2017 Chevrolet Traverse

Chevrolet first entered the mid-size crossover market with its Traverse in 2009, riding on a platform introduced the year before in the Buick Enclave and GMC Acadia. Despite the fast-moving nature of the crossover market, Chevrolet made only incremental changes to the first-generation Traverse over its nine-year run.

With an all-new Traverse finally on its way for the 2018 model year, this aging mid-size crossover carries over into 2017 unchanged.

Under the hood lives a 3.6L V6 that makes 281 hp and 266 lb-ft of torque, or 288 hp and 270 lb-ft with an optional dual exhaust system. Either way, a six-speed automatic transmission puts power to either the front wheels or all four.

Traverse comes in four distinct trims, starting with the LS and its mid-$30,000 price tag, which swells to more than $50,000 in top-end LTZ guise. And while that LTZ is a nicely-equipped vehicle with 20-inch wheels, eight-way power front seats with heat and ventilation and a variety of basic active safety features, the plain interior feels quite cheap at that price point.

The better deal is found in 1LT trim, which brackets the $40,000 mark in its FWD and AWD forms.

Despite its age, Traverse remains a fine driver with a smooth ride and comfortable seats making this a great road-trip vehicle for a group. The third row is actually fairly roomy and offers useful space for a pair of smaller adults, despite what the presence of three seatbelts back there might indicate.

In our opinion, Ford's Flex is a more entertaining vehicle to drive, even though its design is just as old as this Chevy's. There are numerous more modern designs to choose from in this class, however, so shop with a critical eye.

Fuel consumption is not a strong point, with estimates of 15.7/10.6 L/100 km (city/highway) for FWD models and 16.0/10.9 for AWD versions.