more about this model
Pros Comfortable ride, confident performance, generous passenger and cargo capacities, strong crash test scores.
Cons Flat second-row seats, reluctant downshifts from transmission, some slips in fit and finish.
Thanks to the reality check of $4-per-gallon gasoline prices during summer 2008, many consumers have realized that perhaps they don't need a 12-mpg Chevy Suburban or Ford Expedition to take the little ones to school and sports practice. Minivans have long been the best choice for practical moms and dads, as their boxy shape is highly efficient for transporting people and cargo. But many parents are still put off by the minivan's dowdy image. These folks want SUV style with minivan practicality, and that's exactly what they'll get in the 2009 Chevrolet Traverse crossover SUV.
The last few years have seen the crossover segment expand faster than dance-based reality shows, and understandably so. These vehicles feature carlike unibody construction, which provides greater space and fuel-efficiency as well as superior handling compared to the truck-style body-on-frame design of traditional SUVs. Crossovers also have a lower step-in height, making it easier for everyone to climb aboard.
The Chevy Traverse is the latest of GM's "Lambda platform" quadruplets to debut, joining the Buick Enclave, GMC Acadia and Saturn Outlook. In its base trim, the Traverse is the entry-level fixture of the four, priced about $2 grand less than the cheapest GMC and Saturn entries. We tested a higher-line Traverse LT2 AWD, which comes in at $36,455. Short of leather seating, a navigation system and a moonroof, the LT2 comes loaded, including standard luxury features like a back-up camera, triple-zone climate control, Bluetooth connectivity, a Bose audio system and a power liftgate.
With its roomy cabin (which includes a spacious, adult-size third-row seat), excellent crash test scores, plentiful features list, solid performance and respectable EPA fuel-economy numbers, the Traverse LT2 doesn't give much away to a minivan. The few downsides to this Chevy include spotty fit and finish and the fuel-economy-minded transmission's reluctance to downshift.
Considering its well-rounded personality and high level of practicality, we have no problem recommending the 2009 Chevy Traverse. However, if you're looking at the upper trim levels, we'd also suggest the Chevy's upscale Enclave and Acadia siblings as well as the more finely furnished Ford Flex and sportier-driving Mazda CX-9.
Performance Our 2009 Chevrolet Traverse LT2 was powered by the stout, direct-injected 3.6-liter V6 that's standard across the Traverse lineup. Matched to a six-speed automatic transmission, this V6 pumps out 281 horsepower and 266 pound-feet of torque. Our Traverse recorded a 0-60 time of 8.6 seconds and a quarter-mile sprint of 16.4 seconds, more than adequate for a 5,000-pound, full-size crossover.
In real-world driving, the 3.6 moves the Traverse around with reasonable gusto, but doing so requires a heavy foot. Calibrated for maximum fuel-efficiency, the smooth-shifting tranny is quick to upshift and slow to downshift. As such, the Traverse can feel a bit sluggish unless you either shift it manually (by thumbing the button on the shifter's side) or are aggressive with the gas. We don't recommend being as aggressive as we were — against EPA fuel-economy estimates of 16 mpg city/23 mpg highway and 19 mpg combined, we averaged 16 mpg in mostly urban driving.
With a stopping distance of 135 feet from 60 mph, the Traverse is about 10 feet worse than the class standouts in this area, the Flex and CX-9, but nearly 15 feet better than the class dunce, the Honda Pilot. We noted that pulsation from the ABS system kicks in rather soon during panic stops.
Given its mission as a comfortable family cruiser, the 2009 Chevy Traverse makes a strong showing in terms of its ride and handling balance. The refined suspension swallows up bumps and ruts with ease, yet it evinces none of the wallowing you might expect from such a big rig. Steering is precise, if somewhat numb, and the generally light effort builds up nicely while cornering. Thanks to its well-sorted underpinnings and slop-free steering, the Traverse feels sure and steady — indeed, smaller than its considerable size — when you're bending it through a curvy road.
