The name sounds odd, but the Touareg offers a comfortable ride and spirited performance—something we all can understand. Its 3.6-liter V-6 makes 280 hp and is mated to an eight-speed automatic and all-wheel drive. The Touareg is large, comfortable, and solid—plus it’s equally at home both on and off the pavement. A standard touchscreen infotainment display is functional but dated; the optional adaptive cruise control and automated emergency braking, however, are well engineered and effective.
PROS Comfortable, tech-laden interior Active safety functions 3.5 tonne towing, real off-road ability Ride on standard air suspension
CONS No seven-seat option Lacks a full-size spare tyre Expensive for a Volkswagen
The 2019 Chevrolet Traverse is bigger and more butch, but still every bit as good for a bunch.
Pros Bold new exterior Stout V-6 Spacious third row Built for families like network prime time Plenty of cargo room
Cons Active safety is pricey Turbo-4 further sidelined No hybrid batteries, at all Poorly functioning all-wheel-drive system
For 2019, the Traverse returns with the same winning formula. Today's lighter Traverse carries over the same V6 engine from the last model, but with an additional 29 horsepower (310 hp). The engine pairs with a nine-speed transmission, a combination that helps achieve up to 21 mpg combined (18 city/27 highway). There's also a turbocharged four-cylinder engine, but it's only available on the sport-styled RS trim.
Pros Passenger room is generous in all three rows Loads of space for any combination of passengers and cargo Feature-rich infotainment system comes with standard Wi-Fi hotspot
Cons Some safety features are only available on top trims Quality of some interior panels and controls seem low-rent for this class
The 2019 Chevrolet Traverse ranked #9 in Midsize SUVs. Currently the Chevrolet Traverse has a score of 8.3 out of 10 which is based on our evaluation of 15 pieces of research and data elements using various sources.
Pros Abundant passenger and cargo space Intuitive infotainment system Smooth ride
Cons Many competitors are more upscale inside Underwhelming engine power