Chevrolet Traverse Named As One Of The 10 Best Family Cars For 2014

For the second year in a row, the Chevrolet Traverse has been named one of the 10 Best Family Cars of 2014 by Edmunds.com and Parents magazine. The Traverse, which competed in the SUV category, met the judge’s criteria for safety, efficiency, style and value.

One of the most important sections of criteria for a family car is safety. The Traverse has the segment’s only front seat center airbag, which inflates in the middle of the two front seat occupants for additional protection. It was also named a Top Safety Pick by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety in 2013 and is offered with crash-avoidance technologies like forward collision alert and lane departure warning.

The 3.6-liter V6 in the Traverse is producing 288 horsepower and can return 24 mpg on the highway. This is roughly on par with Edmunds’ other top SUV pick for families, the Hyundai Santa Fe, which utilizes a 3.3-liter V6 producing 290 horsepower and returning up to 25 mpg on the highway.

In addition to fuel economy and safety, the Traverse was also recognized for its usability. Designed for families, it has easily cleanable seats, multiple USB ports and an available power lift gate and rear seat entertainment system. The second row seats can be either 1 person captain’s chairs or a three person bench, while the third-row bench can accommodate another 3 passengers.

“Traverse’s winning combination blends the capability and roominess of a traditional SUV with the attributes of a crossover, including a car-like driving experience, low step-in height and good efficiency on the highway,” Steve Majoros, marketing director of Chevrolet cars and crossovers, said in a statement.

The accolade adds to the Traverse’s awards received so far this year. It was also named one of Kelley Blue Book’s 12 Best Family Cars for 2014, joining the other bowtie-branded car which made the list, the 2014 Chevrolet Impala.