The 2020 Chevrolet Traverse lasts around 250,000 miles with minor brake noise and stereo system issues reported. At $25,999 to $46,350, it’s a great value for a large three-row SUV with enough room for a big family.
Is the 2020 Chevrolet Traverse a Good Used SUV?
- Overall Rating 8/10 – 2020 is a good year for the Chevrolet Traverse since it offers plenty of space with some good technology. Owner reviews praise the passenger room, smooth suspension, along with the low ownership costs.
- Interior, Comfort & Cargo 8/10 – Interior materials are relatively nice for a large SUV, the seats are supportive on longer drives, cargo space is also good for its size.
- Reliability 8/10 – There are no widespread complaints on the 2020 Chevy Traverse. Avoid models from 2009–2014 which have a lot of engine problems. Newer models from 2015–2022 are more dependable choices.
- Performance 7/10 – Performance is okay from the standard V6 engine, although it’s not as quick as some of the other large SUVs which have V8 engines.
- Safety 8/10 – The 2020 Traverse is a safe SUV earning a perfect 5-star rating in government crash tests. It comes standard with a rearview camera. Optional upgrades include automatic emergency braking, along with lane keep assist.
- Gas Mileage 8/10 – Fuel economy is good at up to 21 MPG, giving 455 miles of range from the 21.7 gallon tank. Gas costs are $57 cheaper than average at $202 per month.
- Value 8/10 – The 2020 Chevrolet Traverse is cheaper than many other full size SUVs while still offering plenty of room, making it a good value for shoppers.
Positive Owner Reviews
Negative Owner Reviews
What Do Critics Say About the Chevy Traverse?
- Consumer Reports says the 2020 Chevrolet Traverse is a practical alternative to other large SUVs like the Suburban, with good owner satisfaction scores.
- Edmunds rates the Traverse at 4.2/5, enjoying the features in the infotainment system, but doesn’t like the cheap plastic interior panels.
- Kelley Blue Book users give the Traverse a 4.3/5, praising the comfortable seats in all three rows, but owners don’t like the lack of standard safety features.
What Common Problems Does the 2020 Chevrolet Traverse Have?
Common problems found on the 2020 Chevrolet Traverse include excessive brake noise, the stereo system freezing, along with the transmission changing gears slowly. Overall, these problems are similar to other full size SUVs, leading to average repair costs as a Traverse ages.
Excessive brake noise is the most widespread complaint from 2020 Chevy Traverse owners in the first 15,000 miles. If you are using your traverse to tow or haul a lot of weight then the front brake pads will wear out quicker than normal. Replacing the brake pads costs about $80 per wheel, while rotors are an additional $150 per wheel.
The stereo system freezing is another issue reported by 2020 Traverse owners in the first 1,000 miles. There are software updates available for the system which improves its reliability. Most dealerships will install the latest software updates for free, while some charge around $50.
The transmission changing gears slowly also shows up on some Traverse models at around 3,000 miles. There are updates to the transmission control module as well, which improves responsiveness. Nearly all dealerships will install the transmission updates for free, while others charge roughly $100.
There are eight recalls on the 2020 Chevrolet Traverse, which is worse than many other SUVs from the same year. The most serious recall is for a transmission fluid leak which can cause damage to the transmission. Other recalls cover the tires, along with damage to the roof rails.
How Long Will the 2020 Chevrolet Traverse Last?
A well-maintained 2020 Chevrolet Traverse can last around 250,000 miles, which is around 50,000 miles less than the long-lasting Toyota Sequoia. Regular annual maintenance costs are similar to other large SUVs, according to data provided by Repair Pal, at $603 per year.
As a used 2020 Chevy Traverse reaches 100,000 miles, and depending on the vehicle history, owners should be prepared to replace the alternator for $600, a power steering pump costing $650, along with the steering knuckle which costs $400.
I have had the traverse for one month have not had any issues. I purchased the vehicle because of its reliability ratings.
Yes very reliable. So far no issues. Remote starts in cold temps. Auto shut off works as it should. Love the heated steering and seats for the cold MN winters.
How Is the Technology?
Entertainment technology is very good for a large SUV with a standard 7-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity. Optional upgrades include a larger touchscreen along with a more powerful stereo system.
Standard safety technology is basic, only offering a rearview camera and teen driver mode.
Optional driver assistance features include:
- Forward collision warning
- Pedestrian detection
- Rear cross traffic alert
- Adaptive cruise control
- Lane keep assist
- Rear camera mirror
- Forward automatic emergency braking
- Blind spot monitoring
- Surround-view parking camera system
- Rear parking sensors
- Lane departure warning
Is the 2020 Chevrolet Traverse a Good Value?
