The Chevy Traverse has been around for about ten years now, and it’s fair to say that it doesn’t seem to be going anywhere. Although a decade can seem relatively new in this industry compared to some vehicles (like the Chevy Suburban, which was first produced in 1934), these days, there are new vehicles and models coming out every year. So, really, the Traverse has become a proven fit in today’s market and economy — showing that Sports Utility Vehicles are still all the rage, especially in the United States. The new 2020 Chevy Traverse is here to feed the flame and improve upon an already stylish and sleek machine.
The new Traverse comes crashing through the gates with a whopping seven available trims. This is actually exactly the same as the previous year’s model, but that’s still enough options to keep your choice very customizable. You’ll also find the 2020 dimensions are exactly the same as the 2019 model, including overall vehicle length and passenger volume. This is in no way a bad thing because the Traverse has ample enough space for an entire family to spread out and relax inside.
Fun for the Family
When it comes to choosing a vehicle that’s for the family (i.e., road trips, soccer practice, etc.), one of the most important factors is making sure everyone fits. And, the fit needs to be comfortable. It’s all well and good having a third row for seating, but if it’s a cramped fit, then the experience will become more of a hassle, and a van will seem more appealing, solely because of space constraints.
In general, manufacturers across the board have done an amazing job at creating mid-size crossover SUVs that can still function as the family commuter. Specifically, there are a lot of 7-passenger (or 8-passenger, depending on trim level) SUVs that have become the go-to choice for families around the globe.
How does the 2020 Chevy Traverse compare to other similar vehicles when it comes to fitting everyone in? According to manufacturer dimensions, it does very well. Check out the following comparison of different passenger volumes (in cubic feet) for similar SUVs.
- 2020 Chevy Traverse: 157.3 (cu.ft.)
- 2020 Hyundai Palisade: 155.3 (cu.ft.)
- 2020 Subaru Ascent: 153.5 (cu.ft.)
- 2020 Honda Pilot (Elite or Black Edition): 153.1 (cu.ft.)
- 2020 Ford Explorer: 152.7 (cu.ft.)
- 2019 Toyota Highlander: 144.9 (cu.ft.)
Every little bit of space matters when you’re making the 5-hour drive to grandma’s house with four kids in the backseat.
Trim Levels
As mentioned above, there are seven trim levels with the new 2020 Chevy Traverse, and they’re the same as the 2019 model. You’ll find the L, LS, LT Cloth, LT Leather, RS, Premier, and High Country. The starting MSRP is $29,800 (L trim level). Of course, there are multiple options and packages that will bump the price up a bit if you’re looking for some customization. This includes adding All-Wheel Drive, which is highly recommended for those who drive over rough terrain regularly. However, all of the trims come with the same 3.6L V6 engine and 9-speed automatic transmission.
L
Starting at $29,800 MSRP, the L trim level is your basic option. This price is for your standard Front Wheel Drive, and there is no All-Wheel Drive option here. However, at least you’ll find StabiliTrak (electronic stability control system with traction control), and Traction Mode Select comes standard.
Here are some of the more interesting standard features you’ll find with a 2020 Chevy Traverse L are HID (High-Intensity Discharge) headlamps, 8-passenger seating, and Teen Driver. HID headlamps are normally added to higher trim levels on a lot of vehicles because they cost more, but with the Traverse, it’s a standard addition. The 8-passenger seating is quite normal, but a lot of people would rather have the 7-passenger seating since it makes access to the third row a lot easier. Plus, it frees up some space.
Out of those listed features, the Teen Driver feature is especially interesting because it was added to help newer drivers enhance their safe-driving behavior. Through an in-vehicle report card, you can find information concerning driving habits associated with a specific key fob.
The L trim level Traverse has a fuel tank capacity of approximately 19.4 gallons and an EPA fuel economy estimate of 18/27/21 (city/highway/combined).
LT Leather
Skipping straight to the middle of the trim levels, you’ll find the LT Leather. Obviously, with leather right in the name, you can expect a bit more luxury. And, with luxury comes a higher price tag (also to be expected).
The hallmark of moving up trim levels is finding what packages that may or may not have been available at the lower levels can now be found as standard equipment. It’s no different here. The LT Leather comes with the Base 3LT Leather Package, the Convenience and Driver Confidence Package, 7-passenger seating, and some additional safety features.
The safety features that have been added here are especially nice because they’ll make the driving experience that much better. With Lane Change Alert with Side Blind Zone Alert, you’ll no longer be frantically checking your blind spot as you signal to change lanes because this alert will let you know if there’s a vehicle next to you. With Rear Cross Traffic Alert, you’ll get a nice boost of help when you’re backing out of a driveway or parking spot, and there’s a vehicle crossing behind you. Yes, that’s right, there’s now an alert for that.
Also, you get heated front driver and passenger seats. Is there anything more to say?
High Country
The highest of the trim levels, the High Country, has a starting MSRP of $52,095 ($54,395, including All-Wheel Drive). As you can imagine, with that price tag, the features do not disappoint. And, as you can imagine, some of the best standard features here are the ones related to safety.
You’ll get Enhanced Automatic Emergency Braking, Following Distance Indicator, Forward Collision Alert, Front Pedestrian Braking, and Lane Keep Assist with Lane Departure Warning. Although the names are pretty straightforward, here is a quick rundown:
- The automatic braking is there to help prevent a collision
- The distance indicator helps you to keep a safe following distance from the vehicle ahead
- The forward collision alert can warn you when you’re driving too close to the vehicle in front of you.
- Front Pedestrian Braking alerts you if a collision with a pedestrian directly ahead is imminent, and it can automatically apply the brakes.
- Lane Keep Assist with Lane Departure Warning helps you stay in your lane by warning you if you’ve left your lane and by making gentle adjustments to the steering wheel if you’re drifting without using your turn signal.
You’ll also get an overall nicer looking vehicle and some convenience options inside.
The Leather LT with All-Wheel Drive and High Country with All-Wheel drive both have an approximate fuel capacity of 21.7 gallons, and the EPA fuel economy estimate is 17/25/20 (city/highway/combined).
The choice is yours to go with the basic, but comfortable, edition, or opt for a classier, pricier choice. Either way, it’s sure to be a good decision for an in-demand vehicle like the Chevy Traverse.
