2009 Chevrolet Traverse

Thanks to the reality check of $4-per-gallon gasoline prices during summer 2008, many consumers have realized that perhaps they don't need a 12-mpg Chevy Suburban or Ford Expedition to take the little ones to school and sports practice. Minivans have long been the best choice for practical moms and dads, as their boxy shape is highly efficient for transporting people and cargo. But many parents are still put off by the minivan's dowdy image. These folks want SUV style with minivan practicality, and that's exactly what they'll get in the 2009 Chevrolet Traverse crossover SUV.
The last few years have seen the crossover segment expand faster than dance-based reality shows, and understandably so. These vehicles feature carlike unibody construction, which provides greater space and fuel-efficiency as well as superior handling compared to the truck-style body-on-frame design of traditional SUVs. Crossovers also have a lower step-in height, making it easier for everyone to climb aboard.

The Chevy Traverse is the latest of GM's "Lambda platform" quadruplets to debut, joining the Buick Enclave, GMC Acadia and Saturn Outlook. In its base trim, the Traverse is the entry-level fixture of the four, priced about $2 grand less than the cheapest GMC and Saturn entries. We tested a higher-line Traverse LT2 AWD, which comes in at $36,455. Short of leather seating, a navigation system and a moonroof, the LT2 comes loaded, including standard luxury features like a back-up camera, triple-zone climate control, Bluetooth connectivity, a Bose audio system and a power liftgate.

With its roomy cabin (which includes a spacious, adult-size third-row seat), excellent crash test scores, plentiful features list, solid performance and respectable EPA fuel-economy numbers, the Traverse LT2 doesn't give much away to a minivan. The few downsides to this Chevy include spotty fit and finish and the fuel-economy-minded transmission's reluctance to downshift.

Considering its well-rounded personality and high level of practicality, we have no problem recommending the 2009 Chevy Traverse. However, if you're looking at the upper trim levels, we'd also suggest the Chevy's upscale Enclave and Acadia siblings as well as the more finely furnished Ford Flex and sportier-driving Mazda CX-9.

The last few years have seen the crossover segment expand faster than dance-based reality shows, and understandably so. These vehicles feature carlike unibody construction, which provides greater space and fuel-efficiency as well as superior handling compared to the truck-style body-on-frame design of traditional SUVs. Crossovers also have a lower step-in height, making it easier for everyone to climb aboard.

The Chevy Traverse is the latest of GM's "Lambda platform" quadruplets to debut, joining the Buick Enclave, GMC Acadia and Saturn Outlook. In its base trim, the Traverse is the entry-level fixture of the four, priced about $2 grand less than the cheapest GMC and Saturn entries. We tested a higher-line Traverse LT2 AWD, which comes in at $36,455. Short of leather seating, a navigation system and a moonroof, the LT2 comes loaded, including standard luxury features like a back-up camera, triple-zone climate control, Bluetooth connectivity, a Bose audio system and a power liftgate.

With its roomy cabin (which includes a spacious, adult-size third-row seat), excellent crash test scores, plentiful features list, solid performance and respectable EPA fuel-economy numbers, the Traverse LT2 doesn't give much away to a minivan. The few downsides to this Chevy include spotty fit and finish and the fuel-economy-minded transmission's reluctance to downshift.

Considering its well-rounded personality and high level of practicality, we have no problem recommending the 2009 Chevy Traverse. However, if you're looking at the upper trim levels, we'd also suggest the Chevy's upscale Enclave and Acadia siblings as well as the more finely furnished Ford Flex and sportier-driving Mazda CX-9

