2020 Chevrolet Traverse review
Chevrolet Traverse highlights
Customer rating
Pros
- Three-row SUV with lots of room for passengers
- Versatile cargo configurations
- Great infotainment system
Cons
- Some low-end interior materials
- Some driver-aids are not available on entry-level trims
- Rear visibility is compromised
Mileage (EPA estimate)
17 city, 25 highway, 20 combined
Pricing for current inventory
(no current inventory)
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Stylish and expansive functionality.
Off-road enthusiasts will appreciate the power-packed engine and available AWD, and your passengers will stay entertained thanks to the abundance of entertainment features. Plush seating for up to eight and cavernous cargo space ensures your family and friends can join you on a road trip and throw their bags and sports equipment in the back too. With plenty of trim levels and feature packages that can personalize or upgrade the Traverse to your liking, you'll enjoy everything this SUV has to offer. Keep reading to find out more about this engaging and modern midsize SUV.
All Chevrolet Traverse years
What is new for the 2020 Chevrolet Traverse?
- The Traverse is available in a new trim called the LT Leather.
- The RS trim now comes with Lane Departure Warning, Heated Steering Wheel, Memory Seat(s), Rear Seat Heaters, Power Folding Third Row, A/C Seat(s), Automated Cruise Control, and Cloth Seats as standard equipment.
- The High Country trim now comes with Fold-Away Third Row as standard equipment.
- The LT trim now comes with Lane Departure Warning as standard equipment.
- The LS trim now comes with Lane Departure Warning as standard equipment.
2020 Chevrolet Traverse trims
L
Features Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™ connectivity, seven-inch touchscreen, six-speaker audio system, Bluetooth®, tri-zone automatic climate control, rearview camera, Teen Driver technology, and more.
LS:
Adds deep-tinted rear windows, 10 cup holders, unlocks optional all-wheel drive.
LT Cloth (1LT):
Adds second-row captain's chairs, leather-wrapped steering wheel, satellite radio.
LT Leather (3LT):
Adds remote start, leather upholstery, heated front seats, eight-inch touch screen, power liftgate, blind-spot monitoring, rear parking sensors, and more.
RS:
Adds trim exclusive black styling accents, surround-view parking camera system, lane departure warning, lane keep assist, 10-speaker Bose® audio system, navigation, pedestrian detection, heated steering wheel, and more.
Premier:
Adds ventilated front seats, heated second-row seats, wireless charging pad, hands-free liftgate.
High Country:
Adds panoramic sunroof, adaptive cruise control, power-folding third-row seating.
Chevrolet Traverse photos
5 reasons to buy the 2020 Chevrolet Traverse
1. Effortless performance
An SUV needs a powerful engine and adaptability on the go, whether that's for your daily commute or a weekend following forest trails. All 2020 Traverse models are powered by a 310-hp 3.6L V6 engine paired to a nine-speed automatic transmission and standard front- or optional all-wheel drive. And to help you handle challenging conditions, the Traverse is also equipped with Traction Mode Select; just move the dial to select snow mode, sport mode, towing mode, and more.
2. Redline Edition package
Looking for something to brag about? How about the Traverse Redline Edition. Dramatic exterior styling makes heads turn, thanks to its black and red wheels, distinctive door badging, and gloss black or chrome accent finishing. The Redline Edition Package option is limited to Premium trim models and comes in monochrome exterior colors. Completing the Redline Edition's high-end vibe is a black-ice grille and SkyScape power sunroof. If you like to set yourself apart from the crowd, the Redline Edition is the one to watch.
3. Versatile cargo configurations
Your busy lifestyle might mean you need an SUV with seating on some days and a boxy space for cargo the next. The 2020 Traverse has got you covered for all eventualities, from road trips that need seating for seven or eight, to that first college drop-off with your excited freshman (and all their boxes).
For easy entry and exit, the Traverse has a Smart Slide® second row that tilts forward and slides to assist your third-row passengers or four-legged friends. The Traverse's second and third rows also fold down to reveal 98.2 cu-ft of cargo space behind the front row. Need to mix it up? The rear rows both have 60/40 split-fold convenience.
