2013 Chevrolet Traverse Overview and Specs

GM likes to call its Chevrolet Traverse a midsize model, but this vehicle offers a cavernous interior and room for up to eight people. Yes, it is smaller than the bulky Tahoe, but when it comes to offering the best blend of room, utility and fuel efficiency, the Traverse should be on your buy consideration list.

Introduced for 2009, the Chevy Traverse receives a significant overhaul for the 2013 model year. The changes are more evolutionary than revolutionary, however new technological and safety features keep this model at the forefront of SUV innovation. Chief competitors include the Ford Explorer and the Honda Pilot.

2013 Chevrolet Traverse Overview

Engine and Transmission

For 2013, the Traverse’s sole engine and transmission combination returns. This model is powered by a 24-valve 3.6-liter V-6 engine of cast aluminum construction. It offers direct, high-pressure fuel injection and continuously variable valve timing.

This engine makes 281 horsepower when outfitted with a single exhaust and 288 horsepower with dual-exhaust models. It makes 266 foot-pounds of torque or 270 foot-pounds when dual exhaust is present. The V-6 has an 11.3 to 1 compression ratio and measures 3.70 inches bore by 3.37 inches stroke.

Chevrolet unites its V-6 engine with a 6-speed automatic transmission. This transmission is suitable for both front- and all-wheel-drive applications.

Fuel Economy

The 2013 Chevrolet Traverse takes regular grade gasoline. The front-wheel-drive model is rated at 17 mpg city, 24 mpg highway. Choose the AWD edition and your crossover makes 16 mpg city, 23 mpg highway. This vehicle has a 22-gallon fuel tank, giving it a maximum range of 528 miles or enough fuel to take you from Jacksonville to Key West, Fla., on one tank.

Model Dimensions

Built on a 118.9-inch wheelbase, the Chevy Traverse is 203.7 inches long, 78.5 inches wide and 69.9 inches tall. The FWD model weighs from 4,713 pounds; the AWD edition comes in at 4,956 pounds.

With 150.8 cubic feet of storage capacity, the Traverse seats 7 or 8 people. This vehicle offers 24.4 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third-row seat. Fold down the third row and 70.3 cubic feet of cargo space is available. With both the second and third row seats folded down, cargo capacity expands to 116.3 cubic feet.

Head room measurements come in at 40.4, 39.4 and 37.8 inches respectively for rows one, two and three. Leg room measures 41.3, 36.8 and 332. inches respectively while shoulder room is 61.5 inches up front, 61.0 inches in the middle and 57.6 inches in the rear.

Hip room comes in at 58.0 inches up front, 57.8 inches in the middle and 48.3 inches in the third row seat.

Model Highlights

2013 Chevrolet Traverse

Chevrolet describes the Traverse as having an “athletic exterior” and a face that represents its new design language for the brand’s SUVs. This look is different from its passenger vehicles, but still features the big golden bow-tie that is a Chevy staple.

New chrome accents, a revised hood, new head lamps and sculpted corners are among the changes seen up front. In the rear the tail lamps have been redesigned.

Inside, the Traverse offers a modified interior, bringing in Chevrolet MyLink infotainment for smartphone integration and Bluetooth streaming. This means you can access Pandora and Stitcher Internet radio with ease; a large illuminated center stack provides a more luxurious look.

Articulating front head restraints are now standard; both seats feature 8-way power adjustments. New trim touches including available wood treatments are available.

The 2013 Traverse also brings to the market the industry’s first front center air bag. This unit supplements existing airbag technology to provide extra protection in far-side impact crashes.

Other safety features include available side blind zone alert, rear cross traffic alert, head curtain side airbags, stability control, traction control, four-wheel anti-lock brakes, hill start assist and a tire pressure monitoring system. OnStar, with its safety and security features is included, with a 6-month subscription.


Photos courtesy of General Motors Company.

Matthew Keegan

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