Until last week I had never thought of the Chevy Traverse as a particularly attractive vehicle. To the contrary, it always presented as a generic (rather plain) domestic SUV.
Well, the Black Cherry Metallic tester that arrived from the manufacturer earlier this month changed my view of what the mid-size Traverse can be. The gorgeous paint color, which in some lights looks black and in others deep red, is contrasted with generous use of chrome strips and 20-inch machined aluminum wheels. Striking.
The overall visual effect is decidedly upscale, similar to a blinged-out Tahoe.
I should point out that our tester is in High Country trim, the priciest of Chevy's seven grades of Traverse mid-size SUVs. The sub-$30,000 L base models are not nearly as deluxe. But the High Country Traverse, with its Loft Brown leather seats and sophisticated electronics is a near-luxury piece.
Fast facts
› Model: 2020 Chevrolet Traverse High Country› Exterior color: Black Cherry Metallic› Interior color: Jet Black/Loft Brown› Engine: 3.5-liter, V-6› Horsepower: 310› Transmission: nine-speed automatic› Fuel economy: 27 mpg highway, 18 mpg city› Local Dealer: Integrity Chevrolet, Mountain View Chevrolet› Price (as tested): $52,095
Traverses are available locally at Integrity Chevrolet and Mountain View Chevrolet. At press time, Integrity had 10 Traverses in digital inventory including two 2020 models in the pipeline. Mountain View had six 2019s in digital inventory.
WHAT IS IT?
The 2020 Chevrolet Traverse is the latest iteration of the second-generation Traverse introduced in 2018. Depending on the configuration, it provides seating for seven or eight passengers. All Traverses now come equipped with a standard 3.6-liter V-6 engine that makes 31o horsepower. The mid-size SUV slots between the smaller Equinox and the larger Tahoe.
HOW MUCH DOES IT COST?
Our tester, with nearly all available options, rings up at $52,095, including a $1,195 destination charge. Mid-trim models average about $40,000.
THE GOOD
We loved the Black Cherry paint, the elegant split-spoke 20-inch wheels, the two panel panoramic sunroof the heated rear seats and the usable third row.
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THE BAD
We found the front seats a bit over-firm. Rear visibility is cramped and the lower door panels are made of hard plastics that stand out against the otherwise plush interior materials.
IMPORTANT OPTIONS
Our top-of-the-line Traverse includes a dual sunroof, 20-inch polished aluminum wheels, power lift-gate, a rear camera mirror, wireless phone charger, heated steering wheel, 8-inch touchscreen with navigation, adaptive cruise control and Bose 10-speaker sound system.
DRIVING IMPRESSIONS
The 310-horsepower V-6 pulls our Chattanooga area mountain roads without effort. The Traverse has a 6,000-pound towing capacity. A nine-speed automatic transmission is a smooth operator and helps the Traverse get 27 mpg highway in front-wheel-drive configuration.
BOTTOM LINE
The Traverse is an attractive, practical seven-passenger SUV that should be on the shopping list of anyone in the market for a mid-size family hauler.
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Contact Mark Kennedy at mkennedy@timesfreepress.comor 423-757-6645. Follow him on Twitter @TFPCOLUMNIST. Subscribe to his Facebook updates at www.facebook.com/mkennedycolumnist.