2019 Chevy Traverse Review

The standard engine is a 3.6-liter V6 (310 hp, 266 lb-ft of torque) paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission. Most trims come with standard front-wheel drive or optional all-wheel drive.

The Traverse L may be the base model, but it comes respectably equipped with LED running lights, xenon headlights, 18-inch wheels and an engine stop-start system. Inside, you get a tilt-adjustable steering wheel, seating for eight, a rearview camera, OnStar communications with a 4G LTE connection and an onboard Wi-Fi hotspot, Chevy's Teen Driver system, and a 7-inch MyLink touchscreen infotainment system with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay connectivity.

The L is only available in front-wheel drive and doesn't have access to most optional extras. It's a build-to-order trim, so you're unlikely to ever even see a Traverse L on a dealer lot.

Functionally, the LS trim is the base trim you'll likely come across. The LS has the same equipment as the L, but it can be had with all-wheel drive and a few optional dealer-sourced extras, such as second-row tablet mounts with dedicated USB charging ports and a cargo management package.

Stepping up to the LT Cloth gets you second-row captain's chairs in place of a bench, reducing seating capacity to seven but improving accessibility and comfort (the bench remains an option). The LT Cloth also gets roof rails, mirror-integrated turn signals and a power-adjustable driver's seat.

Two notable option packages are available for the LT Cloth. The Convenience and Driver Confidence package adds rear parking sensors, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, a power liftgate, remote engine start, an upgraded 8-inch infotainment touchscreen, a color driver information display, and heated front seats. The Trailering package adds a trailer hitch and heavy-duty cooling system. If you order the LT Cloth with all-wheel drive, the Convenience and Driver Confidence package comes standard.

The LT Leather comes standard with leather upholstery, a power-adjustable passenger seat, and the features from the Convenience and Driver Confidence package. The new-for-2019 optional Premium package adds 20-inch wheels, a navigation system, a 10-speaker Bose sound system, a 120-volt power outlet, an auto-dimming rearview mirror with a built-in rearview camera display, and a top-down parking camera system. A panoramic sunroof is also available as a stand-alone upgrade.

The RS trim is a bit of an anomaly in the Traverse lineup. It comes with a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine (257 hp, 295 lb-ft of torque) and only front-wheel drive. It's equipped much like the LT Leather and comes standard with Premium package features, but also features unique styling cues and accents, including 20-inch wheels and a blacked-out grille and bow tie badge. The RS offers a little bit of extra low-end power, but it's really no sportier than other trims despite its looks.

Near the top of the range, the Premier trim adds LED headlights, auto-dimming side mirrors, hands-free operation for the liftgate, ventilated front seats, heated rear seats, a power-adjustable steering column, wireless device charging, and driver-seat memory settings.

Major packages for the Premier include the Driver Confidence II package, which adds forward collision alert with pedestrian detection and low-speed automatic braking as well as lane departure warning and intervention. There's also the Redline Edition package, an appearance package that blacks out all the chrome trim and adds the panoramic sunroof. Adding all-wheel drive to the Premier trim gets you the Driver Confidence II package, Trailering package and adaptive headlights.

The range-topping High Country comes with all the Premier's goodies and adds a special all-wheel-drive system with an auto-locking rear differential, along with automatic high beams, the panoramic sunroof, adaptive cruise control, a power-folding third-row seat, and unique interior leather upholstery. It can only be had with all-wheel drive.