2015 Chevrolet Traverse Pros vs Cons

With the explosion of the smaller SUV/crossover market, it's rather comforting to know that an exceptionally well-built, roomy, and affordable large SUV still exists. The 2015 Chevrolet Traverse is a fine example of engineering, the result being a vehicle that is perfect for soccer moms and vacationers alike. No competing SUV in this segment can compare to the Traverse when it comes to a smooth ride, a huge interior volume, and crash test scores.

With seating for up to eight, a delightfully comfortable interior, and plenty of cargo space, the 2015 Chevrolet Traverse is a cut above the rest. Potential buyers looking for a good deal on a reliable vehicle that can carry the gang around town in style will definitely want to include this large SUV on their short list.

Reasons You May Want to Consider a 2015 Chevrolet Traverse - The Pros

1) A quiet, comfortable ride.

The larger the vehicle, the more problems with stability and handling. There's one major exception, and that's the Chevrolet Traverse. The ride is exceptionally smooth thanks to the advanced steering, suspension, and chassis design. The six-speed automatic transmission is very smooth, and cornering is generally not a problem unless the roadway is quite twisty. Road noise is very low, even during rapid acceleration.

2) Plenty of cargo room.

Even with the third row seats in place, the 2015 Chevrolet Traverse offers one of the largest cargo bays in the industry, nearly 25 cubic feet. When both the 2nd- and 3rd-row seats are folded, the Traverse becomes the most spacious cargo vehicle in its segment.

3) Handsome exterior.

Looks aren't everything, but shoppers certainly do react positively to a nice-appearing SUV exterior. The swoops and curves meet with approval by all who view this big vehicle. The entry level LS trim comes with 17-inch steel wheels, a rear spoiler, roof rails, and automatic headlights that are cleverly designed to complement the front grille and fascia.

4) Beautifully designed interior.

All trims come with front- and rear-controlled air conditioning, cruise control, and a tilt/telescopic steering wheel. The base LS trim has a 6.5-inch touchscreen display, six-speaker stereo system, and rearview camera. The uplevel 1LT trim offers an eight-way power driver's seat, leather-wrapped steering wheel, and heated front seats. This trim also features captain's chairs as standard for the second row. The luxurious LTZ trim includes 20-inch wheels, leather upholstery, and driver memory functions.

5) Advanced infotainment system.

The MyLink infotainment system can be a bit tricky for those not familiar with all of its features. This interface is accessed via the touchscreen and includes Bluetooth® audio, satellite radio, and even internet radio app integration. The all-new, modern Siri Eyes Free technology is also part of the infotainment package, which is standard on the uplevel trims.

6) Big engine and lots of horsepower.

The 3.6L, six-cylinder engine delivers a total of 281 horsepower and 266 pound-feet of torque. Acceleration is just a bit sluggish if the vehicle is full of passengers and cargo, but the shifting is smooth. Front-wheel drive is standard, but buyers can choose the AWD package regardless of the trim selected, something not offered by many competing models. The Traverse has excellent towing capabilities, able to haul up to 5,200 pounds.

7) Good crash test scores.

The new 2015 Traverse earned a top five-star rating for overall performance. The frontal impact score was also five stars. Side-impact and roof strength tests results also put this model at the top of the list.

8) Complete safety and protection.

Advanced stability and traction control is standard on all trims. The rearview camera is also standard equipment on all trims including the base LS. The front-seat side airbags are well-concealed, and the side-curtain bags protect all three rows of seats. All of the uplevel versions have the rear parking sensors, and the luxurious LTZ trim contains a full driver alert package that includes cross-traffic, lane departure, and blind-spot warnings.

9) OnStar® included.

The OnStar® package is standard on all trim levels of the 2015 Chevrolet Traverse. The usual features - roadside assistance, crash response, and turn-by-turn navigation - are included. Chevrolet also includes stolen vehicle response and remote door unlock with its OnStar® availability.

10) Exciting optional features.

The uplevel trims can be purchased with additional options for a moderate price increase. A panoramic sunroof, separate entertainment system for the rear seating area, and 10-speaker Bose stereo system are available. Several package options exist for combining two or more of the uplevel trim options.

Reasons You May Not Want To Buy A 2015 Chevrolet Traverse - The Cons

1) Disappointing fuel economy.

While it is true that large crossovers cannot compete with smaller, less powerful SUV models, little has been done in the past few years to close this gap. The 2015 Chevrolet Traverse achieves only about 24 mpg on the highway and only 17 mpg on city streets. This is slightly below average for the large crossover segment.

2) Difficulty with the infotainment system.

Although it is quite advanced and contains numerous features desired by the public, the system on the 2015 Traverse is not easy to master. Sometimes the response is slow, interrupted, or non-existent.

3) Sluggish acceleration when fully loaded.

The transmission is smooth, but there is a definite struggle for speed attainment when the car is packed with passengers and cargo. Passing on a two-lane road is not advised.

How It Stacks Up To The Competition

The new 2015 Chevrolet Traverse has only one true competitor when it comes to roominess, cargo capacity, and interior comfort. This competitor happens to be the GMC Acadia, produced by the same automaker. The Mazda CX-9 handles better, but this model cannot come close to matching the storage capability of the Traverse. The Toyota Highlander offers more standard and optional features but falls short on appearance and cargo volume.

Conclusion
Quite simply put, the new 2015 Chevrolet Traverse is a well-rounded vehicle that combines a nice appearance with a comfortable ride and plenty of storage space. Designed for families with the need for transport of the kids as well as cargo, the Traverse is sure to please all who take it for a test drive. The only major drawback to this vehicle is poor gas mileage and limited acceleration. However, the pros definitely outweigh the cons, and the price tag is certainly competitive.