2013 Chevrolet Traverse

NEW FOR 2013:

- New, refreshed exterior featuring new corporate utility front fascia design.

- Updated interior.

- Industry-exclusive front centre air bag.

- Improved car-like ride and handling.

- New Chevrolet MyLink infotainment system.

Chevrolet says the 2013 Traverse ?debuts (the brand's new) crossover utility face.? The look is new, but this is only a refreshed version of the 2012 model, with improvements to its ?car-like ride and handling? being the only mechanical change. The Traverse is a nice vehicle to drive and comfortably roomy, but its plain interior starts to look cheap at the high end of the price range. Also, it looks as massive as it is. Interestingly, the Traverse's 3.6L engine is (slightly) less powerful than the same motor in the smaller Equinox.

Also appearing as the Buick Enclave and GMC Acadia, the Traverse uses a 3.6-litre V6 engine with six-speed automatic transmission, and is available in front- or all-wheel drive. Seating is for seven or eight passengers, depending on the model; trim lines are the LS, 1LT, 2LT, and LTZ.

Features on the LS include airbags (front, side curtain), OnStar, LATCH, content theft alarm, electronic immobilizer, four-wheel disc brakes with ABS, automatic headlights, power mirrors with spotter mirror, black beltline and bodyside mouldings, backup camera, black roof rails, body-colour rear spoiler, 17-inch steel wheels, cargo storage under rear cargo floor, air conditioning, cruise control, front and rear removable floor mats, driver information centre, TPMS, power locks, remote keyless entry, tilt/telescopic steering, power windows with driver-side auto-down, 8-passenger seating, manual 4-way driver seat, manual 2-way front passenger seat, 6-speaker audio, Bluetooth phone connectivity, colour touch radio with 6.5-inch display, auxiliary and iPod input, satellite radio, and USB port.

The 1LT adds additional airbags (front seat, front seat centre mounted), variable-assist power steering, remote starter, fog lights, body-colour mirrors with integrated turn signals, body-colour bodyside mouldings, chrome beltline mouldings, Ultrasonic rear parking assist, 18-inch machined aluminum wheels, leather-wrapped steering wheel, and power 8-way driver seat.

The 2LT adds rear power liftgate, driver-side auto-dimming rear view mirror, automatic tri-zone climate control, auto-dimming rear view mirror, universal home remote, 7-passenger seating configuration, heated front seats, 10-speaker Bose premium audio with amplifier, Chevrolet MyLink infotainment system, Bluetooth streaming audio, and rear-seat audio controls and earphone jacks.

The LTZ adds dual exhaust with chrome tips, power folding mirrors with memory, chrome bodyside mouldings, 20-inch machines aluminum wheels, side blind zone alert, heated steering wheel, auto-up/down driver and auto-down front passenger windows, heated and cooled front seats, and perforated leather seating surfaces.

Depending on the model, available options include a rear-seat DVD entertainment system, sunroof, all-wheel drive and trailer tow package.