2020 Chevrolet Traverse

Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2020 models.

Chevrolet Traverse
Pictured: 2023 Chevrolet Traverse LT 3.6 V6 in Sterling Gray Metallic, front left. Photo: Mr.choppers, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Class
Standard Sport Utility Vehicle 2WD
Body styles
4dr SUV AWD, 4dr SUV FWD
Engines
3.6L 6-cyl
Drivetrain
Front-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel Drive
Fuel
Regular Gasoline
MPG (best)
21 combined · 18 city / 27 hwy
Length
204.3 in
Curb weight
4,361–4,700 lb
NHTSA rating
★★★★★
Recalls
8 campaigns

Pros & cons

What's good

  • AWD / 4WD available
  • 5-star NHTSA safety ratingTop overall score in federal crash tests.

Watch out for

No weak spots against similar models in the data.

Calculated from EPA, NHTSA and vPIC data against 17 similar 2020 models — not a review. How we calculate this →

Overview

The 2020 Chevrolet Traverse is a standard SUV offered with a 3.6L 6-cyl engine and front-wheel drive and all-wheel drive.

It measures about 204 inches long and 79 inches wide on a 121-inch wheelbase, with a curb weight of roughly 4,700 lb (4dr SUV AWD).

EPA rates its most efficient version at 21 MPG combined (18 city / 27 highway), 8% better than the 2020 standard SUV average of 19.5 MPG, for an estimated $3,200 a year in fuel.

In NHTSA crash testing it earned the top 5-star overall rating.

It has 8 recall campaigns on file and owners have filed 235 complaints with NHTSA since 2015, most often about the engine.

What changed for 2020

  • Engine dropped: 2.0L 4-cyl turbo

Compared with 2019; trim, feature and price changes aren't covered. See the 2019 Traverse →

Dimensions & weight

BodyLengthWidthHeightWheelbaseTrack F / RCurb weightWeight F/R
4dr SUV AWD204.3 in78.7 in70.9 in120.9 in67.3 / 66.9 in4,700 lb58/42
4dr SUV FWD204.3 in78.7 in70.9 in120.9 in67.3 / 66.9 in4,361 lb58/42

Transport Canada CVS (Open Government Licence – Canada), Canadian-market figures.

Will it fit your garage? Check with your measurements →

Engines, MPG & running costs

VersionEngineTransmissionDriveCity / Hwy / Combvs. classFuel / yrCO₂ g/mi
Traverse FWD3.6L 6-cylAutomatic 9-spdFront-Wheel Drive18 / 27 / 21+8%$3,200420
Traverse AWD3.6L 6-cylAutomatic 9-spdAll-Wheel Drive17 / 25 / 20+6%$3,350442
4/10EPA fuel economy score (best version)
4/10EPA greenhouse gas score
Spend $4,000Fuel over 5 years vs. average new car
19.5 MPG2020 Standard Sport Utility Vehicle 2WD average

EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2020 EPA class average. How we calculate this →

Safety ratings & technology

VersionOverallFrontalDriver / passengerSideSide poleRolloverRollover risk
2020 Chevrolet Traverse SUV AWD★★★★★★★★★★5★ / 4★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★15%
2020 Chevrolet Traverse SUV FWD★★★★★★★★★★5★ / 4★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★16.9%
StandardElectronic stability control
OptionalForward collision warning
OptionalLane departure warning
Frontal crash test — 2020 Chevrolet Traverse SUV AWD
Frontal crash test — 2020 Chevrolet Traverse SUV AWD. Photo: NHTSA.
Side crash test — 2020 Chevrolet Traverse SUV AWD
Side crash test — 2020 Chevrolet Traverse SUV AWD. Photo: NHTSA.

Similar 2020 standard SUVs

ModelBest MPG / rangeNHTSA overallRecalls
2020 Chevrolet Traverse (this car)21 MPG★★★★★8
2020 Toyota Land Cruiser14 MPGNot rated0
2020 Ford Explorer28 MPG★★★★★35
2020 Toyota Highlander36 MPG★★★★★5
2020 Kia Telluride23 MPG★★★★★7
2020 GMC Yukon18 MPG★★★★★4
2020 Chevrolet Tahoe18 MPG★★★★★3

Recalls (8)

Air Bags › Side/Window › Curtain · Mar 31, 2022

NHTSA campaign 22V210000 · 89 vehicles

Problem
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.
Risk
Roof rail air bags that do not deploy as intended increase the risk of injury in a crash.
Fix
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.
Power Train › Automatic Transmission · Oct 18, 2021

