2020 Chevrolet Traverse Pros vs Cons. Should You Buy?

There are times when a compact SUV is not enough when it comes to storage or passenger space. That's why you may want to look into the 2020 Chevrolet Traverse. Now in its second generation as a full-size crossover SUV, it has to compete with similar designs from other U.S. and international competitors.

How does it stand apart from the other full-size SUVs currently on the market? Furthermore, does it stack up to them when it comes to power, performance, and comfort? Finally, is it worth the purchase?

What's New for 2020?

The biggest change to the 2020 Chevrolet Traverse is removal of the previously standard four-cylinder turbocharged engine. All trims now feature a standard V6 engine.

Another change is with the infotainment system. The Chevrolet Infotainment 3 comes with sharper color graphics and a streamlined interface that's similar to those on a smart phone.

Those are the standard changes for the 2020 Traverse. The rest come in the upgrade options. Added to this package are items like an automatic heated steering wheel.

Top 10 Reasons to Buy a 2020 Chevrolet Traverse – The Pros

1. Multiple trim options

Other crossover SUV manufacturers may offer only two or three different trim models. The 2020 Chevrolet Traverse gives drivers the option of selecting from seven different trims. While this may seem excessive, it actually gives the user the choice to pick a version without paying extra for upgrade packages.

For instance, if you want the Driver Confidence safety package and all-wheel drive, then you would select the LT Cloth trim package. If you want all the appointments of the LT Leather trim along with heated driver and passenger seats, then you would want to select the RS trim.

2. Expanded Interior Cabin Room

The 2020 Chevrolet Traverse has the roomiest cabin among crossover SUVs. The only other way to obtain this type of room is purchasing a true full-size model like a Suburban. What that room looks like depends on the option your select.

If you request captain's chairs in the second row of seats, then the Traverse fits seven passengers. If you request a row, then the passenger amount expands to eight. There's no need to worry how people will get into the third row in this configuration. The Traverse features SmartSlide technology to automatically move the second row out of the way.

3. An Enhanced Powertrain

The previous four-cylinder engine on the 2020 Chevrolet Traverse is no longer. In its place is the more powerful V6 engine. This upgrade now provides an impressive 310 horsepower across all trims. In addition, it comes with a nine-speed automatic transmission that smoothly shifts as the speed increases or decreases.

4. Comparable Fuel Efficiency

Even with the V6, the 2020 Chevrolet Traverse still maintains fuel efficiency comparable with crossover SUVs from other manufacturers. In front-wheel drive models, the Traverse gets 18 miles per gallon in the city and 27 mpg on the highway. All-wheel drive models get 17 and 25 miles per gallon respectively.

5. Multiple Safety Options

Safety options improve as technology does as well. Thus, the 2020 Chevrolet Traverse provides many of the standard features as some European luxury models.

One of these is Teen Driver Mode. This limits some systems, prevents safety features from being deactivated, and stops the driver from moving unless they are buckled in. Another option in the Traverse is automatic front braking to avoid potential collisions. Overall, the safety options available on the Traverse resulted in a five-star rating by the NTSA.

6. Ease of Storage

Storage is a critical component for crossover SUVs, and the 2020 Chevrolet Traverse has made it a priority. Even with all of the seats up the Traverse has over 23 cubic feet of space behind the third row. This is enough for a large grocery run or up to a dozen pieces of carry-on luggage.

Fold the second and third rows down, and storage space increases to nearly 100 cubic feet. In addition to this area, the Traverse contains extra storage behind the infotainment center and rear underfloor compartment. Finally, all of this is accessible with a hands-free power lift gate.

7. An Enhanced Infotainment System

The Chevrolet Infotainment 3 system levels the playing field between the 2020 Traverse and other manufacturers. The seven-inch touchscreen provides an intuitive menu layout similar to that of a smart phone. This results in a selection of options that are easier to navigate without taking your eyes off the road.

