LAYOUT, CHEVROLET TRAVERSE
67.3”70.^7
”78.6”67.0” 120.9”
204.3”2020 Chevrolet Traverse
HEADROOM, F/M/R 41.3/40.0/38.2 in
LEGROOM, F/M/R 41.0/38.4/33.5 in
SHOULDER ROOM, F/M/R 62.1/62.2/57.5 in
CARGO VOLUME BEHIND
F/M/R98.2/57.8/23.0 cu ftCURB WEIGHT; DIST, F/R 4,346 lb; 58/42%
GROUND CLEARANCE 7.5 in
APPROACH/DEPART ANGLE 13.3/21.3 deg
TURNING CIRCLE 39.0 ft
TOWING CAPACITY 5,000 lb36 MOTORTREND.COM MAY 2020THE BIG TEST I 3-Row SUVs
were let down by the Highlander’s old
technology and very tight third row (only
27.7 inches of legroom, the smallest of the
group). The infotainment system is slow
and doesn’t look as new as the others—
even the Pilot’s feels newer. Some of the
buttons require a real reach, getting into
the third row is a struggle, and once you’re
back there, there are no USB ports. But we
praised the Highlander’s deep and efficient
trays for driver and passenger—an ideal
place to put your phone, wallet, or keys.
We were most disappointed by the
interior of the Explorer, which was rifewith poor material choices, creaky joinery,
and even exposed wires. “There’s an abuse
of scratchy plastics on the doors and dash,”
associate online editor Nick Yekikian
said. “The leatherette feels like rubber.
It’s almost mushy. The center console
lid closes with a really unsatisfying clap.”
Despite the materials, the Explorer’s third
row is comfortable and spacious; even
adults have enough legroom and head-
room for short city drives.
The Hyundai Palisade differentiates
itself from the Telluride with a push-
button gear selector and an intriguing
layout for the center console. There’s a lot
of attention to detail, from the headliner
that feels like the fanciest Egyptian cotton
to the quilted leather on the door panels.
Although the Telluride and Palisade are
similar, we’d rather spend our time in the
Telluride. “The Palisade is logical, but I
wouldn’t necessarily call it attractive or
premium,” road test editor Chris Walton
said. “It’s just different to be different.”
The Subaru Ascent distinguishes itself
from the group with its elegant mix of inte-
rior colors. The three-tone palette and fauxwood on the door panels creates a relaxing
atmosphere. “The material choice, quality,
and color mix are all top-notch,” Seabaugh
said. The infotainment screen is easy to
use, and the excellent Harman Kardon
stereo comes with the only CD player in
the group. The Ascent offers good visi-
bility, and it’s comfortable. But we prefer
the Highlander’s dashboard trays, which
aren’t as narrow or short and hold more
stuff than the Ascent’s. The Ascent also
comes with smart interior details, like the
handles located on the shoulders of the
second-row captain’s chairs’ seat backs to
help you get in or out of the third row.The Traverse’s infotainment system features
modern graphics and a quick processor.