Expert Review, Pricing Analysis and Buying Guide

7.5

Overall Rating

The 2020 Chevrolet Traverse is a compelling option for families seeking a versatile three-row crossover- MotorTrend

The Chevy Traverse is one of the top-ranking SUVs in its class. This family hauler has spacious and comfortable seats and has outstanding cargo room. The infotainment system is also one of the best in the class but the interior feels somewhat cheap. With the standard V6 engine, the Traverse delivers decent mileage and rides smoothly but isn't thrilling to drive. While its rivals offer many standard driver aids, the Traverse offers very limited standard safety features.

Despite all these, the Travers comes out to be one of the top contenders in its segment. That's because of its top reliability ratings. It scored 82 out of 100 in the J.D. Power reliability test and ranks second on the list below the Highlander. Coming to ownership costs, the Traverse isn't much expensive to maintain. The true cost to own it is nearly $8,600 per year which includes repair, fuel, maintenance, depreciation, etc.

8.2/10
Features

7.0/10
Engine and Performance

6.5/10
Fuel Economy

7.8/10
Interior

7.3/10
Exterior

9.9/10
Safety

7.0/10
Competition

2020 Chevrolet Traverse Buying Advice

While all seven trims look appealing, we recommend you go with the LT Cloth trim. This trim paired with the Convenience and Driver Confidence package is the perfect combo for your Traverse. This trim adds an 8-way power driver's seat, second-row captain chairs, satellite radio, 18-inch aluminum wheels, fog lights, and roof rails.

2020 chevy traverse hd wallpaper — 2020 Chevrolet Traverse side angle view

2020 Chevrolet Traverse Features

8.2/10

Inside, you’ll find loads of amenities ranging from advanced driver assists to the latest in Wi-Fi and onboard connectivity- Autotrader

Similar to the outgoing model, the Chevrolet Traverse is offered in seven trims, L, LS, LT Cloth, LT Leather, RS, Premier, and High Country. Each trim is competitively priced to the next one. The base L trim retail as low as $29,800 while the top-end High Country trim has a starting price of $50,900. Except for the L trim level, FWD and AWD configurations are available on all models.

2020 chevy traverse pricing & features — 2020 Chevrolet Traverse three-quarter view

Every trim level comes with a unique feature list. Besides this, Chevy also offers a few optional packages to upgrade the comfort and technological features according to the buyer's needs. The $1,795 Convenience and Driver Confidence package add an 8-inch touchscreen with navigation, power tailgate, heated front seats, remote start, rear park assist, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert.

Trim	L	LS	LT Cloth	LT Leather	RS	Premier	High Country
MSRP (FWD)	$29,800	$32,900	$35,400	$39,100	$43,600	$45,800	$50,900
MSRP (AWD)	N/A	$34,900	$39,200	$41,100	$45,700	$48,400	$53,200
Key Features	6-speaker stereo	Adds/Upgrades to L trim	Adds/Upgrades to LS trim	Adds/Upgrades to LT Cloth trim	Adds/Upgrades to LT Leather trim	Adds/Upgrades to RS trim	Adds/Upgrades to Premier trim
	7-inch touchscreen with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay	18-inch silver-painted wheels	8-way power driver's seat	Heated front leather seats	Black accents on the exterior	Wireless charging	Trailering equipment
	HID headlights	Traction mode select	Second-row captain chairs	9-inch touchscreen display	10-speaker Bose premium audio system	Hands-free power rear liftgate	Power-folding third-row seat
	Wi-Fi hotspot	Tinted privacy glass	18-inch aluminum wheels	6-way power passenger's seat	Navigation system	Ventilated front leather seats	Upgraded leather interior
	Tri-zone automatic climate control		Fog lamps	Power tailgate	20-inch dark-painted wheels	Heated second-row seats	20-inch polished-aluminum wheels
	18-inch painted aluminum wheels		Roof rails	Remote engine start	Surround-view camera	Chrome door handles and Chrome roof rails	Adaptive cruise control
	Rearview camera		Satellite radio	Rear park assist	Driver Confidence II package	Heated steering wheel	Panoramic sunroof
	Cloth upholstery			Rear cross-traffic alert		Power adjustable steering column	Forward automatic emergency braking
	Keyless entry			Blind-spot monitoring
				Driver & Confidence package

