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2020 Chevrolet Traverse parked outside a house with a family excited to get into the SUV

Nobody Regrets Buying a Chevy Traverse Instead of a Toyota Sequoia

The decision between one three-row family SUV for eight people and another can be a difficult one. Especially in a segment with so many options. One way to narrow down your search is to use best lists and things like quality ratings as a guide. On this list of the best quality 2020 SUVs from …

The decision between one three-row family SUV for eight people and another can be a difficult one. Especially in a segment with so many options. One way to narrow down your search is to use best lists and things like quality ratings as a guide. On this list of the best quality 2020 SUVs from J.D. Power, the 2020 Chevrolet Traverse sits a spot higher than the 2020 Toyota Sequoia.

A burgundy 2020 Traverse in gravel.
2020 Chevrolet Traverse | Chevy

Because the quality award is based on consumer data, we think it’s pretty safe to say that the families that chose the Chevy Traverse instead of the Toyota Sequoia don’t regret it. But what is it that consumers love about each of these third-row SUVs? Sure, they both seat eight passengers, but how else do they compare?

The 2020 Chevrolet Traverse

Among the others in its class, the 2020 Chevrolet Traverse is one of the largest. It’s a three-row crossover SUV with room for up to eight people. There are plenty of different trim levels to choose from. Six, in fact. However, if you want engine options look elsewhere.

2020 Chevrolet Traverse interior
2020 Chevrolet Traverse interior | Chevrolet

All of the 2020 Chevrolet Traverse trim levels are powered by a 310 horsepower 3.6-liter V6 engine. For 2020, Chevy added an available high definition camera. There’s also a new upgrade for the infotainment. In addition, there’s now an available guidance and camera system to assist with your trailer hitch. Because the Traverse tows up to 5,000 pounds, owners may really like this option.

2020 Chevy Traverse driving on city street at night
2020 Chevy Traverse | Chevy

J.D. Power consumer data ranks the 2020 Chevrolet Traverse No. 2 in its class. If you are looking for a family hauler for eight people, the Traverse is a great choice for city driving with a 20 mpg average, according to the EPA. Unless a family needs something much more brawny, it makes sense why they would choose a Chevy Traverse instead of the Toyota Sequoia. Going by the data on J.D. Power, consumers didn’t regret their decision. The 2020 Chevrolet Traverse outranked the Toyota Sequoia in terms of quality.

The 2020 Toyota Sequoia

For a family that needs a more robust full-size hauler, the 2020 Toyota Sequoia will be at the top of the list. This one also seats eight, although J.D. Power consumers rank the Sequoia No. 9 in its class. The 381 horsepower V8 engine comes standard across all trim levels.

2020 Toyota Sequoia driving through a misty forest with headlights on
2020 Toyota Sequoia | Toyota

Among these trim levels is the TRD Pro version. This is a designated off-road trim. With that V8, the 2020 Sequoia can toe up to 7,400 pounds. If you need more tow power and an off-road trim, you’ll likely favor the Sequoia over the Traverse.

However, this three-row family SUV comes with a higher price tag. In addition, the EPA estimates only 15 mpg on average. Why carry the same amount of people for a higher price and poorer gas mileage? It looks like this question moved many consumers away from the 2020 Toyota Sequoia.

2020 Toyota Sequoia interior overhead cutaway
2020 Toyota Sequoia leather interior overhead cutaway | Toyota

Choosing a family SUV

Both of these are good three-row family SUV options with high reliability scores and great overall performance. However, for most families, the Traverse makes more sense. In addition, the 2020 Chevrolet Traverse ranked higher than the 2020 Toyota Sequoia in terms of quality––according to J.D. Power.

While both are compelling choices, we think it’s safe to say nobody regrets choosing a Chevy Traverse instead of a Toyota Sequoia. Unless you need to haul a few thousand extra pounds or the TRD Pro trim is calling to you, we recommend test driving a Traverse before committing your dollar to the Sequoia.

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