To fit the needs of a growing family with a handy homeowner, Chevrolet offers the 2012 Traverse 2LT 8-passenger midsize crossover. With a careful blend of practicality, pep and posh, this roomy ute boasts three rows of seating, 116 cubic feet of, perhaps, home improvement cargo space (with the rear seats folded), a plethora of standard goodies and a decently potent V6 powerplant.
Look for 18-inch alloy wheels, a roof rack and a rear spoiler to be standard exterior equipment, with cloth upholstery, a leather and simulated alloy steering wheel and simulated alloy cabin accents gracing the interior. Heated front seats and a power-adjustable driver’s seat, not to mention second-row captain’s chairs, a power liftgate, power windows and heated power-adjustable outside mirrors and remote power door locks are all standard aboard this upper midlevel trim. Of course, cruise control, telescoping tilt-wheel steering and a universal remote garage door opener are thrown in, as well. A standard rear-view camera and rear parking sensors augment the tried and true Mark I eyeball in tight spaces, while standard OnStar Directions and Connections service is interfaced with Bluetooth hands-free technology. Entertainment, meanwhile, is provided by an MP3-capable single-CD player with 10 premium Bose speakers, satellite radio and a USB port.
A navigation system, leather upholstery, remote engine start and second-row bench seating (for 8-passenger capacity), as well as rear-seat entertainment and 20-inch aluminum wheels can each be added to the 2012 Traverse 2LT.
Power for Chevy’s cushy crossover is provided by the standard 3.6-liter variable-valve-timed (VVT) V6 engine. Mated with the 6-speed shiftable automatic transmission (with transmission hill holder), the peppy V6 puts out 281 hp and 266 lb-ft of torque, good enough to tow up to 5,200 pounds of trailer with the optional towing equipment installed. Finally, look for estimated mileage figures of 17 mpg city/24 highway.
Standard safety equipment aboard the 2012 Traverse 2LT includes 4-wheel antilock brakes (ABS), traction and stability control, front side-mounted airbags and 3-row head airbags. Turn-signal-integrated mirrors, daytime running lights, OnStar emergency service and alerts, a post-collision safety system and a remote antitheft alarm system all come standard as well.
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