Yes, the 2020 Chevrolet Traverse is a good value since it’s cheaper than many other large three-row SUVs. The blue book fair purchase price ranges from $25,999 to $46,350, making it less than a GMC Yukon or Ford Expedition. When new, the price range was $29,800 to $53,200. Depreciation is similar to other SUVs, losing around 10% of its current value per year.
What are the Different Models of the Chevy Traverse?
There are seven different models of the 2020 Chevy Traverse offered from the base L model all the way through to the luxurious High Country. The 2020 Traverse is also offered with standard front-wheel drive or optional all-wheel drive.
L is the entry-level model with:
- 18-Inch Alloy Wheels
- Cloth Seats
- Rearview Camera
- Apple CarPlay
- Onboard Wi-Fi
- 7-Inch Touchscreen Display
LS is a step up, adding:
- Optional All-Wheel Drive
- USB Rear Seat Charging
LT Cloth adds features such as:
- Second Row Captain’s Chairs
- Power-Adjustable Driver’s Seat
- Trailer Hitch
- Upgraded Cooling System
LT Leather is a minor upgrade with:
- Leather Seating
- Heated Front Seats
- Remote Start
- Power Liftgate
RS has more items such as:
- 20-Inch Alloy Wheels
- 10-Speaker Bose Stereo System
- Heated Steering Wheel
- Black Styling Elements
Premier is a popular choice with:
- Hands-Free Liftgate
- Premium Leather
- Ventilated Front Seats
- Wireless Phone Charger
High Country is the flagship model which adds:
- Panoramic Sunroof
- Advanced All-Wheel Drive System
- Adaptive Cruise Control
- Power-Folding Third Row
What Engines Come In the Chevy Traverse?
The 2020 Chevrolet Traverse comes standard with an average 3.6L V6, which makes 310 horsepower while getting up to 21 MPG. It comes standard with a nine-speed automatic transmission. Performance is good, taking about 6.7 seconds to go from 0-60 MPH. The towing capacity is also average at 5,000 pounds when properly equipped.
What Colors Does the Chevy Traverse Come In?
How Comfortable Is the Chevy Traverse?
The Chevy Traverse is a large SUV that offers a comfortable ride for both the driver and passengers with enough room for up to eight people. The cabin is spacious and roomy, with plenty of legroom and headroom in all three rows. The seats are well-cushioned and supportive, making long trips comfortable and enjoyable.
The Traverse also features a smooth and quiet ride, thanks to its well-tuned suspension system and sound insulation. The SUV’s interior is well-designed and features high-quality materials that give it a premium feel. The front seats are power-adjustable, and the driver’s seat has lumbar support to reduce fatigue on long drives. Rear-seat passengers also have plenty of space and can recline their seats for added comfort.
How Much Storage Space Does the Chevy Traverse Have?
The 2020 Chevy Traverse has a lot of storage space offering a total cargo space of 23 cubic feet behind the third-row seats, which expands to 98.2 cubic feet with the second and third rows folded down.
The 2020 Traverse also features numerous storage compartments throughout the cabin, including a large center console bin and various cubbies and pockets throughout the cabin for storing smaller items. Overall, the 2020 Chevy Traverse offers ample storage space for both passengers and cargo, making it a practical choice for families and those in need of a spacious SUV.
What Are the Differences Between Years?
The second generation of the Chevy Traverse was launched for the 2018 model year.
2015: Siri Eyes-Free added to all models.
2016: 4G LTE WiFi hotspot added, new base LS model introduced.
2017: Premier model introduced which replaces the LTZ model.
2018: Fully redesigned for the second generation with new styling, engines, and technology features.
2019: Upgraded 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system added.
2020: V6 engine is standard on all models.
2021: Chevy Safety Assist package upgraded with more features.
How Does the Chevy Traverse Compare to the Competition?
The 2020 Chevrolet Traverse is a very good large SUV offering better comfort than many of the truck-based competitors on the market while still having plenty of passenger room in all three-rows of seating.
The Ford Explorer is another large SUV which is available for about $2,000 more. Performance is slightly better in the Ford Explorer with its stronger engines, while the Chevy Traverse has more passenger room. We recommend the Chevy Traverse since it’s a little more practical for the money, although both are good choices for the 2020 model year.
The Chevy Tahoe is a competitor which costs around $10,000 more. Off-road performance and towing capacity are better in the Chevy Tahoe, while the Chevy Traverse is smoother on city streets. We recommend the Chevy Traverse since it’s so much cheaper, although both are very nice large SUVs.
Do Owners Recommend the Chevy Traverse?
Yes. It is a great vehicle! I enjoy the amount of space it has, stereo system, and heated seats. It drives smooth, as well.
Yes very dependable and spacious. Love the ability to turn on and off the AWD and that the towing package was standard on this model.