The 2020 Traverse is one of the largest three-row crossovers in the midsize class and provides plenty of passenger and cargo space. A quiet cabin, soft ride and impressive infotainment tech add to its appeal. On the downside, budget-grade interior materials and a lack of standard safety features can make it hard to justify paying Chevy's price. Overall, the Traverse is worth a look if maximum space is a priority, but there are better choices overall.
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.
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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.
Edmunds Expert Rating
edmunds TESTED
by the Edmunds Experts
Average
7.4
out of 10
We drove the 2020 Chevrolet Traverse on our test track and on real roads. Our Edmunds team conducts rigorous independent vehicle testing, driving 500,000 miles a year.
Performance
7/10
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
8/10
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
8/10
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.
*The Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price excludes destination freight charge, tax, title, license, dealer fees and optional equipment. Click here to see all Chevrolet vehicles' destination freight charges. Dealer sets the final price.
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.
The 2020 Chevrolet Traverse has a 3 years / 36,000 miles basic warranty and 8 recalls. RepairPal gives it a reliability rating of 3.5 out of 5, ranks it #22 out of 32 among Midsize SUVs. Below you’ll find our owner reviews.
Reliability Rating by RepairPal
3.5 out of 5 stars3.5/5Above Average
#22 out of 32 among Midsize SUVs
RepairPal Reliability Ratings are based on the actual cost, frequency, and severity of unscheduled repairs and maintenance on make/model data for select 2008-2022 vehicles. The reliability of a specific vehicle may vary depending on its maintenance and driving history, model year, trim, and features.
Cost
$574/yr
vs. $485/yr for Average Midsize SUV
Frequency
1.02x/yr
vs. 1.18x/yr for Average Midsize SUV
Severity
16.5%
vs. 13.5% for Average Midsize SUV
powered by RepairPal
Recalls
8 recalls found
Checking if a car has a recall is simple. Just type the car's VIN number into the NHTSA website (https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls). If there's an unrepaired recall, you'll see it there.
If a recall shows up, just call your local car dealer. They'll know about the recall and will work with the car maker to fix it for free (if the recall happened within 10 years of the car being first sold).
Recall Number:
22V210000
Manufacturer Recall Number:
N212352140
Number of vehicles affected:
89
Defect Description:
General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2020-2022 Chevrolet Traverse and 2021-2022 Buick Enclave vehicles. The harness connector to the left or right side roof rail air bag may have incompatible electrical terminals, which could prevent the air bags from deploying in a crash.
Defect Consequence:
Roof rail air bags that do not deploy as intended increase the risk of injury in a crash.
Corrective Action:
Dealers will replace the harness connector to the roof rail air bags, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on April 29, 2022. Owners may contact Buick customer service at 1-800-521-7300 or Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020. GM's number for this recall is N212352140.
Recall Number:
21V817000
Number of vehicles affected:
639
Defect Description:
Braun Corporation (Braun) is recalling certain 2020-2021 Chevrolet Traverse wheelchair accessible vehicles with Power In-floor Ramp conversion. The screw and clip that hold the inner wheel-well plastic shroud in place may chafe against the transmission case, possibly resulting in a transmission fluid leak.
Defect Consequence:
A transmission fluid leak can cause a loss of drive power, increasing the risk of a crash. In addition, a leak in the presence of an ignition source increases the risk of a fire.
Corrective Action:
Dealers will replace the screw and clip, and inspect for signs of contact with the transmission, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed November 29, 2021. Owners may contact Braun customer service at 1-800-488-0359.
Recall Number:
21V115000
Manufacturer Recall Number:
N212329050
Number of vehicles affected:
33838
Defect Description:
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2020 Buick Enclave, Cadillac XT4, XT5, Escalade, Escalade ESV, Chevrolet Suburban, Tahoe, Traverse, GMC Yukon, Yukon XL, 2018-2021 Chevrolet Express, GMC Savana, 2019-2020 Chevrolet Blazer, Silverado 1500, GMC Acadia, Sierra 1500, and certain Continental tires sold to the aftermarket for various model year 2018-2021 vehicles. The affected tires were cured for too long during production.
Defect Consequence:
Over cured tires may develop a break in the sidewall resulting in sudden air loss or a belt edge separation which could lead to a tread/belt loss. Either condition can cause a loss of vehicle control, increasing the risk of a crash.
Corrective Action:
GM will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the tires, replacing them as necessary, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin April 12, 2021. Owners may contact GMC customer service at 1-888-988-7267, Buick customer service at 1-866-608-8080, Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020 or Cadillac customer service at 1-800-458-8006. GM's number for this recall is N212329050.