2020 Chevrolet Traverse Engine and Performance

7.0/10

The ride is top-notch, with tall-sidewall tires and a soft suspension soaking up bumps and impacts- Edmunds

The main powertrain change for the Chevy Traverse this year is that the turbocharged four-cylinder engine has been discontinued. The 3.6L V6 is a standard set up under the hood that is capable of mustering 310 hp and 266 lb-ft. of torque. The torquey V6 feels sturdy and eager to pump power. It is paired with a slick 9-speed automatic transmission. The Traverse can tow up to 5,000 pounds, which is great for a midsize SUV.

2020 chevy traverse engine — 2020 Chevrolet Traverse engine

Driving the Traverse feels like a normal-sized car and not an SUV. The Traverse is nimble but suffers from a little body lean around the corners. It's acceptable for a car weighing over 4000 pounds. Engineers crafted the suspension for comfort so it feels soft rather than being laser-focused on driving. The larger bumps are soaked up with ease through the softer suspension and the small bumps are backed by the seat lateral support.

From a standstill, the Traverse takes 6.5 seconds to hit the 60 MPH mark. Now, considering the size and weight of the vehicle, acceleration is really good. It further covers a quarter of a mile in 15.1 seconds and has a top speed of 130 MPH. The Traverse manages to offer decent acceleration but its heavy curb weight pays a toll on the braking performance. During the brake test, the Traverse took 126 feet to come to a smooth rest from 60 MPH.

Models	2020 Chevrolet Traverse	2020 Honda Pilot	2020 Ford Explorer	2020 Toyota Highlander
MSRP	$29,800	$31,550	$32,765	$34,600
Engine	3.6L V6	3.5L V6	2.3L Turbo Inline-4	3.5L V6
Drivetrain	FWD	FWD	RWD	FWD
Transmission	9-Speed Automatic	6-Speed Automatic	10-Speed Automatic	8-Speed Automatic
Power	305 hp @ 6,800 RPM	280 hp @ 6,000 RPM	300 hp @ 5,500 RPM	295 hp @ 6,600 RPM
Torque	260 lb-ft. @ 2,800 RPM	262 lb-ft. @ 4,700 RPM	310 lb-ft. @ 3,500 RPM	263 lb-ft. @ 4,700 RPM
0-60 MPH	6.5 sec	6.2 sec	6.8 sec	7.2 sec
Quarter Mile	15.1 sec	14.7 sec	15.3 sec	15.6 sec
Top Speed	130 MPH	130 MPH	130 MPH	130 MPH
Towing Capacity	5,000 lbs	5,000 lbs	5,600 lbs	5,000 lbs

The Traverse is the most powerful SUV in the segment with its V6 engine but it's the Honda Pilot with the best performance stats thanks to its low stance and less curb weight. The Ford Explorer is a pinch slower than the Traverse but its towing capacity is the best in this competition. The Toyota Highlander's V6 isn't athletic enough and hence, shows slow acceleration.

2020 Chevrolet Traverse Fuel Economy

6.5/10

Among three-row crossovers, the 2020 Traverse keeps pace with its fuel economy- The Car Connection

Fuel economy for a mid-sized SUV has always been a mix-bag, still, the Chevy Traverse delivers pretty fair numbers when it comes to mileage. The MPG numbers for FWD models include 18 MPG in the city, 27 MPG on a highway, and 21 MPG combined. The combined gas mileage drops down by 1 MPG in the case of AWD models.

2020 chevy traverse mpg figures — 2020 Chevrolet Traverse side driving review

The Traverse gets different tank sizes depending on the drivetrain selected. Models with an FWD drivetrain get a 19.4-gallon fuel tank fitted while the AWD models substitute it for a larger 21.7 gallon. Therefore, a combined range of 407 miles is available in standard drivetrain whereas AWD models deliver 434 miles, owing to the large fuel tank.

