What do you think? This or Telluride? If Chevy can build enough, I could see this boxy SUV making a real dent in the sales of the Telluride, Pilot and being a solid contender to the Grand Highlander. Just one problem that tilts things in Toyota's direction: they have the only hybrid in the segment...
It will face stiff competition from the highly-anticipated Grand Highlander, but that vehicle may be more expensive and Toyota dealers are still marking up the price of their vehicles. The venerable Hyundai/Kia twins are always present, but some of their luster may be beginning to fade ever so slightly due to new entrants like the CX-90 and Pilot. I think this is a more compelling entry than the updated Explorer. Ford seems to be rather lazy with that vehicle strangely enough. Unless Chevy put the Traverse on a serious diet, it was pushing 5000lbs. I'd be curious to see the performance of the 2.5T in this, plus its refinement.
Hopefully this translates over to the GMC line well with far more premium materials. Now would be the time to also add a subcompact model to that lineup with updated tech/powertrain from this to take on models from premium/luxury competitive set.
I drove a Traverse for about 3600 miles earlier this year, got about 27 MPG and was really impressed by it. It drives awesome on the highway and in the city equally.
4:55 That's the money shot. Alex, PLEASE test whether a golf bag fits in there. At least I know a rifle bag would. Really reassuring for an SUV to finally have an area like this.
Wow, I knew this summer has been unbearably hot, but that's a scorcher, especially indoors!! 🥵 11:16 Great job, Alex, not even breaking a sweat in those conditions! 😂
Chevy seems to have finally given true life to the Traverse. No more jelly belly styling, and the mini-Tahoe look works very well here. The Traverse has always been quite a heavy CUV, so I'm curious to see how the 2.5T stacks up against it; hoping Chevy trimmed some weight. And the C-pillar looks rather large and makes the 3rd row have tight visibility. Overall though, this is a major step up and in the right direction!
That’s why you have mirrors on both sides. I used to drive a box truck, you never see past the cab window. Driving and changing lanes and backing with mirrors.
Looking forward to hearing about how that 2.5 turbo performs. Interesting it was developed off the 2.7, when the latter already came in various states of tune.
From what some automotive publications have said. They are saying it's the FWD/AWD version of the 2.7t. Just a slightly smaller displacement. So I'm hoping that it will have the same reliability as the 2.7t. Because the 2.7t is the current gen Silverados most reliable engine.
Apparently neither 2.7 tune was a great fit for what Chevrolet wanted in the new Traverse. Once again, they didn’t take the easy route by throwing in a existing potentially underpowered motor. I think their decision here is a testament of their efforts in becoming the American standard. Excited for the all new GMC Acadia and _Cadillac_ XT6.
@@G-Rated That's not entirely true. GM designs engines to be bespoke to either RWD/AWD/4WD or FWD/AWD. There's only 2 engines in GM's US lineup that was designed to be mated to RWD/AWD/4WD and FWD/AWD. Which is the NA 3.6 v6 LFG and the LTG/LSY 2.0t. All other engines are exclusively RWD/AWD or RWD/4WD (combination of the 2) or FWD/AWD. So the 2.7t L3B was designed to be mated to RWD version of the 8 spd and 10 spd. So in short the 2.5t is the FWD/AWD version of the 2.7t. We'll more than likely never see a FWD version of the 2.7t and a RWD version of the 2.5t.
@@99-Zulu same difference, what I’m saying is the existing 2.0t could’ve easily been thrown in here but it apparently wasn’t the power and fuel efficiency they were looking for so they’ve developed a FWD version of the 2.7t. Either way, it shows their efforts in this segment considering what’s already in rotation and could’ve been applied here. The new 2.5t should be very torque heavy, and it may feel much faster than the previous Traverse with the n/a 3.6L V6.
@@AAutoBuyersGuide True, Kia EV9 is obviously the leader in this segment. Sad that GM is building a Traverse that looks so much like its Equinox EV yet is completely retro in its powertrain options.
@@LetMeCook86 that’s true but realistically how often are people gonna be in the third row in the cold who need seat heating in one of them? It’s a nice idea but the use rate will probably be low enough that they’ll drop the feature
@@davewilson7602 No it doesn’t. Alex is sitting in the front row when he says it only has heated seats. Plus when he’s going over the infotainment screen you only see the heated seat icon. NO VENTILATED seats anywhere in this vehicle.
Let’s talk about how horrible the reliability is according to Consumer Reports and Edmonds. Let’s talk about for the same money you can buy a RELIABLE Toyota or Lexus and, get this, you can actually get classy rich looking Tan or Brown interior colors
I think Chevy has done a really nice job with this vehicle. The only thing I'm going to pick on is the giant blind spot created by the triangle in the 3rd row windows.
So, GM finally gets rid of the ancient 3.6L V6, but they downgrade to a four cylinder engine in a near 5,000 pound vehicle?🙁 Yes, I know it's rated for more power, but how long will it last? No, thanks.
