In 2018, the Chevy Traverse will feature a full redesign. A redesign that’s much needed, mind you, considering that the current design dates all the way back to 2008. Although it did experience a refresh for the 2013 model year, the vehicle itself is still considered a bit long in the tooth as far as updates go. While the Traverse will retain most of the usual Chevy features, this redesign will give it a fresh start with some newly added features as well. The 2018 Chevy Traverse will debut at the 2017 Detroit Auto Show, hosted on January 9th, 2017. Since it’s a vehicle that’s in the same league as the Honda Pilot and Toyota Highlander, GM needs to keep the Traverse updated in order to just stay afloat. Those are two big name competitors, after all.
Let’s see what GM hopes to get out of its newest crossover SUV…
The Traverse Should Set High Standards
From the way it sounds, the 2018 Traverse is going to set some high standards in the auto industry. Namely, GM wants it to boast segment-topping third-row legroom and cargo space, which would make the inside of the Traverse cavernous, given that it’s an eight-passenger vehicle.
Just like the current Traverse model, it will share the same platform as the GMC Acadia. GMC stated with the release of the Acadia that the platform ended up cutting 700 pounds away from the vehicle’s weight. Meaning, the Traverse will probably experience close to the same weight-savings. This will, of course, aid in the fuel-efficiency of the model.
The upcoming generation of the Traverse will include premium interior and exterior design cues, with the latest and greatest technology features (naturally) available. Furthermore, the 2018 Traverse will help pioneer the D-Optic headlamps, which Chevy claims will provide better light than any other headlamps out there. It uses a natural daylight effect in order to create seamless light quality and allow for a brighter road ahead when driving at night.
What We Can Expect
While it’s still too early to say what GM will be doing with the Traverse’s engines (since the brand is keeping details under wraps until the debut) I don’t expect any drastic changes in size or power. Fuel-efficiency? Possibly, thanks to the weight it will save. But, even that’s still up in the air.
What we can expect are the typical tech features, such as OnStar 4G LTE with a Wi-Fi hotspot, and an infotainment system that runs off MyLink and supports both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Of course, Chevy will continue to offer advanced safety features on all of its vehicles.
A lot of experts think we’ll see design cues similar to that of the 2018 Equinox, since the Traverse is essentially a bigger version of that model. We know the look will be bigger, bolder, and more aggressive than before. If Chevy is smart about this redesign, it will move away from the bulbous look of a crossover SUV, and give the new Traverse a more squared-off design to mimic the appearance of a traditional SUV.
It is the bowtie’s largest crossover SUV, after all – and should look the part.
