Sabino Canyon and Beyond: Ultimate Destinations for Your 2018 Chevy Traverse

Tucson is one of those cities that is special for an abundance of reasons: the consistently warm climate, nearby areas with cactus and red rock to enjoy the landscape, with many parks and lake locations to put a true SUV to the test. Sabino Canyon is a desert oasis located in the Coronado National Forest, and is about the most awesome nearby place there is to spot wildlife. During the winter and rainy seasons of the summer, beautiful pools of water form in the unique outcroppings here, and you can spot Palo Verde trees, as well as Cholla and Prickly Pear cactus varieties.

Deep in the heart of northern Mexico during 1887, an earthquake took place that dislodged a large section of massive boulders, which came crashing down to finally rest in the valley below. In 1905, the Forest Service began overseeing Sabino Canyon, and during the depression, jobs were created by the building of bridges over Sabino creek, as well as the dam. Access to cars is restricted, and once you arrive, hiking by foot and taking their tram are the most practical means of seeing the Canyon and what it has to offer.

For expeditions such as this, a vehicle like the 2018 Chevy Traverse is more than ideal: it is recently been redesigned from the ground up, and offers seating for up to eight. If you are currently in the market for a dominating machine that can haul and transport a large family or work crew, the upped level of trim choices features the L, LS, LT, and Premier options, along with the all-new sporty RS, and top-of-the-line High Country level of trim. The Redline package is also another new option that offers a more blacked-out appearance, and very awesome new red accents.

While racking up top scores in government and insurance industry crash tests, the Traverse really holds its own as a vehicle that is less cumbersome in tight spots than the Suburban, from the brand we all stand behind with full confidence. The Premier model comes with 20-inch alloy wheels, very stylish power-folding mirrors, blind spot monitoring system, a rear-cross traffic alert system, and forward collision warning. Inside, you'll find premium leather upholstery, driver memory settings, an 8-way power front passenger seat, ventilated front seats, a heated steering wheel, and full-fledged navigation system.

The Traverse lends much proof to the notion that “The biggest is best”, and features a 3.6-liter V6 engine that produces 281 horsepower, and 266 lb-ft of torque from the LT and LS trim models. You're going to be blown away with the Premier model's dual exhaust outlets, and the smooth shifting flow of the 6-speed automatic transmission. In all but the Base LS model, buyers have a choice of standard front-wheel or optional all-wheel drive, and you'll be exploring all of the best the Tucson area has to offer at an estimated 18 MPG. As the sun sets in the desert and the heat eases just a touch, the Traverse is gonna be the prime contender to help you kick up some desperado-influenced dust!

O'Rielly's Sizzling-For-2018 Showcase: The New Traverse's Performance Report

It's exciting to see that the Traverse has been completely overhauled this spring, and has an abundance of new tech and features to keep everyone comfy and entertained during the ride. Legroom plays a big part as to what passengers request when they are ready to spend on a new vehicle, and the all-new Traverse boasts rankings as good as it gets there. A maximum amount of cargo room, space for passengers, and numerous great safety features are all found in this midsize SUV that we predict to be screaming right off the lot in very high volumes! When it goes on sale in the fall, the Traverse will be the fourth crossover SUV with an update from Chevy within the last year, joining the ranks of the Trax, Bolt EV, and Equinox.

One of the things that we think you are going to love about the look is the influence it gains from full-size SUV's, but blended uniquely and expertly down to the appropriately smaller package. LED signature lighting and D-Optic LED headlamps are also going to do their own duty to win you over, and part of the real excitement here is due to the shape and appearance of the rear. It is surprisingly extended and noticeable, and is almost unapologetic when it comes to tying up the shape of the new vehicle. Many have tried to be as sleek, curvaceous, and outright hidden when it comes to rear extension, and the driver who has a long trip planned will enjoy the extra packing room.

There are two new trim levels added for the 2018 Traverse: Luxurious High Country and Sporty RS are offered to give the driver a choice for more personalized appearance and feel. The High Country Trim gives you leather brown appointments accented with suede, and included D-optic headlamps, standard twin-clutch, and third row seats that power fold. When you opt for the new RS package, you receive exterior cues that are blacked out, a black chrome grille, and 20-inch wheels to properly sense the element of the upgrade. Inside is available seating for up to eight passengers, and the wheelbase is longer than the current model. Boasting 98.5 cubic feet, the Traverse is said to be THE #1 vehicle when it comes to carrying capacity, and a sense of durable space.

When you are ready to load up and go explore a place close to you, the bowtie Chevy logo lamp illuminates the ground, showing where you can quickly place your foot to activate the hands-free powered lift-gate. In the second row, there is a split-folding seat, with a better version of the original Smart Slide feature. Everyone on board will have access to USB charging ports in all three seating rows, and phone and audio controls mounted on the steering wheel are placed perfectly.

Lane keep assist, front pedestrian braking, and forward collision alert are other features that will help greatly with your commute. A new 3.6L V-6 and 9-speed automatic transmission are the goods that help get you around, and you can count on nearly 10 percent more horsepower than the current model to back you appropriately. An estimated 25 MPG is standard for this type of SUV, and anyone bound for wet or snowy conditions will appreciate its engineering for all scenarios. We can't wait until this release hits the lot, and we'll be standing by to assist anyone with questions about how they can call this their next personal vehicle!