The 2.7 is in the midsize and full size pickups, which can be heavier with substantially more towing capability. I don’t think there’s too much to worry about, especially for most owners who keep their vehicles for 5-10 years at most.
There is no indication that turbos won’t last. They have been used in heavy vehicles in Europe for decades. It’s highly unlikely there will be much of a reliability or repair cost difference between this and the 3.6 over 200,000 miles.
@@naveenthemachine they do wear out, just like alternators, water pumps, crankshafts, camshafts or air conditioning compressors wear out. Also, at least for my 2015 Ford 2.0 turbo that’s been trouble free so far, a replacement turbo can be got off RockAuto for as little as $450 (thanks economies of scale).
It's one of the best reviews I've seen in awhile. If you could put the 2nd row down, then sit in the 3rd row, we could get a realistic view of the 3rd row spacing.
I'm not a fan of that wing thing in the side windows. I'm commenting as I watch, and that weird thing blocking the side window towards the rear is really really polarizing, and I'm on the "NO" side!
9:17 - why is the volume nob there? That's the worst spot for passengers Center bottom is a typical spot for it. In this layout, perhaps you could lay it flat on that dashboard ledge below the screen? That helps the passenger and it limits the amount you accidentally touch the screen
It's interesting their definition of most luxurious doesn't include ventilated front seats. Super cruise is interesting. Don't like the piano black in the center console at all. I'll probably test drive it, but I wouldn't think it's better than palisade or grand highlander unless it's cheaper in top trim (maybe under 50k fully loaded with AWD).
Oh, wow... I've had my eye on the Traverse, but I'm not feeling that new pillar and the reduced window real estate in the third row. Other than that, I love the new design.
I think it looks great! Not sold on that rear pillar/window situation but it's a solid vehicle! Would have liked to see that advanced AWD system on the RS as well.
It certainly looks competent, however, for me, just too much black. I know a lot of vehicles are trimmed this way, but for me, I don't particularly like it. (it will probably be offered a little less "Darth Vader"; hopefully anyway).
I really like the new Traverse changed into, the only thing I wish GM will reconsider is provide the 2-3-3 seat configuration on the Z71 and RS trims as optional, wonder if there is an option to upgrade the seat configuration for those trim at the dealership
This is the first gen of Traverse I'd actually go look at when the time comes. It has finally stopped looking like a minivan, the styling is finally blockier and that horrid 3.6L V6 is gone.
horrid 3.6 liter V6? thats one of the best engines theyve ever made. theyre only getting rid of it cause of stupid emissions regulations. otherwise great engine smooth powerful and reliable. you know nothing about cars dude
I wonder if the 3rd row window is smaller because they made changes to the structure for Crash Safety, or changes were made to allow for the larger sun roof.
I hope ventilated seats are a option or the grand highlander will be my next vehicle. Really wouldn't make sense not to offer it especially with a vehicle with super cruise
Is it?, I've been largely seeing/hearing the opposite. I believe GM even just gave their 2024 trucks with the 2.7T a 100,000mi powertrain warranty. It seems like a reliable drivetrain, and this 2.5T is related to that L3B 2.7T.
I drove the 23 GMC Acadia 2.0 Turbo 1200 miles. Budget rental. I was pleasantly surprised at the all-round performance and comfort. It has a Euro feel in AWD. I'll be checking the Traverse RS out for sure!
I like the direction they went with the styling. The styling of the newer Tahoe should have been the styling that they should have put on the Blazer. I wonder if they are going to switch out the current 3.6 v6 and put in the new 2.5t. It has a decent power increase with substantial increase to tq.
Beautiful Traverse. Some things I like and some things I don't, but that is common with most vehicles. You will never find a vehicle that has exactly everything you want. Thanks for another great review.
The 2nd gen traverse just has the best cargo space in the midsize suv. Plenty of room for a small family of 7. And still has ample room in the back trunk. No other midsize suv can even come close to what the 2nd gen traverse has to offer.
Alex, great report! The Z71 in particular is enticing especially for those that don't want a bulky body-on-frame vehicle but still want to take on some back roads that most lesser unibodies can't. And props to Chevrolet for the strut hood props! Broken record but... need to make 8 passenger configuration (middle bench) available in ALL trims. The light controls should be put back where they belong, manual. Pretty funny: while most manufacturers have been making their manual volume controls either small or absent, here they make one of the biggest volume knobs ever seen! (I was expecting to see that was the shifter or vehicle dynamic control, etc!) Better this than the other way(s) however. Speaking of shifters, loss of console location is regrettable. Space savings? For what? Others have been able to fit everything, including chargers, with a shifter. Don't fix what ain't broke. But, given the fact that that it now is on the column... having grown up with the old school column shifters, I prefer that specific (and larger, more assuring mechanical feel) up/down action to this smaller movement, just out of familiarity, but this is better than button or dialers. In addition to the latter type, those (and even the silly dash button pushers and pullers) being non-intuitive or otherwise still requiring looking and fiddling around to select, ...and often just take up the same space that the regular shifter did. And that over-the-shoulder right rear quarter visibility - why? That huge sail panel doesn't even make sense aesthetically - looks very problematic. Yes, I know there are mirrors but... Last, gloss black on the exterior trim and grille, to me, never dresses up but sends it downmarket (cheap refrigerator black?). Sounds like a trip to the powdercoater is in order to make it satin like the grille surround (bumper trim).
