I’ve spent the last week spoiled rotten. If you’ve kept up with me on Twitter you’ve read that we test drove for the week, the Chevy Traverse. I’ve been in heaven!
Our Traverse arrived shining with it’s classy red jewel tintcoat:
It was very roomy without being too big. The three rows provided lots of room for our family to spread out in and the third row was easily accessible between the captain’s chair of the second row. While sitting in the third row would be a bit cramped for adults to ride for long periods of time, it’s perfect for children and would offer plenty of leg room for them.
Installing Kora and Logan’s car seats into the 2nd row was a snap. Dave usually handles the car seats because he can get them so much tighter than me, but this time I gave it a try and found it to be much easier to do compared to the other vehicles I’ve tried. The captain’s chairs and the space between allowed me more area to move so installing the seats was easy.
The trunk area was large enough that at one time I delivered a children’s Black & Decker Jr. Toolbench intact to a friend and was able to fit the entire thing in without putting the 3rd row down. I’m kicking myself for not taking a picture of it, but here it is empty so you can get the idea:
One of my favorite features was the powered rear liftgate. I could hit a button on the keyfob to open and close the trunk (amazingly convenient when I found my hands full with preschoolers and groceries). There’s also a button on the door itself and in the center console. There’s no reaching and slamming in the Traverse, completely different than the liftgate of the SUV I drive now, which I really struggle to close, only to find my door ajar light blinking when I climb into the driver’s seat.
I also appreciated the roominess offered by the front seat. While both the driver and the passenger had plenty of space, I didn’t feel too far away from any of the controls. In fact, the volume button on the radio was in the middle of the console making it easy to reach for the driver or passenger. Also, radio controls were on the steering wheel which made me feel so much safer not having to take my eyes off the road to change the station, skip a CD ahead, or turn up the volume. The amount of storage compartments were wonderful too. There was a place on the dashboard that opened up offering ample storage space for sunglasses, maps, CD’s etc. And the center armrest offered a compartment spacious enough to hold 2 sets of large headphones and a remote control for the DVD player with plenty of room left over for other items.
The whole family loved the Chevy Traverse so much we all want to weigh-in about it. So stay tuned because on Friday, Dave will post about his experience with it. Next week, I’ll be writing a post about a trip to Michigan we took and then Kora and Logan will take center stage and offer their thoughts on their “new red car” too.
I am jealous. I would love to own one but just driving one for a week would be cool too.
My dream car is the Porsche 911 or the new Nissan GTR. those cars are really great..,”
Man I love this article. I have been considering buying a new SUV for my family and this one is great! Your article helped me out a lot. Thanks! My car right now is not suitable for my family. I am going to look into the Chevy Taverse.
We are hoping our Ford Escape makes it another year before we start seriously looking for a new vehicle, but this thing looks great! I am anxious to hear more.
That looks like a great car. Pretty roomy.
Wow, girl…you have hit big time! First, interviewing a celebrity about her weight loss and now getting a car from GM to review!!
My husband had been eyeing this car for a little while now but we don’t know anyone who has one. It’s good to get your opinion on it. It definitely looks comfy and very roomy!
WOW! It looks really roomy and comfy! How cool!
BTW – thanks for the info about the ad popping up in my blog. I’ve disabled that but do let me know if you encounter the same problem again.
Have a great day!!
I’ve been looking at this car a lot, since we are planning on buying a new (to us!) car in the next year or so. Glad to hear you liked it – wish I didn’t have to spend over $30K for it though!
We are so pleased to have power windows and locks; the thought of an automatic rear liftgate kinda blows my mind.
WOW!! You got to borrow a car for a week and take a trip in it! How cool is that!! Glad you liked it.
WHAT A BEAUTY!!!! Lucky!
Oooo, my! That is pretty!!!! That would make traveling so comfortable!
Wow, that is cool. Looks like a great car, and so neat you got to test one out for a week. :)
I dig the roominess with the two car seats installed!!!! We just (as in 4 days ago) paid off our car, and I’m not in a hurry to gain another car payment, but that is a sexy beast right there.