2010 Chevrolet Traverse

• Overall
• Prices
• Performance
• Exterior
• Interior
• Safety
• Reliability
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Interior - What the Auto Press Says

The 2010 Chevrolet Traverse's large cabin is praised for its functionality and utility, especially in the cargo area. It's also surprisingly high-quality for such an affordable price -- although some reviewers say build quality still suffers.

• "Among midsize and large crossovers, the 2009 Chevrolet Traverse isn't the quickest, the most agile or the most refined in its interior execution. It is, however, the roomiest. Fold down all the rear seats and you could drive around with a 116-cubic-foot abyss behind you." -- Edmunds
• "Inside, Traverse mimics Chevy's successful Malibu with a sweeping dual-cove theme for the dash and materials featuring good texture and a solid feel." -- Jalopnik
• "Unfortunately, the Traverse seems to have a lot more visible seams than its competitors and the quality of the plastics on these pre-production samples looks and feels less than stellar." -- Autoblog
• "Tasteful design, high-quality materials and one of the most accommodating interiors in the class are the hallmarks of GM's newest crossover SUV." -- Kelley Blue Book

Seating

The Traverse comes in two configurations -- eight seats in three rows or seven seats with optional second-row captain's chairs. Surprisingly enough -- and rare for this class -- reviewers find the third row especially comfortable.

• "Among the largest midsize SUVs, Traverse's cabin feels especially roomy. Big, supportive seats make for good long-trip comfort. Entry step in is a little high, but it's lower than in most traditional truck-type SUVs." -- Consumer Guide
• "Oddly, though, the 2LT model's second-row captain's chairs aren't so comfortable. The seats themselves are mounted too low to the floor, and even with fore/aft adjustment, legroom is tight for adults." -- Edmunds
• "Available SmartSlide seating for the middle row causes the captain's chairs to glide forward with the pull of a lever, allowing good access to the surprisingly comfortable third row seats. But the lack of a sliding side door means piling tweeners in and out without bashing into the cars beside you will never be as easy as it is with a van." -- Jalopnik
• "Even the third seat is comfortable for adults, where most vehicles with a third row make it barely adequate for children." -- Fort Worth Star-Telegram
• "The third row in all the Lambdas is generous, putting many other crossovers (and the Chevy Tahoe full-size SUV) to shame." -- Car and Driver

Interior Features

Aside from some fit and finish complaints, the Traverse's features are well-reviewed. Optional high-tech gadgets include a navigation system, rearview camera, DVD entertainment system and remote start.

• "Materials are on par with those of the Outlook, which is to say pretty good, save some shiny plastic here and there, and the standard and optional features list is nearly identical, including dual sunroofs, Bose audio, a navigation system (now linked to OnStar), and a new in-mirror rearview camera." -- Car and Driver
• "Neat touches include cell phone and iPod holders and a power-plug in the dash, a covered bin atop the dash, a bin big enough to hold a purse in the center console, bottle holders in all doors and cupholders in rear-door armrests." -- Chicago Tribune
• "Big, bright, clear gauges are easy to read. Major controls are where you would expect them to be." -- Consumer Guide
• "Unfortunately, the fit and finish of this particular Traverse is not as good as on the other Lambda crossovers we've examined. Just sitting in the driver seat, you notice all sorts of misaligned pieces (many with flashing on their edges), and the situation isn't much better for the exterior." -- Edmunds

Cargo

The Traverse boasts ample cargo room even with all three rows of seats in use. There is also plenty of interior storage spaces.  

• "The available power liftgate is a handy feature. Several bins and cubbies provide ample interior storage." -- Consumer Guide
• "Storage bins and cup holders abound, and there is enough room behind the third-row seat to accommodate two golf bags." -- Kelley Blue Book
• "The car has the best cargo capacity in the midsize crossover segment, with 117.5 cubic feet of space in total, compared with 95.4 for the Toyota Highlander and 87 for the Honda Pilot, which Butler said are expected to be the Traverse's key competitors." -- Fort Worth Star-Telegram
• "Unlike some shorter 7- or 8-seat crossover vehicles, the Traverse boasts enough space behind the folding rear seat for a week's groceries." -- Road and Track