On top of this, the 2020 Chevrolet Traverse provides numerous connectivity options. Six USB ports provide enough charging spaces for most passengers. Quick access to the internet is available through several options:

• Android Auto
• Apple Play
• Bluetooth
• Built-in Wi-Fi hotspot

Owners can upgrade their infotainment system. With this they get, among other things, an eight-inch display screen, rear entertainment center, and wireless device charging. a 10-speaker Bose audio system is also available for an extra charge.

8. Expansive Warranty Coverage

Chevrolet's Complete Care package does a good job to keep your 2020 Chevrolet Traverse running through its lifetime. It does this without an extra charge at the time of purchase.

Under the Complete Care package, you receive one oil change and tire rotation during the first 12 months. After this, Traverse owners receive bumper-to-bumper, powertrain, and anti-corrosion coverage for an accumulated average of four years or 60,000 miles.

9. Noise-Cancelling Cabin

The sound of a V6 engine along with traffic and the environment can result in noise discomfort inside a vehicle. However, not in the 2020 Chevrolet Transverse. Using similar technology to noise-cancelling headphones, most of the outside noises are reduced or eliminated while on the road.

Some of this is done by microphones built into the interior that help mute detected sounds. Other noise-cancelling adjustments include thicker door seals and added insulation to the dashboard and under the hood.

10. Clear Views of Your Surroundings

Chevrolet's goal is to make driving the Traverse as safe as possible. In addition to the items mentioned above, they are also utilizing features to clearly see behind and around you.

The rear camera view that once appeared on the infotainment screen can now be seen directly in the Traverse's rear-view mirror in some trims. Thus, the driver can clearly see what's going on without constantly looking at the dash display.

Another way is with the Surround Vision option. This provides drivers with a virtual 360-degree view of the area all around them. In turn, they can park in close spaces without hitting other cars or objects.

Reasons Not to Buy a 2020 Chevrolet Traverse – The Cons

1. Fewer Driver Assistance Standards

If you look at the standard driver assistance options for the L trim of the 2020 Chevrolet Traverse, you'll see it doesn't offer many features. In fact, programs like the forward collision and lane change alerts aren't even offered as upgrades. You need to purchase the RS trim in order to get some of these features as standards.

2. An Average Interior

The Traverse is well-known for the amount of interior cabin space. However, what it gains there it lacks in design. Owners report this as average when it comes to the dash, doors, and storage areas.

3. Above Average Price for a Crossover

While the comfort and storage space are tops in most lists it comes at a price. The cost of a 2020 Chevrolet Traverse is slightly higher than both domestic and international crossover SUVs.

4. It Lacks Agility

Tue goal of an SUV, regardless of size, is to have the ability to smoothly turn corners, switch lanes, and avoid obstacles. The Traverse is somewhat sluggish in this category. While it provides a smooth drive for its passengers, the ability to maneuver is a little rougher.

5. Rear Visibility is Limited

Rear visibility is critical to avoid accidents on the road and parking lot. Unfortunately, seeing behind you in a Traverse is limited. With headrests up on the second and third rows, getting a clear view out of the rear window is nearly impossible. Thus, drivers need to exclusively rely on rear sensors and cameras.

How It Stacks Up to the Competition

The 2020 Traverse ranks at the top with engine power, comfort, and storage capacity. Still, it has competition from models like the Honda Pilot. This midsize SUV actually has a roomier third row than the Traverse and slightly higher fuel efficiency. In another example, the redesigned Toyota Highlander offers more standard driver assistance features and an enhanced infotainment system with a 12-inch screen.

Conclusion

Overall, the 2020 Chevrolet Traverse still ranks at the top of the list in domestic crossover SUVs. The slightly higher price of even the standard trim is counteracted by its passenger and storage space. Furthermore, with the introduction of a V6 engine across all trims, the Traverse has both the horsepower and fuel efficiency needed to remain on top.

However, those considering the purchase of a Traverse might be turned off by the lack of driver assistance features and agility. It will take a test drive, or several, to make a firm decision to purchase a Traverse or another SUV.