The 2009 Chevrolet Traverse signals Chevy’s entry into the mid-sized eight-seater SUV market, based on GM’s Lambda unibody SUV. It’s been a few years now that the other GM stable-mates have been producing their own Lambda-based models - GMC has the GMC Acadia, Saturn has the Saturn Outlook, and Buick has the Buick Enclave. It is about time Chevy got on the bandwagon, although the timing may not be to their advantage with the economy-induced decline in SUV sales pushing people back towards small economical cars. In response to this however, there is a new direct fuel-injection system for more efficient power, and plenty of options to keep the whole family happy.
2009 Chevrolet Traverse Performance
All trims of the new Traverse get the same powertrain (as indeed do the Acadia, Outlook and Enclave), in the form of the 3.6-liter V6 engine. The new direct fuel-injection bumps up the horsepower from 275hp to 286hp when equipped with the dual exhaust system found on the LTZ trim, and a little less gain with the single exhaust. Torque also benefits slightly from the direct injection system. The Traverse is available in either front-wheel or all-wheel drive and the engine is mated to a 6-speed automatic transmission. Notably this transmission has given all of the Lambda-based siblings grief over recent years for its tendency to wander through gears and shift too early (ostensibly for fuel economy purposes), giving it a lack of power when required, particularly up hills.
This is a tried and true engine apart from the small gains in power this year, and is well regarded as having excellent acceleration and handling. For such a big vehicle, it exhibits refined, almost car-like steering and corners without too much lean. Fuel economy stands at around 16mpg – certainly not great by any stretch of the imagination, but unsurprising for this size vehicle and Chevrolet boasts that it is the best in the class thanks to the direct fuel injection. Towing capacity has increased this year thanks to the power improvement from 4,500lb to 5,200lb. Standard wheels are 17inch on the base models with 18inch available as an upgrade, and 20inch on the LTZ.
The other Lambda-based GM SUVs have been plagued by reliability issues, and we are hoping that the improvements this year will address these issues for the Traverse.
2009 Chevrolet Traverse Interior and features
The 2009 Chevrolet Traverse comes in three trim levels to meet a range of needs and budgets. The base-level LS features premium cloth upholstery on the front bucket seats, plus a second-row bench that seats three and a third-row bench that also seats three, making it an eight-seater. There is a CD/MP3 player with audio input jack, power mirrors and chrome door handles. The LT comes in 1LT and 2LT, and adds eight-way powered driver’s seat, variable power steering, second-row captain’s chairs, leather-wrapped steering wheel that features audio controls, and rear parking assist. The 2LT enhances this with auto-dimming rearview mirror, tri-zone climate control, a premium Bose speaker system and Bluetooth wireless phone capability. It also has a power-remote liftgate, remote starting system and home remote to open the gates as you approach without getting out of the car. Top-of-the-range LTZ has all that plus heated and cooled perforated leather front seats and leather second-row seats, powered second-row seats, 115volt power outlet, XM NavTraffic live traffic updates on the navigation system, dual chrome exhaust tips and body enhancements for a more sporty image.
All trim levels have flat-folding third-row seating, and second row seating also folds flat whether in the bench or bucket seat design. Chevrolet boasts that the Traverse offers best-in-the-class cargo space and there are plenty of nooks and crannies for extra storage.
2009 Chevrolet Traverse Safety
The 2009 Chevrolet Traverse scored the full five stars in government crash tests for all front and side impact situations thanks to the full range of safety features. These include StabiliTrak electronic stability control that includes ABS brakes, traction control and the full range of airbags including front seat, side curtain and pelvic/thorax side impact airbags. There is also one year of subscription paid for the OnStar emergency communication system as well as Turn by Turn navigation where live directions are given through the navigation system rather than having to take your eyes off the road to read.
Safety features:
- Front, front side and side curtain airbags
- StabiliTrak stability system with traction control
- OnStar emergency communication
- Tire pressure monitor
Overall the Chevrolet Traverse for 2009 does not introduce anything remarkable thanks to the previous releases of its stable-mates from Buick, Saturn and GMC. However it does fill the eight-seater SUV gap for Chevrolet, and offers a comfortable and performance-oriented option to the bigger Tahoe or Toyota Sequoia.