Are you trying to decide between the 2020 Chevrolet Traverse and Buick Envision? Both have much to offer, especially if you’re looking for a plush family hauler. Our comparison guide takes a closer look at these two crossovers, so you can choose the one that best suits your lifestyle.
Best Deal on a New Crossover: 2020 Chevrolet Traverse
As we’ll see, the Traverse is the more capable of the two crossovers, but it also gives you something else – the lowest starting price. With a starting MSRP of just $29,800, the Traverse automatically helps you save a couple thousand dollars on a new crossover. By comparison, the less-capable Buick Envision starts at $31,995.
Modern Comfort: 2020 Chevrolet Traverse
As a midsize crossover, the Chevy Traverse can’t help but offer more passenger space than the compact Buick Envision. It’s also a great pick for quiet, comfortable family travel. Both rows of seating provide generous long-term support for your road trips.
Inside the Envision, comfort comes standard. This crossover puts more of an emphasis on luxury, with standard remote start and heated front seats. However, if you’re after family-friendly space and long-term support, the Traverse has the edge.
Sportiest Ride: 2020 Chevrolet Traverse
With its standard V6 power and robust towing capabilities, the Traverse gives you the adventure you crave. Every Traverse features a 3.6-liter V6 engine that supplies 310 horsepower and 266 pound-feet of torque – output that comes in handy when you want to get up to speed quickly or power down an off-road trail. Add all-wheel drive to your Traverse for extra traction on slippery surfaces, including icy pavement and sandy trails. Properly equipped, the Traverse can tow up to 5,000 pounds or a nice-sized boat.
The Buick Envision puts less emphasis on athleticism and more on around-town comfort. Choose between two four-cylinder engine options, the base 197-horsepower 2.5-liter engine and the 252-horsepower turbocharged 2.0-liter engine. The latter certainly offers a sportier performance, but nothing compared to what you get with the Traverse. The Envision isn’t as capable either, with max tow ratings of just 1,500 pounds.
Thriftiest Performance 2020 Buick Envision
Who among us couldn’t use a little extra fuel economy? The Envision delivers on this front. With front-wheel drive, this crossover is EPA-rated for 25 mpg combined (22 city/29 highway mpg). All-wheel drive reduces ratings a bit – to 24 mpg combined (21/27 mpg). If you decide you want the Envision’s sporty engine upgrade, you’ll earn 22 mpg combined (20/25 mpg).
Although the Traverse isn’t as thrifty, it does a good job of combining its hearty V6 power with fuel economy. With front-wheel drive, this Chevy crossover earns 21 mpg combined (18/27 mpg). The extra weight of the all-wheel-drive system reduces ratings slightly, to 20 mpg combined (17/25 mpg).
In the end, the Traverse’s low starting price, rich cabin appointments, and sporty performance make it number one in our books. Whether you’re looking for a roomy family hauler or a sporty adventurer, the 2020 Chevrolet Traverse is your midsize crossover.