2020 Chevy Traverse Review

　　

2020 Chevrolet Traverse Review

byDan FrioReviews Editor

　　Dan spent many years covering the go-fast, look-good, get-loud corners of the automotive universe. First, he served as editor of enthusiast magazines AutoSound and Honda Tuning, then as executive editor at SEMA News, the publishing arm of the trade group that produces the annual SEMA Show (yes, that show). As a contributor to zzdcar, he now likes to keep the volume low and the speed limit legal, providing expert car-shopping advice to drivers looking for the perfect match.

　　Two years after an extensive redesign, the Chevrolet Traverse returns with several minor updates for 2020. Some new features have been added to option packages (an automatic heated steering wheel now joins the Driver Confidence II package, for example). And the Chevrolet Infotainment 3 system makes its debut, offering sharper graphics and a more streamlined smartphone-style touchscreen interface.

　　

Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2020 Chevrolet Traverse L 4dr SUV (3.6L 6cyl 9A) and comparison vehicles are based on 15,000 miles per year (with a mix of 55% city and 45% highway driving) and energy estimates of $3.04 per gallon for regular unleaded in North Dakota.

Monthly estimates based on costs in North Dakota

　　$172/mo  for Traverse L

　　Traverse L

　　L 4dr SUV (3.6L 6cyl 9A) - $29,800 MSRPLS 4dr SUV (3.6L 6cyl 9A) - $32,900 MSRPLS 4dr SUV AWD (3.6L 6cyl 9A) - $34,900 MSRPLS Fleet 4dr SUV (3.6L 6cyl 9A) - $33,900 MSRPLS Fleet 4dr SUV AWD (3.6L 6cyl 9A) - $35,900 MSRPLT Cloth 4dr SUV (3.6L 6cyl 9A) (Most Popular) - $35,400 MSRPLT Cloth 4dr SUV AWD (3.6L 6cyl 9A) - $39,200 MSRPLT Fleet 4dr SUV (3.6L 6cyl 9A) - $36,300 MSRPLT Fleet 4dr SUV AWD (3.6L 6cyl 9A) - $38,300 MSRPLT Leather 4dr SUV (3.6L 6cyl 9A) - $39,100 MSRPLT Leather 4dr SUV AWD (3.6L 6cyl 9A) - $41,100 MSRPRS 4dr SUV (3.6L 6cyl 9A) - $43,600 MSRPRS 4dr SUV AWD (3.6L 6cyl 9A) - $45,700 MSRPPremier 4dr SUV (3.6L 6cyl 9A) - $45,800 MSRPPremier 4dr SUV AWD (3.6L 6cyl 9A) - $48,400 MSRPHigh Country 4dr SUV (3.6L 6cyl 9A) - $50,900 MSRPHigh Country 4dr SUV AWD (3.6L 6cyl 9A) - $53,200 MSRP

　　vs

　　$229/mo

　　Avg. Large SUV

　　A more significant change is that the RS trim's turbocharged four-cylinder engine gets the ax; a V6 engine is standard across the board for the 2020 Chevrolet Traverse. Given the turbo four-cylinder's struggle to move the Traverse's mass with any authority, it's not likely to be missed.

　　Elsewhere, the Traverse's formula remains the same. It's the roomiest three-row SUV you can buy that isn't a full-size, truck-based behemoth like the Chevy Suburban. But that space comes at a premium. Honda and Toyota competitors, for example, can cost a few thousand dollars less and offer nicer interiors than the Traverse's somewhat budget-feel cabin materials. But when it comes to a pleasant highway ride and room to spread out and carry your stuff, the Traverse is hard to beat. Notably, the 2020 Chevrolet Traverse is a featured vehicle in our Cheapest New Cars article.

　　zzdcar Expert Rating

　　Our VerdictThe zzdcar Vehicle Testing Team evaluates a fresh batch of vehicles every week, pairing objective assessments at our test track with real-world driving on city streets, freeways and winding roads. The data we gather results in our Expert Ratings. They’re based on 30-plus scores that cover every aspect of the automotive experience.

　　Average

　　7.4

　　out of 10

　　zzdcar TESTED

　　Rated for you by America's best test team.

　　

Performance

7.0/10

　　How does the Traverse drive? The Traverse's V6 engine provides strong acceleration when you really ask for it, but in general it tends to select a higher gear for fuel economy, which sometimes makes it feel less punchy. It took 7.1 seconds to accelerate to 60 mph in our testing, which is relatively quick for the three-row SUV class. The transmission's quick shifts are well-suited to low-speed city driving, and the brakes have good stopping power despite a lack of pedal feel.

　　Handling isn't the Traverse's strong suit, and there's moderate body roll in turns due to its size and soft suspension. Class rivals such as the Honda Pilot and Mazda CX-9 feel more composed. But the steering feels good, with plenty of assist at low, parking-lot speeds and hefty weight at highway speeds.

　　

Comfort

8.0/10

　　How comfortable is the Traverse? If you're looking for comfortable and quiet family transport above all else, the Traverse should be on your short list. The seats are supportive enough for long rides, and there's enough legroom in all three rows for adults of average size. The ride is top-notch, with tall-sidewall tires and a soft suspension soaking up bumps and impacts. At highway speeds, the cabin stays relatively hushed, with just the slightest hint of wind noise over the side mirrors.

　　The Traverse's air conditioning cools the big cabin quickly, but the controls are a jumbled mess and some functions are buried in touchscreen menus. The heated seats and steering wheel could use more intensity.