Comfort In addition to the plush ride, the Traverse provides cushy seats, at least up front. The pilot and co-pilot chairs are pleasingly soft, yet supportive on long trips. The seats' ample size and a tilt-telescoping steering wheel enable drivers of all sizes to get comfortable behind the wheel. The second-row seats don't rate as high — they're just not as well-shaped as the fronts. We're guessing that their flatter cushions are what allow them to fold down flush with the folded third-row seats and rear cargo floor.
The third row is easy to access (thanks to a fold-and-slide feature for the second-row captain's chairs), and there's enough room back there for two adults to ride in relative comfort. The Traverse LT2's seating capacity is seven with the standard second-row captain's chairs and eight if you opt for a 60/40-split bench (which comes with a $495 credit).
Function Most of the 2009 Chevrolet Traverse's controls are intuitive and simple. The center stack buttons are on the small side, though this is mitigated somewhat by the steering-wheel-mounted audio controls. The back-up camera (which is displayed on the left side of the rearview mirror) and reverse park assist feature make parking the big Chevy easy.
Thanks to the roomy second row's rather flat cushions, installing a child seat — facing front or rear — is a snap. With 118 cubic feet of maximum cargo space, the Traverse can transport most anything short of a small condo, though it's still not quite up to minivan standards. Our large rollaway suitcase and golf bag easily fit behind the third-row seat. There is a generous below-floor compartment back there as well.
If you can't fit something inside the Traverse, know that it can also tow up to 5,200 pounds of your family's toys.
Design/Fit and Finish With its Malibu-inspired split grille design and jaunty beltline kick-up, the 2009 Chevy Traverse offers more pizzazz than your typical snub-nosed, slab-sided minivan. The rear end is the most unflattering view — there's just no disguising the fact that this big crossover has a butt to match, but that's the price paid for the cavernous cabin.
The interior features a clean, mostly attractive design with a sprinkling of metallic accents, as well as distinctively shaped gauge pods that seem influenced by Audi. We don't care for the slabs of hard plastic adorning the dash and doors, however, and we also noted some misaligned panels.
Who should consider this vehicle Parents who want most of the practicality of a minivan along with styling that doesn't shout, "I'm a card-carrying member of the PTA!"
Others To Consider Buick Enclave, Ford Flex, GMC Acadia, Mazda CX-9.
The manufacturer provided Edmunds this vehicle for the purposes of evaluation.
Used 2009 Chevrolet Traverse listings and inventory:
Shop Edmunds' used car, SUV, and truck listings of over 6 million pre-owned vehicles to find a cheap used and certified pre-owned (CPO) 2009 Chevrolet Traverses for sale near Ashburn VA. There are currently 597 used and CPO 2009 Traverses listed for sale in your area, with list prices as low as 6,995 and mileage as low as 0. Simply research the type of used car, SUV, or truck you're interested in and then select a vehicle from our massive database to find cheap pre-owned vehicles for sale near you. Once you have identified a used vehicle you're interested in, check the Carfax and Autocheck vehicle history reports, read dealer reviews, and find out what other owners paid for the used 2009 Chevrolet Traverse. Then select Edmunds' special offers, perks, deals, and incentives to contact the dealer of your choice and save up to 485 on a used or CPO 2009 Traverse available from one of 2,631 dealerships in your area.
What's a good price on a used 2009 Chevrolet Traverse ?
Save up to $484.8 on one of 28 used 2009 Chevrolet Traverses for sale at dealerships within 25 miles of Ashburn, Virginia with prices as low as $6995 as of Apr 24, 2018, based on data from 18 dealers and 36 consumer-driven dealer ratings ranging from 1 to 5 out of 5 stars.
Price comparisons for used 2009 Chevrolet Traverse trim styles:
The used 2009 Chevrolet Traverse LT1 is priced around $10215 with average odometer reading of 103533 miles.
The used 2009 Chevrolet Traverse LTZ is priced around $14687 with average odometer reading of 75513 miles.
The used 2009 Chevrolet Traverse LS is priced around $8496 with average odometer reading of 71319 miles.
The used 2009 Chevrolet Traverse LT2 is priced around $10241 with average odometer reading of 121887 miles.
