All-new 2018 Chevrolet Traverse redesign puts the emphasis on spaciousness

2018 Chevrolet Traverse L

The base model 2018 Traverse L is available in FWD only, starting at $30,925. The L has few available options but comes sufficiently equipped for buyers who don’t care about a lot of luxury but want a reasonably priced, eight-passenger, three-row crossover. Standard features for the L and all higher-level trims include three-zone automatic climate control, power windows, keyless access with push-button start, 18-inch aluminum wheels, power-adjustable heated side mirrors, and a driver information center with a 3.5-inch monochrome display.

Tire pressure monitoring is standard as are a rear-vision camera, high-intensity discharge (HID) headlamps, GM’s Teen Driver utility, six USB ports, a digital display compass, and steering wheel controls for audio, phone, and cruise control. The Traverse’s standard MyLink infotainment system has a 7-inch display radio system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto support and, like all trims, includes OnStar 4G LTE Wi-Fi hot spot capability with a trial subscription.

2018 Chevrolet Traverse LS

The $2,170 price bump from the base L model to the 2018 Traverse LS  adds deep-tinted glass, and the choice of FWD, ($33,095 to start), or AWD ($35,095 starting price). The LS trim also opens the Traverse option list, which is largely closed for the L.

2018 Chevrolet Traverse LT Cloth

The first of two LT models, the 2018 Traverse LT Cloth starts at $35,595 with FWD and $39,395 for AWD. The LT includes a raft of upgrades and changes from the LS including a reduction in passenger capacity to seven because of the LT’s standard second-row captain’s chairs. The LT trim adds turn signal indicators to the side mirrors plus fog lamps, roof rails, and a trial subscription to the SiriusXM Satellite Radio All-Access Package. Other changes for the LT include an 8-way power driver seat with power lumbar control, heated front seats, a universal home remote controller, remote start, and a 3-spoke leather-wrapped steering wheel.

2018 Chevrolet Traverse LT Leather

Stepping up comfort, convenience, and standard safety features, the 2018 Traverse LT Leather trim starts at $42,195 with FWD and $41,95 for the AWD model. Convenience features include a power liftgate with programmable height adjustment, remote start, and a 120-volt power outlet on the rear of the center console.

Traverse LT Leather driver and passengers ride in comfort with leather-appointed seating surfaces, a 6-way power front passenger seat with power lumbar control, and heated driver and front passenger seats. The LT Leather also upgrades the driver information center with 4.2-inch diagonal, multicolor display and adds an inside rearview auto-dimming rear camera mirror with full camera display.

A segment of the Traverse’s passive safety and driver assistance suite is standard on the LT Leather and above, include 360-degree surround bird’s-eye view, side blind zone and rear cross traffic alerts, and rear parking assistance with an audible warning.

The LT Leather’s infotainment system upgrades to the Chevrolet MyLink radio with navigation, an 8-inch diagonal color touch-screen with motorized power up/down and hidden storage, and a 10-speaker Bose Premium 10-speaker sound system with a Richbase woofer in the center console.

2018 Chevrolet Traverse RS

The Traverse RS is a new model this year. Cast as the “sporty” trim, the Traverse RS is the sole model with the 257-hp 2.0L turbocharged 4-cylinder engine. The RS is only available with front-wheel drive and starts at $43,095. The other differences in the RS from the LT Leather trim are a blacked out exterior with a black chrome grille, a black Chevy bowtie, and dark painted 20-inch wheels.

2018 Chevrolet Traverse Premier

Formerly the top model, the 2018 Traverse Premier is now the second most luxurious trim, but it’s not lacking. Starting at $45,495 for the FWD version and $48,395 with AWD, the Premier has LED D-Optic bifunction headlamps, a hands-free power liftgate, a heated steering wheel, ventilated front seats, and heated second-row outboard seats.

The Premier also has wireless device charging, a dual-outlet exhaust with rectangular tips, driver memory settings for the driver seat, mirror, and steering column settings, and auto-dimming outside mirrors.

The Premier trim’s $1,845 (list) Redline Edition package option adds black wheels with red accents, black exterior accents, dark taillamps, a two-panel sunroof, and a trailering package with heavy-duty cooling and a trailer hitch.

2018 Chevrolet Traverse High Country

A new trim and available with AWD only, the 2018 Traverse High Country (starting price $53,095) has the highest luxury level and the brand’s full technology suite. All High Country models have unique Loft Brown leather trim plus 20-inch polished wheels, D-Optic headlamps, and power-fold third-row seats. The line leader’s drivetrain is unique as well, with an all-wheel-drive system with an automatic locking rear differential. Chevy’s trailering package includes a heavy-duty cooling system and a trailer hitch.

Other High County standard features include adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go, automatic high beams, forward collision alert and following distance indicator, front pedestrian braking, lane keep assist with lane departure warning. The High Country is the only trim with adaptive cruise control – it’s not even an option on other trims. A power sunroof and power-folding third-row 60/40 split-bench seat are also standard with the High Country.