Models	2020 Chevrolet Traverse	2020 Honda Pilot	2020 Ford Explorer	2020 Toyota Highlander
MPG (City)	18	19	21	21
MPG (Highway)	27	27	28	29
MPG (Combined)	21	22	24	24
Fuel Tank Capacity (Gallon)	19.4	19.5	17.9	17.9
Range (City/Highway/Combined; Miles)	349/524/407	371/527/429	376/501/430	376/519/430

Both the Ford Explorer and the Toyota Highlander display excellent fuel efficiency and deliver the same combined range. The Honda Pilot is slightly more efficient than the Traverse leaving behind the Traverse to the last place. The Traverse also has the least mileage but 407 miles should be enough for commuting on a weekend trip.

2020 Chevrolet Traverse Interior

7.8/10

If you're looking for comfortable and quiet family transport above all else, the Traverse should be on your short list- Edmunds

The interior quality of the Chevy Traverse looks upscale, there is a lot of soft textures and the Premium and High Country trim get the best of it. You get seating for 8 but Chevy gave the captain chairs option which makes that 7. The front row seats are the most comfortable as the mammoth-like boxy design delivers more cabin space than necessary. They come with heated and power adjustability on higher trims.

Stepping in and out of the cabin is easy. The second-row seats are also comfortable with sufficient head and legroom to endure long trips. Replacing the second bench row with captain chairs opens up space in the middle which gives easy access to the third row. The third-row seats are not a pain either, a six-footer can easily squeeze back into the seats, but he won’t enjoy a long ride due to low legroom space.

The 7-inch touchscreen on lower trims and an 8-inch touchscreen on higher models is mounted at the center of the dash. Both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard features even for the entry-level Traverse. There is no noticeable delay with any menu either. However, you may have too, extend your reach to actually use the touch screen. The system is paired to a 10-speaker Bose premium audio system on the RS trim and up otherwise six speakers are standard.

Models	2020 Chevrolet Traverse	2020 Honda Pilot	2020 Ford Explorer	2020 Toyota Highlander
Passenger Capacity	8	8	7	8
Front Row (Head/Shoulder/Leg) (in)	41.3/62.1/41.0	40.1/62.0/40.9	40.7/61.8/43.0	41.2/59.0/42.0
Second Row (Head/Shoulder/Leg) (in)	40.0/62.2/38.4	40.2/62.0/38.4	40.5/61.9/39.0	39.4/58.7/41.0
Third Row (Head/Shoulder/Leg) (in)	38.2/57.5/33.5	38.9/57.6/31.9	38.9/54.6/32.2	36.1/55.0/27.7
Cargo Space (cu-ft.)	23.0	16.5	18.2	16.0

If you talk about core practicality, the Traverse is one of the best in the segment. Trunk space of 23 cu-ft. is offered, which is the best in its class. This space increases to 57.8 cu-ft. if the third-row seats are folded. Maximum cargo space of 98.2 cu-ft. is available once the second-row seats are also folded. Get all your clothes, bags, and extra supplies for the future, and still, there will be more space to use. Some main Traverse's cabin highlights are:

Power tilt & telescopic leather heated steering wheel
Power front leather, heated seats
Heated rear seats
Second-row captain chairs
Tri-zone automatic climate control
Cloth & leather upholstery
Remote engine start
Auto-dimming rearview mirror
Hands-free power tailgate
7 & 8-inch touchscreen display with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
10-speaker Bose premium audio system
Wireless charging
Rear-seat entertainment system

❮❯

2020 Chevrolet Traverse Exterior

7.3/10

Chevy got the Traverse’s styling exactly right- Kelly Blue Book

Chevrolet built a rugged beast in a gentleman’s skin, the Traverse’s design is true to its big and bold styling. The grille design looks simple with horizontal bars. The High Country trim has a special grille that has chrome on the inside bars whereas the other trims get a blacked-out grille. The fine lines on the hood and the sides look sharp shredding the bulky SUV looks. The body design delivers more headroom and compliments the humongous look, so that works out for the Traverse. Only the Premier and High Country trims feature LED headlamps whereas other trims settle for HID projector lamps.

