2020 Chevrolet Traverse

The change in design language was not just limited to the GM factory, but other brands have followed it too with the wish to dominate the mid-size SUV market. Buyers have a wide array of choices with popular SUVs like the king Ford Explorer, the Japanese Sumo Subaru Ascent, the Traverse's cousin GMC Acadia, the American muscle Dodge Durango and more.

Similar to the last year’s model the Chevrolet Traverse is offered in 5 trims, L, LS, LT Cloth, LT Leather, RS, Premier, and High Country. Each trim is competitively priced to the next one except for the High Country who is in a league of its own. A 3.6L V6 engine is mated to a 9-speed automatic transmission is standard on all trims. Only the RS trim has a Turbocharged 2.0L Inline-4 cylinder engine and is offered only with a front-wheel-drive.

Every trim level comes with its unique feature list starting with the entry-level Traverse L trim. You get the basic feature list with the standard powertrain, Front-Wheel-Drive is the only drive train option on the L trim. The LS trim is same as the L trim plus with the AWD option and additions to the standard feature list. The LT Cloth trim swaps the second-row bench with a second-row captain’s chair and this reduces the passenger capacity to 7 but opens up more space for cabin utility. The LT leather trim adds leather upholstery and features from the Driver Convenience and Driver Configuration Package. Premium expands the feature list even further and the top of the line High country trim features upscale equipment and is only offered in All-Wheel-Drive mode.

We Recommend

While all seven trim looks appealing, we recommend you to go with the LT Cloth trim. This trim paired with the Convenience and Driver Confidence package is the perfect combo for your Traverse.

“The Traverse feels decidedly average. It has sufficient power, but it's no speed demon. The brakes have good stopping power but without much pedal feel. Handling is acceptable. It's not a standpoint in the class in terms of performance”- Edmunds

Engine and Transmission

Traverse remains unchanged for 2020 but under the hood, its standard 3.6L V6 engine feels like something new. The engine is capable of mustering 310 horsepower and 266 pound-feet of torque. The torquey V6 feels sturdy and is paired to a slick 9-speed automatic transmission. This powertrain remains identical for all trims except for the RS which is powered by a Turbocharged 2.0L Inline-4 engine mated to the same 9-speed automatic transmission.

Both engines feel gutsy and eager to pump power, but it’s the 9-speed automatic gearbox that takes the center stage. The downshifts come easy and maintains a lower gear while passing highways to generate more efficiency.

The Traverse is the most powerful SUV in the segment with its V6 engine. Other cars for the price don’t justify the low power figure. The Explorer and the Ascent are close when it comes to the power but the output is less than that of the Traverse.

Acceleration

The fact that GM was able to cut 350 pounds open new possibilities for the Traverse. However, it's still a heavy mid-size SUV, you will feel the engine’s thrust but the transmission calibrated for the economy is hesitant to unlock the full potential. From a standstill, the Traverse takes 6.7 seconds to hit the 60mph mark. Its slower than the Tahoe but GM built the Traverse to be more comfortable than sporty, so that’s fine.

This Chevy is not that quick and aggressive, other cars like the Ford Explorer manage to overshadow the Traverse and accomplish it with the 5.8second acceleration. The Subaru is a tad slower than the Traverse.

Ride and Handling

Chevy lovers will immediately recognize the steering which is straight out from Colorado minus the sharp instincts. There is no road communication, if we quote the steering it seems like you are driving a normal-sized car and not an SUV, though it shows a good on-center return. As an SUV buyer sportiness might not be at the summit of your priorities. Engineers crafted the suspension for comfort so it feels soft rather than being laser-focused on driving.

The Traverse is nimble but suffers from a little body lean around the corners, but it's acceptable for a car weighing over 4000 pounds. It's more capable of cruising on the highway than maneuvering in the city’s traffic. The larger bumps are soaked up with ease through the softer suspension and the small bumps are backed by the seats lateral support.

