Used 2011 Chevrolet Traverse for sale 

The 2011 Chevrolet Traverse is available in three trims; the LS, LT, and LTZ. The mid-level trim, LT, is further divided into two different variants, the LT 1LT and LT 2LT. As standard, each trim of the Chevrolet Traverse features a 3.6L V6 engine and is available with an option of a front-wheel- and all-wheel-drivetrain. Some basic features that the Traverse comes equipped with include cruise control, keyless entry, and brake assist. As one moves up the trims, power-folding mirrors, a premium sound system, and leather-wrapped steering make the Traverse more pragmatic.

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Even from the base variant, the Chevrolet Traverse is loaded with features. We recommend buying the top-rack trim, the LTZ, which not only includes features of the base and mid-level trim but also adds other practical features like a cooled driver seat and electrochromic rearview mirror. But even if you opt for the base level trim of the Traverse, you will not be disappointed.

The engine under the hood of the Chevrolet Traverse is a 3.5L V6 that churns out 288 hp of engine power and 270lb.-ft of torque. The SUV comes mated to a 6-speed-automatic transmission that is equipped with an overdrive facility and a manual shifting mode.

The V6 seems powerful, given that the Traverse weighs in excess of 5,000 lbs. It manages to pull from a still to the 60 MPH mark in 7.7 seconds and can complete a quarter-mile run in 16 seconds. The Traverse is available both as a front-wheel and all-wheel-drive variant, while the former is competent, the latter brings an extra bit of refinement to the overall ride quality.

In comparison, all three SUVs make use of a 3.5L V6 engine. While the Explorer uses a similar transmission setup as is available with the Traverse, the Toyota Highlander uses a 5-speed-automatic transmission. In the segment, the Toyota Highlander has the lowest power and torque output at 270hp and 248lb.-ft, respectively, however, it still manages to emerge victorious both in the acceleration test and quarter-mile run, taking 7.2 and 15.6 seconds, respectively. The Explorer, though quicker in the 60MPH run, clocks similar timings of 16 seconds as the Traverse in the quarter-mile run.

Perhaps, the biggest downside to buying the Chevrolet Traverse is that the SUV will never be soft on your pocket, credits to its low fuel efficiency. Every vehicle that falls into the segment has inherently less economical figures, and so is the case with the Traverse. The SUV manages an average mileage of 16 MPG in the city and 23 MPG on the highway. Combined, the Traverse manages 19 miles per gallon of fuel, which is also the segment standard. But one aspect that the Traverse does make capital of is its large fuel tank that has a capacity of 22 gallons, which allows it to cover maximum range in the segment of 352 and 506 miles in the city and on the highway, respectively.

The Ford Explorer and Toyota Highlander, though manage higher mileage in the city, the combined mileage for all three SUVs remains the same at 19 MPG. Both Ford and Toyota have smaller fuel tanks that have a total capacity of 18.6 and 19.2 gallons, respectively. Consequently, they manage to cover a lesser distance in a single fuel fill.

The Chevrolet Traverse’s cabin is packed with luxury and practicality. Considering its price, the cabin feels adequately equipped and reeks of refinement. Kudos to the engineers at Chevrolet for making the Traverse as it offers a quiet ride with a tranquil cabin despite its bulkiness and burliness. The seats offer utmost comfort, and given the smooth nature of the ride, there is no other cabin as good as the Chevrolet’s. 

The Traverse has a seating capacity of eight passengers, however, with the captain seat configuration for the second row, buyers can opt for a 7-seater version. The third row feels spacious and comfortable, something you expect very little from large SUVs. The Traverse has a total head-, shoulder- and legroom of 40.4/62/41.3, 39.4/61.4/36.8, and 37.8/57.6/33.2 for the front, middle and rear-seat passengers, respectively. While the passenger space may seem minimally less when compared with competitors, it does free up a lot of cargo space, putting the Traverse way ahead of its competitors with a total capacity of 116.4 cubic feet.

In comparison, the Toyota Highlander and Ford Explorer have almost equal amounts of space for the passengers. However, it is the cargo carrying capacity that falters the unblemished performance of the two vehicles. The Ford and Toyota have a maximum capacity of 80.7 and 95.4 cubic feet, respectively. Some standout interior features include:

• Three-zone climate control (only available with the LTZ trim)
• Steering mounted controls
• Cruise control
• Cargo area light
• Tilt and telescopic steering wheel

How intuitive is the 2011 Chevrolet Traverse’s infotainment unit?

The basic infotainment system on the Chevrolet Traverse comprises an OnStar system that grants the SUV with facilities like turn-by-turn navigation. As standard, the Traverse also includes AM/FM stereo, CD player, and satellite radio. As one moves up the trim ladder, a premium sound system and screen-based navigation system are added to the Traverse. The top-trim LTZ also features a rearview camera. Other standout features of the Traverse’s infotainment system include:

• Adjustable speed sensitive voice control
• Radio data system
• Standard six-speaker sound system
• Bose Premium sound system with the top trim
• MP3 player
• Satellite Radio

On the outside, the Chevrolet Traverse feels uninspired and unimaginative. It carries overnice design elements that may not sit well with buyers. Other cars in the segment have adopted aggressive design elements that bring a lot of character to their appearance. Albeit, the Traverse’s front grille and headlights do look ingenious, and the 18/20-inch alloy wheels available with the mid and top-level trim grant a muscular stance. 

The Traverse is the longest car in the segment standing at a total length of 205 inches and consequently has the longest wheelbase which measures 118.9 inches. It is 78.2 inches wide and 72.4 inches tall with a total ground clearance of 7.2 inches. It weighs 5,066 lbs, making it the heaviest car in the segment.

In comparison, the Ford Explorer is the widest car in the segment with a total width of 78.9 inches. Despite being the shortest car in the segment, the Highlander has the most amount of ground clearance at 8.1 inches. In terms of curb weight, the Toyota Highlander is the lightest car in the segment at 4,464 lbs, while the Ford Explorer weighs 4,732 lbs. As a result of the Toyota’s length, it possesses the shortest wheelbase measuring 109.8 inches. Major exterior highlights of the SUV are-

• Front license plate bracket
• All-star Package
• Running Boards
• Rear spoiler
• Optional sunroof

In the NHTSA crash tests, the Chevrolet Traverse performs exceedingly well with a score of five out of five stars. Its extensive list of safety features is the reason for the Traverse’s performance. As standard, the SUV includes features like daytime running lights, stability control, and traction control. In the deceleration test, the Traverse comes to a halt from 60 mph at a distance of 124ft. Other standout safety features include:

• Child seat anchors
• Post-collision safety system
• Engine immobilizer
• Integrated turn signal mirrors
• Tire pressure monitoring system

In a segment that features the likes of the Chevrolet Traverse, Ford Explorer, and the Toyota Highlander, it is difficult to declare a certain winner. But the Traverse does perform marginally better than its competitor. Its engine is cogent and equally powerful, it has higher cargo capacity, features a spacious third row of seats, and advanced safety specifications that make the Traverse a rational buying choice.