2009 Chevrolet Traverse

With optional dual exhausts, the newest version of GM's 3.6L DOHC V-6 spools out 288 hp. The engine is quiet and smooth and has a wide powerband. It's mated to a six-speed automatic transaxle, replete with a handy toggle switch on the end of the shifter to allow manual scrolling up and down all six gears. It's a good powertrain, but it works hard to move the Traverse's mass, plus cargo. You pay the penalty at the pump: While the EPA fuel economy estimates are 16 mpg city and 23 mpg highway, the observed fuel economy for our admittedly hard-driven, top-of-the-range, 5111-lb, all-wheel-drive 2009 Chevrolet Traverse LTZ was just 12.1 mpg.

Although bigger in several key dimensions than a 5.3L V-8 Tahoe (it's 3 in. longer and has 7 cu ft more cargo capacity) the direct-injection V-6-powered Traverse gets to 60 mph in the same time and quarter mile times are identical at 16.1 sec. The real difference between the two is refinement -- as you'd expect from a unibody vehicle with independent suspension all around, the 2009 Chevy Traverse has a much more carlike demeanor than its truck-based sibling. It feels way more agile through the turns -- a feeling borne out by its being 1.3 sec quicker through the Motor Trend figure-eight test -- and there's none of the shimmy through the steering and shudder through the seat that you get in the body-on-frame Tahoe, either. The ride is compliant, yet controlled, with none of the mid-turn axle steer you get from the Tahoe's live axle rearend.

Not only does the 2009 Traverse loosely fit into the holes left by the departed Uplander minivan and Trailblazer SUV (finished after a brief '09 run), the capabilities - and better fuel economy - of the new crossover may help it attract customers who normally would shop for Tahoes and Suburbans.

As with the other Lambda crossovers, seating for eight across three rows is standard on the Chevrolet Traverse; bucket seats in the second row are optional on LT and LTZ trims, along with a second-row center console. Those buckets may seem a bit narrow upon entry, but actually provide a decent amount of comfort - even for adults.

Built on the same Lambda platform as its older Buick Enclave/GMC Acadia/Saturn Outlook siblings, the 2009 Chevrolet Traverse is the first of the lot to be powered by a direct-injection 3.6-liter V-6 (other Lambdas are also expected to receive the same 286-hp engine). Sporting a front fascia clearly inspired by the 2008 Malibu's, the Traverse also inherits projector-style headlights available on its kin, but not on Chevy's mid-size sedan. In addition to wearing Chevrolet's new face, the 2009 Traverse has many of the same interior and exterior features available on the Enclave/Acadia/Outlook, such as third-row seating, a rear-seat entertainment system with second-row controls, turn-by-turn navigation, a rear-view camera and optional 20-inch wheels.

The Traverse's IP and controls are clean and workable. The interior plastics and materials are attractive and appear durable. Third-row access is straightforward, although the second row's high floor and short seat bottom compromises its comfort a bit. The 2009 Chevrolet Traverse is a nice-looking piece on the outside, too, although the rear window line is shaped the way it is in the name of style, not visibility. Fold the second- and third-row seats flat, and the Traverse will swallow 116.4 cubic feet of stuff. Need to bring more junk along? No problem, given its 5200-pound towing capacity. Everyone has been pleased with the powertrain. With optional dual exhausts, the newest version of GM's 3.6-liter DOHC V-6 spools out 288 horses, more than competitive power, although it's necessary to move the Chevy Traverse's 5111 pounds, plus cargo. The engine is quiet and smooth, with a wide powerband. It's mated to a six-speed automatic transaxle, replete with a handy toggle switch on the end of the shifter to allow manual scrolling up and down all six gears. The 2009 Chevrolet Traverse leads the one category it least wanted to among this year's contestants-Worst Fuel Economy.

The Chevy Traverse is different from the Buick. Its ride and handling are close to that of the Enclave, which is to say it's pretty good, near top of the class. The Traverse is remarkably quiet and smooth (the Buick is quieter and slightly cushier), with controlled body roll in fast corners, less than most crossovers. Traverse got the ride-handling balance right, at least for the introductory drive at GM's proving grounds. The 2009 Chevrolet Traverse's steering is quick, direct, and light. It feels smaller than it is and handles a bit better than its platform siblings, thanks mostly to new, grippier 20-inch Bridgestones on the top-trim LTZ. Most other Lambdas come with 18- or 19-inch wheels. The base 2009 Traverse LS (with 17-inch wheels) will have a bit less standard equipment than the base Outlook XE to become the lowest-price Lambda, a strategy that helps preserve the Sloanian Chevrolet-Saturn-GMC-Buick walk-up.

The 2009 Chevrolet Traverse is the latest addition to GM's family of Lambda-based large crossovers, and the first in the lineup to come with the automaker's 3.6-liter, direct injection V-6. Yet despite sporting approximately 288 horsepower and 270 lb-ft. of torque with available extras like 20 inch wheels, the Traverse will actually be the cheapest Lambda you can buy. Today GM released pricing for its latest eight-seater CUV, and the Chevy will have a starting MSRP of $28,990, placing it head to head against Ford's seven-passenger Flex.

Though the last of GM's large CUVs to reach the marketplace, the 2009 Chevy Traverse has been lauded for its styling, power, crisp steering, and impressively quiet cabin. And with extras like Bluetooth hands-free calling, a sliding second-row seat, and an available towing package capable of hauling 5200 lbs, it should stack up well against rival products from Toyota and Blue Oval -- even if the Flex does come with a built-in fridge.

All Lambdas will be equipped with the gas direct-injection version of the 3.6L V-6 for 2009, but the 2009 Chevrolet Traverse intro drive provided the first opportunity to try it in this platform. The Traverse is rated 288 hp and 270 lb-ft, up 13 ponies and 19 lb-ft over the sequential fuel-injection 3.6 of the 2007-'08 crossovers. (Two single-exhaust base models, the Chevy Traverse LS and the Outlook XE, are rated 281 hp/253 lb-ft.) The EPA estimate is up 1-mpg city, even-money highway for the FWD version, at 17/24 mpg, and unchanged on the city run, but up 1-mpg highway, at 16/22 for the AWD version.

The Traverse will be powered by a direct-injected, 286 horsepower 3.6-liter DOHC V-6 mated to a six-speed automatic transmission, and will be offered with both front- and all-wheel drive. Towing capacity is said to be 4,500 lbs - respectable for an SUV of its size. In the styling department, GM has taken key elements from its redesigned Malibu right down to the "bold" front end appearance which reflects Chevrolet's current design philosophy. Short overhangs and taut body lines make the 2009 Chevrolet Traverse appear smaller than it actually is, while its uni-body construction allows for larger, single-piece body panels and more precise panel fit with tighter tolerances.

Inside, the Chevrolet Traverse features what GM calls a "dual-cockpit" instrument panel design, with each side flowing into the door panels to create a wraparound feel. Large gauge binnacles are given bright trim rings, and the optional navigation unit is placed at the top of the center stack. Up to eight adults can be seated in the 2009 Traverse, with its two front bucket seats, 60/40-split second-row bench with room for three (optionally replaced with two bucket seats), and 60/40-split third-row bench.