I really like the design of the traverse although I dislike the massive grey area of plastic in the third row. It would make it seems a tiny bit claustrophobic for some but not for me. I think the Traverse will do well, but the competition is fierce now. I’ll give it to Chevy though, they probably have the best infointanment systems in the industry for easy use and practicality.
Just last night I told myself the Traverse is the only Chevy CUV I found remotely attractive. Now they've done ruined that. I hate that post-C pillar thing. Hate it. I'm old school, but function over form. Square is sexy, so I like what they're trying to do in the front and rear, but I hate the trendy tiny window look. This is off my list. Thanks for the always-excellent video, though!
Will be interested to hear the gas mpg’s for the new Traverse compared to its main competitor, the Toyota Grand Highlander, with its hybrid powertrain that gets up to 40mpg.
Love the way this looks, but the c pillar reminds me of a Kia Carnival. Strange move considering the "mini van of SUVs" reputation they are trying to overcome.
With the amount of negative comments about the C-pillar on an otherwise very well received vehicle, you would think that would have come up and been addressed and fixed in design meetings. It’s otherwise an excellent looking vehicle.
Glad to see it’s not an EV. Overall, the styling is nice. However, the third row window is not pleasing to me. I still like to look before changing lanes and the sight line is really blocked. However, with lane change warning sensor perhaps it is OK. But, don’t think I’d want to sit in the third row seat for a long trip; one could not see any scenery. I’m not a fan of 4 cylinder engines, but until I drive it I guess that’s up in the air. It would be nice if they could offer a towing capacity around 7500 pounds but that would certainly drive up the price and require a different engine and transmission. I’d put it on my short list. Definitely worth a test drive to see how it handles. Thanks for the video. Good review, as usual.
Good points especially about the right rear quarter visibility, and yes there are electronics now... But I don't think that should entirely replace physical visibility. I don't even think that big sail panel back there makes sense aesthetically, which is the only reason they did it.
Z71 sounds interesting for that rough road capability that all CUVs should have to warrant purchasing them over a minivan. But no 2nd row middle seat on this or the Pilot Trailsport is a deal killer for me. Seating at least 5 in first 2 rows helps free up cargo room with the 3rd row folded. I really don't understand the logic or appeal of 2nd row captain chairs.
Big plus for the rear window wiper and upright proportions for the rear. The third-row headroom is a big plus too. I really do not like the huge C-pillar. The floating roof design in the rear with the D-pillars is annoying especially because the C-pillar is so needlessly huge for style reasons. Three-person bench seat for the third row is kind of eh for me. I know Alex loves his third rows with more seats but honestly I would prefer two seats max for the third row of that size. I agree with the odd choice for the AWD system opinion Alex has for the RS trim. The one thing I haven't heard or seen is adaptive dampers for this Traverse. I know the price point means that's not going to happen but that suspension travel is certainly welcomed with adaptive dampers. Air suspension at this price point is basically almost impossible so adaptive dampers make more sense for both the off-road and RS trims. I don't like how safety-focused features like the headlights are controlled by the infotainment system. That should always be a dedicated physical control. I cannot stand stalk-controlled drive shifters in place of where the windshield wiper controls normally live. That has always been a serious deterrent for me from buying any European-brand cars that use that same layout. I would not mind a hunt and peck button shifter at all as long as the shifter isn't in the place where normally the wiper stalk is normally placed (right side of steering wheel).
You make a good point about the shifter... I did not in my critique of taking it off the console, where I would prefer a normal shifter. I don't like the hunt and peck button, push pull, and dialer types you described as an alternative, but that is a good observation about this location. Other good points, including one I and others I'm sure made about putting the lighting controls back where they belong, manual.
Love the look of this car! And great review with the information you did have on it. Thanks for sharing. Definitely a consideration for a family hauler.
Great advice matt Norman. I especially liked your reasoning too. It made the comment that much more meaningful, worthwhile, and helpful to me. NPCs 🤦🏻♂️
As a Honda guy I’d definitely buy this over anything in the class except maybe the telluride. Not a fan of gm but gm really did an amazing job with this!
For sure. Jeep needs to drop the Hurricane in it Pronto, and consider lowering prices. The Overland GCL already hits $60K before options. That's not even to consider the Summit/Summit Reserve.
@@hellkitty1014 they totally need to put that hurricane engine inside those Jeeps I'm okay with the price because I think they should be on the same level as Land Rover since if you look way back in the day it was cheap that started Land Rover or help them get started so the price isn't really matter to me like that but they need to step their game up you know they're not doing the updates fast enough