NHTSA campaign 21V817000 · 639 vehicles

Problem
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.
Risk
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.
Fix
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.
Tires · Feb 25, 2021

NHTSA campaign 21V115000 · 33,838 vehicles

Problem
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.
Risk
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.
Fix
GM will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the tires, replacing them as necessary, free of charge. The recall began March 22, 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.
Tires · Nov 5, 2020

NHTSA campaign 20V684000 · 7,516 vehicles

Problem
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.
Risk
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.
Fix
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 began December 17, 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.
Power Train › Automatic Transmission · Oct 29, 2020

NHTSA campaign 20V668000 · 194,105 vehicles

Problem
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.
Risk
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.
Fix
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 began December 15, 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.
Fuel System, Gasoline › Delivery › Fuel Pump · Oct 15, 2020

NHTSA campaign 20V639000 · 2,781 vehicles

Problem
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.
Risk
Insufficient fuel supply can result in an engine stall without warning, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix
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.
Air Bags › Side/Window › Curtain › Inflator · Jul 30, 2020

NHTSA campaign 20V446000 · 769 vehicles

Problem
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.
Risk
If the diffuser separates from the inflator during deployment, RRAB performance may be degraded, increasing the risk of injury in a crash.
Fix
GM will notify owners, and dealers will replace the suspect RRAB modules, free of charge. The recall began September 3, 2020. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-630-2438, Cadillac customer service at 1-800-333-4223, or Buick customer service at 1-800-521-7300. GM's number for this recall is N202305380.
Structure › Frame And Members · Sep 6, 2019

NHTSA campaign 19V643000 · 3,420 vehicles

Problem
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.
Risk
A crack in the frame rail may reduce crash performance, increasing the risk of an injury.
Fix
GM will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and, as necessary, replace the vehicle, free of charge. The recall began October 4, 2019. 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.
Check your VIN for open recalls at NHTSA ↗

Not every 2020 Chevrolet Traverse is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.

Owner-reported problems

235Complaints to NHTSA since 2015
11Involved a crash
1Involved a fire
8Injuries reported
55,000 miTypical mileage at failure
Engine70
Unknown Or Other56
Power Train40
Electrical System26
Engine And Engine Cooling › Exhaust System17
Fuel/Propulsion System16
Service Brakes10
Seat Belts8
Complaints received per month (last 24 months with reports)
24/10: 424/11: 624/12: 525/01: 625/02: 325/03: 525/04: 1025/05: 425/06: 425/07: 825/08: 525/09: 725/10: 725/11: 226/01: 926/02: 326/03: 826/04: 326/05: 526/06: 326/07: 726/08: 426/09: 826/10: 624/1025/0125/0425/0725/1026/0226/0526/08max 10

Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.

Used 2020 Chevrolet Traverse buyer's checklist

  1. Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. 8 recalls this year — ask for proof of repairs.
  2. Engine — 70 owner reports. Cold-start the engine, listen for knocking, and watch for warning lights or hesitation on acceleration.
  3. Power Train — 40 owner reports. Test-drive through all gears, including reverse; note slipping, harsh or delayed shifts.
  4. Electrical System — 26 owner reports. Test every window, lock, light, screen and USB port; check the battery age.
  5. Mileage to watch. Owners typically reported problems around 55,000 miles; ask what was repaired near that point.
  6. Before you pay: service records, a history report and an independent inspection.

Generated by DecodedCars from NHTSA recalls and owner complaints for the 2020 Chevrolet Traverse. Not a substitute for a professional inspection.

Other Traverse years

Compare all years →
YearMPG (best)LengthOverallRecallsComplaints
2027 Traverse22–Not rated01
2026 Traverse22204.3 inNot rated126
2025 Traverse23204.3 in★★★★★0185
2024 Traverse23204.3 in★★★★★0143
2023 Traverse21205.9 in★★★★★295
2022 Traverse21205.9 in★★★★★1101
2021 Traverse21204.3 in★★★★★392
2019 Traverse22204.3 in★★★★★3412
2018 Traverse22204.3 in★★★★★2465
2017 Traverse18203.5 in★★★★★3361
2016 Traverse18203.5 in★★★★★5292
2015 Traverse19203.5 in★★★★★5313

Sources: EPA, NHTSA, Transport Canada, Wikimedia Commons. Not affiliated with NHTSA, the EPA or Chevrolet. How we calculate this →