2018 Chevrolet Traverse Spy Photos LIKE THE GMC ACADIA, ONLY LONGER. Car and Driver
Alexander Stoklosa
April 28, 2016
What It Is: Chevrolet’s second-generation Traverse three-row crossover, spied here while testing in swirly camouflage duds. Until now, the Chevrolet Traverse three-row crossover has been the same as the GMC Acadia, at least underneath. That changes with the new Traverse, which for the first time will ride on a longer wheelbase than its Acadia sibling. Besides that, the two crossovers will be very similar under the skin.
Why It Matters: Everyone—us included—applauded GMC for stripping a bunch of weight from its second-generation Acadia when that crossover debuted earlier this year, but part of that savings came from making the rig notably smaller. Perhaps in an attempt to cater to families likely to use its standard third-row seat—a market segment for whom the 2017 Acadia is just a smidge tight—Chevrolet appears to be going longer for the Traverse, with extra wheelbase relative to the GMC Acadia. It’s likely the new Chevy will be roughly the same size as the current Traverse; since the market for three-row crossovers is robust, a new Traverse can only build on the outgoing model’s surprising sales resilience despite being nearly a decade old.
Regardless, glad to hear the Traverse is staying near the same size. Hopefully it stays a little wider than the new Acadia as well as being longer. Definitely an appealing vehicle.
Downsizing the Acadia was a brilliant idea. But, there are still families who are big enough to need a vehicle this big, or who take half a sports around on a regular basis, and those people still need a vehicle this size.. So, keeping the Traverse large makes sense. Hopefully it still manages to lose considerable weight, as the current one puts a surprising amount of weight on the scale.
I totally disagree. Downsizing the Acadia will cost GMC customers, and they will feel it in about three years unless they have an Acadia XL or similar. After news of the downsizing (and then the release of the new, smaller model) there was such a rush to get the current model Acadia. The demand was high enough for GM to continue the Acadia's build through December 2016. Originally it was to end around, well, now. GMC dealers are no doubt happy with the current Acadia's sales right now, but if they are coming at the cost of the next model's sales, and GMC lacks a product for those current Acadia lessees in 2-3 years, there won't be so much glee. I think it was shortsighted on GM's part to expect GMC customers to just go to a Traverse or Enclave. I don't think that will happen as often as they hope.
"Perhaps in an attempt to cater to families likely to use its standard third-row seat—a market segment for whom the 2017 Acadia is just a smidge tight"
More than a smidge tight. With the 3rd row seats, there's no room in the trunk in the 2017 Acadia. I hope the Traverse has nothing in common with the 2017 Acadia. GM needs to keep a true 3 row crossover with enough room in the trunk for a least a few suitcases, and the ability to tow around 5000 lbs like the current Lambda's. We can't all afford Suburbans.
I've leased a Traverse, Enclave, and currently a 2015 Acadia. I also leased an Envoy XL. That's 4 GM vehicles in this class, and the 2017 Acadia isn't on my list because it won't work for my needs. It can't tow my small camper (16') loaded with gear, and it doesn't have room for my luggage on a trip. I hope there's something for me at GM when my lease is up in 18 months on my current Acadia.
Traded in my 2014 2LT Impala for a 2016 2LT Traverse I am very happy a few things I wish the Traverse had Push button start, and HID's they also need to offer FWD collision and Lane departure warning on the 1LT and 2LT not just the LTZ model.
My 2014 Impala has the push button start and the two other safety features and it was nice. I love the size of the Traverse anything smaller and it would not be worth it, if I need a larger vehicle we will use my wife’s Suburban but this is good for day trips and a quick overnight trip someplace so I do not have to pack up half the house.
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