Recall Number:
20V684000
Manufacturer Recall Number:
N202319030
Number of vehicles affected:
7516
Defect Description:
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2020 Buick Enclave, Cadillac XT5, GMC Acadia and Chevrolet Traverse vehicles and 2020-2021 Chevrolet Silverado 1500, GMC Sierra 1500 vehicles. The vehicles may have been manufactured with Continental tires that were overcured.
Defect Consequence:
Overcured tires may experience a carcass break in the sidewall resulting in a sudden air loss or could develop a belt edge separation which could lead to partial or full tread/belt loss. Either condition increases the risk of a crash.
Corrective Action:
GM will notify owners, and dealers will inspect vehicles and replace tires that have DOT number and production mold number combinations identified by Continental, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin December 21, 2020. Owners may contact GMC customer service at 1-888-988-7267, Buick customer service at 1-866-608-8080, Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020 or Cadillac customer service at 1-800-458-8006. GM's number for this recall is N202319030.
Recall Number:
20V668000
Manufacturer Recall Number:
N202313440
Number of vehicles affected:
194105
Defect Description:
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2018-2019 Chevrolet Cruze and Buick LaCrosse, 2018-2020 Chevrolet Equinox, Chevrolet Traverse and GMC Terrain, 2018 Chevrolet Malibu, 2019-2020 Buick Encore, Buick Enclave, Cadillac XT4, Chevrolet Blazer and GMC Acadia, and 2020 Cadillac XT6 vehicles. The start/stop accumulator endcap may have missing bolts.
Defect Consequence:
Missing bolts on the start-stop accumulator endcap could result in a transmission oil leak and may progress to a loss of propulsion, increasing the risk of a crash. A transmission fluid leak in the presence of an ignition source may increase the risk of fire.
Corrective Action:
GM will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the start-stop transmission accumulator and replace it if any bolts are missing, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin December 14, 2020. Owners may contact GMC customer service at 1-888-988-7267, Buick Customer service at 1-866-608-8080, Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020 or Cadillac customer service at 1-800-458-8006. GM's number for this recall is N202313440.
Recall Number:
20V639000
Manufacturer Recall Number:
N202314760
Number of vehicles affected:
2781
Defect Description:
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2020 Buick Enclave, Cadillac XT5, Cadillac XT6, Chevrolet Traverse, and GMC Acadia vehicles. The fuel pump's jet nozzle may have a plastic burr remaining from the manufacturing process, possibly causing a blocked nozzle and an insufficient fuel supply to the engine.
Defect Consequence:
Insufficient fuel supply can result in an engine stall without warning, increasing the risk of a crash.
Corrective Action:
GM will notify owners, and dealers will replace the fuel pump module. The recall began November 16, 2020. Owners may contact GMC customer service at 1-888-988-7267, Buick Customer service at 1-866-608-8080, Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020 or Cadillac customer service at 1-800-458-8006. GM's number for this recall is N202314760.
Recall Number:
20V446000
Manufacturer Recall Number:
N202305380
Number of vehicles affected:
769
Defect Description:
General Motors, LLC. (GM) is recalling certain 2020 Buick Enclave, Cadillac XT5 and XT6, Chevrolet Blazer, Silverado 1500, 2500 and 3500 and Traverse and GMC Acadia and Sierra 1500, 2500 and 3500 vehicles. The diffuser component of the Roof-Rail Air Bag (RRAB) inflator may not have been properly crimped to the inflator and could separate from the inflator during air bag deployment.
Defect Consequence:
If the diffuser separates from the inflator during deployment, RRAB performance may be degraded, increasing the risk of injury in a crash.
Corrective Action:
GM will notify owners, and dealers will replace the suspect RRAB modules, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin September 14, 2020. Owners may contact GM customer service at 1-866-522-9559. GM's number for this recall is N202305380.
Recall Number:
19V643000
Manufacturer Recall Number:
N192268310
Manufactured from:
2019-07-02 to 2019-07-15
Number of vehicles affected:
3420
Defect Description:
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2020 Buick Enclave and Chevrolet Traverse vehicles. The right-hand frame rail in the engine compartment may be cracked.
Defect Consequence:
A crack in the frame rail may reduce crash performance, increasing the risk of an injury.
Corrective Action:
GM will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and, as necessary, replace the vehicle, free of charge. The manufacturer has not yet provided a notification schedule. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-630-2438 or Buick customer service at 1-800-521-7300. GM's number for this recall is N192268310.