Model Year
2009
Make
Chevrolet
Model
Traverse
Style
LT2 4dr SUV AWD (3.6L 6cyl 6A)
Base Price
$36,455
Price as Tested
$36,455
Options on Test Vehicle
None.
Drive Type
All-wheel drive
Transmission Type
6-speed automatic
Transmission and Axle Ratio (x:1)
I = 4.48, II = 2.87, III = 1.80, IV = 1.47, V = 1.00, VI = 0.742, R = 2.88, Final Drive = 3.16
Engine Type
V6
Displacement (cc / cu-in)
3,564cc (217 cu-in)
Block/Head Material
Aluminum/aluminum
Valvetrain
Double overhead camshaft
Compression Ratio
11.4:1
Redline (rpm)
6,500
Horsepower (hp @ rpm)
281 @ 6,300
Torque (lb-ft @ rpm)
266 @ 3,400
Brake Type (front)
Ventilated disc
Brake Type (rear)
Ventilated disc
Steering System
Speed-proportional power steering
Steering Ratio
16.1:1
Suspension Type (front)
Independent MacPherson strut, antiroll bar
Suspension Type (rear)
Independent multilink
Tire Size (front)
P255/65R18 109S
Tire Size (rear)
P255/65R18 109S
Tire Brand
Goodyear
Tire Model
Fortera HL Edition
Tire Type
All-season
Wheel Size
18-by-7.5 inches front and rear
Wheel Material (front/rear)
Alloy
Manufacturer Curb Weight (lb)
5,066
Curb Weight As Tested (lb)
4,919
Weight Distribution, F/R (%)
55.9/44.1
Recommended Fuel
Regular unleaded
Fuel Tank Capacity (gal)
22.0
EPA Fuel Economy (mpg)
16 city/23 highway
Edmunds Observed (mpg)
16 mpg

Testing Conditions
Temperature (Fahrenheit)
83.4
Humidity
24%
Elevation (ft)
421
Wind
Calm

Performance
0 - 30 (sec)
3.4
0 - 45 (sec)
5.6
0 - 60 (sec)
8.6
0 - 75 (sec)
13.1
1/4 Mile (sec @ mph)
16.4 @ 84.3
0-60 with 1-ft Rollout (sec)
8.2
30 - 0 (ft)
35
60 - 0 (ft)
135
Braking Rating
Average
Slalom (mph)
59.9
Skid Pad Leteral acceleration (g)
0.76
Handling Rating
Average
Db @ Idle
41.8
Db @ Full Throttle
76.9
Db @ 70 mph Cruise
65.4

Tester Comments
Acceleration Comments
Turning the traction control off allows a little bit of wheelspin at launch, and this improves the time slightly. Otherwise, the best technique is a brake torque, followed by matting the throttle and holding it there. Manual shifting is slower because redline is unmarked and the tach seems to lag.
Braking Comments
Initial bite is good, but brake dive is pronounced and the stopping distances are disappointing. Consistent and fade-resistant, but the distances are a tad long.
Handling Comments
Slalom: A good time requires one to drive "around" the non-defeatable stability control. Smooth and measured steering inputs are necessary, and the Traverse responds with reasonable accuracy. Still, there is no getting around the fact that the Traverse is big. Skid pad: Understeer is pronounced but not overwhelmingly so. Grip is reasonable, but stability control cuts in and out, limiting performance.

Specifications
Length (in)
205.0
Width (in)
78.4
Height (in)
72.8
Wheelbase (in)
118.9
Front Track (in)
67.8
Rear Track (in)
67.4
Turning Circle (ft)
40.4
Legroon, front (in)
41.3
Legroon, rear (in)
36.8
Legroon, 3rd row (in)
33.2
Headroon, front (in)
40.4
Headroon, rear (in)
39.4
Headroon, 3rd row (in)
37.8
Shoulder Room, front (in)
62.0
Shoulder Room, rear (in)
61.3
Shoulder Room, 3rd row (in)
57.6
Maximum Seating Capacity
8
Cargo Volume (cu-ft)
24.4
Cargo Volume, rear seats down (cu-ft)
117.5

Warranty
Bumper-to-Bumper
3 years/36,000 miles
Power Train
5 years/100,000 miles
Corrosion
6 years/100,000 miles
Roadside Assistance
5 years/100,000 miles
Scheduled Maintenance
Not available

Safety
Front Airbags
Standard
Side Airbags
Standard dual front
Head Airbags
Standard front, rear and third row
Knee Airbags
Not available
Antilock Brakes
4-wheel ABS
Electronic Brake Enhancements
Braking assist, electronic brakeforce distribution
Traction Control
Standard
Stability Control
Standard
Rollover Protection
Standard
Tire Pressure Monitoring System
Tire-pressure monitoring
Emergency Assistance System
Not available
NHTSA Crash Test Driver
Five stars
NHTSA Crash Test Passenger
Five stars
NHTSA Crash Test Side Front
Five stars
NHTSA Crash Test Side Rear
Five stars
NHTSA Rollover
Four stars
IIHS Offset
Good