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One of the big announcements at the 2017 Detroit auto show was that Chevy is finally redoing the long-running Traverse three-row crossover. Coming for the 2018 model year, the new Traverse has some unique and interesting updates in addition to the overall interior and exterior styling. Here are five things about the new Traverse we want to try:

Cargo space

It might seem trivial, but the vast expanse inside the new Traverse is what a lot of customers will be looking for. With 98.5 cubic feet of space after you fold down all the seats, cargo room is down from the current-generation Traverse by 17.8 cubic feet. Still, nearly 100 cubic feet of space is impressive. For comparison, the Ford Explorer offers 81.7 cubic feet, and the Honda Pilot has 83.9 cubic feet. Still, if storage is your primary concern, skip the crossovers and go straight for a minivan — the Chrysler Pacifica offers almost 200 cubic feet of cargo volume … but it is a minivan. 

Twin-clutch all-wheel-drive system

On the High Country trim, the new Traverse comes equipped with a twin-clutch all-wheel-drive system. While a similar system can be found on other GM products, it’s finally coming to Chevrolet. The system works to find the tire with the most available grip and sends power to that wheel. Of course, the AWD system can be shut down for fuel-saving front-wheel-only operation.

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Third-row USB ports

If you’ve ever been on a long road trip and had the misfortune of being tucked away in the third row, you probably had to bother someone up front to connect your phone to a USB port after you spent three hours playing Candy Crush. Chevy placed a USB port in every row that should help make this SUV as passenger-friendly as possible.

The 2.0-liter turbocharged I4

Available in the RS and High Country trim, the Traverse ditches the standard 3.6-liter V6 and replaces it with a turbocharged 2.0-liter I4. While the 255-hp rating is down compared to the standard-issue mill by 50 ponies, the 2.0-liter’s torque figures are up by 35 lb-ft – bringing the I4’s peak torque to 295 lb-ft of twist. Not bad. We’re still curious to see how it does moving the 4,362-pound crossover around town, but previous experience with GM’s turbo four suggests it’ll be up to the task.

Eight-passenger seating

The new Traverse can come with either a second-row bench seat or second-row buckets. If you opt for the bench, this crossover will theoretically seat eight passengers. We’re looking forward to seeing how comfortable those eight folks will be when they’re packed inside the Traverse’s cabin. Who knows, you might have to haul your kid’s entire basketball team — but we’ll test it first so you know what you’re getting.

The Traverse is an important part of Chevy’s lineup, so we’re expecting first drives of the new crossover will happen soon. Stay tuned and we’ll bring you a full drive review as soon as we get behind the wheel.