Shop with Edmunds for perks and special offers on used cars, trucks, and SUVs near Ashburn, Virginia. Doing so could save you hundreds or thousands of dollars. Edmunds also provides consumer-driven dealership sales and service reviews to help you make informed decisions about what cars to buy and where to buy them.
What options are available on the 2009 Chevrolet Traverse?
Available Chevrolet Traverse 2009 Submodel Types: SUV
Available Chevrolet Traverse 2009 Trims: LT, LT Cloth, LT w/1LT, LT Leather, Premier, LT w/2LT, High Country, LT1, LT2, LS, RS, LTZ
Exterior Colors: Tungsten Metallic, Mosaic Black Metallic, Blue Velvet Metallic, White, Graphite Metallic, Satin Steel Metallic, Iridescent Pearl Tricoat, White Diamond Tricoat, Cajun Red Tintcoat, Champagne Silver Metallic, Siren Red Tintcoat, Atlantis Blue Metallic, Pepperdust Metallic, Crystal Red Tintcoat, Black Currant Metallic, Gold Mist Metallic, Sable Brown Metallic, Silver Ice Metallic, Summit White, Cyber Gray Metallic, Dark Cherry Metallic, Sable Metallic, Silver Moss Metallic, Dark Blue Metallic, Ice Blue Metallic, Steel Green Metallic, Black Granite Metallic, Red Jewel Tintcoat
Interior Colors: Ebony premium cloth, Dark Titanium / Light Titanium premium cloth, Jet Black premium cloth, Jet Black leather, Dark Gray w/Light Gray Inserts premium cloth, Ebony premium leather, Jet Black/Loft Brown leather, Dark Atmosphere/Medium Ash Gray leather, Dark Atmosphere/Medium Ash Gray premium cloth, Dark Titanium / Light Titanium leather, Dark Titanium / Light Titanium premium leather, Dark Gray w/Light Gray Inserts cloth, Ebony / Saddle Up premium leather, Jet Black/Dark Galvanized leather, Jet Black/Dark Galvanized premium cloth, Ebony / Saddle Up leather, Ebony / Saddle Up premium cloth, Ebony/Mojave premium leather, Cashmere premium leather, Ebony cloth, Light Gray leather, Cashmere leather, Ebony leather, Ebony/Mojave premium cloth, Ebony/Mojave leather, Light Gray premium leather
Popular Features: USB Inputs, Mobile Internet, Blind Spot Monitoring, Apple Carplay/Android Auto, Keyless Entry/Start, Upgraded Headlights, 360-degree camera, Lane Departure Warning, 5000lb Towing Capacity, Alarm, Audio and cruise controls on steering wheel, Aux Audio Inputs, Fold Flat Rear Seats, Post-collision safety system, Rear Bench Seats, Stability Control, Third-row seating, Tire Pressure Warning, Parking sensors, Power Driver Seat, Trip Computer, Pre-collision safety system, Back-up camera, AWD/4WD, Adaptive Cruise Control, 2nd Row Bucket Seats, Auto Climate Control, Bluetooth, Multi-Zone Climate Control, Power Liftgate/Trunk, Remote Start, Sunroof/Moonroof, Navigation, Upgraded Stereo, Rear Entertainment System, Towing Hitch, Cooled Seats, Electronic Folding Mirrors, Heated seats, Leather Seats
Engine/Mechanics: 6, 4 cylinders
Transmission: AUTOMATIC
Fuel Types: regular unleaded, premium unleaded (recommended)
Drivetrains: all wheel drive, front wheel drive
Used 2009 Chevrolet Traverse Overview
The used 2009 Chevrolet Traverse is offered in the following submodels: SUV. Available styles include LT1 4dr SUV (3.6L 6cyl 6A), LT1 4dr SUV AWD (3.6L 6cyl 6A), and LS 4dr SUV (3.6L 6cyl 6A). Pre-owned Traverse models are available with a 0-liter gas engine, with output up to 0 hp, depending on engine type. The used 2009 Traverse comes with front wheel drive or all wheel drive. Available transmissions include: 6-speed shiftable automatic.