Fog lamps are available from the LT Cloth trim onwards. As far as wheels are concerned, only the base two trims come with 18-inch alloys while the rest of the lineup gets 20-inch wheels. 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. The rear design of the Traverse resembles the Tahoe and Equinox. A chrome strip runs in the middle and on either side are LED taillights.

Models	2020 Chevrolet Traverse	2020 Honda Pilot	2020 Ford Explorer	2020 Toyota Highlander
Curb Weight (lbs)	4,362	4,036	4,345	4,145
Length (in)	204.3	196.5	198.8	194.9
Width (in)	78.6	78.6	78.9	76.0
Height( in)	70.7	70.6	69.9	68.1
Ground Clearance (in)	8.0	7.3	7.9	8.0
Wheelbase (in)	120.9	111.0	119.1	112.2

The low ground clearance of the Honda Pilot equals better handling and agility. The Toyota Highlander's wheelbase is significantly shorter than the Traverse. This speaks for its cramped third row. The Ford Explorer's short overall length can be an advantage while parking in tight spaces. Some main Traverse's exterior features are given below:

LED automatic high-beam headlights
LED DRLs
LED taillights
Fog lamps
Door courtesy lights
Auto-dimming exterior mirrors
Chrome roof rails
Chrome grille with active grille shutters
Chrome door handles
Dual exhaust chrome tips
Rear roofline spoiler
Chrome window trim
18 & 20-inch wheels

❮❯

2020 Chevrolet Traverse Safety

9.9/10

Unfortunately, most driver-assistance features are only available on the two highest-priced trims- CarAndDriver

The Chevy Traverse doesn't fall short in terms of safety. NHTSA gave the Traverse a full 5-star rating for its response in all crash tests. Similarly, in all six crash tests conducted by IIHS, the Traverse earned a 'Good' rating. It also received a 'Superior' rating for the front crash prevention but its headlights were rated 'Acceptable'.

2020 chevy traverse safety ratings — 2020 Chevy Traverse IIHS crash test

As far as safety features are concerned, this year a new feature called buckle to drive was added to Chevy's Teen Driver. This feature gives a reminder to buckle up before heading on the road. The Traverse comes with limited driver-assist features but an optional Driver Confidence II package is available for $625 that adds some of them. These include:

Teen Driver
Rearview camera
Rear-seat reminder
Surround-view camera
Adaptive cruise control
Rear parking sensors
Lane keep assist
Forward collision warning
Rear cross-traffic alert
Forward automatic emergency braking
Front pedestrian braking
Blind-spot monitoring
Lane departure warning

2020 Chevrolet Traverse Competition

7.0/10

2020 Chevrolet Traverse vs 2020 Ford Explorer

Although similarly powered, the Traverse retails at a lesser price than the Ford Explorer. Both the SUVs are competitive in terms of performance but the Explorer leads with a better towing capacity and fuel efficiency. The Explorer feels roomier on the inside but it seats only seven people and its cargo space is also on the lower side. Safety-conscious buyers will prefer the Explorer as it bundles more standard driver aids than the Traverse.

2020 Chevrolet Traverse vs 2020 Honda Pilot

The Honda Pilot has a higher initial price than the Traverse. Despite making less power, its agility is really good and delivers a laid-back driving experience. The Pilot is also slightly better in matters of fuel economy. Both the SUVs are spacious but the Pilot's cabin feels a bit more classy. The Pilot also has an edge in terms of cargo capacity but losses to the Traverse with regards to infotainment equipment. The Pilot takes a bold step by offering more standard active safety features.

2020 honda pilot hd wallpaper — 2020 Honda Pilot

2020 Chevrolet Traverse vs 2020 Toyota Highlander

The Toyota Highlander is considerably expensive than the Traverse. The Highlander's V6 isn't punchier in terms of performance but is more efficient than the Traverse. One of the main drawbacks of the Highlander is its cramped third-row while its cargo room is also less than the Traverse. However, the key winning point of the Highlander is its long list of standard driver-assist features. On the other hand, the traverse offers just three standard safety features.

