The already-sizable Chevrolet Traverse is getting a little larger, with a new version featuring slightly stretched dimensions to go with an available turbocharged engine.
The burly crossover will enter its second generation riding on a wheelbase that stretches 120.9 inches (3,071 millimeters), a gain of two inches (51 mm) compared to its predecessor. It’s also slightly longer overall this time around, measuring 204.3 inches (5,189 mm) from bumper to bumper.
Chevy says the increased dimensions translate directly to more passenger and cargo room, with best-in-class designations expected for both categories. Its anticipated 98.5 cu-ft (2,789 liters) of cargo room with both rows of rear seats folded would exceed that of the Ford Explorer (81.7 cu-ft, 2,313 liters) and the three-row Hyundai Santa Fe (80 cu-ft, 2,265 liters). The automaker also expects the Traverse’s third-row legroom to lead the segment, with an impressive 33.7 inches (856 mm) on offer.
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Despite the larger dimensions, the Traverse will actually shed weight, with preliminary figures putting the heft of base models at 4,362 lb (1,978 kg). That compares to 4,713 lb (2,138 kg) in the outgoing version. The slighter weight of the 2018 Traverse also allowed engineers to incorporate a turbocharged 2.0-liter engine. The same four-cylinder engine will also make its way under the hood of the smaller 2018 GMC Terrain, albeit with much less power. Available exclusively with the newly added RS trim, the engine is good for an estimated 255 horsepower and 295 lb-ft of torque.
ALSO SEE: 2018 GMC Terrain Gets 3 Turbo Engine Choices, Including Diesel
Joining the new turbocharged engine is the existing naturally-aspirated V6, with output estimated at 305 horsepower and 260 lb-ft of torque — the former of which is as much as 24 horsepower more than the same engine in the existing Traverse, while the latter is a reduction of 10 lb-ft. Regardless of engine, the Traverse uses a nine-speed automatic transmission to put power to the choice of front- or all-wheel drive.
The design of the 2018 Chevrolet Traverse draws on the looks of the Tahoe and Suburban sport utilities, while retaining a slightly more rounded shape that helps set it apart from its body-on-frame siblings. When decked out in RS trim, the Traverse rides on black 20-inch wheels and gets blacked-out exterior trim bits, while the new High Country trim adds a brown leather and suede interior and power folding third-row seats, as well as polished 20-inch wheels.
When it comes to the mechanical bits, the High Country trim also adds a twin-clutch all-wheel drive system to the Traverse like the one offered on the 2017 Cadillac XT5. Like the XT5, the all-wheel drive system can be decoupled for more efficient front-wheel drive cruising.
The 2018 Traverse is set to go on sale this fall. Check back with .com between now and then for more info, including pricing.
