Introduction

The 2020 Chevrolet Traverse is the brand's full-size, three-row crossover SUV. The Traverse, which is rugged in appearance yet smoothed over, hits a lot of the right notes. It's much smaller than the immense Chevy Tahoe or Suburban, and may be the better size for many large families. 

Chevy has abandoned the slow-selling turbo-4 engine for the 2020 model year. Meanwhile, top models now feature improved infotainment software, and an optional surround-view camera system can be added. A buckle-up reminder is now included on the Teen Driver feature. Trailer hitch guidance is available on upper models, and the High Country edition is now offered with either front-wheel or all-wheel drive. 

All models now are powered by a 3.6-liter V-6 that produces 310 horsepower and 266 pound-feet of torque, teamed with a 9-speed automatic transmission. Properly equipped, a Traverse can tow up to 5,000 pounds. 

Front-wheel drive is standard, but all versions can be fitted with all-wheel drive. Instead of an automatic all-wheel-drive system, as in most crossovers, Chevrolet retains an outmoded setup that requires the tap of a button to activate. 

Among three-row crossovers, the Traverse almost matches the competition in gas mileage. It's EPA-rated at 18 mpg city, 27 highway, and 21 combined with FWD, or 17/25/20 mpg with AWD. 

Crash-test results have been good, if not quite perfect. The NHTSA gave it a five-star overall safety rating, the highest possible. While its headlights prevented it from earning a designation, it also got the top score of 'Good'? on all IIHS crash tests. 

Active-safety features are available, but none are standard. The LT Leather variant and higher come with blind-spot monitors, rear cross-traffic alert, and rear parking sensors. Automatic emergency braking is an extra-cost option on the LT and RS trims, but unavailable for lesser versions. Premier and High Country models have it standard, along with active lane control and adaptive cruise control. Many family-focused vehicles have made automatic emergency braking standard across the board. 

Lineup

The Traverse is offered in L, LS, LT, RS, Premier, and High Country trim levels. 

Offered only with FWD, the $30,995 L includes cloth upholstery, eight-passenger seating, 18-inch alloy wheels, keyless entry, heated power mirrors, a 7.0-inch infotainment touchscreen with Bluetooth connectivity and Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility, and a wi-fi hot spot. 

The LS starts at $34,095 and only offers deep-tinted glass over the base L model. However, it does open up the ability to equip all-wheel drive, as well as several extra-cost packages.
As its name suggests, the $36,595 LT Cloth features upgraded cloth upholstery, as well as a power-adjustable driver's seat with power lumbar adjustment, roof rails, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, and second-row captain's chairs for seven-passenger capacity. The $40,295 LT Leather variant switches to leather upholstery, and adds an 8.0-inch touchscreen, blind-spot monitors, rear cross-traffic alert. 

The sportier RS, which is priced from $44,795, comes with a rear camera mirror, a heated steering wheel, and a Bose premium audio system. Standard safety features include forward-collision warnings, automatic emergency braking, and active lane control. 

Upgrading to the $46,995 Premier trim brings heated and cooled front seats, heated outboard rear seats, memory settings, and a power tilt-and-telescopic steering column. 

At the pinnacle, the Traverse High Country costs $52,095. It includes perforated leather upholstery, a power-folding third-row seat, 20-inch polished alloy wheels, a panoramic two-panel sunroof, adaptive cruise control, and enhanced automatic emergency braking. 

Walkaround

No one is likely to brand the Chevy Traverse as bland, but it's not a particular stylish machine either. More upright nowadays than in the past, it could use some of GM's latest styling themes. 

Instead, the Traverse appears to have borrowed a few design elements from Chevrolet's blockier SUVs. A strong shoulder line isn't enough to keep it from looking a tad ordinary next to some delectably and delicately penned trucks in the Chevrolet stable. 

Interior

Clean and user-friendly, the Traverse provides ample space, in a cabin that clearly improves at step-up trim levels. Every model boasts soft surfaces and a durable feel, with a center console that's deep and wide. Top trims look convincingly luxurious, but prices are high. 

Most Traverse models are nicely finished, fitted with materials that feel good. Still, the closely-related Buick Enclave and Cadillac XT6 are nicer inside. 

Up to eight passengers fit in a Traverse across three seating rows. Unlike some rivals, the third-row seat is spacious enough for adults, at least for short treks. Those riders get an upright seating position and 33 inches of leg space. 

Front seats are comfortable and long-haul friendly, with sufficient elbow room for wider bodies. The front compartment offers ample small-item storage. 

Second-row riders also enjoy ample space, with more than 38 inches of leg clearance. Twin captain's chairs may be substituted for the standard three-place bench. Rear doors open wide for easy access, especially when hands are full. 

Most models contain a center-mounted 7.0-inch touchscreen for infotainment, but upper trims substitute an 8.0-inch screen. 

Behind the third row, cargo volume totals 23 cubic feet, topping many class rivals. With the third row folded flat, space grows to 57.8 cubic feet; and to 98.2 cubic feet with only the front-row seat backs upright. 

Driving Impression

The 3.6-liter V-6 produces good torque through its powerband, resulting in stronger acceleration than the departed turbo-4 could provide. Fuel economy is similar. Chevrolet's 9-speed automatic transmission is eminently suitable for its Traverse task, delivering rapid shifts without much fuss or hesitation. 

Ride quality is good, as the Traverse's four-wheel independent suspension smothers pavement imperfections effectively. Handling is predictable, which is clearly beneficial in a crossover or SUV. Steering is satisfying, with a big on-center spot in the steering wheel's rotation. 

Even though the Traverse can pitch and roll when the road ahead turns changeable ? almost suggesting a big ship in rough water ? the three-row, full-size crossover remains pointed in the correct direction. Because it's significantly smaller than the gargantuan Tahoe and Suburban, the Traverse inevitably proves easier, and likely more pleasing, to drive. 

Summary

Exterior appearance might be aging, but the 2020 Chevy Traverse is a three-row family crossover that boasts plenty of interior space. A powerful V-6 engine adds to its appeal. The version that deserves top recommendation is the Traverse LT, especially the LT Cloth trim level, with its reasonable price and good selection of standard equipment to satisfy family-focused buyers. Cheaper base models omit some worthy features, while upper trim levels are costly. 

-by James M. Flammang, with driving impressions from The Car Connection.