2020 toyota highlander hd wallpaper — 2020 Toyota Highlander

2020 Chevrolet Traverse Final Verdict

The bigger it is the better it gets; seems like GM truly believes in the notion with the Chevy Traverse. Being the roomiest SUV in the midsize segment, the 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. 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.

2020 Chevy Traverse FAQs

How much is a fully loaded 2020 Chevy Traverse?

A fully loaded 2020 Chevy Traverse can reach up to $53,100.

Does the Chevy Traverse hold its value?

Thanks to its strong reliability ratings, the Chevy Traverse has a great resale value in the used car market.

How many pounds can a Chevy Traverse tow?

The Chevy Traverse has a towing capacity of 5,000 pounds.

Does the 2020 Chevy Traverse have heated front seats?

Yes, heated front seats are standard from the LT Leather trim onwards.

Does the Chevy Traverse come in a V8?

No, a 3.5L V6 is equipped in the Chevy Traverse.

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Top User Reviews

User Overall Rating

Decent affordable 3 row SUV for families

Practical and reliable 3 row SUV

by Adam Pullman

User Overall Rating

A very helpful parking assist

Need a bit more power

by Phil Mills

User Overall Rating

Good midsize SUV for large families

Practical midsize SUV with a slew of features

by Blake Bridges

User Overall Rating

So far its been pretty good

Slightly flimsy build

by Cyndel Harsley

User Overall Rating

three row SUV with more passenger and cargo space

spacious midsize SUV with poor quality interior.

by Harry Roberts

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2020 Chevrolet Traverse Price, Review, Ratings and Pictures

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2020 Chevrolet Traverse Latest Updates

Pros

Cons

What's New?

2020 Chevrolet Traverse Consumer Reviews and Ratings

2020 Chevrolet Traverse Reviews

Decent affordable 3 row SUV for families

Pros - Generous passenger and cargo room, user-friendly infotainment controls and smooth ride.

Cons - Lacks some high tech safety features and some cheap interior panels and controls are disappointing.

A very helpful parking assist

Pros - Clean and sturdy build quality – Easy to use infotainment – Helpful parking aid.

Cons - Heavy drive – Not very powerful – Not up with the current tech trends.

Good midsize SUV for large families

Pros - Generous passenger room, loads of cargo space, intuitive touchscreen and a peppy V6 engine.

Cons - Some poor quality interior materials and it’s quite difficult to park.

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vehicle bio

base price

bodystyle

passenger capacity

drivetrain

engine type

displacement

horsepower

torque

transmission

chassis

suspension front

suspension rear

brake rotors (f/r)

dimensions

wheelbase

length

width

height

curb weight

capacity

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towing capacity

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performance

zero to 60 mph

standing 1/4-mile

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city/combined/highway

warranty

basic warranty

drivetrain warranty

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Pictures & Videos

Trims

LS$34,095 onwards

LT Cloth$36,595 onwards

LT Leather$40,295 onwards

Base$44,795 onwards

Premier$46,995 onwards

High Country$52,095 onwards

Colors and Styles

Ratings

Expert Review, Pricing Analysis and Buying Guide

7.5

2020 Chevrolet Traverse Buying Advice

2020 Chevrolet Traverse Features

Also Read:

2020 Chevrolet Traverse Engine and Performance

Also Read:

2020 Chevrolet Traverse Fuel Economy

Also Read:

2020 Chevrolet Traverse Interior

2020 Chevrolet Traverse Exterior

2020 Chevrolet Traverse Safety

2020 Chevrolet Traverse Competition

2020 Chevrolet Traverse vs 2020 Ford Explorer

2020 Chevrolet Traverse vs 2020 Honda Pilot

2020 Chevrolet Traverse vs 2020 Toyota Highlander

2020 Chevrolet Traverse Final Verdict