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General Motors finally presented new 2018 Chevy Traverse at the North American International Auto Show 2017 at Cobo Center in Detroit Jan. 2017. The new Traverse is longer, wider and offers two engines with a new nine-speed automatic transmission. The new V-6 (0 to 60 mph in less than 7 seconds) generates 305 hp and 260 lb-ft of torque; the Ecotec turbo I-4 puts out 255 horsepower and 295 lb-ft of torque.
The Traverse RS model uses a 2.0-liter turbo four-cylinder, and 295 pound-feet of torque with an estimated 255 hp. In any case, the 9-speed makes standard stop/start technology with both engines! The Chevy also adding two new trim levels for 2018 – sporty RS, and top-shelf High Country.
The Traverse, as well as its near-identical sibling, the Acadia, have been released nearly a decade ago but the Acadia has been completely redesigned and showcased earlier this year. Many people expected the all new Traverse but GM decided not to release the two at the same time. Instead, the upcoming 2018 Chevy Traverse is likely going to be showcased in early 2017. Like the Acadia, the new Traverse is going to be based on an all-new platform, the same as its GMC brother. However, for this application, GM will add a few extra inches to its length.
2018 Chevy Traverse Price and Release Date
They are going to make this move because this time around the Acadia will be the smaller of the two. The Traverse is going to be offered as its larger cousin with more space inside the cabin and likely a few unique features as well. Its price has yet to be announced so far but many expect it to cost just as much as before at roughly $30,000. This would easily allow GM to get a lot of the market for themselves and if the car will be as good as the Acadia, they should have no problems at becoming the best in their class. Introduced as a 2018 model, it will go on sale in Summer 2017.
Design
Unfortunately, this is an unknown factor at this point, especially since so far all the development mules of the 2018 Chevy Traverse have been heavily camouflaged. However, despite that, it is quite clear that the car is at least 5 to 10 inches longer than its sibling, the Acadia. On top of that, it also looks to have a rather aggressive look which is a lot more similar to an SUV than before. The front end seems to be taking quite a bit from cars like the Malibu with a similar set of headlights and most likely a similar grille as well. The back will likely feature a clean design as well, most likely more similar to what the Acadia has.
2018 Chevy Traverse Interior
There is not much to be said here because most of GM’s latest cars have all been using a really similar setup inside the cabin. This means that the future Traverse will likely get a similar dashboard design and similar materials to what the current Acadia or the Malibu features, only with minimal differences between them. However, unlike the Acadia which only offers seven seats, the Traverse is still expected to offer up to eight seats as well as considerably more luggage space than its sibling.
Engine and Transmission
Just like before, the new 2018 Chevy Traverse is going to feature just a single engine choice. This is a bit different from what happened with the Acadia. This now offers a 2.5-liter engine or a larger V6. The Traverse will very likely stick with just the 3.6 liters naturally aspirated V6 petrol engine which now features direct injection and cylinder deactivation. This engine makes the Acadia 310 horsepower and 271 lb-ft of torque.
The one in the Traverse should be pretty much identical to it. Due to its platform, the car will feature front wheel drive as standard while an all-wheel drive version should be offered as an option. So far it seems that the transmission of choice for the new car will be a six-speed automatic gearbox.
However, if GM will manage to finish the development of their new 9-speed automatic then it should be first released on the new Traverse. Some people also suggested for a 2-liter turbocharged mill to be offered with the car. However, considering its class and its size, this type of engine is highly unlikely at this point, especially since most of its competitors will be using V6 powertrains.
2018 Chevy Traverse competitors: Ford Explorer, Toyota Highlander, and Honda Pilot.
2018 Chevy Traverse
Summary
The new Traverse is longer, wider and offers two engines with a new nine-speed automatic transmission. The new V-6 (0 to 60 mph in less than 7 seconds) generates 305 hp and 260 lb-ft of torque; the Ecotec turbo I-4 puts out 255 horsepower and 295 lb-ft of torque. The Traverse RS model uses a 2.0-liter turbo four-cylinder, and 295 pound-feet of torque with an estimated 255 hp. In any case, the 9-speed makes standard stop/start technology with both engines! The Chevy also adding two new trim levels for 2018 – sporty RS, and top-shelf High Country.
Price: $30,000