4. Range-topping high country trim
If you want to spoil your family with the best, the Traverse High Country trim has deluxe features and the rugged capability required for life's more adventurous journeys. The chrome grille fascia and 20-inch aluminum wheels make an athletic and bold exterior statement. The SkyScape dual-panel sunroof floods the cabin with light, while your leather-appointed first and second rows can be either Jet Black, or Loft Brown (a High Country exclusive). Rest assured, the Traverse High Country is built for the tough jobs too; it's the only trim to offer as standard, a trailering equipment package and enhanced automatic emergency braking.
5. Big trip comfort and convenience
Vacationing cross-country to the lakes and mountains is a grand adventure for all. So while you focus on navigating the road ahead, the Traverse takes care of your passengers' comfort, providing an abundance of space and all the cubbies, tech, and storage options they could possibly need. From the LS trim upwards, 10 drinks holders, deep door pockets, two USB ports for each row, and an optional 4G LTE WiFi® Hotspot will keep everyone content, including you.
Similar vehicles
If you're interested in the 2020 Chevrolet Traverse, you should also check out these similar vehicles from Previous generation years.
The Kia Telluride is a midsize three-row SUV that delivers fully-loaded trims and plenty of performance practicality. All 2020–2022 Telluride models are propelled by a 291-hp 3.8L V6 engine paired to an eight-speed automatic transmission and standard front- or optional all-wheel drive.
Choose the bench seat for your second row if you require overall seating for eight, or Captain's chairs for some added luxury (they will reduce capacity to seven, however). The 2020–2022 Tellurides' four trim levels are generously equipped. Upgrade from the base LX trim for luxury extras such as a Harman Kardon® premium audio system or a dual-pane sunroof (both SX trim).
The 2020–2021 Kia Telluride LX base trim features:
Simulated-leather upholstery
Bluetooth functionality
Adaptive cruise control
The 2017–2021 Dodge Durango is a crossover SUV with impressive towing credentials and a spacious interior that can seat five, six, or seven passengers, across two or three rows. The 2017–2021 Durango has three engine choices; a standard 3.6L V6 base engine or two eight-cylinder options for the performance-minded upper trim models. When properly equipped, the 2017–2021 Durango (with the V6 base engine) can tow an estimated 6,200 lbs.
The 2017–2021 Dodge Durango SXT base trim features include:
Rear privacy glass
Cloth upholstery
Rearview camera
GMC's functional (and fun) three-row Acadia, is an SUV with multiple configurations and choices at every turn. The 2018–2021 Acadia's base trim model seats seven, while all other trims have second-row captain's chairs that up the comfort levels by reducing capacity to six. Depending on its model year, the Acadia has up to three powertrain options. For the 2018–2020 Acadia, the base engine remains the same; a 2.5L four-cylinder, good for 193-hp and 188 lb-ft of torque.
The 2018–2022 GMC Acadia base trim features as standard:
Six-speaker audio system
Rearview camera
Smartphone connectivity
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Ratings & reliability
RepairPal gave the Chevrolet Traverse an overall reliability rating of 3.5 out of 5 stars, which RepairPal describes as Above Average. This rating ranks Chevrolet Traverse 22nd out of 32 among Midsize SUVs.
View RepairPal's full rating of the Chevrolet TraverseChevrolet Traverse features and specs
LT 2WD 4D Sport Utility
Standard Features
- ABS Brakes
- Air Conditioning
- Alloy Wheels
- AM/FM Stereo
- Android Auto
- Apple CarPlay
- Automatic Transmission
- Auxiliary Audio Input
- Blind Spot Monitor
- Bluetooth Technology
- Cloth Seats
- Cruise Control
- Fold-Away Third Row
- Lane Departure Warning
- Overhead Airbags
- Parking Sensors
- Power Locks
- Power Mirrors
- Power Seat(s)
- Power Windows
- Rear Air Conditioning
- Rear Defroster
- Rear View Camera
- Satellite Radio Ready
- Side Airbags
- Smart Key
- Third Row Seat
- Traction Control
- 20 Inch Plus Wheels
- BOSE Sound System
- Front Seat Heaters
- Full Roof Rack
- Heated Steering Wheel
- Leather Seats
- Navigation System
- Power Hatch/Deck Lid
- Quad Seats
- Rear Entertainment System
- Remote Start
- Running Boards
- Skylight(s)
- Sunroof(s)
- Tow Hitch
Drive Wheels
Front Wheel Drive (2WD)
Engine size
3.6L
Horsepower
310
Torque (ft-lbs)
266
Engine type
Gas
Fuel capacity
19.4
Wheelbase
120.9"
Overall length
204.3"
Width
78.6"
Height
70.7"
Leg room
F 41"/M 38.4"/R 33.5"
Head room
F 41.3"/M 40"/R 38.2"
Front tires
P255/65R18
Rear tires
P255/65R18
Seating capacity
7
Max towing capacity
500/5000 lbs.
