Developing 257 horsepower and 295 pound-feet of torque, the LTG was exclusive to the Traverse RS up until the mid-2019 model year. All other trim levels come with the LFY, which develops 310 horsepower and 266 pound-feet of torque. The Hydra-Matic automatic transmission, however, remains the weakest link in terms of reliability.
Ford refused to use the 9Txx series in transverse-engined models, choosing an eight-speed automatic transmission instead. In performance-oriented vehicles such as the Edge ST, the Blue Oval also includes rev-matching technology, Sport Mode, and paddle shifters.
General Motors plans to replace the LTG altogether with the LSY, a 2.0-liter turbo related to the 2.7 in the Chevrolet Silverado 1500. As part of the Tripower family, the LSY features the most advanced valvetrain that General Motors has to offer in a four-cylinder engine.
The Traverse starts at $29,930 excluding destination charge, slotting between the Blazer ($28,800) and body-on-frame Tahoe ($48,000). Offering seating for up to eight people, the mid-size crossover is available in seven trim levels and with a choice between front- and all-wheel drive.
Given its size, the Traverse shares the C1XX vehicle architecture with the likes of the GMC Acadia, Cadillac XT6, and Buick Enclave. Production is handled by the Delta Township plant in Lansing, Michigan. Two months ago, General Motors announced an investment of $36 million in Delta Township to support crossover production.
