By NITISH S. RELE – motoringflorida@gmail.com

Nissan Pathfinder. Kia Telluride. VW Atlas. Honda Pilot. Toyota Grand Highlander … and the list of midsize SUVs goes on. It is no secret that competition in the three-row, family-friendly SUV segment is fierce. Among them all is the robust, reliable and utilitarian Chevrolet Traverse. It is equipped with a 2.5-liter turbocharged inline-4-cylinder engine putting out a healthy 328 horsepower @ 5500 rpm and 362 pounds-feet of torque @ 3500 rpm. That is plenty of clout to propel this nearly 4,793-pound SUV toward its destination briskly on challenging roads.

Power routed through the crisp-shifting 8-speed auto gear box delivers adequate performance. Standard active noise cancellation isolates occupants from road sound and imperfections in this front-wheel or all-wheel-drive ride. Tow capacity of 5,000 pounds is plenty to haul a sailboat or a trailer. Our Z71 trim, with its off-road prowess, came equipped with increased ground clearance, all-terrain tires, twin-clutch all-wheel drive, unique suspension dampers and a terrain mode with driver selectable modes.

With its muscular stance, the front fascia of the Traverse shows off sleek headlights surrounding an upright high-gloss black grille with a centered familiar bow-tie emblem, signature red-tow hooks, black roof rails and an aluminum skid plate. Slip behind the wheel and a mammoth angled 17.7-inch infotainment touch screen draws your attention along with an 11-inch driver digital cluster. Pull the lever and the spacious Captain’s chairs fold down flat while the 50/50 third-row seat can be power operated. That’s an abundant 98.2 cubic feet of storage area. Chevrolet calls it Evotex or simulated leather upholstery, as good a feel as any leather seats, we should admit.  There also is a massive storage bin underneath the cargo hold. Other goodies that come at no extra cost include tri-zone auto a/c, eight-way power driver and four-way front-passenger manual seats, power lift gate, column-mounted shifter, wireless phone charger and manual tilt/telescopic steering wheel. Go for the worthwhile $1,225 driver confidence package, which fetches an HD surround view, rear pedestrian alert/camera mirror, traffic sign recognition and a key card.

Dual front and side airbags, side curtain airbag for both rows, front center airbag, four-wheel antilock brakes with brake assist, antiskid system, stability and traction control, remote vehicle start, rearview camera, lane departure warning, rear park, rear cross traffic and forward collision alerts, lane keep and hill start assist, active cruise control, auto emergency brakes, tire pressure monitoring system and daytime running lights come standard.

Like to venture off the beaten path to explore new trails every now and then? Then the Traverse Z71 fits the bill to a T. This eminently practical package with passenger- and cargo/tow-hauling capabilities is a smart pick for the midsize SUV buyer.

TRAVERSE (Z71 AWD)

Tires: P265/65R18 all-season

Wheelbase: 121 inches

Length: 204.7 inches

Width: 79.9 inches

Height: 72 inches

Suspension: MacPherson strut front, 5-link rear

Steering: electric variable power

Fuel capacity: 21.7 gallons

City/hwy/comb: 17/24/21 mpg

Base price: $48,900

Price as tested: $57,455

Web site: www.chevrolet.com