2012 Chevrolet Traverse

Now in its fourth year on sale, the Chevrolet Traverse crossover comes largely unchanged for 2012. But as they say, "Why fix it if it ain't broken?" As one of the few crossovers in its class to have capacity for eight passengers, the Traverse stands out as a vehicle that can do duty for shoppers reluctant to step into minivans, but who don't want the fuel economy penalty of a large truck-based SUV.

With a powerful 3.6-liter V-6 engine as standard equipment, the Traverse makes between 281 and 288 horsepower and 266 to 270 lb-ft of torque depending on whether it's equipped with the standard single exhaust pipe or better-breathing optional dual-pipe setup. Both run on regular gasoline, and when equipped with standard front-wheel drive, can achieve as high as 24 mpg in EPA estimates -- a big number for such a big vehicle.

But for colder-climate areas like the Northeast, the Traverse also comes with available all-wheel drive, heated mirrors, and a tri-zone climate control system on 2LT and LTZ models that allows the front two passengers, as well as those in the second and third rows, the ability to adjust the settings separately. Additionally, unlike a minivan, the Traverse has a towing capacity of 5200 pounds, far above most traditional sliding-door people movers.