As the number of large and midsize crossover SUVs keep on increasing progressively, the present models compel to face growing rivalry from all add-ons. Hence, the manufacturers try to refresh their existing models with a bit of a makeover annually. The full-size crossover from Chevrolet, Traverse, is expected to get a pretty renovation, both outside and inside, for the 2013 model.
2013 Chevrolet Traverse is the fifth Traverse model and it has been debuted recently at the New York Auto Show. With some evolutionary and tasteful updates on both interior and exterior side, Chevrolet is continuing this large family-hauler competitive and fresh. However, there is a little bit disappointment in styling segment as 2013 model doesn’t show major radical changes for styling.
Interior
The biggest pitfall for Traverse was its interior. Hence, the most significant upgrading made by Chevy in 2013 Traverse is its interior. The overall spaciousness and seating capabilities have been expanded in 2013 version.
As Chevy opted higher-end materials for 2013 model, the interior feels far different from the 2012 Traverse. It is featured with soft touch surfaces on top side of the front door trims and on the instrument panel, instead of that cheap looking hard plastic inserts of previous one. Chrome and silver accents along with contrasting stitching provide eye-catching & more stylish impression. It will also feature contrasting stitching to add a look, silver accents throughout and blue ambient lighting. Furthermore, it features a blue ambient lighting that will glow throughout the cabin at night.
The front seats are also upgraded in new model with the articulating headrests which can be slide forward, backward, up and down to get the ultimate comfort. An 8-way power passenger’s seat is one more new add-on. The LT and LTZ models are also featured with standard wood trim.
The center console of the 2013 model sports a stereo unit with a 6.5” LCD touchscreen. Chevy’s MyLink touch-screen system is available in this infotainment system of Traverse. The MyLink system is an interface for employing Bluetooth streaming with Internet radio apps such as Pandora and Stitcher, as well as with Smartphone for hands-free calling. The center console is also featured with more comfortable and larger climate control knobs.
There are three different color options for 2013 Traverse’s interior: Ebony, Ebony & Mojave, and Light Titanium & Dark Titanium. You can also decide on either leather interior or cloth.
As far as seating capability is concerned, the 2013 Traverse can draw in up to 8 adults and has the alternatives of a 3-seat bench or 2 captain’s chairs as its 2nd row seating. There is an innovative second-row SmartSlide system is integrated in 2013 Traverse that allows kids and adults to access the third row seats with just the pull of a handle. It holds a very vast cargo space of 116.3 cubic feet with the 2nd row seats folded down and the 3rd row seats removed. With 12 cup holders, and 24.4 cubic-feet of cargo space behind the 3rd row, the 2013 Traverse is undoubtedly a true family hauler.
Exterior
If you are anticipating an entire redesign of the Traverse for the 2013 model, you are going to be unfortunately mistaken. The 2013 Traverse has some remarkable differences from 2012 model from the front and rear profile, but both models are very similar for their side profile.
The basic form factor of Traverse remains the same, but Chevrolet undoubtedly made some required changes. The most distinctive change is its split grill design updated with a three-bar main grille and two-bar lower grille. A relatively large Chevy Bowtie emblem is placed in the center of the main grille. The main grille still contains the same chrome trimming of the 2012 model, but the front end is head out with the supplementary chrome around the new lower grille.
The Traverse has also been restyled slightly with its headlights, giving it an edgier look. Chevy also replaced fog lights of 2012 Traverse with the thinner ones for the 2013 version. Replacement of the bland hood of 2012 model with the more stylized hood in 2013 model is another noticeable difference.
On the rear end, Chevy swapped the weird looking taillights with a more trendy set of lenses which just fit better in the new SUV market. The newly restyled Traverse also comes featured with a chrome trim piece and a step-style bumper at rear end.
Drive-train and Engine
The Drive-train of 2013 Traverse remained quite uninterrupted from the previous version. It is powered by the same 3.6 liter V-6 direct-injected engine which delivers 266 pound-feet of torque at 3,400 rpm and 281 horsepower at 6,300 rpm when equipped with single exhaust. Dual exhaust boosts the yields to 270 pound-feet of torque and 288 horsepower at the same rpm.
Chevy recalibrated the six-speed automatic transmission which results in more quick, consistent and smoother shifts. Handling and ride have been enhanced with new rebound springs at the front that assists with roll control. The vehicle is capable of towing up to 5,200 pounds. As before, The 2013 Traverse features both front- and all-wheel-drive configurations.
The 2013 Traverse provides decent fuel mileage thanks to the combination of all of above components. It gets 24 mpg on the highway and 17 mpg in the city with front-wheel drive, and it is rated at 23 mpg on the highway and 16 mpg in the city with all-wheel-drive.
Safety
On the Safety side, The 2013 Traverse will be featured with something unique, a new front center airbag. The center airbag will be standard equipment on all LT and LTZ models. Center airbag is destined to lessen passenger and driver injuries in side-impact crashes and it deploys from the side of the driver’s seat. StabiliTrak electronic stability control and head-curtain side airbags both will be standard together with the LATCH system (a child seat attachment system).
A rear cross-traffic alert system and a new side blind-zone alert will be standard on each LTZ model. A rearview camera, four-wheel disc brakes with ABS, front seatbelt pretensioners, tire pressure monitoring system and hill start assist brakes are some additional Safety features. A feature Stolen Vehicle Assistance will assist the police to track the vehicle.
There is no word about the pricing of this updated 2013 Traverse. It will be offered in 3 models: LS, LT (1LT and 2LT) and LTZ. All will be available in both front-wheel-drive and all-wheel-drive configurations.
Video of 2013 Chevrolet Traverse Introduction from YouTube