Braking

There is little effort while braking, the pedal feel is light and manageable and won’ font pain your foot in the city’s constant on and off braking. Being a heavyweight, the car weighs 4362 pounds which takes away its edge during the panic brake test. The SUV halts from the speed of 60 mph in 126 feet.

It might be average but there are SUVs with better braking prowess. The Subaru Ascent despite the higher weight performs better.

Towing Capacity

It might be a big SUV but its pretty underpowered when it comes to towing. The Traverse and tow up to 1500 pounds to its max which isn’t very impressive when you look at the competition.

The Traverse’s towing is not the best and possibly the worst in the lot. Compared to the likes of Dodge Durango, Ford Explorer, and Subaru Ascent which can tow three times more than the Traverse.

Economy for a mid-sized SUV has always been a mix-bag, still, the Traverse delivers pretty fair numbers when it comes to mileage. In the city, the Traverse delivers 18 mpg and on the highway it can muster up to 27 mpg. However, that’s for the standard V6 powertrain, the inline-4 takes is cleaner with its 20 mpg city and 26 highway mileage. Also, takes one thing into consideration, RWD Traverse is more fuel-efficient than the AWD variants, fewer the tires higher the economy.

Fuel economy is average as the Subaru Ascent delivers a tad more mileage. The Ford Explorer’s 23 mpg highway mileage is lower than other SUVs in the lot.

“There's lots of space inside the Traverse for adults in all three rows, getting in and out is a cinch, and center stack controls are easy to use. But some found the driver's footrest to be in an awkward position, and rear visibility is limited due to large rear pillars”- Edmunds

Seating and Comfort

The mammoth like boxy design delivers more cabin space than necessary. The interior quality looks upscale, there is a lot of soft textures and the Premium and High Country Trim gets the best of it. However, you will find a lot of hard plastics but that’s in places you won't look or get in contact with much. Getting into the cabin is not an issue, stepping in and out of the cabin is easy. It doesn’t have an SUV like step-in, so children will not improvise much.

Replacing the 2^nd bench row with captain’s chairs opens up space in the middle which gives easy access to the 3^rd row. As for the visibility, it's average, you will not be enlightened by the niceties of the road from a distance. The A and B pillars are average-sized so cross-view is acceptable.

You get seating for 8 in the standard Traverse but Chevy gave the optional captain’s chair option which makes that 7. All seats are comfortable with suffice headroom and legroom to endure long trips. The front row seats are the most comfortable with the driver’s chair featuring power adjustment. Higher sweetens the mood with passenger adjustment and lumbar adjustment. The third-row seats are not a pain either, a 6 footer can easy squeeze back into the seats, but he won’t enjoy a long ride due to low legroom space.

Infotainment System

The 7-inch infotainment screen is mounted high and is easy to use. There is no noticeable delay with any menu either. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard features even for the entry-level Traverse. However, you may have too, extend your reach to actually use the touch screen.

Cargo volume

Get all your clothes, bags, and extra supplies for the future and still, there will be more space to use. Inside the cabin, every door has big door pockets, space for water bottles, central console, and more. On the upper trim, the infotainment screen could be shifted upwards for a cubby hole. If you talk about core practicality, Chevy is not far behind. The standard 23 cubic feet is decent, though you can fold the 3rd-row seats to open up 57.8 inches of cargo. Still not satisfied? Fold the 2^nd row to go SUV mode with its 98.2 cubic feet of cargo. 

The big boxy design comes with a lot of perks. Most of its direct competitors are spacious but do not match Chevy’s generosity.

“The 2020 Chevy Traverse looks sharper and adapts the automaker’s truckier look to a family ride. At first glance, the 2020 Chevy Traverse appears to align more closely with the automaker’s big pickups and bulky SUVs”- The Car Connection

Design and Dimensions

Chevrolet built a rugged beast in a gentleman’s skin, Traverse’s design is true to its “big and bold styling”. This year’s Traverse carries forward the yesteryears revamp with minor tweaks on the exterior, you have a taller grille and slim taillights. The fine lines on the hood and the sides look sharp shredding the bulky SUV looks. The looks may not look as good as the Explorer but GM favors functionality over design. The body design delivers more headroom and compliments the humongous look, so that works out for the Traverse.

