seats. Most manufacturers include leather in their upper trim levels, but that not only inflates the price even further, but is oftentimes less comfortable than cloth seats. The fabric-covered chairs in the Traverse are soft and supportive, and when paired with the tilt/telescoping steering column, easily give you a great place to pass the miles.

However, with a relatively high price point and a trio of arguably better competitors available from the same dealership network, the Traverse is something of a conflicted vehicle; utterly capable and infinitely practical, but lacking the perfect finish of its GM-badged competitors, the Traverse is a cuppa joe in a Starbucks world.