My buddy just got a new-to-him Traverse, and I'm trying to make him drive us down for our annual hog hunt. I've no doubt it'll get us down I-75 in fine style, but what happens when we get it on sand/mud? Is the AWD of any worth for 1 weekend of dirt roads & mud holes?


Thanks,

FC

In general, the majority of these cross-overs are best called all-road rather than all-terrain. They don't have the clearance and AWD isn't as solid as 4WD. I can't speak for the Traverse in particular.

A few years back I was driving back from Houston and saw this family stuck in the median between I-10 and the service road with one of these "SUV's":



Tacoma walked them right out and they were on their way - it's a minivan with a nose job and slightly enhanced foul weather driving characteristics, not an SUV. I wouldn't recomend driving it off-road.

David

The AWD works pretty good on slick roads but its no substitute for 4WD. They're good for those who live in snow country but for the best use, put real snow tires on them in the winter. All Season tires are a joke.

If I recall the base models are FWD, AWD is just an option. I don't see the appeal of a $40k minivan myself

I have an '04 Pontiac Montana mini-van. AWD was an option on it, too. It would be great for winter road trips but the 6" clearance will get you stuck every time off pavement.