Being 10 inches longer than an executive, the Chevrolet Traverse is 201 inches long and 79 inches wide. It’s quite a big SUV even for the mid-size norms. The height is rated at 70.7 inches and features a rather long wheelbase of 121 inches. The longer wheelbase gives it a better chance to endure rocky pavements with ease. However, the wider turning radius makes it difficult to park in tight spaces. There is no other SUV in the mid-size segment bigger than the Traverse, henceforth no competition here.

External Features

• HID headlights 
• Daytime Running Lights
• Fog lamps 
• Power adjusting and heated side-view mirrors
• Power folding, auto-dimming, and side blind zone alert inside the mirror

NHTSA gave the Traverse a full stellar rating on their crash test. The entire Traverse family shares a rich standard safety list, a rearview camera, and traction control is a staple throughout the trim family. Now for more features and you have to spend more. Higher trim levels get more features like automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, active lane control. Automatic high beams and more. These come standard for the High Country trim but are optional for the Premier.

• Rear Door Child Safety Locks
• Turn Signal Mirrors
• Daytime Running Lights
• Engine Immobilizer
• Front Fog/Driving Lights
• Post-Collision Safety System
• Child Seat Anchors
• Dual Front Side-Mounted Airbags
• Stability Control
• Passenger Airbag Occupant Sensing Deactivation
• Rear Height Adjustable Headrests
• Remote Anti-Theft Alarm System
• Front And Rear Ventilated Disc Brakes
• Front Headrests
• Dusk Sensing Headlamps
• Auto Delay Off Headlamps
• Tire Pressure Monitoring
• Traction Control
• Front, Rear, and Third Row Head Airbags
• Xenon High-Intensity Discharge Headlamp
• Rear Center 3-Point Belt

Ford Explorer vs Chevrolet Traverse

Ford created a multitalented SUV with everything wrapped in a sensible manner. A true family hauler with decent fuel economy and cargo space. However, the third-row passenger seats are cramped and not fit for long routes. Still, if you are looking for a mid-sized SUV then Explorer is not one to miss. Traverse, on the other hand, pushed the envelope with more intensity. You get more cargo, power, comfort on a lesser price tag. The Explorer is more agile to drive but that not a buyer in the mid-size segment looks for.

So, frankly, the Traverse outshines the Explorer on that level as well.

Subaru Ascent vs Chevrolet Traverse

Park an Ascent next to the Traverse and the difference the quite visible. Chevy is the king of the hill because of its humongous size. Then you have a potent engine, more power, differing fuel economy, and cargo volume. Subaru wins the battle when it comes to towing capacity. That pined next to the better fuel efficiency is the only upper hand Subaru has over Chevy.

Both the Ascent and the Traverse are logical buy in their own way, but as a package Traverse is the more savvy SUV to buy.

GMC Acadia vs Chevrolet Traverse

GM introduced Acadia and Traverse are the distant cousins from GM’s branch family. In the past, they both had size and style but then they were further divided when one inheriting style and other sizes. The Acadia boasts suave interior styling and better cabin comfort minus the cargo while Traverse is more of a family SUV. But again, it can tow way more than the Traverse.

The similar price range makes the choice entirely up to the buyer’s intentions for the SUV.

“The bigger it is the better it gets” seems like GM truly believes in the notion with the Traverse. Being the roomiest SUV in the mi-sized segment Traverse is one hell of a buy. You get a sonorous V6 engine as standard, acceptable efficiency, and more space than you can make use of. The driving dynamics are like any other SUV, the suspension is soft and calibrated for comfort making it ideal for long routes.

Some would appreciate the sweet simplistic body along with the upscale interior but would like more trailering and ergonomic numbers. Overall, the Traverse competes well and is a more sensible choice when you consider the price and the amounts of features you get.