Monday 22 July 2013

Chevrolet Traverse Review (2014)


Whats New For 2014

New Cars Reviews - For 2014, the chevrolet traverse sees only a few changes. All traverses gain an additional set of two charge-only usb ports, and therefore the top-dog ltz trim picks up commonplace forward collision-alert and lane-departure warning systems.

Introduction

Massive crossover suvs became the vehicle of alternative for several massive families. And its simple out to see why, as these crossovers supply masses of space for passengers as well as their belongings, further just like the availability of all-wheel drive out to get them confidently out to their destinations in foul weather conditions. Among these new-age station wagons, the 2014 chevrolet traverse stands currently being a wise alternative.

Among the traverses several attributes is its terribly spacious interior which will seat up out to eight passengers. Or, in the second- and third-row seats flipped down, it can offer a cavernous 116 cubic feet of cargo capability. The cabin is engaging, too, benefiting from last years refresh that brought a lot of harmonious styling along side a customary rearview camera and chevrolets mylink infotainment interface. The latter controls a wealth of audio, navigation and phone functions through an easy touchscreen.

As youd expect, there may be different sensible choices for a significant crossover. The 2014 ford flex, with its a lot of ancient wagonlike styling, could be a funkier take upon the same theme and undoubtedly worth checking out, as will be the a lot of athletic-handling and nearly as spacious mazda cx-9. And if youre willing out to drop down alittle in size, the hyundai santa fe impresses with its all-around excellence. Other then with its handsome styling, huge cabin and impressive day-to-day functionality, the 2014 chevrolet traverse a little over holds its own within the current population of family-friendly crossovers.


Body Designs, Trim Levels, And Options

With seating for up out to eight passengers, the 2014 chevrolet traverse is classified as a significant crossover suv. It's offered in 3 basic trim levels -- ls, lt and ltz -- other then the lt is subdivided into 1lt and 2lt versions.

Commonplace features upon the ls traverse embrace 17-inch steel wheels, automatic headlights, roof rails, cruise management, front and rear air-conditioning, keyless entry, full power accessories, cloth upholstery, 60/40-split-folding third-row seats, a tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel, a trip pc, bluetooth, onstar telematics, a 6. 5-inch touchscreen show, a rearview camera while a six-speaker audio system ( with the use of a cd player, usb/auxiliary audio inputs, satellite radio and hd radio ). There may be too dual usb charge-only ports upon the rear on your center console.

Stepping up out to the 1lt trim adds 18-inch alloy wheels, foglights, heated mirrors, rear parking sensors, remote ignition, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, wood-grain interior trim and an eight-way power driver seat with power lumbar adjustments. On prime of your, the 2lt tacks on an auto-dimming driver-side and rearview mirror, a power liftgate, tri-zone automatic climate management, heated front seats and therefore the mylink infotainment interface ( that includes voice management, bluetooth audio connectivity and smartphone radio app integration ).

The range-topping ltz trim includes 20-inch wheels, a blind-spot monitoring system, a rear cross-traffic alert system, forward collision-alert system, lane-departure warning system, power-folding mirrors, second-row captains chairs ( reducing seating capability out to seven ), leather upholstery, a 10-way power driver seat with power lumbar adjustments, driver memory functions, an eight-way power front passenger seat, ventilated front seats while a heated steering wheel.

A number of higher trims features are offered upon the lower trims as choices ; for instance, the forward collision alert and lane-departure warning systems are optional upon the 2lt. Too offered, reckoning on trim level, absolutely really undoubtedly are a navigation system, a 10-speaker bose audio system, a dual-panel sunroof while a rear-seat dvd entertainment center with a/v inputs while a 110-volt household power outlet for gaming consoles.


Powertrains And Performance

Powering most 2014 chevrolet traverse models could be a 3. 6-liter v6 that produces 281 horsepower and 266 pound-feet of torque. The ltz trim features twin exhaust outlets that increase output out to 288 hp and 270 lb-ft. A six-speed automatic is the only real offered transmission, other then buyers will select front-wheel or all-wheel drive. 

