Chevrolet Traverse 2011 Review

With few modifications, the Chevrolet Traverse 2011 is a large SUV that comes with large seating and cargo capacity. Despite having good fuel efficiency it has a poor optimal visibility.

The LS, LT and the LTZ are the trim levels of the Chevrolet traverse 2011 SUV. This can either be front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive. The LS  eight passenger seat model comes with certain standard features that include: a tilt/telescoping steering wheel, full, seventeen-inch steel wheels, auxiliary audio jack,  air-conditioning, OnStar, 6-speaker CD and MP3 player, satellite radio and power accessories.

The LT model has an additional two trims; 1LT and 2LT. features in the 1LT include an 8-way power adjustable driver seat, inlaid leather steering wheel, eighteen-inch alloy wheels, trip computer, rear parking sensors and heated side-view mirrors. The 2LT is a seven-passenger version with more upscale features such as an automatic tri-zone climate control, USB port, rear sound system controls, ten-speaker Bose audio system, captains chair in the second-row, rearview mirror with a rearview camera mounted on it, and a power liftgate.

The LTZ trim steps with more features that include leather upholstery, twenty-inch wheels, driver memory functions, heated/ventilated front seats, remote start and Bluetooth connectivity.

Optional packages available include a real-time traffic navigation system (with rearview camera and USB port), trailer-towing package, DVD entertainment system on the back seats and dual sunroofs. Most of the basic features in the higher models can be optional features in the lower trim levels.

The Chevrolet Traverse comes equipped with a 281 horsepower 3.6-liter V6 engine that generates 266 lb-ft of torque for the LS and LT models. This is paired to a 6-speed automatic transmission with a manual shift control. The LTZ trim has more power due to the double-outlet exhaust. It generates 288 horsepower and 279 pound-feet of torque. Towing capacity is estimated close to 5,200 pounds.

For the two-wheel drive Traverse 2011, the EPA estimates the fuel efficiency at 17 miles per gallon in the city, 24 miles per gallon on the highway and a combined fuel efficiency of 19 miles per gallon. The AWD Traverse has fuel efficiency estimated at 16 miles per gallon in the city, 23 miles per gallon on the highway with combined fuel efficiency of 19 miles per gallon.

The interior for Traverse 2011 is stunning with easy to read gauges with a well designed cabin.  Seating capacity can either be seven or eight passengers depending on the trim level.

The Traverse 2011 provides a cargo capacity of 24.4 cubic feet with all the seats in use. The second and third row can be split 60/40 and folded down to offer a cargo space of 116.4 cubic feet.

Standard safety features for the Traverse 2011 include stability control, traction control, antilock disc brakes, GM’s Onstar function, front and side impact air bags, and full length side curtain airbags. The Traverse 2011 was awarded five stars for the government crash test. It also received five stars in the side crash test protection and four stars for the front crash protection.

The Traverse 2011 has an average price ranging between $29,173 and $39,821 with a basic warranty of three years and a powertrain warranty for five years.