Semi-plush and fully loaded, the 2012 Chevrolet Traverse 2LT AWD offers, as its moniker implies, full-time all-wheel drive (AWD). This 7-passenger midsize crossover sports 116 cubic feet of cargo space with the rear seats folded, as well as a roomy cabin boasting leather and simulated alloy accents.
The peppy 281-hp V6 engine with its smooth 6-speed shiftable automatic transmission will pound out 266 lb-ft of torque to the tune of 16 mpg city/23 highway, while available towing equipment lets the Traverse 2LT AWD haul up to 5,200 pounds of trailer. Finally, the self-described and full-time AWD system is managed by a mechanical limited-slip center differential.
Standard amenities abound in this upper midlevel trim, with 18-inch alloy wheels, a roof rack and a rear spoiler adorning its handsome profile. Inside, look for premium cloth upholstery, heated front seats with a power-adjustable driver’s seat, second-row captain’s chairs, leather and simulated alloy cabin accents, a power liftgate, heated power-adjustable outside mirrors, power windows and remote power door locks. A universal remote garage door opener also comes standard in this posh crossover, as do rear parking sensors, cruise control and telescoping tilt-wheel steering.
Bluetooth-interfaced OnStar Directions & Connections service headlines the techno-features found aboard the 2012 Traverse 2LT AWD, while standard entertainment is handled by an MP3-capable single-CD player, 10 Bose premium speakers, satellite radio and a USB connection.
Options include a power sunroof, bench second-row seating (for 8-passenger capacity), leather upholstery, rear-seat DVD entertainment and a navigation suite with rear-view camera included.
Safety-wise, this spiffy ute sports 4-wheel antilock braking (ABS), traction and stability control, front side-mounted airbags and three-row head airbags. Additionally, turn-signal-integrated mirrors, daytime running lights, OnStar emergency services and alerts, a post-collision safety system and a remote antitheft alarm add to the Traverse 2LT AWD’s award-winning safety accoutrements.