The epa estimates fuel economy at 17 mpg city/24 mpg highway and 19 mpg in combined driving for our front-drive traverse and 16/23/19 mpg for our all-wheel-drive model : average results for crossovers during this category.


Safety

Commonplace safety features on several 2014 chevy traverse models embrace four-wheel antilock disc brakes, traction and stability management, a rearview camera, front seat aspect airbags and full-length aspect curtain airbags for many 3 rows. Onstar is additionally commonplace and includes automatic crash notification, on-demand roadside assistance, remote door unlocking, stolen-vehicle assistance and turn-by-turn navigation.

An inboard driver-seat aspect airbag that helps shield front occupants from colliding into one another in the case of the aspect impact is optional upon the ls trim and commonplace on several others. Rear parking sensors are commonplace on several versions, except the bottom ls. A blind-spot and rear cross-traffic monitoring system is commonplace upon the ltz, as are forward collision-alert and lane-departure warning systems. The latter 2 are optional upon the 2lt.

In government crash tests, the traverse earned a prime five-star rating for overall performance, with 5 away from 5 stars given for overall front-impact protection and 5 stars for overall side-impact protection. The traverse too fared well in insurance institute for highway safety crash tests, during which it got the very best rating of fine in moderate-overlap frontal-offset, side-impact and roof-strength tests.


Interior Design And Special Features

The 2014 chevrolet traverse features a spacious and engaging interior, however a number of flaws detract from an otherwise successful effort. Most bit points are decently padded, however the quality on your materials still lacks a premium look and feel.

The rearview monitor and all infotainment functions are accessed via a 6. 5-inch touchscreen show within the dash, however the screen itself is mounted low within the drivers sight line and needs a longer glance away coming from the road than you can like. The accessible mylink interface, that allows smartphone radio app integration, features a clean layout and intuitive menu structure. Bit inputs are often slow or missed entirely, in spite of this, creating the interface to a tiny degree frustrating. Were too not keen on the usb port placement because we are part of a dash-top bin, where direct sun and high temperatures will bake electronics.

Front row passengers can enjoy abundant head- and legroom, as can second-row occupants, however the midst row seat cushions are to a tiny degree low. Sliding those seats all the method back alleviates this issue, however that effectively kills third-row legroom. The slide unleash is additionally troublesome to firmly access. The narrow, flat third-row seats are simply deployed and stowed, though theyre very suited merely for teens and smaller adults. As is invariably the case with three-row vehicles, rearward visibility is nearly nonexistent when have the ear of a full crew on board, that the customary rearview camera may be a huge facilitate.

The traverse scores points ready for its generous cargo capability. Even along with the third-row seats available, the traverse will carry up to firmly 24. 4 cubic feet of luggage. That figure jumps to firmly 70. 3 cubes along with the rearmost seats folded flat but a cavernous 116. 3 cubes along with the second row stowed.


Driving Impressions

Overall, the 2014 chevrolet traverse delivers a swish and quiet highway ride. The v6 engine provides adequate performance, however lacks punch throughout authoritative passing maneuvers. It could too sound harsh and unrefined underneath arduous acceleration -- an indication on your considerable mass ( nearly 5, 000 pounds with all-wheel drive ) its tasked to firmly motivate. Additionally, the automatic transmission can possibly be slow to firmly react when a fast downshift is required, though its gearchanges are not less than swish.


Driven around turns, this big crossover suv feels additional secure and planted than you would certainly expect, it also maneuvers well in tight parking heaps. The steering is reasonably correct, though the dainty thin-rimmed steering wheel feels to a tiny degree away from character in such a significant vehicle. Though you certainly ought to heed its generous dimensions, the traverse is similar temperament to firmly transporting folks and cargo in abundance.