Culture|Garage

The burgeoning crossover market has another product to offer- but how attractive is it? The Chevrolet Traverse, based on GM’s Lambda platform, is the cheapest crossover in GM’s arsenal, and there’s a good reason for that- and it ain’t the Chevelle-style grille.The GMC Acadia’s little brother is the Genral’s most recent entry into the crossover market, joining the Acadia, Saturn Outlook and Buick Enclave, which share the aforementioned Lambda platform. The platform is not the only thing shared here, as the 3.6 litre VVT (variable-valve timing) engine is also standard on all models. That said, the interior is remarkably similar on each of GM’s crossovers, so the question is, what’s so great about the Traverse?

Well, for one, it will be the lowest-priced of any of the Lambda vehicles, but unfortunately, it shows. Standard equipment on the Traverse is limited, incorporating the “Smart-Slide” system for folding seats (shown in the Saturn, at right), which enables users to fold the seats up and forward, allowing more room for cargo, something that is touted on the Chevy’s mini-site as “class-leading.” The crossover also has StabiliTrak electronic stability control system, in case a trip around LeMans is in your Traverse’s future. All Traversii will also come with six airbags, a six-speed automatic, and that’s about it. Compare this to the Buick Enclave, which not only has much more sophisticated styling, but is availiable with much more standard features AND options. For example, the Traverse has, quoth GM, “Jewel-like headlamps,” while the Buick’s headlights have a BMW-esque blue ring around each light, adding a touch of implied class to the vehicle. Buick-only styling touches also set the Enclave head and shoulders above the Traverse, with portholes in each side of the hood and handsome chrome trim. Paint options, at least at this point, also favor the Enclave, making it appealing to those looking for a richer flavor to their exterior.

The Saturn outlook is again, very similar to the Traverse and Enclave, with an interior that is slathered in enough wood paneling to earn a nasty letter from greenpeace. Unlike the Buick, however, the aesthetics just aren’t as good, considering the interiors of both vehicles were designed into the same platform. The Traverse makes liberal use of metallic-look materials in its interior, lending a decidedly different feel than either the Saturn or Buick (shown above, below and at right). This interior treatment is a bit reminiscent, however, of the Acadia’s. Note that in each interior, the steering wheel is basically left alone, begging the question: If these vehicles are supposed to appeal to different audiences- why not change and improve the thing they’ll be holding?

The Saturn’s exterior carries on the tradition of minimalistic chrome trim in the taillights and roof rack, with six-spoke aluminum wheels adding to the look. The Saturn closely resembles the GMC, but uses more rounded styling cues, combined with more chrome trim in its execution. Again, the Buick appears rich and flowing next to the rest of the Lambda line, which are generally boxier. The GMC resembles the latest generation Ford Explorer, and carries a rather bland grille, which is more trucklike than the Buick, Chevy or Saturn. It must be mentioned that even the car-savvy are confused by the similarities in styling between the models, as the MotorTrend website evidences, carrying a picture of the Outlook over the Acadia’s specification sheet. The Chevy does its best to combine elements of the Infiniti FX 45, copying the rear window almost verbatim. BMW headlights have been cleverly integrated into the rear of the vehicle and tinted red in an effort to give the tailgate a bit of a scowl, which will presumably ward off any would-be tailgaters. Look to the Buick for the same window, frowning on the riff-raff. Again, the Chevelle grille does provide the Traverse with a distinct character, though what that character is seems a bit of a mystery in this group of crossovers. Paint will presumably be monochromatic on both the Saturn and GMC vehicles, which is to be expected in their segment.

In a moment of surprise, the GMC (right) takes pole position on the price chart, at $38,000-44,965 (est.). The Buick is second, ranging in price from about $33,000-35,000 (est.), while the Saturn is third, coming in at $27,990-44,000 (est.), and the Chevy rounds out the field at $25,000 (est.). It is odd that while the Saturn and GMC can be spec’ed up to the tune of 40 large, the Buick is fairly conservative in pricing, though it is the leader in standard equipment.

So, what’s the Chevrolet for? It’s clear that the Buick is trying to appeal to the luxury market, while the other three squabble for budget-crossover territory. Why compete against yourself? Undoubtedly, the marketplace will cause debate over these questions, mainly, what is GM thinking? ARE they thinking?

via: Chevrolet, Saturn, Buick, GMC, Consumer Guide, Motor Trend, Edmund’s InsideLine, GM, Automobile Magazine

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