2018 Chevrolet Traverse Premier

Once a family’s size hits a certain critical mass, the majority of crossovers will no longer meet their needs for space and comfort. Normally this means making the decision of whether to get a minivan (and give up any semblance of coolness, at least in many folks’ minds) or go the fullsize SUV route. The problem with the latter option is that they often don’t have the interior capacity their footprint suggests, since body-on-frame construction and a live rear axle are inherently space inefficient.

The second generation Chevrolet Tahoe is a perfect antidote to this dilemma. It has more actual room for humans and cargo than the Tahoe, and drives better than anything it competes with. Rivals include the Honda Pilot and VW Atlas, which feel like they’re not as well built and certainly don’t have the ride quality and handling acumen of the Traverse, or the Nissan Pathfinder and its upmarket sibling, the Infiniti QX60. While these two have evolved into rather compelling crossovers, they share a few weaknesses, including a CVT-style gearbox that saps driver involvement and, in the Infiniti’s case, ambitious pricing when loaded with all the goodies.

While certainly not inexpensive, the Chevy seems better value than all but the Nissan, in terms of standard and optional equipment, and has a terrific powertrain, comprised of a willing 3.6-liter, 310hp V6 and decisive, 9-speed transmission. The engineers managed to trim over 300 pounds from the older Traverse platform while also making this new one much more rigid, contributing to a quite, refined ride.

This combo of lighter weight and a willing drivetrain make the Chevy about the fastest large crossover you can buy in its price class. And, as mentioned, the Traverse’s chassis is in another league for its ability to handle demanding roads. Style-wise, it seems “trucky” enough to overcome soccer mom preconceptions, and its interior is nicely trimmed out. Tech and safety systems are near the top of the class, though this aspect of vehicle design is evolving so fast it may not be that way for long. So good is this Chevrolet at most family duties, that the only legit argument you can make for still getting the Tahoe is its superior towing ability.

EPA ratings: 17/25mpg; 22mpg combined
0-60mph: 6.7sec
Price as tested: $49,290 ($46,265 for FWD test vehicle)

Here is what Chevrolet has to say.
4.5 Stars
Contact Isaac Bouchard for help saving time, money and hassle when buying or leasing one at [email protected]

GET COLORADO GOLF NEWS DIRECTLY TO YOUR INBOX