2013 Traverse Gets a Makeover

DETROIT -- The restyled 2013 Chevrolet Traverse will makes it Auto Show debut at the New York Auto Show, set to take place in early April. The new Traverse will be very similar in size to the outgoing model, as well as exactly the same mechanically.

Picture Courtesy of GM

The 2013 Chevy Traverse will feature a different exterior and interior look, as well as some safety upgrades. General Motors announced details about the vehicle yesterday.

Exterior

The first change to the Traverse will be one that buyers will recognize right away, and that is the Chevy Traverse’s new front end. It has a new hood that is a variation of the power dome hood equipped on Malibu’s and Camaro’s with a three-bar upper and two-bar lower grille design.

The Chevy designers took the new look one step further by removing the split mesh and stocking the re-designed Traverse with chrome accents, new headlights, and fog lights with sculpted front corners similar to those on the Malibu sedan. The new fog lights will give the Traverse a sportier look than previous models. The new Chevy Traverse also has less plastic covering than the outgoing model.

At the rear, Chevy’s engineers opted to give the Traverse a cleaner look by giving it redesigned taillights and a new license-plate pocket.

Interior

Inside the 2013 Chevy Traverse buyers will notice that it has more soft-touch materials on the instrument panel and front-door upper area than the outgoing model. The seats have new contrast stitching, and the interior cabin is decorated with blue light accents.

The 2012 Traverse will is equipped with larger controls for a more upscale feel, as well as new eight way power front seats with articulating headrests. The 2013 model will also come equipped with a new center stack that includes a 6.5-inch touch-screen display along with Chevy's MyLink system. MyLink lets drivers synchronize their cell phones to their vehicle for hands-free dialing and audio capabilities.

Under the Hood and Safety

Under the hood, the 2013 Chevy Traverse is equipped with a direct-injection 3.6-liter V6 engine, which pushes 281 hp. The redesigned Traverse is also equipped with the rebound springs in the front struts for increased roll control. The new rebound springs help improve the ride and handling of the vehicle. New shock valves in the 2013 Traverse will help deliver a better ride when driving at slower speeds.

The 2013 Traverse gets the same safety features of the current model but adds a new front-center airbag to keep vehicle occupants safe during side impact crashes.

What’s the Word?

When reached for comment, Chris Perry, vice president of global marketing and strategy for Chevrolet, said the restyled front end of the 2013 Chevrolet Traverse "is more modern and brings it in line with the overall Chevrolet design." He also stated that he believes the Traverse’s interior improvements will be its strongest new selling point for potential car buyers.

Pricing hasn't yet been announced for the redesigned 2013 Chevy Traverse. It’s set to go into production later this year.

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