(SOLD)The 2014 Chevrolet Traverse checks nearly ALL the right boxes for anyone looking for a larger sized crossover SUV, then add the LTZ package to it, and it is now one of the best picks in the segment.

In doing test drive reviews, we..... ok , I like to drive the sportier, fun cars. But lets face it, not everyone has a need for a sportier, fun vehicle. Adulting and practicality come into place. I can't count the amount of times before I was in the business, I went into a dealership to look at a Mustang, only to end up in a mini van. And now, after combining families with my wife, and our son who is now 6 (and needs to take his entire toy room with him on a trip to the grocery store), I am back to a point where we definitely need a 6-7 passenger vehicles

One of the things we like to do at Oliver Motors is to make sure to drive every vehicle. It helps us familiarize ourselves with the vehicle so we can let our guests know all the features and benefits, and also lets us make sure (even though it's been through and passed a safety inspection) that something small wasn't accidently missed. So last night I took home the 2014 Chevrolet Traverse LTZ AWD we just had brought to our Baraboo location.

I have driven many 3rd row SUV's over my years, however aside from the Ford Flex, the GM line of Traverse, Enclave, and Acadia seem to have the best leg room and a lot more stylish look. Over the years we have taken family trips, and to date the farthest driven with the larger family was from Portage Wi to Gatlinburg TN. The first of three trips taken was in a 2014 Chevrolet Traverse. At the time it was an LT package, but after driving this LTZ we have on our lot, I can see how the extra features would have come in handy.

Much like that 2014 Traverse I drove to TN, this 2014 gives plenty of leg room for not only driver, but ALL passengers. I remember the 14 hour drive and how comfortable it was for everyone in the vehicle. This 2014 Traverse LTZ was no different. Plenty of room in front compartments, plenty of leg room in middle and third row compartment, and a large cargo are in the back. That was a saving grace with kids and luggage, unlike other vehicles where the kids were crammed together in a back seat and luggage in the trunk, or in a smaller SUV where luggage was hitting them in the back of the head, as it hung over the seat, this had more than enough room for all. One thing that I did notice different, is that the windows for front and middle seats are large, however the 3rd row windows are a little smaller and harder to see out of in the blind spot. One of the advantages I noticed with this LTZ is to help with that, is that it is equipped with blind spot monitors in the side mirrors. A feature that would have been great tooling down the highways to TN.

As I drove the 2014 Chevrolet Traverse LTZ home last night, I again was impressed with the ride quality. It may be a large crossover, but it rides like car yet sits you up like a truck. Everything that I needed to control as the driver, was right at my fingertips.

I was talking about the extra features in this LTZ that would have made my trip years ago more pleasant. I already touched base with one, the blind spot monitors. Other features that this LTZ was equipped with that would have made the trip more pleasant were, the large NAV screen on the radio. Although I didn't need it as much in TN as I would have liked it while leaving Wisconsin in March, this LTZ is equipped with Heated/cooled leather seat. A lot of people don't understand the difference between cloth and leather, but leather definitely makes for a more comfortable seat, especially on a longer trip. As I was driving it home last night I also noticed my hands were getting warm, and realized that this LTZ was equipped with heated steering wheel as well.

When I got home, I started to look over the Traverse. I was impressed with some of the little things it has to offer. Now, only those of you with smaller children can really appreciate the full rubber floor mats. And I may be getting a little older and like a more elegant look, but the wood grain accents really make it look classy. As I was adjusting the seats, I noticed how easy it was to slide the center seats for access into the back and fold the backs down on the center and rear seats making a nice level plateau in case I would need to haul something. It was kind of like a small truck with a solid topper. As I continued to crawl through the SUV, I noticed what are again little but huge features that this LTZ had to offer like the Dual Sunroof, Back Up Camera, Duel Powered Front Seats, Driver Memory Seats, BOSE stereo system, and Alloy Wheels.

The only thing I wasn't able to try out (and I'm not upset at all that I couldn't ) was the AWD system. It's the middle of March and temps are finally hitting high 40's low 50's and 90% of all the snow is gone, so I hope not to have to worry about that feature till next year.

If you'd like to see for your self how great a 3rd row full sized crossover this beautiful 2014 Chevrolet Traverse LTZ AWD is, it is currently at our Oliver Motors 315 S. Blvd. Baraboo Wi. location. Stop by, Call us at 608-355-9440 or visit our website olivermotors.com for 51 photos, a walk around video, and a complete Auto Check.