Auto Portal

With GM ending its minivan line, Chevy has a crossover that will pick up from where the Venture left off. The Traverse is the newest addition to GM’s CUV line built on the same Lambda platform as the Saturn Outlook and the Buick Enclave.

The front fascia is inspired by the styling of the 2008 Chevrolet Malibu with its signature crossbar and large grill. The body styling is similar to the Buick Enclave and other GM CUV’s not surprisingly though, interestingly the rear window of the car is similar to the BMW X3.

But the back of the car is where the designers took a few risks. The wing shaped taillights are a unique design and even look slightly like taillights on the Audi Q7 but may they may take some getting used to. The taillights look almost over-powered and slightly disproportionate compared to the enormous tailgate.

The two tone interior is typically Chevrolet. Leather seats and a modern, clean appearance are. There is an emphasis on automotive technology inside such as glowing instrument panel and navigation screen.

Even though her design may take a bit of getting used to it is still yet to be determined if the Traverse can get minivan moms to trade in their Dodge Caravan and other to substitute the Traverse for their Lexus RX350.

Honda unveiled the next generation Pilot with some mixed reviews about the design. The new 2009 Pilot has a boxier, brawnier look than the previous version but this design could take a little getting used to.

The body is larger and longer and looks less like a crossover but instead like a small SUV. The headlights are also boxy and are much larger and winder than before. The enormous grill, which is becoming a staple of Honda’s 2009 line-up, reminds me of the large grill on the new Acura MDX.

The rear quarter panel is more boxy than before and similar in style to the 2008 Jeep Liberty. The back also looks similar to another Chrysler vehicle, the Chrysler Aspen from some angles. The rear taillights are also a bit similar to the new Dodge Caravan. Inspiration from Chrysler? Maybe, maybe not.

Moving inside the steering wheel has been redesigned. A major change is the relocation of the shifter from the column to the lower dashboard.

Even though technological practicality is the theme of the interior there are more buttons which on the center console and arm rests. This ads functionality to the vehicle and more options for the driver but it seems there are too many buttons and knobs which can confuse or even distract the driver.