2015 Chevy Tahoe or Chevy Traverse: Which is the Better SUV?
2015 has been a banner year for Chevrolet so far. Numerous acheivments have been awarded to Chevrolet for their cars, SUV’s and trucks in safety, comfort, affordability and sales. Quality reviews from Kelley Blue Book, U.S. News and World Reports and JD Power and Associates are giving consumers what they need to know. What Chevrolet dealers in Maimi already know is that Chevy is continuing to make excellent vehicles.
The Chevy Tahoe and Chevy Traverse are both SUV’s. Both have unique third row seats. One is a large and the other is midsize. One is newer while one is older. Both have won numerous awards in its 2015 model year. Let’s take a look at these two Chevy’s and see if we can tell which happens to stand out as the better SUV.
Tahoe
Since its inception in 1992, the Chevy Tahoe has been impressing everyone from soccer moms to dad’s on the go. It’s the epitome of all that is SUV and yet Chevy can’t help but push further and improve upon itself. The 2015 Tahoe came to the table with a whole bag full of upgrades. Sporting a new chassis, all new styling, upgraded suspension and an upgraded engine, this model year was in for a head to toe makeover.
Upon completion its ride was smoother, more like a car than a SUV. It’s interior was said to have the luxury appeal of a Cadillac. Newer technology was introduced to improve upon everything from the chassis to the infotainment. The 2015 Tahoe has been fully revamped and is ready to stand up to the competition.
Traverse
The Traverse can trace its roots back to 2007 before crossovers were taking over. It was the right move for Chevy and most manufacturers. The full size crossover was the perfect answer for Mom’s who didn’t want to be seen driving a minivan but also didn’t want to drive a huge SUV. Chevy’s birth of the Traverse was right on time and gave families the room they needed but with the smooth control of driving a car.
Power
Tahoe
- 5.3L V8 with 355 horsepower and 383 lb/ft of torque.
- 6 city mpg/23 highway mpg
- tow up to 8300 lbs.
Available in certain trims is the Magnetic Ride Control (MRC). This technology applies the change in road conditions and immediately adjusts to the stiffness of the shock absorbers. MRC becomes especially applicable to the Tahoe as it leaves normal gravel and heads off road onto more rocky or mountainous terrain. The Magnetic Ride Control has so greatly improved the ride that you forget you’re riding in a large SUV.
Traverse
- 3.6L V6 with 281 horsepower and 266 lb/ft of torque
- 17 city mpg/24 highway mpg
- tow up to 5200 lbs.
Front wheel drive comes standard on the Traverse. All wheel drive can be added and is definitely recommended should you want enhanced traction and more control.
Interior/Exterior
Tahoe
Offering more than enough passenger and cargo space to pack, carry and lug everyone and their neighbor to the lake, beach, or mountains, the third row seating is available as well as an optional front bench seat making room for 9 possible passengers.
An option of two individual captain's chairs instead of the second row is available. These seats slide forward to allow more access to the third row. Folding third row seats adds to the maximum capacity making more room seem endless.
There is an extra 15.3 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row. With both second and third row folded, a total of 94.7 cubic feet of room available.
The interior of the Tahoe received a makeover for the 2015 model year, and won a lot of skeptics over with the luxurious feel that now accompanies it. Noticeably different this year is the smooth ride and quiet cabin.
In a SUV of that size, quiet doesn’t just happen but luxury and comfort is what’s stressed this year and it has been achieved. From the seats to the infotainments systems and extra amenities, the interior feels more like a Buick or Cadillac than a Chevy.
The exterior also received a bit of a makeover as well. Sharing the same silhouette as its previous model years, it's bigger grill makes it appear more wide than it is, but also just looks impressive standing alone or in a line up of its competitors.
Traverse
A third row comes with the 2015 Traverse making it an 8 passenger SUV. The second row comes with Smart Slide technology in which the second row seats individually slide forward allowing more room to access the third row seating. Like the Tahoe, available instead of a second row of seats are two individual captain’s chairs, making it a 7 passenger instead, but a bit more spacious.
A maximum of 116.3 cubic feet of cargo space comes with a remote powered lift gate for easy access into cargo space.
The feel of the interior hasn’t been updated with too many details. Base model trims can feel a bit conservative but higher trim models feel more upscale. Functionality and cargo room are what’s stressed in the Traverse which it seems to have not only over the Tahoe, but most others in its class.
The exterior also hasn’t received any big changes in its design in a couple years, but it hasn’t necessarily had to. It’s style is one that is handsome, strong and classic.
Safety
Tahoe
The Tahoe received four out of five stars by the NHTSA (National Highway Traffic and Safety Administration). It’s also won 3 and a half circles by JD Power and Associates.
OnStar comes standard on every Tahoe and also includes automatic crash notification, on-demand roadside assistance, remote door unlocking, stolen vehicle assistance and turn-by-turn navigation. Rear parking sensors and a rearview camera are also part of Tahoe’s standard equipment.
Traverse
The Traverse was awarded five stars from the NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration) and the top rating of “Good” from the IIHS (Insurance Institute for Highway Safety). JD Power and Associates gave the 2015 Traverse 4 full circles.
OnStar is also standard on every base Traverse and includes automatic crash notification, on-demand roadside assistance, remote door unlocking, stolen vehicle assistance and turn-by-turn navigation.
The 2015 Traverse also features a unique center airbag between the front seats which is designed to protect passengers from colliding with one another in the event of a side impact.
Awards
Tahoe
Kelley Blue Book ranked the 2015 Tahoe in the Top Ten Family Cars as well as Best Buy Full Size SUV.
JD Power put it top in Large SUV category and was given a rank of “Among the Best”
The 2015 Tahoe was voted as one of the Top American Made Vehicles by Autobytel and was given the prestigious number one most Affordable Large SUV by U.S. News and Reports.
Traverse
The 2015 Traverse was ranked in U.S. News and World Reports Affordable Large SUV’s, as well as in both Affordable SUV’s with 3rd row and Affordable Crossover SUV’s. It was top ranked by JD Power for Initial Quality Study for Cars, Trucks and SUV’s and also won for all Chevrolets in the same category.
While the Tahoe is only made for adventure and fun with some of its best qualities being consistent power delivery with a comfortable cabin, The Traverse is made more for the everyday life of a busy family. With both the Tahoe and Traverse coming equipped with the third row seating, the Traverse has more all round space and room for cargo. The Tahoe, having just received a redesign wins in comfort and luxury.
One thing is certain, Chevy has been making some stellar vehicles regardless of models.
Both the Tahoe and Traverse have reason to win in all categories and deserve all the accolades they’ve earned.
Adjust your bowtie, Chevrolet! You have reason to celebrate.