The 2013 Chevrolet Traverse: A Detailed Overview
The 2013 Chevrolet Traverse, Chevrolet’s offering to the crossover-utility vehicle segment, promises a combination of style, sophistication, and safety. Scheduled to roll out later in the year, the model seeks to leverage its already established reputation for space, comfort, and efficiency.
A Refreshed Exterior Design
Coming across as more athletic in its new avatar, the 2013 Chevrolet Traverse boasts of a robust exterior design, highlighted by an expressive front end. A noticeable addition to the front includes a power dome hood, a distinctive three-bar upper and two-bar lower grille design, and new lamps, all of which collectively form a fresh face for Chevrolet’s crossover utilities. The chrome accents surrounding the grille and fog lamps, along with the sculpted front corners, borrow a bit from the Malibu sedan, helping the Traverse to blend into the Chevy family.
As we move to the rear, the redesigned lamps and the relocated license plate pocket make their presence felt in the new liftgate, giving it a sportier appearance.
An Enhanced Interior Experience
The 2013 Traverse doesn't compromise on interior space. The cabin offers comfortable and flexible seating for up to eight adults and provides more cargo-carrying capacity than any other vehicle in its class. Enhancements to the interior involve upgraded materials, soft-touch surfaces on the instrument panel and front door uppers, and contrast stitching. The blue ambient lighting adds a unique touch to the cabin.
The center stack now features a 6.5-inch color touch radio with the available Chevrolet MyLink infotainment system, allowing smartphone integration for hands-free calling and audio streaming. The reworked front seats come with adjustable articulating head restraints, ensuring enhanced comfort for the occupants. Wood trim treatments now come as standard on the LT and LTZ models, and the vehicle offers three interior color choices.
Performance and Efficiency
Under the hood, the 2013 Traverse houses a technically advanced 3.6L V-6 engine with fuel-saving direct injection technology and continuously variable valve timing. This engine is paired with a six-speed automatic transmission. Improvements in shift feel deliver a more confident acceleration when needed. The transmission controls have also been revised for quicker and more consistent shifts. Together, they are expected to ensure the Traverse continues to deliver among the best fuel economy ratings in its segment.
The 2013 Traverse also features improvements in ride and handling, courtesy of the introduction of rebound springs in the front struts and new shock valving. These enhancements promise a smoother ride at lower speeds. The available intelligent all-wheel-drive (AWD) system aims to provide increased traction on slippery roads.
Safety Features
The Traverse has an impressive safety record and the 2013 model enhances its reputation further with the introduction of the industry’s first front center air bag. This airbag is designed to provide additional restraint to drivers and front passengers in far-side impact crashes. In addition to the airbag, the 2013 Traverse also offers a suite of safety features, including an available Side Blind Zone Alert and Rear Cross Traffic Alert systems, StabiliTrak electronic stability control with rollover mitigation technology, standard rearview camera system, and a strong body structure to absorb crash energy and provide a protective “safety cage” around occupants.
Final Thoughts
From its refreshed design and enhanced interior to its improved performance and comprehensive safety features, the 2013 Chevrolet Traverse seems to have made a conscious effort to build upon its existing strengths while innovating in areas that matter most to consumers. The car appears to strike a fine balance between practicality and style, safety and comfort, thereby making it a strong contender in the crossover-utility vehicle segment.
