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2012 Chevrolet Traverse

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Curious about the newer model? Check out the 2014 Chevrolet Traverse

Overview

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2012 Chevrolet Traverse Review

By KBB.com Editors

KBB Expert Rating: 8.2

The family vacation is an integral part of American life, which is why having a family vehicle that is big, comfortable, safe and fuel-efficient is paramount. The 2012 Chevrolet Traverse is such a vehicle, a 7-passenger CUV (Crossover Utility Vehicle) that embodies the best attributes of a car (ride, handling, fuel economy and safety), with a cavernous passenger compartment, all-wheel-drive ability and a large and versatile cargo hold of an SUV. And, while the Traverse can't tow a 9,000-pound trailer or go crawling over boulder-strewn washes, it can easily pull an average-size boat and triumph over the harshest winter road conditions. Pitted against such well-established CUVs as the Honda Pilot, Hyundai Veracruz and the Toyota Highlander, the Traverse can more than hold its own. With one of the largest cargo bays behind its third-row seat plus a host of electronic safety and security features provided by GM's OnStar division, the 2012 Traverse sets the standard other CUVs have yet to meet.

You'll Like This Car If...

If you need a vehicle big enough to haul your family and a 5,400-pound trailer, but you don't want a big, gas-thirsty SUV, the 2012 Chevrolet Traverse is the perfect solution. Roomy yet manageably sized, the Traverse is the ideal family wagon.

You May Not Like This Car If...

If you need to tow really heavy stuff, you'll need the strength found only with a full-sized body-on-frame SUV attached to a powerful V8 engine.

KBB Expert Ratings

Overall Rating

8.2
Driving Dynamics

7.8
Comfort & Convenience

7.2
Design: Interior & Exterior

7.4
Value

7.2
Safety

10.0

How It Ranks

#43

out of 62

MPG

#18

out of 63

Horsepower

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Consumer Rating

8.5 out of 10

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consumer ratings

2012 Chevrolet Traverse Low/wide front photo

What's New for 2012

The mirrors on the LTZ are now power folding, heated and have a driver's-side auto-dimming feature. The LT2 gets the same mirrors, only they must be folded manually.

Driving the Traverse

2012 Chevrolet Traverse Front angle view photo

Driving Impressions Of all the big CUVs we've tested, this is one of our favorites. The Traverse drives like a much smaller vehicle and exhibits impressive stability, a smooth and comfortable ride,...

and remarkably quick reflexes. Acceleration both from a standing start and while passing is good, but not class-leading by any means; fuel economy, on the other hand, is slightly above average for this class. As part of our test drive we were able to take the Traverse onto an enclosed test track where. we could explore safely the full range of its traction and stability controls. In every test, be it hard cornering, braking or rapid left-right steering maneuvers on slick pavement, the Traverse performed at and in many cases above our expectations. In short, the 2012 Traverse scores well in the areas of comfort, control, safety and long-range cruising ability. It is truly one of the best CUVs on the market.

Favorite Features

StabiliTrak Stability Control with Rollover Mitigation Technology
Although you'll never know it until you have to use it, this technology could very well save your life. It drastically improves the Traverse's ability to remain composed in even the most radical emergency maneuvers.

Smart Slide Second Row Seat
This easy and convenient feature allows the second-row seat bottom to flip up and the seat to slide forward, creating a wide pathway to the third-row seat.

2012 Chevrolet Traverse Details

2012 Chevrolet Traverse Dashboard, center console, gear shifter view photo

Interior

The 2012 Chevrolet Traverse's interior is a study in the fine art of form meeting function. The dash, doors and console are covered in quality soft-touch plastics composed of eye-pleasing shapes and contrasting color. Second-row passengers will find their seats can be moved fore and aft, and the seats include a fold-and-tumble feature that makes access to the third-row seat so much easier than trying to wedge one's body between the seatback and the C-pillar. Once seated, passengers will discover the Traverse's third row is actually quite accommodating to full-size adults. And, unlike many of the Traverse's rivals, there is plenty of cargo space (enough to hold two golf bags) behind the third-row seat. Side-curtain airbags that extend the length of the vehicle ensure protection for all of the Traverse's occupants.

