Chevy Traverse: See the USA

In the middle of the last century, Chevrolet specialized in building cars for middle American families. For the most part, its cars were big, sturdy and value oriented. They embodied the American dream. Anyone who grew up in mid-century America has a deep groove their gray matter, worn there by Chevy’s “See the U.S.A. in Your Chevrolet” jingle. American families have changed in the intervening years and so has Chevy, though it still does its best work satisfying their needs. Case in point: the eight-passenger Traverse crossover ($31,370, including destination), which is the spiritual progeny of the traditional American station wagon. Mothers of the ‘50s would have killed for the Traverse’s roomy and easy-to-clean cabin and its flexible, three-row seating. The Traverse is stronger and safer than its vintage counterparts and, with its front- and all-wheel-drive drivetrains, more suited to year-round use. For 2013, the Traverse scores a batch of updates, including new exterior styling, a more refined cabin, a new electronics interface and a selection of new safety features. A rearview camera is standard this year, as is a center side airbag. In a side-impact collision, it inflates between the front seats, preventing the heads of front-seat occupants from banging together. Exterior updates give the Traverse a more youthful appeal. On the inside, soft-touch materials replace last year’s hard plastics. The tilt-and-telescoping steering column allows drivers of all sizes to find comfortable driving positions. Controls are within easy reach. The thin-rimmed steering wheel seems sculpted for small hands. The app-based MyLink infotainment system will feel familiar to smartphone users. It allows users considerable flexibility — including Pandora and Stitcher Internet radio — but sidesteps the steep learning curve of more complex alternatives. No one will appreciate the Traverse’s large and flexible cargo area than parents. With all three rows upright, 114 cubic feet of storage space awaits strollers, playpens and grocery sacks. For weekend trips to Lowe’s, all three rows fold flat. Like all crossovers, the Traverse derives its utility from a space-efficient front-engine/front-drive platform. The single engine offered is a 281-horsepower (288 hp in upper trims) 3.6-liter V-6 engine that makes 281 horsepower (288 in upper trims) and is mated to a six-speed automatic transmission. Last year’s transmission gearing favored economy at the expense of performance. This year it’s been retuned to produce lively acceleration without blowing out EPA ratings. They are a class-appropriate 17 mpg city/24 mpg highway/19 mpg combined (FWD) and 16/23/19 mpg (AWD). Its sedan platform gives the Traverse true car-like ride and handling. Unwanted body sway during curves is well controlled and the 4,000-pound Traverse is reassuringly stable at highway speeds. Shocks are damped to minimize harshness over potholes. Wind and road noise are nicely controlled. The proliferation of automakers over the last half-century gives American families more transportation options than ever. Chevy’s roots are so sunk deeply into the culture, it’s not surprising to find it battling hard for their business. Cars like the Traverse are good enough make that happen. Don Adair is a Spokane-based freelance writer. Contact him at don@dadair.com. 2013 Chevrolet Traverse AWD LTZ Vehicle base price: $30,510 Trim level base price: $42,575 As tested: $46,200 Options included navigation system, with XM NavTraffic; trailering equipment; rear-seat entertainment system. EPA ratings: 16 city/23 highway Regular unleaded fuel specified