The 2018 Chevrolet Traverse enters its second generation after nine model years as a more connected mid-size SUV with additional safety features, such as adaptive crash avoidance, GM announced at the Detroit auto show.

The Traverse has been a steady seller for GM into pharmaceutical and insurance fleets and will help meet rising fleet and retail demand for utility vehicles along with the 2018 GMC Terrain, which was also announced at this year's North American International Auto Show, said Ed Peper, U.S. vice president of General Motors Fleet.

"GM's investment in the Chevrolet Traverse and GMC Terrain fit well with the GM Fleet strategy as crossovers make up more than 19% of our fleet vehicles sold in the 2016 calendar year," Peper said. "Our biggest commercial customers for these vehicles, including pharmaceutical and insurance companies, make these purchases as they provide sales teams with the desired functionality and space for both passengers and cargo."

In 2016, GM Fleet customers purchased more than 31,400 Chevrolet Traverse vehicles, said Rita Kass-Shamoun, a GM Fleet spokesperson.

The three-row, eight-passenger 2018 Traverse is adding two trim levels, including the sporty RS and High Country. It's powered by a new 3.6L V-6 paired with a 9-speed automatic transmission that increases hp by 10%. The front-wheel-drive model should achieve 25 mpg on the highway, according to GM.

New available safety features include surround vision, lane-keep assist, land departure warning, front pedestrian braking, forward collision alert, and low-speed and high-speed forward automatic braking.