2020 Chevrolet Traverse Review, Prices, Trims, Specs & Pics

The 2020 Chevrolet Traverse is a great choice for a family 3-row SUV.

It’s small enough to maneuver but big enough to fit adultl three rows.

And that’s not necessarily the case for many midsize crossover SUVs without having adult-contortionists sit in the 3rd row.

With that said, the Traverse is easily considered a full-size crossover SUV in many automotive-circles.

But in the Chevrolet family, the Traverse has two bigger siblings.  There’s the full-sized Tahoe SUV and over-sized Suburban SUV.

So, midsize it is for the Chevrolet Traverse.  And I recently picked one up from a local SoCal Chevy Dealer for this review.

2020 Chevy Traverse Trim Configurations And MSRPs

The 2020 Chevrolet Traverse continues offering numerous trim configuration options for you to choose from.  So, without a doubt, there’s a Traverse trim level for you.

As always, don’t worry about MSRP.  We include that in our reviews for reference.

2020 Traverse Engines And Transmissions

Chevrolet made it simple for the 2020 Traverse by going with the same engine and transmission across all trims.

So, that engine is a 3.6L V6.  It delivers 310 hp with 266 lb-ft of torque.  And, It’s paired with a 9-speed automatic transmission.

I find it impressive that Chevrolet puts that same powerplant in trims from the L all the way up to the top-of-the-line High Country.  Because it’s both powerful and fun to drive.

What’s equally impressive is the Stop/Start technology that is in every 2020 Traverse.

Because it’s the tech that many carmakers add only to upper trim level vehicles.  Or, they leave it entirely optional.  And it’s going to save you money at the pump.

What’s 2020 Chevrolet Traverse’s MPG rating?

Well, with the same engines and transmissions that leaves only two main factors that can impact the equation when factoring fuel-economy.

First is the vehicle’s overall weight.  The heavier the SUV the more fuel it will consume.

Second is whether or not you go with front-wheel-drive or all-wheel-drive.  So the 2020 Traverse with front-wheel drive is rated for 18 MPG in the city and 27 MPG on the highway.

And with all-wheel drive, the Traverse comes in at 17 MPG in the city and 25 MPG on the highway.

What Does The 2020 Chevy Traverse Look Like?

So, the Traverse looks a lot like a scaled-down Tahoe.  And I love that.  Because I’ve always fancied the Tahoe.

Although I haven’t owned one yet, I’m sure I will.  Or perhaps, the Traverse will satisfy that desire…?

And for 2020, Chevrolet is adding a cool Black Cherry Metallic color.

 

Driving The 2020 Chevrolet Traverse

Driving the 2020 Chevy Traverse is effortless.  And that says a lot considering the massive amount of space for both passengers and cargo.

So, although it’s big inside and highly capable it drives like a much smaller vehicle.

It has ample power ready at a moment’s notice.  And that’s whether you need a boost uphill, entering the highway or passing a slower driver.

I really enjoyed driving the Traverse.  It’s quick, super-smooth, nimble and quiet inside.

The 2020 Traverse can tow up to 5,000 lbs.  And depending on your configuration you can have up to four different drive modes.

Overall, I really enjoyed driving the Traverse.  It’s quick, super-smooth, nimble and quiet inside.

Inside the 2020 Traverse

In addition to the 2020 Chevrolet Traverse being quiet inside it’s also refined and big.  The Traverse I drove for this review was the Premiere trim.

So, Traverse I drove for this review came very well equipped with both technology and creature comforts.

The seats were extremely comfortable – in all three rows.

In fact, while sitting in the 3rd-row backseats I snapped the below picture with my legs completely extended.

Notice how they just reach the front of the 2nd-row Captain’s chairs.

Plus, the leather and all the plastic surfaces felt like I was in a European luxury vehicle.

And the 2nd-row seats collapse and slide forward easily providing access to the 3rd-row.  Plus, the 2020 Chevrolet Traverse can impressively seat up to 8 passengers.

But, to do that you would have to pass on the 2nd-row Captain’s chairs for a bench that sits three across in the second-row.

And with up to 98.2 cubic feet of interior cargo space, the Traverse creeps towards the typical space of a minivan.  (Minivans are usually in the 145-ish cubic-feet range.)

Hidden Storage Compartments

I love vehicles with lots of cubbies and storage areas.  That way there’s always a spot to tuck belongings away from the prying eyes of would-be thieves.

But the 2020 Chevrolet Traverse actually comes with two completely hidden compartments – which is sweet!

The in-dash hidden storage compartment is a great place to temporarily keep valuables when you really don’t have a choice.

For example; when I go to the gym I hate leaving my wallet and phone inside my car.  But I’m also not comfortable leaving it in my gym locker either.

And for those much bigger items to hide, the cargo area in the back of the Traverse offers a hidden space too.

The hidden compartment in the rear of the Traverse sits under the floor.  It’s completely out of sight and huge.

2020 Chevrolet Traverse Technology

The 2020 Chevrolet Traverse comes available with all the technology you’d expect and even some that you wouldn’t expect.

For instance, there’s Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.  And an available 8-inch touchscreen.  Plus available wireless phone charging in the front.

There’s also available built-in 4G LTE Wi-Fi hotspot capability.

But what Chevrolet offers that more carmakers need to get on board with is its Teen Driver Technology.

Through the Teen Driver technology, parents are able to monitor and track all sorts of info about what their kids are up to behind the wheel.

In fact, parents even know when a teen deactivates Teen Driving mode.  (Brilliant!)

And inside the Traverse, there’s plenty of access to connectivity throughout.

So, the 2nd-row backseat passengers have available heated seats, climate controls and lots of connectivity.

And, even the third-row passengers can stay plugged-in.  Both outward passengers in the 3rd-row have USB ports to connect to.

Safety And Safety Tech

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration gives the 2020 Chevrolet Traverse a solid 5-star safety rating.

The rearview back-up camera comes standard.

And Traverse offers all the available driver assistance safety technology that we’re coming to expect in new cars these days.

2020 Chevrolet Traverse Top-3

So this brings us to my Top-3 for the 2020 Chevy Traverse.

1. Interior: There are critics out there who are not impressed by the Traverse inside.  I totally disagree.  It’s refined and hugely spacious.  :0)
2. Technology: The available tech checks all the boxes and then some.  Teen Driver mode is a biggie in any family’s buying decision.
3. Drive: Traverse is super-smooth and is easy to drive.  Especially for a vehicle that offers so much space and versatility inside.

 

• Chevrolet,