2021 Chevrolet Traverse

The price of the Chevrolet Traverse starts at $29,800 for the L, which is exceptional value for money. The LS retails for $33,200. That's the bottom end of the range sorted. Next in line is the LT Cloth with an MSRP of $35,700, followed by the LT Leather at $39,400. The RS goes for $44,000 and the Premier has an MSRP of $46,100. The High Country breaks through the $50k barrier, costing $51,200.

The cost of the Chevy Traverse will increase if you opt for the all-wheel-drive system, although this varies depending on the model. The highest price you'll pay for an AWD system is $3,800. These prices do not include the destination charge of $1,195 in the US.

Just looking at the Chevy, it's fairly evident that it was never built for performance. With that in mind, it does everything well. The steering is light and precise, but the body will start rolling when you push it too hard. There are systems in place to mitigate this, and they do a good job. Apart from the sporty trimmings on the RS trim, there's absolutely nothing on the Traverse that will lead you to believe that it's a performance SUV on a test drive.

The Traverse packs a serious punch when it comes to ride comfort. It may seem odd, but it feels like a luxury sedan from the '70s. Big, comfortable seats, a constant supply of lumbering power, and a cushy suspension with lots of travel. It's unlikely you'll ever come across a bump that will find its way into the cabin. The best thing about the suspension setup is that it keeps getting better with every additional pound you add. A Traverse full of people feels like a dependable, stable SUV, which means it hits the bullseye as far as its main task is concerned.

With its low ground clearance, the Traverse was never going to attempt the Rubicon Trail. Instead, the AWD system exists for additional traction in cold-weather states and more stability when towing.

There's something inherently likable about an honest car. The Chevy is up against some serious competitors in the USA, even some within its own extended GM family. But the Traverse continues to do well, and we think it's because it's completely unpretentious and not trying to be something it's not.

There are more striking and luxurious offerings out there like the Buick Enclave and the Ford Explorer. Still, the Chevrolet goes up against them with its comfortable ride and exceptionally practical interior. The Traverse has the rare ability to actually seat as many people as it claims. The third row has enough space for an average-size adult, and that's something very few midsize crossovers can brag about. The maximum cargo space is 98.2 cubic feet, while the day-to-day cargo space for a family of five is a cavernous 57.8 cubic feet. Even with all its seats in place, it still has a usable 23 cubic feet of cargo room.

Its 3.6-liter naturally-aspirated V6 engine does an adequate job of powering the car, and it can tow up to 5,000 lbs. Sure, it's not an exciting thing to drive, but it does the comfort thing exceptionally well. All models come with tri-zone climate control, while the higher-tier models offer a decent safety spec. If you want more luxury and kit, you have to pay a hefty price for it, but we think the base models offer exceptional value for money. They are worth your attention if you're in the market for a family-friendly, comfortable midsize crossover.

The L and LS offer great value for money, but they are a little on the bare side. On the flip side, the High Country is just too expensive for what it is. The LT models are tempting but still a little on the spartan side, lacking a few safety features. The RS just gives you a sporty exterior without adding anything else. The Premier is an attractive package because it's around $5,000 cheaper than the top-spec. And you don't have to sacrifice much because it still has leather seats, powered front seats that are heated/ventilated, heated rear seats, and a hands-free liftgate. You also get all the driver assistance features. At the price, you can add the Redline trim, which will allow you to tow 5,000 lbs while looking good. Add all-wheel drive for extra stability, and your total works out to just over $50,000.

It all depends on what kind of vehicle you're looking for. If you clicked on the Chevrolet Traverse because of space and comfort benefits, the answer is simple. But if you're in the market for a crossover that will do the mall run and put a smile on your face thanks to impressive performance figures, the answer is less straightforward.

The Ford runs rings around the Chevy, dynamically speaking. It also looks quite cool, but it can't match the Chevy when it comes to practicality. The Chevy beats the Ford in all configurations. In the Ford, you can only fit a maximum of seven people.

The Ford handles better, has a higher-quality interior and more standard features, but in this price bracket, people tend to want the most car they can have at a reasonable price. If space and comfort at a reasonable price are most important, the Chevy Traverse is the answer.

Built by the same mothership, these two vehicles are still unique in their own right. Both SUVs have an identical starting price but you do have to give up the 3.6-liter V6 in the Chevy for a paltry 2.5-liter four-banger with 193 horses in cheaper versions of the GMC. The V6 version of the GMC is only available on the wrong side of $35,000.

The Traverse is slightly bigger and can fit one extra person as standard. The Acadia's maximum cargo capacity is only 79 cubic feet, which is still a long way off the Traverse's figure with the second and third rows folded flat.

The Acadia can't match the Traverse when it comes to practicality and power. Sure, the fuel bills will be higher in the Traverse, but it's worth it. The Traverse easily beats its cousin from GMC.