'09 Traverse Design Overseen By a Mom – and it Shows

2009 Chevrolet Traverse AWD 2LT

model as tested $40,515

Test Drove 3/26/09 – 4/2/09
reviewed by Kristin Varela

Just when you thought Detroit was being overrun by men in pinstriped suits that haven’t a clue about Latch connectors, along comes Sue Wilson, the vehicle line director for the 2009 Chevrolet Traverse. A modern mom of four, Sue knows what we want in a car, and she’s delivered (mostly).

I got a sneak peak at the 2009 Traverse at the 2008 Chicago auto show. While I was impressed by it — I loved that Sue’s family jumped out of the Traverse at the press conference — I was concerned the Traverse couldn’t hold its ground with its cousin, and one of my favorite cars, the Buick Enclave. I’m pleased to say it can, with a few minor exceptions.

With a V-6 engine, the Traverse had plenty of power to get this mom around town, although auto geeks might want more oomph. The EPA rates the front-wheel-drive Traverse at 17/24 mpg city/highway, and the all-wheel-drive model is rated at 16/23 mpg.

With a slew of standard safety features, tons of seating, cargo flexibility and a more family-friendly price tag than the Enclave, the Traverse is a great option for families that want multipurpose functionality in a crossover the kids won’t be embarrassed to be seen in.

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