2018 Chevrolet Traverse Review
Since our family seeks adventure around every corner, we’ve been cruising with Chevrolet for the majority of our trips. The brand offers the safety we’re looking for as parents combined with the luxury we want. On our recent road trip from Atlanta to Orlando, we’ve found the SUV that’s ‘Just Right’ with the 2018 Chevrolet Traverse.
2018 Chevrolet Traverse: The SUV That’s ‘Just Right’
My goldilocks reference compares the Traverse to it’s sister vehicles: the larger Chevy Tahoe, the even larger Suburban and the Equinox which is a bit smaller. The Traverse just truly fit our family and felt like the perfect size.
No matter where you’re headed, this midsize SUV has the technology, safety and capability to take you there. With third row seating, we felt comfortable with two kids and a trunk full of luggage (including a pack-n-play and double stroller). Dare I say – the the seven hour road trip, with two kids, was actually enjoyable?
The 2018 Chevrolet Traverse Design
Outside, the Traverse is completely redesigned for a bold new look that commands all the right attention. It’s striking curves accompany thoughtful details that come together for a premium feeling. LED signature lighting is included and D-Optic LED headlamps are an available option.
I love that the leather interior is has premium stitching and accent trim along the dashboard. You really get the luxury feeling from their larger SUV’s.
Since we’re always looking for peace and quiet since becoming parents, the noise-cancelling cabin helps to keep road sounds out and conversation in. Plus, the surround sound speakers kept us jamming out to Baby Shark (doo doo doo doo doo doo).
If we’re ever blessed with another baby, knock on wood, the Traverse is best-in-class for: third-row legroom, maximum cargo room and passenger volume. New for this year, they added Smart Slide second-row seating. The curbside seat is capable of tipping up and sliding forward, even with a forward-facing child seat in place, to provide easy access to the third row. BRILLIANT!
Technology In The Traverse
We can’t survive an hour without technology. The kids and I are always connected between my work and their constant need for entertainment. With 4G LTE WIFI capability, I can work on the go since the vehicle acts as a hotspot. The kids connected their tablets too.
There’s also available 7- and 8-inch-diagonal MyLink infotainment systems designed to support Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, as well as an available OnStar.
Our Apple CarPlay connected right away and it’s so helpful for staying safe while driving. Everything we need pops up on the screen so we can stay focused on the road.
My favorite button has to be the Chevy Surround Vision. It gives me a birds eye view. There are actually four cameras situated all around your vehicle.
These four cameras all feed into your infotainment system, where the images are manipulated and stitched together to form one 360-degree image with a simulated representation of your car in the middle.
If you have trouble parking (raise your hand with me) then this is the technology you’ve been waiting for.
The Traverse Safety Features
While Chevy packed the Traverse with great safety features, there are a few that I really commend them for. Chevrolet’s Rear Seat Reminder feature is standard on all trim levels. It reminds you to check the backseat before leaving the vehicle, for anything valuable – whether it’s your child or a casserole.
No matter which new roads you find, the New Traction Mode Select allows the driver to make real-time adjustments to the vehicle’s driving mode to account for varying road conditions. That tech is great for seasonal road trip with where conditions could quickly change.
Here are some other safety features in the Traverse:
- Anti-lock brakes
- Stability control
- Front-impact airbags
- Side-impact airbags
- Overhead airbags
- Pretensioners (automatically tighten seatbelts to place the occupant in the optimal seating position during a collision)
- Security system
Overall, we’d love to make the 2018 Chevrolet Traverse our daily driver. It really has everything our family needs for road trips or the daily grind in preschool carpool. It’s the family vehicle that you definitely need to test drive if you’re in the market for an SUV.
2019 SPECS AVAILABLE ONLINE AT CHEVROLET.COM
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