Overview
Since its introduction in 2009, the comfortable and spacious Chevrolet Traverse has represented the perfect middle ground for drivers wanting something with great features that’s also substantial and roomy, but not to the extent of its much bigger sibling, the Suburban. As a result, this practical and comfortable three-row SUV has become popular across many lifestyles, from singles to extended families. It’s back for the 2020 model year with some reshuffling of standard and optional features and other appealing changes.
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What’s New for 2020?
Some new features have been added to the optional packages (such as an automatic heated steering wheel for the Driver Confidence II Package), and the improved Chevrolet Infotainment 3 system makes its debut sporting sharper graphics and a more responsive touchscreen. The most significant change, though, involves the engine on the RS trim. It no longer gets the turbocharged four-cylinder engine. Instead, a 310 horsepower 3.6-liter V6 paired to a nine-speed automatic transmission comes standard across the board, giving the ’20 Traverse a maximum towing capacity of up to 5,000 pounds.
Trims and Equipment
The ’20 Traverse is available in seven main trim levels: L, LS, LT Cloth, LT Leather, RS, Premier, and High Country. The Premier gets a sub-trim called the Redline Edition (more details below), but the differences are really only stylistic. Most of these trims also come with standard front-wheel drive (FWD), but all-wheel drive (AWD) is optional. The base L gets 18-inch wheels, cloth upholstery, a rearview camera, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, onboard Wi-Fi, and a 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system. The LS trim receives all of the equipment from the L, but it offers AWD and a few optional extras, such as second-row tablet mounts with USB charge ports. Upgrading to the LT Cloth replaces the second-row bench seat with captain’s chairs (reducing seating to seven instead of eight), but the bench can be added back as an option.
With the LT Leather, cloth upholstery is replaced by leather, and there is an optional package that adds some special items. The RS is similarly equipped, although it comes with the LT Leather’s optional features. Nearing the top with the Premier, you’ll find more convenient standard features such as a hands-free liftgate, ventilated front seats, a wireless smartphone charging dock, and an optional sunroof. The Redline Edition for this trim will provide 20-inch black wheels with red accents, black bowtie emblems, signature black-and-red badging, and black roof rails. At the top of the heap with the High Country, you’ll be able to enjoy everything from the Premier plus an advanced AWD system, adaptive cruise control, and a panoramic sunroof.
Optional Packages
The Traverse is all about options. For example, with the LT Cloth and LT Leather trims you can choose to equip it with the Convenience and Driver Confidence Package. This outfits your ride with an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system, heated front seats, remote start, a power programmable liftgate, lane change alert with side blind-zone alert, rear cross-traffic alert, and rear park assist. The Driver Confidence II Package adds automatic emergency braking, forward collision alert, lane keep assist with lane departure warning, front pedestrian braking, and an automatic heated steering wheel on the LT, RS, and Premier grades. Finally, a Premium Package for the LT Leather provides integrated navigation, a premium 10-speaker Bose audio system, a rear camera mirror, a surround-vision camera system, and some stylistic accents (all standard on the RS, Premier, and High Country).