　　

Interior

7.5/10

　　How’s the interior? Despite its height, the Traverse is easy to get into and out of. There's not a significant step-up height, and the wide door openings make it easy for average-size adults to slide in and out. A tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel and multiple seat adjustments offer a commanding driving position, but some of our staff found the awkward placement of the driver's footrest uncomfortable.

　　There's a lot of room ― for head, legs, elbows and shoulders ― in all three rows. This is one of the biggest cabins among three-row SUVs. But it's also one of the hardest to see around. The seats and giant pillars block the view to the rear sides, so it's helpful to have the Traverse's blind-spot monitoring, rearview camera and rear parking sensors.

　　

Technology

8.0/10

　　How’s the tech? A rare standard Wi-Fi connection, a high-quality upgraded sound system and easy-to-use voice controls give the Traverse an edge among other three-row SUVs. The navigation display is clear and detailed, if somewhat small compared to the size of the screen. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto come standard. Up to seven devices can connect to the onboard Wi-Fi, which should keep passengers happy on long drives.

　　Optional safety equipment delivers an acceptable experience, but you need to spring for the mid- to high-level trims for access. Given the Traverse's compromised rearward visibility, some of these systems (blind-spot monitoring, rear parking sensors) should be standard.

　　

Storage

8.5/10

　　How’s the storage? The Traverse offers abundant space for adults, child seats, water bottles and whatever else you can think of. There's 23 cubic feet of luggage space behind the upright third row. That's class-leading. Fold both the second- and third-row seats and you have a massive 98.2 cubes, more than the Honda Pilot or Ford Explorer. This goes for small-item storage as well, with big door pockets, a big center console and good-sized cupholders offering plenty of nooks for your items. Child safety seats are also afforded plenty of room and easy to install with easily accessible LATCH points in the second-row captain's chairs and the third row.

　　Our test car was only capable of towing up to 1,500 pounds, but an optional trailering package bumps that capacity up to a more respectable 5,000 pounds. That's right in line with most three-row rivals.

　　

Fuel Economy

6.5/10

　　How’s the fuel economy? The EPA estimates that a front-wheel-drive Traverse will return 21 mpg combined (18 city/27 highway). That's right about in the middle of the averages for three-row crossovers. On our highway-heavy 115-mile evaluation loop, the Traverse returned 21.8 mpg, slightly below expectations.

　　

Value

6.5/10

　　Is the Traverse a good value? The Traverse's scheduled maintenance and warranties are about average for the class. Complimentary roadside assistance stretches for five years/60,000 miles, which is better than what some rivals offer. That's impressive support, but the Chevy's build quality feels only average, and even a little low-rent, for its price.

　　

Wildcard

5.5/10

　　The Traverse isn't the go-to three-row SUV if you're looking for a fun, lively driving experience. For that, you might look to the Mazda CX-9 or Ford Explorer. What the Chevy does excel at, however, is spacious six-adult-passenger transportation with a soft, comfortable and confident ride. You get the Traverse for carpooling, not canyon carving.

　　And while the Traverse does have some style, it's fairly bland compared to its rivals, which tend to have a more commanding road presence. There are a few available trim packages that give the Traverse a bit of a brutish look, but it's not the sleek or attractive choice in the segment.

　　

Which Traverse does zzdcar recommend?

The Traverse's seven trim levels are a bit much, but the LT Cloth trim paired with the Convenience and Driver Confidence package (standard on the all-wheel-drive version) offers all you need. It combines the LT trim's basic upgrades with useful optional safety features, striking a good balance between cost and livability.

　　

2020 Chevrolet Traverse models

The 2020 Chevrolet Traverse is available in seven trim levels: L, LS, LT Cloth, LT Leather, RS, Premier, and High Country.

　　All trims start with a 3.6-liter V6 (310 horsepower, 266 lb-ft of torque) paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission. Most trims come with standard front-wheel drive or optional all-wheel drive.

　　The Traverse L base model comes respectably equipped with features such as 18-inch wheels, cloth upholstery, a rearview camera, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone integration, onboard Wi-Fi, and a 7-inch touchscreen display interface.

　　You're not likely to find many L trims on dealer lots, though, so the LS trim will be most people's starting point. It comes with the same equipment as the L but offers optional all-wheel drive and a few optional extras (second-row tablet mounts with dedicated USB charging, for example).

　　Moving up to the LT Cloth replaces the second-row bench seat with captain's chairs. That reduces seating capacity to seven, although the bench can be added back as an option. The LT Cloth also provides two option packages. One adds basic driver safety aids and an upgraded infotainment system; the other adds a trailer hitch and upgraded cooling system.

　　As its name suggests, the LT Leather comes standard with leather upholstery. An optional Premium package with navigation, upgraded audio system and top-down parking camera system is also available. The RS is equipped much like the LT Leather and comes standard with Premium package features. But it also features unique styling cues and accents such as 20-inch wheels and a blacked-out grille and bowtie badge.

　　The Premier sits near the top of the range with a hands-free liftgate, ventilated front seats, wireless device charging, and an optional sunroof. The range-topping High Country comes with all the Premier's goodies plus an advanced all-wheel-drive system, panoramic sunroof and adaptive cruise control, among other features.

　　

2020 Traverse Highlights

Trim: LLSLS FleetLT ClothLT FleetLT LeatherRSPremierHigh CountryL

　　

Base MSRP	$29,800
Engine Type	Gas
Combined MPG	21 MPG
Cost to Drive	$172/month
Seating	8 seats
Cargo Capacity All Seats In Place	23.0 cu.ft.
Drivetrain	front wheel drive
Warranty	3 years / 36,000 miles