The original Traverse arrived on General Motors' Lambda monocoque platform, catering directly to large families who required genuine three-row seating without the cumbersome footprint of a truck-based SUV. Offering generous space for up to eight passengers and relaxed ride comfort, it rivalled large people-carriers and models like the Ford Explorer. Its emphasis is entirely on passenger space and serene long-distance touring, where diligent Chevrolet Traverse maintenance is vital to keep this heavy vehicle operating reliably.
Power is supplied exclusively by the 3.6-litre High Feature LLT V6 engine with direct injection, coupled with a six-speed automatic transmission and available all-wheel drive. The Traverse impresses with whisper-quiet cruising and suppleness over motorway expanses, yet its unladen weight exceeds two tonnes. That mass places considerable demands on the braking system, cooling circuit, and front suspension bushes during city driving.