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Chevrolet Traverse - What the Auto Press Says

The 2010 Chevrolet Traverse ranks 1 out of 27 Affordable Midsize SUVs. This ranking is based on our analysis of 19 published reviews and test drives of the Chevrolet Traverse, and our analysis of reliability and safety data.

Reviewers say the Traverse is an affordable, stylish and versatile minivan alternative. Since it was just introduced last year, it remains unchanged for 2010. As Chevy's first large crossover SUV, the Traverse replaced the discontinued Uplander minivan.

It shares a platform with the GMC Acadia, Buick Enclave and Saturn Outlook -- and several reviewers say it's the best of the four. "There is a plethora of crossover SUVs to choose from today and they come in all sizes," says MSN. "If you regularly tote around six or seven passengers, occasionally load plywood sheets or tow up to 5,200 pounds, the Traverse should be added to your shopping list."

The 2010 Traverse is available in three trim levels -- LS, LT, and LTZ -- in either front- or all-wheel drive. Since the 2010 Traverse is nearly identical to the 2009 model, this review uses data from both model years. 

• "Compared to highly styled crossovers like the Flex and CX-9, though, the 2009 Chevrolet Traverse 2LT AWD is a pretty unassuming family vehicle. Granted, there's nothing wrong with driving around in a perfectly livable but unremarkable $36,250 crossover SUV. But if you're OK with that, you'd probably be just as OK in a full-on minivan." -- Edmunds
• "So, if you don't want the stigma of driving a remarkably sensible vehicle -- a minivan -- and you don't want the coarser manners of a body-on-frame truck-based SUV, you probably do want a vehicle like the Traverse." -- Road and Track
• "Overall the enhanced engine gives the Traverse added capability over its Lambda siblings, and in many ways it's superior to alternatives from other manufacturers. Its driving dynamics are very good for such a large and heavy vehicle, surprising even." -- Autoblog

Traverse Performance - 8.4 (Very Good)

The 2010 Chevrolet Traverse provides a smooth, sedan-like driving experience. Consumer Guide says the ride is "Firm and controlled, but always comfortable with no harshness over even major road imperfections." Test drivers also say acceleration is ample, although they have some complaints about the automatic transmissions. Read More

Traverse Exterior - NA

In comparison to the boxy SUVs on the market, reviewers find the Chevy Traverse's stylish exterior refreshing. Most like the fact that its front end borrows elements from the sleek Chevy Malibu sedan. "The big twin-port grille inspired by the Malibu works well on the Traverse, giving it a smooth yet still aggressive look," says Autoblog. Read More

Traverse Interior - 8.7 (Very Good)

The 2010 Chevy Traverse's seven- or eight-seat cabin is both spacious and luxurious. A major plus is that the third-row seat is especially roomy for this class. However, a few reviewers do have complaints about interior quality. "Stylish cabin design presents well at a distance, but a closer inspection reveals mostly hard plastic textured for visual effect," writes Consumer Guide. Read More

Traverse Safety - 9.9 (Excellent)

The 2010 Chevrolet Traverse receives excellent scores in federal government and Insurance Institute for Highway Safety crash tests. Read More

Traverse Reliability - 6.0 (Mediocre)

The 2010 Chevrolet Traverse reliability score shown is the Predicted Reliability rating provided by J.D. Power and Associates. This score is based on trending the past three years of historical initial quality and dependability data from J.D. Power's automotive studies, specifically the Vehicle Dependability Study (VDS) and the Initial Quality Study (IQS). The Traverse comes with a three-year/36,000-mile basic warranty. But recalls don't bode well for its reliability - Chevrolet has already issued three recalls for the young SUV. Read More