Chevrolet Debuts New Traverse Crossover

Chevrolet's long awaited large crossover is making its grand debut at this

year's Chicago auto show, and it appears to have been worth the wait. Based off of the same Lambda architecture that also underpins the Saturn Outlook, GMC Acadia and Buick Enclave, Chevrolet's version brings value and a few new surprises to the table.

Styled in the same vein as the new Malibu, the Traverse features the prominent mesh grille with the golden bowtie Chevrolet logo up front and center. While all four crossovers share a similar shape, the Traverse is distinct from others in the treatment of its rear end, as it features a narrow rear window that's V-shaped, similar to the Buick Enclave, while the rear quarter windows kink upwards, which is different from the curved look of the Enclave or the squared-off Acadia and Outlook.

But the big difference between the Traverse and its other siblings (for the time

being, at least) will be its powertrain. The Traverse features the same 3.6-liter V6 with variable valve timing as the others, but it is the first to gain SIDI direct injection. It isn't exactly the same high feature engine as in the top-line Cadillac CTS and entry-level STS, but it offers 281 hp with single exhaust or 286 hp with dual exhaust. Torque figures now have a net of 253 or 255 respectively, and unlike most direct injection systems, the Traverse will run on regular unleaded. Although fuel economy figures have yet to be posted, expect a slight improvement over the current engine being used in the other Lambda SUVs. FWD is standard, AWD is an option, and all feature a six-speed auto.

The Traverse will be offered with plenty of premium features, including a second row bench or captain's chairs, perforated leather trim with heating and ventilation, twin sunroofs, and for the first time in GM's crossover lineup, standalone Bluetooth cell phone connectivity.