2020 Chevrolet Traverse LT Cloth 4dr SUV (3.6L 6cyl 9A)
If you have heard the rumor that Lincolns are a very smooth ride, with decent mileage and pretty good on service, you heard right. What you also need to know is that the Chevy Traverse is, in my opinion & experience, as comparable in the ride & the service, with one distinction, much affordable than the Lincoln!
MEETS AND EXCEEDS EXPECTATIONS - UPDATE
4 out of 5 stars
David S , 01/20/2021
2020 Chevrolet Traverse RS 4dr SUV AWD (3.6L 6cyl 9A)
After 6 months and 7,000 km, I am really happy with my 2020 RS.
PRO's:
Amazing amount of space - I keep the 3rd row of seats down most of the time, and the amount of trunk space this provides is incredible. More than any other vehicle I have owned.
Decent economy - I've averaged 8.9 ltrs/100 km so far. That compares very favourably to the 11.7 I used to get with the 2014 Jeep Wrangler … 4-door that the Chev replaced.
Comfort ride - Actually, a very comfortable ride; better than my neighbour's Toyota Highlander and another's Ford Explorer. Really awesome on the highway.
Also, good fit and finish. Plenty of helpful technology. Easy to get in and out of.
CONS:
The worst is Auto Stop. It's so frustrating in city traffic, but not a problem in the rural area I live in.
The heated steering wheel gets too hot. (I'm going to get the dealership to check this at the next service.)
That's it! So far, the Chev is a winner. Oh...and it handles the snowy conditions of a Canadian winter much better than expected. I have winter tires on, of course, but the roads in the area I live in are the last to get ploughed, but just switching the drive setting to 4x4 and even 6" of snow doesn't bother the Chev.
I guess I'll update this in a few months.
UPDATE:
After 11 months and 13,500 km, I can still report that the Traverse both meets and exceeds my original expectations. Gas consumption has averaged 9.4 litres/100 km, including several long trips with a 2,000lb trailer in tow. I have become quite used to the Auto-Stop feature and it no longer bothers me at all. That said, I still don't like it! There really needs to be an override button.
I bought a Curt Echo Bluetooth electric brake controller and despite my misgivings, it works perfectly. I borrowed a neighbour's 4,000 cargo trailer (equipped with electric brakes) and towed it for several hundred kms. The controller worked really well and using the cellphone app to adjust it is very easy.
I would give the Traverse 5 stars if it wasn't for the high purchase price and the lack of an override for the Auto-Stop. It's comfortable, very spacious and - so far - very reliable. I totally recommend this vehicle.
UPDATE December1, 2022:
It's now 26 months since I purchased the Traverse, and with 38,700 kms on the clock, it continues to be an awesome vehicle. Average gas consumption has improved to 8.6 litres/100 kms. I did have to make one tiny warranty claim... The chrome strip on the trunk, between the tail lights, started to lose its coating and was replaced by the dealership.
The all-wheel system works really well in the snowy Canadian winter, especially with decent snow tires fitted. Bottom line... I'm still happy and looking forward to several years of ownership.
UPDATE June 5, 2023
2 1/2 years and 47,000 KMS and the Traverse is purring along nicely. Overall fuel economy has improved to 7.9 litres/100 km. Summer rims & tires are back on and tire noise is a distant hum again. Hopefully, I'll be back with another update later in the year.
UPDATE December 6, 2023
After 3 yrs and 3 mos of ownership and 53,000+ kms, our Traverse is still running perfectly. Absolutely no complaints. The winter tires are back on, and while they're a little noisier than the summer tires, the ride is smoother with the smaller rims and higher-profile tires. Overall gas consumption is an amazing 7.6 lts/100 kms (31 mpg), including a fair amount of towing a 3,500 lbs utility trailer. I'll be back with another update next summer.
UPDATE June 9, 2025
It's now 4 1/2 years and 72,000 KMS on the clock. (I missed a 2024 update; everything was still running perfectly.) Gas mileage is still great at 7.9 lts/100kms. However, electronic gremlins have started creeping in... During the 2023/2024 winter, the rearview camera started cutting out in cold weather. As winter progressed, the camera system completely stopped working. In February 2024, a new rear camera was fitted under warranty. Everything was back to normal again. Then...as the 2024/2025 winter kicked in, that same problem developed. After three trips to the dealership and over CAD$3,000 in extended warranty claims - cameras, video processing module, etc. - it's still not working properly. The electronics company technician now thinks it's a cable issue and needs to have the vehicle for 2 or 3 days to figure it all out. In the meantime, the system works just fine on warmer days as the summer gets going. BUT wait...another issue has developed. The rear pipes of the AC system have started leaking! As the fluid leaks away, the AC stops working. A couple of re-fills/pressurizations solve the problem temporarily. I'm waiting to get confirmation that this, too, will be covered by the extended warranty. Despite all this, we still love the Traverse and have no desire to trade it in for some time yet. It's comfortable, spacious, great on gas and mostly reliable.
