Chevrolet Traverse offers better fuel efficiency

The 2009 Chevrolet Traverse will be powered by a 3.6-liter direct injection V-6 engine that produces 288 hp and a torque of 270 lb-ft. This means more power, but also better fuel efficiency than its 2008 brothers, the Saturn Outlook, Buick Enclave and GMC Acadia.

The front-wheel drive Traverse will hit 17 miles per gallon in the city and 24 mpg on the highway. The all-wheel drive Traverse will have an EPA mileage rating of 16 mpg in the city and 23 mpg on the highway.

All of the seven- or eight-person crossovers offered by GM will include this new engine. However, not all of them will offer the 5,200-pound towing capacity of the Traverse. The Outlook can tow 4,500 pounds.

The 2009 Traverse will be offered in three trim levels, the LS, LT and LTZ. Pricing is expected to be released later this week.