Transmission
Automatic
2020 Chevrolet Traverse FAQ
Both years feature the 3.6L V6 engine, and both offer seating for seven or eight depending on your second-row preference for captain's chairs. In fact, there's no noticeable difference between the model years. Jump to a 2022 model, however, and you'll notice some exterior styling enhancements and more standard driver assistance features.
No it's not. Traverse models equipped with optional AWD can activate it on-the-go via the Traction Mode Select dial. When front-wheel driving conditions account for most of your journeys, this is a nice touch that can enhance your mobility when you need it.
The 3LT on a Chevy Traverse identifies it as being the third-level of the LT trim, which upgrades your front- and second-row seating to a leather finish. It also adds other extras, such as a larger touchscreen and more standard driver assistance aids.
More about the 2020 Chevrolet Traverse
Color options
Exterior colors:
Black Cherry Metallic
Cajun Red Tintcoat
Graphite Metallic
Iridescent Pearl Tricoat
Mosaic Black Metallic
Satin Steel Metallic
Silver Ice Metallic
Summit White
Interior colors:
Dark Galvanized
Jet Black
Loft Brown (High Country exclusive)
Medium Ash Gray
Interior details
The 2020 Traverse has seating for up to eight passengers across three rows. The second row decides your capacity, with a three-across bench seat taking the total passenger count up to eight, or a pair of captain's chairs that reduces it to seven. Legroom is very good across all three rows too, from 41-inches upfront to 38.4 and 33.5 inches in the second and third rows respectively.
Cloth upholstery is standard, with leather upgrades from the 3LT trim upwards. Automatic tri-zone air-conditioning and 10 drinks holders (LS trim and above) are features your passengers will appreciate, while heated seats are standard from the 3LT trim and above.
Cargo space is generous, with 23.0 cu-ft behind the third row, 57.8 cu-ft behind the second row, and for the big jobs, fold down the rear rows for 98.2 cu-ft behind the front bucket seats.
Child seat details
The Chevrolet Traverse has two complete sets of LATCH connectors (two lower anchors and an upper tether) in the second row's outboard seats, and three upper tethers across the third-row seats.
All seat types are accommodated, including convertible, front- and rear-facing, infant, and booster seats, with minimal impact on the legroom of front row passengers.
Performance
The 2020 Chevrolet Traverse has just one engine option, a 310-hp 3.6L V6 engine that's paired to an automatic nine-speed transmission and front-wheel drive. Choose the LS trim or above to unlock all-wheel drive capability.
Drive the standard FWD models for an EPA-estimated 21 mpg combined, or the AWD Traverse models for an EPA-estimated 20 mpg.
When properly equipped, the Chevrolet Traverse can haul up to 5,000 lbs.
Year comparisons
2009–2017 Chevrolet Traverse (First Generation)
The Traverse received its first big refresh in 2013, upgrading the exterior and interior styling and adding more driver assistance features. Minimal changes followed: the 2014 models gained available forward collision warning and, for 2015, more tech with available Siri® Eyes Free. Chevrolet changed up the Traverse trims in 2017, retiring the LTZ, and adding the LS and Premier.
2018–2022 Chevrolet Traverse (Second Generation)
Highlights of the 2018 second-generation Traverse include a restyled exterior, a 257-hp turbocharged 2.0L engine option for the RS trim, and an updated infotainment system. For 2020, the same infotainment system gets an overhaul and the RS trim reverts to the standard 3.6L powertrain. Following a zero-change year in 2021, the 2022 Traverse gets more standard features, including wireless smartphone connectivity.
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