Exterior

Although it shares a common platform with the Buick Enclave and GMC Acadia, the 2012 Chevrolet Traverse's styling has a bit more European attitude. Differentiating the Traverse from its kissing cousins is a rear quarter window that angles sharply up at its bottom edge, clean side panels and a large, distinctive spilt grille bearing the Chevy bow-tie logo between the two halves. The Traverse's wheels are pushed to its furthermost corners, a design that both increases stability as well as provides maximum interior space. In a nod to less cumbersome entry and egress, Chevy designers gave the Traverse a set of long rear doors that make it easier for third-row passengers to get in and out. Other useful Traverse features include available convex mirror insets that help expose objects ordinarily obscured by the vehicle's blind spots, and a power liftgate for easy access to the cargo bay.

Notable Equipment

Standard Equipment

Every 2012 Chevrolet Traverse comes standard with six airbags, including full-length side-curtain airbags, front side-impact airbags and front passenger airbags. Also standard are StabiliTrak stability control with roll-mitigation technology, a 1-year subscription to OnStar with Turn-by-Turn navigation, AM/FM stereo with CD and XM Satellite Radio, power windows, mirrors and door locks, rear wiper washer, cruise control, 17-inch wheels, Smart Slide second-row seat and flush-folding third-row seat.

Optional Equipment

Options vary by trim, which includes 1LT, 2LT and LTZ. Available features on most trims include remote start, a power rear liftgate (standard on 2LT and LTZ), Bose 10-speaker Surround Sound Audio system, DVD navigation, rear-seat DVD entertainment system, all-wheel drive, second-row captain's-chair seating, 115-volt 3-prong outlet, two different rearview cameras (one for use with navigation, the other for vehicles without), Ultrasonic Rear Park Assist, heated windshield wiper fluid, Bluetooth hands-free phone connectivity, dual-zone climate control, HID headlights, heated front seats (heated and cooled front seats standard on LTZ) and a dual-panel glass moonroof.

Under the Hood

The 2012 Chevrolet Traverse is powered by a sophisticated 3.6-liter V6 engine with variable valve timing and direct-injection technology for improved performance and fuel economy. While most owners will be just fine with the 281 horsepower found on the LS and LT trims, the LTZ features a dual exhaust that bumps the horsepower to 288. All trims feature a smooth-shifting 6-speed automatic transmission with manual shift mode and can be equipped with Chevrolet's excellent Intelligent All-Wheel Drive system. Unlike many of GM's other engines, however, the Traverse V6 is not E85 compatible.

3.6-liter V6
281 horsepower @ 6,300 rpm
288 horsepower @ 6,300 rpm (dual exhaust)
266 lb-ft of torque @ 3,400 rpm
270 lb-ft of torque @ 3,400 rpm (dual exhaust)
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 17/24 (FWD), 16/23 (AWD)

Pricing Notes

The 2012 Chevrolet Traverse LS has a Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) starting around $30,000. All-wheel drive adds about another $2,000 to the bottom line. 1LT and 2LT trim push the price into the mid-$30,000 range, while a fully loaded LTZ with all-wheel drive is expected to top out around just over $45,000. Our Kelley Blue Book Fair Purchase Price reflects real-world transaction prices, so be sure to check and see what others are paying before you begin negotiations. Competitors such as the 2012 Toyota Highlander and Ford Flex are priced similarly, while the Hyundai Veracruz generally lists for less. We expect the Traverse to hold better values than its sister-vehicle, the Buick Enclave, as well as the Ford Flex, but remain on par with the Honda Pilot, GMC Acadia and Toyota Highlander.

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2012 Chevrolet Traverse Consumer Reviews

Overall Rating

8.5

Out of 10

Based on 194 Ratings for the 2009 - 2014 models.

Review this car

Value

8.5/10

Quality

8.7/10
Reliability

8.8/10

Performance

8.9/10
Comfort

9.0/10

Styling

8.9/10

Excellent highway car and very comfortable

By Eddie (GA) on Thursday, August 01, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 72,000

10 10.0

overall rating 10 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 10/10
Value: 10/10
Reliability: 9/10
Quality: 10/10
Performance: 10/10
Styling: 9/10
Comfort: 10/10

Pros: "Roomy, good power,good handling, good 3rd seat"

Cons: "outward visibility, rear wiper switch"

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 9

"I bought this Traverse because I needed to carry 7 but wanted better gas milage than with the typical large SUV. It has fulfilled this very well. It's a bit large for tight spots in town but the back-up sensors help a lot. On the highway the ride and handling are excellent, even on tight mountain roads. Milage wise it has always been very close to the EPA figures. Everything inside works very well and I think it has the best 3rd-row seat of any vehicle. The only bad point has been several re-calls, but that seems common with most cars nowadays."