UPDATE - DECEMBER 10, 2025
Winter has rolled around again, and our Traverse is 5 years and 4 months old. With just over 82,000 km (51,000 miles) on the clock, the camera issue has finally been fixed. A new dash unit was the cure! The cooling system developed a small leak in the pipe that connects to the expansion tank, which was an easy fix at the dealership during a regular maintenance visit. While we're disappointed that it took so long for the camera issue to be resolved, we're still happy with the Traverse and will keep it for a couple more years.
UPATE: JANUARY 2026.
After 84,000 km, our 2020 Traverse RS has mostly been a solid, economic, capable and comfortable ride. Mechanically, it has been great. A couple of small items were dealt with under extended warranty - a small cooling system leak and a similar leak in the AC system. Other than this, it's just been regular oil changes and other maintenance. BUT...
The camera system has been a major problem. Every time the outside temperature fell below 0 degrees C, the whole system crashed. After 5 visits to my dealership over 13 months, the whole system has been replaced. (Thanks again for the extended warranty!) We're going through a tough winter in Canada, and the system is working, even at -37C. We'll be holding on to the Traverse for a couple more years and expect it to be trouble-free.
UPDATE: AUGUST 2, 2026
Only 7,000 kms added since the last Update. Now at 91,000 kms. Apart from an oil change, safety check and putting the summer wheels/tires back on, the Traverse has been trouble-free.
The camera and infotainment system worked through a very cold, long winter. The only problem was the loss of the guidelines when reversing. Everything has been tried to fix this, but nothing has worked...so far.
Still getting 7.5 litres/100 kms (31 mpg), which is fantastic for such a big SUV. Being careful on the throttle pays off!
LOVE MY CAR!!!!!
5 out of 5 stars
Ggutierrez43, 12/26/2019
2020 Chevrolet Traverse LT Cloth 4dr SUV (3.6L 6cyl 9A)
This car has been amazing to my family! Love the captain seats and all of the spacious room it has! This car has a smooth ride, heated seats, heated steering wheel, heated side ,mirrors, auto start, auto locks and windows, cameras, lots of safety features, and lots of room for the whole family! Were in love with the new 2020 Traverse!
Great crossover SUV without going to a barge.
5 out of 5 stars
DEF, 01/08/2021
2020 Chevrolet Traverse LT Leather 4dr SUV AWD (3.6L 6cyl 9A)
I read some of the "negative" reviews, and feel some buyers did not do their research or a proper test drive. This is a comfortable large suv with good sightlines and great road holding. Steering weight and vehicle tracking is darn near perfect. Not too light, not too heavy. And the Traverse holds a straight line without constant little adjustments, something I found very annoying in a … Hyundai Palisade I test drove. Cargo space behind the third row is good, with the third row folded, it's very large, and with a both rows folded, it's positively huge....almost 100 cubic feet. It has a real transmission, 9 speeds, and shifts effortlessly with no hesitation and no clunks. I have owned several brands of suvs including Subaru and Toyota Highlanders. Both were high quality vehicles. The Traverse is the best vehicle I have ever owned. After only two days, everything was intuitive. The infotainment/information system works very well. The Sirius/XM radio (Bose system with 10 speakers) is audio pleasure. One of the reviewers thought the Traverse was very difficult to see out of. She stated she was 5 ft 5. I'm six feet and actually believe the view out the front and all around the vehicle is excellent. I have no problem changing lanes left to right, and being able to confirm that there is nothing in the blind spot. The BSM is fine, but all of them only light up when a vehicle is very close. I can easily check visually with no problem whatsoever. Seats are very supportive and comfortable even on a long drive. Armrests are positioned properly. Remote start is a plus in our cold western NY winter, and the Traverse heats up fast and provides could climate control options. Cell phone paired effortlessly, and the garage door opener button was also easy to activate. If you are looking for an suv with a large cargo capacity, I don't think you can find better than the Traverse. You can seat 7 or 8. I have the second row captains seats. I also recommend the leather interior. Drive it and decide for yourself.