Chevrolet sprinkles in full-size SUV styling inspiration for new Traverse

The Honda Pilot, Nissan Pathfinder, Toyota Highlander and Ford Explorer better look out because the new 2018 Chevrolet Traverse has just debuted here at the Detroit Auto Show and it's looking mean. With styling inspiration from Chevy's full size Tahoe and Suburban SUVs, the Traverse strikes a less bubbly, more defined appearance, particularly in back. To give customers more visual choices, a couple of new trim levels have been added. One is a sporty blackout RS model featuring a black chrome grill, blacked out emblem, and big 20 inch wheels. The other is a luxury focused high country with 20 inch polished wheels, LED highlights, and special badges while the inside is lined with brown leather and suede accents. Chevrolet expects the Traverse to offer best in class passenger volume cargo space and leg room thanks to a new longer wheel base with seating for up to eight passengers depending on model. [UNKNOWN] are handled by Chevrolet's MyLink system with either a seven or eight inch touch screen. MyLink is also capable of running both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. An OnStar 4G LTE wi-fi hotspot is available to keep passengers entrained on their smart devices [SOUND] [INAUDIBLE] While all three rows have access to USB charging points. Squashing any worries of running out of juice. New on the safety front are a surround vision system. Lane keep assist with lane departure warning. Front pedestrian braking. Forward collision alert. And low and high speed forward automatic braking. On all models besides the RS, the 3.6 liter, 305 horsepower V6 connected to a nine speed auto, will provide power, returning an estimated 18 miles per gallon in the city, 25 miles per gallon on the highway for front-wheel-drive cars. The RS comes exclusively with a two liter, 255 horsepower turbo four cylinder and nine speed auto. Chevy claims that combo with from wheel drive should get 20 miles per gallon in the city and 23 miles per gallon highway. The Traverse is available with an all wheel drive capable of disconnecting the rear axle when conditions allow, boosting fuel efficiency. High country models get a more advance twin clutch all wheel drive system that Chevy says provides better performance in both dry and slick conditions. The new beefier looking 2018 Chevy Traverse goes on sale this fall pricing isn't available yet, but a base price in the neighborhood of today's car which is around $29,000 is likely.