Despite what some people might think, three-row SUVs are more than just family transports. SUVs bridge the divide between the comfort of sedans and the capability of pickup trucks, and while they are great for full-size families, solo drivers have plenty to gain from them as well. With heaps of storage space and loads of luxury features, modern SUVs are perfect for both youthful adventures and the practicality of daily life. Whether you’re headed to a ski slope by yourself or taking the kids to soccer practice, a solid SUV will get the job done with ease. If you’re in the market for a new vehicle, you might want to consider an SUV like the 2019 Chevy Traverse, for a number of reasons.
Performance
Merging onto the highway should be no problem with the Traverse, thanks to a more than sufficient acceleration, and driveability at lower speeds is above average as well due to the quick, seamless shifting of the 9-speed automatic transmission. Braking is smooth and responsive, and the suspension absorbs bumps in the road like the vibranium in Captain America’s shield absorbs kinetic impacts (that is to say, pretty dang well). These things all amount to handling that should be more than sufficient for driving in narrow parking lots or winding backroads.
A 3.6-liter V6 comes standard with the Traverse, along with start-stop technology to help increase fuel efficiency. It’s got an output of 310 horsepower and 266 lb-ft of torque, and a maximum towing capacity of 5,000 lbs when properly equipped. If you think you might get some use out of it, you can also opt for all-wheel drive for even better acceleration and traction. With the strength for towing and the maneuverability for tight driving, the performance and capability of the 2019 Chevy Traverse is a perfect example of how SUVs walk the line between pickups and cars.
Interior
When you’re picking out a couch or a bed, your main focus is probably comfort. After all, you’ll be spending hours sitting or laying on them, it only makes sense that they be as comfortable as possible. When you’re looking at a car it’s good to think the same way, since you’ll likely be spending a good amount of time there as well. The Traverse is a prime option when it comes to comfort, with supportive seating and plenty of leg and headroom for both rear passenger rows. The third row can even fit an average adult without them feeling cramped or restricted, and there are no complications with getting in and out of the back rows. The cabin is quiet and vibration from the road is reduced to a minimum.
Interior storage is nothing short of immense, offering 23 cubic feet of space behind the third row and a whopping 98 cubic feet when the two rear rows are folded down, well above what’s offered by most other vehicles in its class. This is further supplemented by a concealed under-floor trunk in the rear cargo area. The High Country trim also offers a third row power folding feature that allows it to be folded down at the push of a button. The center console is larger than most, and other small-item containers and pockets scattered around the cabin make it easy to keep things organized. From a family’s worth of luggage to equipment for a two-person camping trip, the Traverse has the space to accommodate whatever you need to carry, all without sacrificing the comfort you deserve to feel in your new vehicle.
Entertainment
In terms of entertainment and technology, the Traverse might as well be a spaceship. A 7” infotainment display comes standard (higher trims come with an 8” display), with both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility, so you can have access to all the media and communication your phone offers. Thanks to voice-activated technology, you can use the system without ever taking your hands off the wheel. 10 premium Bose speakers are distributed throughout the cabin in order to provide an excellent sound quality and entertainment experience. Multiple USB ports are spread throughout the vehicle as well, so several people can charge their devices at once, and the Premier and High Country trims even offer wireless charging for people with newer phones.
A built-in wireless hotspot is available, and with the ability to support up to seven devices at a time it should do a great job at keeping passengers entertained (or distracted, if we’re talking about kids). A fully capable 120-volt power outlet is placed at the rear of the center console, so not only can you charge your phone wherever you go, you can charge your laptop, too. From answering work emails to playing video games, wireless internet and laptop accessibility together give you the freedom to go wherever you please all while staying completely connected.
Safety
There’s no argument, when you’re on the road the safety of you and your passengers is of the utmost importance. That’s why safety technology in vehicles has advanced so much in recent years, and why the Chevy Traverse offers such a wide selection of safety and driver assistance features in this year’s model. All the modern safety features we’ve come to know are available for the 2019 Chevy Traverse, as well as a surprising new innovation that we’ll likely see become an essential feature in future SUVs.
A rear vision camera comes standard (as they should in current model vehicles), and rear park assist is also available to help with reversing into or out of tight spaces. Rear cross-traffic alert also helps with this, giving you a warning if a vehicle approaches while you’re trying to back up. Surround vision uses cameras hidden around the exterior of the Traverse to display a bird’s-eye view of the vehicle, allowing you to maneuver more confidently and avoid obstacles outside your sight range.
Lane change alert and side blind zone alert help to maintain full situational awareness, by providing warnings via flashing indicators on the side-view mirrors whenever a vehicle is in your blind spot. Lane keep assist gently influences steering if you ever start to drift into another lane without actively steering into it, even further complimenting the highway safety of the Traverse. The coolest feature, though, is the rear-view mirror. On certain trims, the rear-view mirror can also act as a screen to display the view from the rear-vision camera, giving you a much better perspective on what’s behind you. When you’ve got two rows of people behind you, it can be hard to see around them to what’s behind you, so a feature like this is sure to catch on in no time with three-row SUVs.
The 2019 Chevy Traverse
A solid balance of capability and comfort is what all SUVs strive for, and the 2019 Chevy Traverse has achieved that and more. If you’re looking for a vehicle with peak storage and comfort, then look no further. No matter what you need, be it a cozy family transport or a vehicle for your next adventure, the Traverse has got you covered. With a solid towing capacity, loads of storage, and plenty of space for rear passengers, the new Chevy Traverse is definitely an SUV worthy of consideration.