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great vehicle..took a 1200 mile trip first month

By Jim (WI) on Saturday, July 20, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 12,000

10 10.0

overall rating 10 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 10/10
Value: 10/10
Reliability: 10/10
Quality: 10/10
Performance: 10/10
Styling: 10/10
Comfort: 10/10

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 10

"pulled a 24' pontoon boat 700 miles.pulls great , not much for mileage. best was 14mpg. not many large vehicles will do that."

3 people out of 3 found this review helpful

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Car performance, SUV utility

By U Moore (VA) on Tuesday, July 16, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 50,000

10 9.0

overall rating 9 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 9/10
Value: 9/10
Reliability: Not Rated
Quality: 9/10
Performance: 10/10
Styling: 10/10
Comfort: 10/10

Pros: "Car-like handling and acceleration."

Cons: "Truck-like fuel economy and weight."

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 9

"I bought the AWD Traverse LT as my wife's older SUV finally died. Having always driven sedans and sports coupes, I was turned off by big SUVs and especially minivans. The Traverse we bought was a former corporate rental, but it was in fine condition and had been well maintained. My wife loves the space and features (just some of the robust options are dual climate controls, rear view camera with parking assist, remote start, cooled/heated seats, bose stereo, and many more) and I love the fact that it handles and accelerates like a car, but it is as practical as some larger SUVs. The well appointed interior is a middle finger to past criticisms by auto journalists of "low rent" GM interiors. I would easily put it against many more expensive luxury crossover interiors. And despite having plenty of buttons and knobs in the center console, it's not busy and cheesy looking. The exterior is athletic but not overdone, a good balance for this type of car. The few downsides are weight and fuel economy. At a portly 4800 pounds, it approaches pick-up trucks in heft. The fuel economy could also be better as we average 17mpg. The aforementioned heft, and the AWD certainly dock the fuel economy. Bottom line: If you want a practical car that can seat 7, tow 5,000 pounds, but handles like a much smaller vehicle, you can't go wrong with the traverse."

6 people out of 6 found this review helpful

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Best vehicle ever, love it, love it, love it

By c-los (TX) on Monday, May 20, 2013

I own this car
Reason: Sales - My approximate mileage is 5

10 10.0

overall rating 10 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 10/10
Value: 10/10
Reliability: 10/10
Quality: 10/10
Performance: 10/10
Styling: 10/10
Comfort: 10/10

Pros: "great room, good gas milage, beautiful"

Cons: "dont have it in pink for the wife"

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 10

"love it love it love it love it love it love it love it love it love it love it love it..... you get the picture :D"

1 person out of 1 found this review helpful

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Drives good has plenty of power,

By tee (AZ) on Monday, May 13, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 53,500

10 9.0

overall rating 9 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 9/10
Value: 9/10
Reliability: 8/10
Quality: 9/10
Performance: 10/10
Styling: 10/10
Comfort: 10/10

Pros: "driveability & power & inside space & looks good."

Cons: "worm air coming from air vents."

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 9

"when it is not hot enough to use the ac. with the heater controls complete off front and rear the air is hotter coming through the air vents than the outside air. And water pump failed and was replaced under a recall. Over all it is a very nice car. Inside features are handy and lots of cargo space when the seats are laid down."

4 people out of 5 found this review helpful

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I love the vehicle. But has defroster issues

By Michelle (MI) on Tuesday, May 07, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 35,000

10 9.0

overall rating 9 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 9/10
Value: 10/10
Reliability: 10/10
Quality: 7/10
Performance: 9/10
Styling: 5/10
Comfort: 10/10

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 1

"I bought the vehicle in the summer. If I would have bought during the winter this would not have been a vehicle I would have purchased. The design of the defroster is a major issue. It is in the center of the dash and is very difficult for it to reach the drivers or passenger side of the vehicle. On most icy days I have to scrape the ice.I have taken the vehicle to service several times for this concern thinking there was an issue . Upon the completion of the service , each time the service department reported that this was the design of thr defroster. Other than this major defrost issue I love the vehicle. My sister sold her 2010 Traverse for the same reason after one winter season."

2 people out of 2 found this review helpful

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See all 194 reviews