Chevrolet calls its 2020 Traverse “the big family car that doesn’t compromise on style.” What better way to investigate that claim than on a family reunion in New England? On a test drive one day last month, I did a reality check on the automaker’s promises about safety, comfort and driving finesse with an excited SUV full of relatives: my wife, our son, the grandparents and my sister-in-law and nephew. Here’s how the Traverse, with a sticker price that starts around $30,000, held up under those high-stakes conditions.
The Look
Visually, the Traverse is a crowd pleaser. Imagine a Tahoe that’s been working out at the gym. With chrome accents and contours like gorgeous cheekbones, the midsize utility vehicle signals sophistication—which is impressive when you’re picking up your father-in-law. Inside, split-folding second-row seats and second-row captain’s chairs—all with access to technology and climate control—gives autonomy to up to seven backseat drivers (I’m looking at you, happy mother-in-law, who’s usually too hot or too cold). What’s nice is that the curbside seat is capable of tipping up and sliding forward, even with a forward-facing child seat in place (fortunately we’re beyond those years), to provide open and easy access to the third row.
The Power
With a V6 engine, 310 horsepower at 6,800 rpm, and a nine-speed shiftable automatic transmission, the Traverse is a warhorse. This is not exactly a Volt, though. MPG is listed at 18 city and 27 highway, and, well, I’m just happy gas prices are lower in New England than they are back in L.A. The ride can be a touch bouncy but it smooths out with a carload of loved ones.
The Technology
Loaded. Navigation and infotainment got upgrades, with a “mobile command center” up front that syncs with Apple’s CarPlay, among other services, to access your iPhone’s apps Google Maps and Spotify. Chevrolet’s 4G LTE connectivity with available WiFi hotspot (a nice touch) is standard on all models. In addition to the standard rear-view camera system, Traverse has an available 007-like HD Surround Vision cam that uses multiple cameras for an overhead view that’s useful in navigating a car this big. My 15-year-old couldn’t get enough of that one—and saying, “It’s like we have our own drone following us.” Another favorite detail: the rear liftgate opens when you slide your foot near the Batman-like Chevy emblem that’s projected on the ground beneath the vehicle.
The Safety
Precious cargo, right? That’s the unspoken with every drive you take in a family vehicle like this. Traverse certainly has it covered in that department. Air bags protect practically every corner of the interior, including front and side-impact for driver and co-pilot, and inboard seat-mounted side-impact and head-curtain side-impact for all rows in outboard seating positions. Available add-ons make Traverse the ultimate defensive driving machine: Low Speed Forward Automatic Braking, Forward Collision Alert, Lane Keep Assist with Lane Departure Warning, Following Distance Indicator, Front Pedestrian Detection and IntelliBeam headlamps.
One especially inventive feature is Chevrolet’s Teen Driver system (introduced in 2015) that mutes the audio on any device paired with the vehicle when front seat occupants aren’t wearing their safety belts, and delivers warnings when the vehicle is traveling faster than preset speeds. This year, Chevy introduced an industry-first Buckle to Drive feature that remind young drivers to buckle up before shifting into drive. So, yeah, safety? Check, check, check.
The Experience
Traverse is the four-wheel version of the best uncle you’ve ever had. It’s got style, a sense of fun and adventure and never fails to keep you safe. There’s so much room inside you can get a large brood together without feeling like anyone’s crammed in the jumper seat. With a slightly smaller passenger group—say, five, you can pack multiple sets of golf clubs and still have room for a round of Stratego in the “way back.” The ride gets better with each family member, not just because the extra weight smooths the handling but because of the compliments you hear, even from too-hot-too-cold grandma.
