Bold design and interior roominess tops Chevrolet's Traverse list of attractive features
The 2023 Chevrolet Traverse is a third-row SUV with the chops to challenge full-sized versions for space and versatility. A big SUV in a smaller package, and an even better price point.
We recently visited Hendrick Automotive Group’s flagship dealership, City Chevrolet in Charlotte, North Carolina to visit with salesperson Hunter Younts to learn about one of GM’s roomiest SUVs. It was eye-opening.
“(Customers) are just ‘wowed’ by it,” Younts opened. “When families start to grow and they need to go to that third row, they think they have to spend $80,000 and get into a bigger SUV. The Traverse is a great option for those who don’t need to go that high. It’s a lot more affordable starting in the mid $30,000 range and people really love the body style.”
Emboldened by its class-leading 98.2 cubic feet of cargo capacity, the Traverse is in a league of its own when it comes to interior roominess. Perfect for families on a budget, who need additional room during their daily commutes. For example, the second-row captain seats slide in both directions while the traditionally cramped third row has an additional 1.3 inches of legroom over its competition.
“When (people first) see the Traverse, (they call it) the ‘Baby Tahoe,’” said Hunter Younts, salesperson at Rick Hendrick City Chevrolet in Charlotte, North Carolina. “It has so much storage space, so much legroom space. In the center, whether you have buckets (seats) or a bench seat, the track slides forward and back to provide more legroom. It is really nice for taller people such as myself as there’s just more room all the way around. It really is impressive with the amount of space that it has.
“The Traverse really has the size and space for a family to grow into,” Younts continued. “It’s perfect for a family of four or five, who still want to travel and need that space for luggage. You really don’t have that cap on space and feel like you can take what you need. You truly aren’t giving up much space to larger, more expensive vehicles.”
The Traverse starts with the entry LS, moving up with the LT, RS (Rally Sport), premiere and the aforementioned High Country.
New for 2023, the RS is a special appearance version that features black and chrome styling, 22-inch high-gloss black-painted aluminum wheels, black accents around the vehicle including its distinctive roof rails and black and red accenting on the inside. The RS also features a trailering equipment and a sunroof.
“I really like the black, with the red-stitching on the RS model interior,” Younts added. “I think it’s a very stylish interior.”
The 2023 Traverse has plenty of power. Outfitted with a 3.6-liter V6 rated with a best-in-class 310 horsepower and 266 foot pounds of torque, this SUV is capable of towing up to 5,000 pounds. The drivetrain is married together with a smooth-shifting, nine-speed automatic gearbox built for a more refined ride than rapid acceleration.
CHEVROLET TRAVERSE INVENTORY: NEW VEHICLES | PRE-OWNED VEHICLES
“If you are looking to get into an SUV with a third row, that 310 horsepower V6 really is the best option,” Younts said. “It achieves really good fuel economy, and you still have the pick-up people are looking for in a vehicle of this size and weight. The engine is high horsepower and has a lot of torque.”
The vehicle’s exterior is also notable, with a bolder design and eight color options, including the popular Sterling Gray Metallic. Like the rest of the vehicle, the Traverse focuses on ease of use.
“One of my favorite features and options is that it comes with universal home remote,” Younts said. “All four doors have keyless entry (an option on select models). Being able to get into the vehicle without having to get the key fob out of your purse or pocket is a really nice convenience feature. It is also nice to have the keyless entry lift gate, so with the swipe of your foot under the sensor, the lift gate opens. It is super convenient for people coming in and out of stores when you have your hands full.
“The other thing that stands out to me is the headlight design,” Younts added. “They have a very bright low beam and high beam headlight. It also has intellibeams, which operates low and high beams automatically.”
As with most modern-day General Motors offerings, technology and connectivity is a big plus in the Traverse. With an 8-inch infotainment system standard, the touchscreen is one of the more responsive on the market. Every technology item comes standard in the High Country model.
“These features and options really stand out to me, making this one of the best optioned SUVs in this size range,” Younts said. “I really like the wireless phone charging, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, the digital (gauge) cluster, where you cycle through all of your different diagnostics from a button on the steering wheel.
“One thing I love about all Chevrolet vehicles -- especially the Traverse -- is that they are so user-friendly,” Younts added. “Sometimes these vehicles are overwhelming with all the new technologies that are out there. For Chevrolet, our screens use app icons that are very self-explanatory and laid out very simply. It is easy to gain quick access and pair your phone, it automatically uses your Apple Car Play grid to give you all of your mapping systems. There’s no need to have all those cords and everything like that.”
Safety is also a priority with the Traverse platform. Every version comes standard with active safety gear, including features such as forward collision warning, pedestrian detection, automated emergency braking (below 50 mph), lane-keep assist and automatic high beams. Additional features in the High Country version include full-speed automated braking, blind-spot monitoring and rear cross traffic alerts.
“The parking sensors are particularly nice because it’s a little bit longer vehicle, and it may be the first time many of these customers have driven a third-row SUV such as this.” Younts said. “This vehicle really allows you to be aware of your surroundings. You have cameras everywhere, as it can be overwhelming getting into a vehicle this size.”
The Chevrolet Traverse is a perfect vehicle for growing vehicles, and if you are looking for your next SUV, we would encourage you to check one out at your nearby Hendrick Automotive Group Chevrolet franchise.
“This is one of those vehicles you are going to want to come to the dealership and check out yourself,” Younts concluded. “You need to test drive so you can experience all the benefits, as you can only do so much by seeing it in pictures.”
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