Initial Quality – The 2009 Chevrolet Traverse is a new model and had not yet been included in the J.D. Power and Associates Initial Quality Study (IQS) when this review was originally published. In our 2008 IQS, the Traverse’s platform-mates – the Buick Enclave, GMC Acadia and Saturn Outlook – received 3 out of 5 Power Circle Ratings for initial quality.

Performance and Design – The 2009 Chevrolet Traverse is a new model and had not yet been included in the J.D. Power and Associates Automotive Performance, Execution, and Layout Study (APEAL) when this review was originally published. In our 2008 APEAL Study, the Traverse’s platform-mates – the Buick Enclave, GMC Acadia and Saturn Outlook – received 5, 4 and 4 out of 5 Power Circle Ratings, respectively, for performance and design. In fact, the 2008 Buick Enclave was the segment award winner last year.

Predicted Reliability – The Chevrolet Traverse is a new model for 2009 and has not been included in a J.D. Power and Associates Vehicle Dependability Study (VDS), which measures dependability of three-year-old vehicles. Similarly, its platform mates have not been included in a VDS. However, based on the performance of previous Chevrolets during the past five years in both our Initial Quality and Vehicle Dependability studies, the predicted reliability rating for the 2009 Chevrolet Traverse is 3 out of 5.

Fuel Economy – The 2009 Chevrolet Traverse is equipped with a 3.6-liter V-6 engine that drives the front wheels or all four wheels through a six-speed automatic transmission. According to the EPA, fuel economy estimates for the Chevy Traverse with front-wheel drive are 17 mpg in the city and 24 mpg on the highway while the Traverse with all-wheel drive is rated to get 16 mpg in the city and 23 mpg on the highway.

Our review vehicle, a Traverse LTZ with AWD, averaged 14.8 mpg in mostly city driving. Combined with our test Traverse’s standard 22-gallon fuel tank, this actual fuel economy figure results in an approximate 325-mile range between fill-ups of regular unleaded.

Safety – According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, the 2009 Chevrolet Traverse gets 5-star crash-test ratings for frontal and side impact occupant protection, and a 4-star rollover rating with front- or all-wheel drive.

The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety calls the Chevrolet Traverse a “Top Safety Pick” because it has standard stability control and received a “Good” rating in the offset frontal impact crash test, a “Good” rating in the side impact crash test, and a “Good” rating for rear impact protection.

Environment – According to the EPA, the 2009 Chevrolet Traverse consumes 18 barrels of petroleum annually regardless of drivetrain selection. The resulting carbon footprint rating is 9.6 tons of air pollution per year. According to the EPA, the Chevy Traverse’s national air pollution score is a 6 out of 10, and in California and New England the air pollution score is a 7 out of 10.