The 2017 Chevrolet Traverse is equipped with a potent 3.6-liter V-6 engine that produces 281-hp along with 266 lb-ft of torque. This engine is coupled with a nine-speed automatic transmission that changes gears unassumingly. The setup is driven by a front-wheel drive, and there is the option of an all-wheel drive system as well (not on the base trim). The newly redesigned engine pulls the vehicle strongly and provides sufficient power to merge into traffic and smoothly pulls out while passing by slow-moving traffic. Only while driving aggressively you'll notice some glitches with the gearbox as it becomes abrupt during downshifts but other than that the shifts are almost undetectable.
Models
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Chevrolet Traverse
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Toyota Highlander
|
GMC Acadia
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Ford Explorer
|
MSRP
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$28,700
|
$32,680
|
$41,450
|
$31,160
|
Engine
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3.6L 6 cyl
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3.5L 6cyl
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3.6-liter V-6 engine
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3.5 L 6cyl
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Transmission
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6-Speed Automatic
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8-speed Automatic
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6-Speed Automatic
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6-Speed Automatic
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Horsepower
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281 hp @6300 rpm
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295 hp @6600 rpm
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310 hp @6300 rpm
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290 hp @6500 rpm
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Torque
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266 lb-ft @3400 rpm
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263 lb-ft @4700 rpm
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271 lb.-ft. @3400 rpm
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255 lb-ft @4000 rpm
|
The competition here pulls ahead of the Traverse in terms of power output. The GMC Acadia holds the crown for having the most powerful engine in its class, roaring to the top with 310 horsepower and 271 lb-ft of torque which dwarfs the number pulled by the others in the competition. The Toyota Highlander and the Ford Explorer are also comparatively higher on power output. However, the Traverse does have the peak torque kick in at a lower rpm, making it a good choice for city usage.
How quick is the 0-60 mph acceleration of the 2017 Chevrolet Traverse?
Even for such a big beast, the 2017 Chevrolet Traverse is pretty slow in the 0-60 mph run, which is not as bad as large crossovers can be. Its 3.6-liter V6 engine is able to help the car sprint from 0-60 mph in a long 7.4 seconds, around half a second behind the performance of GMC Acadia. However, the Traverse's all-wheel-drive Premier is a slower, at nearly 8.1 seconds to go from 0-60 mph.
Models
|
Chevrolet Traverse
|
Toyota Highlander
|
GMC Acadia
|
Ford Explorer
|
0-60 MPH
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7.4 sec
|
7.0 Sec
|
6.8 sec
|
7.7 sec
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Quarter mile
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15.9 sec
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15.6 sec
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15.4 sec
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15.8 sec
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Engine
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3.6L
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3.5 L
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3.6L
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3.5L
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The GMC Acadia is the quickest of them all, where it takes just 6.8 seconds to reach the 60 mph mark. It is followed by the Toyota Higlander which takes 7.0 seconds which is just 0.4 sec quicker than the Traverse. The Ford Explorer is the slowest of them all taking 7.7 seconds to reach the 60 mph mark. The Acadia is the quickest in the quarter-mile run, whereas the Traverse is the slowest at 15.9 seconds.
How is the Handling and Braking performance of the 2017 Chevrolet Traverse?
The Chevrolet SUV boasts of well-coordinated handling with better suspension making the vehicle a solid all-rounder. Drivers would certainly enjoy its handling as it boosts confidence but lacks the sporty feel. Due to its large size, it may be difficult for the driver to maneuver the vehicle in tight quarters as it has a 40-foot turning circle which is a tad bit more than its smaller crossover rivals. The torquey motor is great in the city, but situations requiring a quick dash like a overtake do take a while as the engine suddeny feels underpowered.
Talking about braking, the brake pedals of the Traverse may not be the best in its class but it has the right amount of firmness which helps the driver to be smooth in stop-and-go traffic. While the all-wheel-drive Premier takes nearly 119 feet to stop from 60-0 mph, the base trim LS takes 135 ft for the same.
Model
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Chevrolet Traverse
|
Toyota Highlander
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GMC Acadia
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Ford Explorer
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Brake Front (in.)
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12.8
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12.9
|
17.0
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12.8
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Brake Rear (in.)
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13.0
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12.2
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17.0
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12.8
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Curb Weight (lbs.)
|
4713
|
4370
|
3956
|
4443
|
60-0 MPH (ft.)
|
135
|
126
|
126
|
127
|
The competition pulls ahead in this category, with both Toyota Highlander and GMC Acadia taking 126 ft to stop from 60mph to 0, a full 10 ft is lesser than the Traverse LS. However, its worth pointing out that the Toyota weighs almost 415 pounds more than the Acadia. The Ford is just a single step behind or rather a single foot behind the GMC and Toyota at 127 feet.
Also Read:
- Understand the trims of the Traverse better
- How big is the Traverse?