2012 Chevrolet Traverse

 It is a big crossover SUV that is available in LTZ, LT and LS trim levels, of course it is the 2012 Chevrolet Traverse.  Some of the standard equipment that is included on the LS are eight-passenger seating, 17-inch steel wheels, third-row bench seats and split-folding second, air-conditioning, steering wheel that provides telescoping and tilt, OnStar, full power accessories and a sound system with six speakers, satellite radio, an auxiliary audio jack and a CD player.

The LT trim level in the midrange actually comprises an option of two sub-trims: the upscale 2LT and the 1LT that is well equipped.  The package of the 1LT provides alloy wheels that are 18 inches, heated mirrors, rear parking sensors, an power driver seat that can be adjusted eight ways, Bluetooth and a steering wheel wrapped in leather.  If you select the 2LT, you will receive all of the features that are included in the 2LT as well as a auto-dimming mirror on the driver side, remote ignition, tri-zone automatic climate control, a power liftgate, seating for seven passengers which features captain’s chairs in the second row, a camera which provides access to the rear view which is actually incorporated into the rear view mirror and a Bose sound system with an iPod/USB interface, rear audio system controls and 10 speakers.

The Chevrolet Traverse LTZ raises the luxury stakes with power folding mirrors, 20-inch wheels, leather upholstery and ventilated and heated front seats with functions of driver memory.  Option packages enable you to add a number of the standard features that are on upper trim levels to the lower ones.  Additional highlights from the list of add-ons include dual sunroofs, a DVD entertainment system for the rear seats and navigation system.

Powertrains and Performance

The Chevrolet Traverse is only equipped with one transmission/engine combination, which is a six-speed automatic transmission mated to a 3.6-liter V6.  The powertrain details are rounded out by an all-wheel drive system or a front-wheel drive.

In the LT and LS trims, 266 lb-feet of torque and 281 hp are produced by the V6.  In the LTZ that is more upmarket, the output goes up to 270 lb-ft and 288 hp as a result of an exhaust that contains dual outlets.  The Traverse 2LT clocked 0-60-mph of 8.6 seconds, a time that is considered quick in its performance testing; it was done in 8.2 in the LTZ.  The Traverse will tow up to 5,200 pounds if properly equipped.