Chevrolet's 2022 Traverse is a midsize AWD crossover with full-size flexibility

Chevy likes to refer to their freshened 2022 Traverse as a midsize crossover with full size flexibility. The latter means it has interior capacities equivalent to many full-size crossover/SUVs. And it can be had with seating for seven or eight passengers with a host of the latest safety features and functions. 

Traverse has also been restyled with smooth, flowing design lines that give it a slippery, aerodynamic look. It’s offered in LS, LT, RS, Premier and top-shelf High Country that we were privileged to test, plus variants such as Midnight Edition, Sport Edition and Redline Edition. 

Compared to the other trim levels, the High Country is more upscale and its exterior has chrome trim around the windows, outside heated/power folding mirrors and fog lights. It’s also shod with tall 20-inch, 8.5-inch wide Continental tires that help its 7.51-inch ground clearance for traversing modest snow depths. 

Interior wise, it’s class leading and Traverse really shines in that it’s a spacious AWD crossover for passengers and cargo alike. Upon slipping into the cockpit you’re treated to heated/cooled, sumptuously padded perforated leather seats that in the test vehicle, were burgundy in color with gold stitching. And they had sensible (not confining) lateral support. The drivers’ seat bottom uniquely doubles as a safety reminder in that it buzzes when it senses an obstruction in front and back plus gives visual warnings. 

An 8-inch infotainment screen serves the gamut of audio, satellite radio, rearview camera with six separate views, Apple CarPlay/Android Auto connectivity, Onstar, Wi-Fi 4G hotspot connectivity, HVAC selections and a few more. Unique too is a digital rear camera mirror within the rearview mirror. It gives wide angle views of the rear area. There’s also a smartphone charging pad at the base of the vertical stack and a mode switch for 2WD, AWD, Off-Road mode and Tow/Haul modes on the console. 

The 8-inch instrument gauge cluster houses a large digital driver information display for alerts, functions, features and general operating information. 

Traverse can be configured with a second-row bench seat for eight passenger seating, or as in our tester, heated captain’s seats for seven total passengers. 

A low 19.5-inch step-in makes ingress/egress easy especially into the third-row seats that are mainly for youngsters. Helping the latter cause is that the second-row seats flip and slide forward for 20 inches of third row access space. 

Back in the cargo area, that has a low 28.5-inch lift-over, and with the third-row seats upright, there’s 23 cubic feet of space measuring 23 inches deep, 48.5 wide and 31.5 high. Flip them down and space increases to 57.8 cubic feet for 53.5 inches of loading depth. Flip the captain’s chairs backs and they open an impressive 98.2 cubic feet for 86 inches of loading depth. 
And beneath the cargo floor is a full width, 11-inch deep bin for small item storage. 

Traverse gets it grunt from a 3.6-liter V6 that generates an impressive 310-hp and 266 lb/ft of torque. Coupled to the standard 9-speed automatic transmission and a seamless auto start/stop engine system and EPA rates the combination at 17 city, 25-highway mpg. This affords a 5,000-pound tow capacity. Under full throttle, the V6 feels like a small V8. And underway and at idle, the engine is exceptionally quiet. 

Equipped with a dual-clutch transfer AWD system, it automatically sends torque to each rear wheel for when the going gets slick and when added traction is needed. 

Traverse, despite its slightly larger size, parks easily and rides like a full-size Chevy Suburban meaning it’s smooth, stable and planted. In sharp turns there’s virtually no body lean as it appears Chevy engineers tuned it for a compromise of ride and handling be in with two or seven aboard. It’s the ideal vehicle for a summer trip to the shore or winter trip to snow sport areas. 

With a base price of $53,400, it reflects a whole gamut of safety features such as lane keep assist w/lane departure warning, front pedestrian braking, rear cross traffic alert, lane change alert w/side blind spot alert, enhanced automatic emergency braking, plus a long list of convenience and amenity features including a sunroof. Since all this is included, the only extra cost was for delivery of $1,195 that took the bottom line to $54,595. This is competitive with many comparable and competitive crossovers. But the brand stands out since there are more Chevy dealers nationwide than other brands, so there’s never a hunt for service. 
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Traverse comes with a 3 year/36K bumper to bumper; 5/60K powertrain with roadside assistance and courtesy transportation and a free first maintenance visit.