Consumer's Key to Insight: In-Depth Comparison of The 2020 Chevy Traverse & The 2020 Dodge Durango

As your decision to purchase a new vehicle becomes a reality and it is time to make the final choice, it always makes sense to compare two similar models. Everyone here at West Chevy of Knoxville loves to provide support for the brand we have worked so hard to build up, yet we know that you need to be able to properly size our models up to the competition. The staff at Kelley Blue Book were getting into “comparison” mode this week themselves and took on the task of seeing how the 2020 Chevy Traverse stacked up against the 2020 Dodge Durango.

 

These two represent two different ends of the SUV offering spectrum: One of them offers up a modern platform powered by a V6, and the other has a bit more of a rugged chassis with the option to move up to a V8. What the KBB team had the most praise for regarding the Traverse was that it had excellent styling inside and out, had more than ample cargo space, very comfortable seating in all three rows for up to eight, and the handling was great were a vehicle its size. What they didn't like was the lack of features on lower trims and that safety features are only available as options: we do take these things into consideration and will note them as our future development teams go to work.

What was appreciated within just a few minutes of a test drive of our rival in the form of the Dodge Durango was the full-size capability in a midsize SUV, two V8 engine options, and a towing ability that is truly the king of the segment. One trait where the Traverse won over the Durango was maneuverability: within 15 minutes, the KBB crew deemed that the maneuverability of the Durango was not nearly as precise and competent as what the Traverse offers. The engine on the Traverse is a very quick V6 that cranks out 310 horsepower and 266 lb-ft of torque, and the recommendation given here is to move up to the LS trim to get the features you want.

A favorite in the feature department is the rear-view camera mirror inside: you gain very easy access to a live video feed precisely 180-degrees behind the vehicle. If raw power is right up your alley, you would have a great appreciation for the two V8 engines the Durango offers on top of the standard V6. The tow rating of 8,600 lbs is higher, but keep in mind that you are dealing with a gigantic lurch of a vehicle with 8.1 inches of ground clearance. Both the Traverse and Durango don't have driver assists as standard, as some consumers are very adamant about seeing extras such as these on the lower trim levels, or without a forced add-on expense.

2022 Chevy Traverse Hailed by J.D. Powers for Second-Row Comfort, Advanced Safety Options

Here at West Chevy of Memphis, we are already busy doling out the details regarding 2022 models, and we couldn't be more excited to roll into the future with such well-equipped and feature-rich options! The J.D. Powers blog ran a super cool feature this week about the changes in the brand-new model, and it includes styling updates, revised seating choices, more standard safety systems, and improved infotainment technology. 2022 Traverse owners are sure to be happy with the updates made to the Chevy Infotainment System 3, and this is also the vehicle that made such an impressive showing in the 2019 J.D. Power U.S. Tech Experience Study.

There will not be any changes to the trim lineup, which currently includes the L, LS, LT, Cloth, LT Leather, RS, Premier, and High Country. The first features the blog covers are in the front, where the 2022 Traverse sees a handsome new grille with chrome horizontal slates, slimmer headlights with a new LED running light signature, and much larger lower fog light housings. In back, there are brand-new LED taillights with a restyled trim piece between them that achieves a fresh appearance, and brand-new striking aluminum wheel designs.

There are all-new interior seating options with new color combinations to choose from, as well as exposed stitching, new piping, and contrast-color inserts for the higher trim levels. Make sure you snag up a version of the Traverse that has the Dual SkyScape sunroof, adding an easy way for second-row passengers to fully enjoy the view. The Traverse Is definitely one of the roomiest SUVs in its class, with cargo volume measuring 23 cubic feet behind the third-row seat, 57.8 cubic feet behind the second-row seat, and 98.2 cubic feet with both rear rows of seats down.

Some of the optional features are the absolute best: leather upholstery, heated and ventilated front seats, heated second-row seats, and a heated steering wheel are great at prepping the 2022 Traverse for any kind of weather you may encounter. By using the SUV's connected services subscription, owners can opt for 4G LTE Wi-Fi onboard, and you'll also get to enjoy features like a video-fed rearview mirror and high-def surround-view camera system. Previously, buyers needed to upgrade to LT Cloth trim to access safety technologies like forward collision warning and automatic emergency braking, and it was at that time an option rather than standard.

Now for 2022, every Traverse will feature standard forward-collision warning with pedestrian detection, automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning, lane-keeping assistance, and automatic high-beam headlights. If you select the Premier or High Country trims, you’ll even have a vibrating seat to get your attention when any of the active ADAS systems trigger a warning. There is a completely embedded navigation system and Bose premium sound system available for the 2022 model as well, and the Chevrolet Connected Access subscription through OnStar provides crucial features such as crisis assist, automatic crash notification, fast access to roadside assistance, a vehicle locator function, and more!

2021 Chevy Traverse Praised by The Car Connection for “Crisp-All Around New Edges, Superb Sharp Look”

Going on sale during late 2020 right here at West Chevy of Knoxville, the folks on staff at The Car Connection blog first claimed about the new Chevy Traverse that “it is among the most prolific three-row family crossovers on the road, and there's hardly a shopping center without one”. The biggest change for the Traverse this year is a new nose and tail, and the body sides sport a deeper crease right under the windows. In the rear, Chevy has a horizontal strip across the liftgate and revised taillights that have have a narrower appearance.

Under the hood is a 3.6-liter V-6 that cranks out 310 horsepower and is paired with a 9-speed automatic transmission, with the choice of front or all-wheel-drive. Managing Editor Aaron Cole claimed after his test drives that the Traverse “steers quite well and tracks down the middle of the road with comfort”, with much thanks to a 4-wheel independent suspension that does a fantastic job of soaking up every little dent in the road. Up to 8 can fit into the 2021 Traverse's three rows of seats, and 7-passenger configurations are available.

Behind all three rows, there are 23 feet of cubic storage that expands heftily to nearly 100 cubic feet with rows 2 and 3 in the folded position. Standard equipment on the 2021 Traverse includes automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection, active lane control, and automatic high beams, with adaptive cruise control available as an add-on. The testing team had much appreciation for the look of the chrome surrounds around the fog lights, and remarked that they now look better than what's on the Tahoe and Suburban. In the rear, the Traverse now borrows the tailgate look from the Tahoe as well, a now-wider strip that spans the liftgate like the larger breed of Chevy models.

When they got out on the more open stretches of road, the acceleration was definitely on par with the competition, and the V-6 is up to the task of hauling a unit full of cargo or passengers. When properly equipped the tow rating is 5,000 pounds, and the group rated the transmission as “flittering through gears with a preference for fuel economy”. We fully agree to the notion that there's “no mistaking the Traverse's bulk”, but also have noticed just how this makes for tracking down the middle of a highway with the ultimate in confidence.

The Car Connection crew gave the Traverse a 9 out of 10 overall for comfort, as the first two rows especially provide tons of space to stretch out during a long trip. This year saw the addition of a wireless phone charger as well as wireless smartphone compatibility software. Rear passengers see 38 inches of leg room and their own set of USB chargers. You'll also see active lane control and automatic high beams as standard equipment on the 2021 Traverse, and an 8.0-inch touchscreen is standard on LT and higher trims.