There was a day when "Tahoe" might have been the standard answer…and it still might be, but Tahoes today are goin' out the doors in the $60's, $70's and perhaps even more if you check every options and accessory box available.
Do that and you'll have the last mass-market V-8 available…a big 25.5 cu ft of storage behind that third row…and the ability to tow up to 8,200 lbs.
But what if you don't own that big of a boat yet…and you'd rather get mileage in the mid-twenties if you could?
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Enter Chevy's re-styled '25 Traverse. Seating for 7 or 8…mileage more in the 23 MPG range…a mere 2.5 cu ft smaller in the back than the Tahoe…and still able to tow a healthy 5,000 lbs.
And pricing from the low $40's.
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If that sounds a little more budget-friendly, know that it'll be a bit more garage-friendly, too…clocking in over six inches shorter than a Tahoe and one notch tighter in the waist.
So how did Chevy make this new sausage? In addition to the new look, the big difference is under the hood. Chevy swapped its old V-6 for a 2.5 Turbo four putting out 328 HP…more, in fact, than the old six. And knowing that this is basically the same engine that Chevy puts in its Silverados should give you a feel for its capability.
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LT is the base version starting around $42,000. As you'd expect, it comes with 18" alloys, cloth trim and standard audio. And as you might not expect, even the LT gives you heated front seating, a hands-free rear lift-gate and heated mirrors.
As with other Chevys, their Z71 is the off-road version with AWD, higher ground clearance, skid plates, more manly trim, and a more durable interior.
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We tested their upscale High Country version. For a price just under 55K, we got most of the goodies. 22's are standard with the High Country, as is 10-speaker Bose premium audio, Chevy's hands-free "Super Cruise", one-touch power folding second row, a power third row, nicely perforated heated and ventilated imitation leather, and all the electronic warnings and alerts that we all seem to be accustomed to in todays' new vehicles.
The 2.5 turbo four gave us all the punch needed to not only keep up with, but pass, most traffic …and did so while getting us those "real world" low-to-mid 20's MPG numbers.
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Oh…one more thing. Every version of the '25 Traverse gives you a real spare…not a can of generic Fix a Flat. If you've ever had a high-speed blow out and shredded a tire, you'll definitely appreciate having a real spare. Usually way easier and faster than calling for a tow truck.
Compared to its competition, you'll find that Chevy's new Traverse brings more power to the party, along with more storage space behind the third row.
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So if you're looking for that family-focused three-row SUV, it usually boils down to style, function, comfort and "extras"..right? If that describes you, you might find that Chevy's re-designed 328 HP Traverse stacks up will against its competition.
