Review: 2020 Chevrolet Traverse High Country AWD

Chevrolet’s Traverse is their mid-sized SUV setting in between the Trax on the small end and Suburban on the big side. There are several models through the range.

Traverse High Country comes fully loaded with what we used to call options. Powered leather appointed and adjustable seats are very comfortable and well proportioned. The driver seat adjusts eight ways while the passenger gets six, both with lumbar supports and heated/ventilated controls.

Our rear seats are also of the captain’s style with climate controls in easy reach. Getting into and out of the rear seats is simple and easy. Four grown-ups can travel long distances in comfort.

The Traverse exterior is contemporary and stylish. We agree with the sightlines. What strikes us most is the interior where, after all, we spend most of our time. Happy to touch soft brown leather beckons with sturdy yet delicate stitching throughout. Suede panels are worked onto the doors for an even more elegant look. The steering wheel is likewise leather wrapped with an automatic temperature sensing heat system.

A nice mix of analog and digital controls are easily found and operated. That sounds like a gimme, but it’s really not. Our 8-inch touchscreen display is also easy to operate. USB connections abound in all three rows to take advantage of the 4G WiFi hotspot. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatible systems ensure make it easy to stay in touch with the world.

Traverse presents its own world. Quiet, maneuverable, ready acceleration. For all its bulk, Traverse felt downright spritely on our local canyon drive. The 9-speed transmission saw to it that we had all the power we needed from neighborhood to freeway with seamless shifting.

Large mirrors are augmented with wide windows and sensors for tight quarters. GM’s rear vision camera system takes about three seconds to adjust to. If unfamiliar, this little gem is inside the rear view mirror. In standard mode, it’s a regular rear view mirror. In camera mode (a simple switch) you see a full rear camera view, unobstructed by all interior sets, people, or cargo.

As it happens, we had a desk to move and utilized most of the 98.2 cubic feet of cargo space to do it. All modern midsized SUVs are designed to do this kind of thing from time to time. Our Traverse handled this chore the same way it handled everything else we presented it with — very well, with no drama.

Specifications

Price:

As tested: $53,790.

Options:

Cajon Red Clearcoat paint - $395.

Note: The High Country edition represents a full package of options atop the standard Traverse

Engine type:

3.6Liter V6

Horsepower:

310hp @ 6,800 rpm

Torque:

266 lb.-ft @ 2,800 rpm

Drive configuration:

All Wheel Drive; Automatic Locking Rear Differential

Transmission type:

9-Speed Electronically Controlled with overdrive

Towing Capacity:

1,500 pounds

Suspension:

StabiliTrak, electronic stability control system w/traction control

Wheels and Tires:

20" Polished Aluminum Wheels; P255/55R20 All-season

Brakes:

4-wheel antilock disk

Cargo Volume:

3-row, 7 passenger

98.2 cubic feet maximum cargo

Overall length/wheelbase:

204.3 inches/120.9 inches

Overall width:

78.6 inches

Overall height:

70.7 inches

Weight:

6,160 pounds

EPA mileage estimates City/ Highway:

17/25 mpg

Warranty:

5 Year/60,000 miles Powertrain

3 Year/36,000 miles Limited Basic Warranty

6 Year/100,000 miles Rust Through