The 2020 Chevy Traverse has made a significant impression on Consumer Reports automotive critics. In contrast, its classmate, the 2020 Nissan Pathfinder missed out on much of the praise the SUV has enjoyed in the past. Due to affordability and their three-row layout, both are good candidates as reliable family transportation, but which one is actually the best choice? Most auto critics like KBB are nodding in the direction of the Chevrolet Traverse.

What does the 2020 Chevy Traverse have to offer families?

The 2020 Chevy Traverse meets the demands of families who need seating space (eight passengers), cargo space, or both, standing out among its classmates with the greatest amount of overall cargo space (98.2 cu. ft.). Along with space, families can expect plenty of power from the Traverse, which features a 3.6-liter V6 rated at 310 hp and 266 lb-ft of torque as well as a 5,000-pound towing capacity coupled with a nine-speed automatic transmission. The Traverse behaves well for its size and does not have a bulky, sluggish feel.

Buyers can expect to take a Traverse home for right around $31,000, which is the lowest sticker price among midsize SUVs. Though the Traverse offers great styling inside and out, buyers might find many of these finishing touches lacking on lower trim levels and Chevrolet has struggled with reliability issues in recent years.

What family features are on the 2020 Nissan Pathfinder?

The 2020 Nissan Pathfinder enjoys rugged styling and substantial towing power at 6,000 lbs. A V6 engine (284 hp/259 lb-ft torque) coupled with a CVT, provides plenty of power while maintaining an impressive 23 mpg average fuel economy. The Pathfinder includes a full-lock setting in its all-wheel-drive configuration. The 2020 Nissan Pathfinder has enough space to seat seven passengers in three rows and 16.2 cubic feet behind all rows expanding to 79.8 cu. ft. of average cargo space.

Purchasing a new base model Pathfinder will set you back just under $35,000, which is near the class average. In spite of these positive features, the 2020 Pathfinder includes out-of-date styling, limited interior styling options, and a severe lack of technology features.

Why the 2020 Traverse is the better option for families

One way to measure the value of a thing is to examine its competition. While the 2020 Nissan Pathfinder is in the same class as the 2020 Chevy Traverse, it is not often compared to class leaders such as the Ford Explorer like the Traverse. In fact, compared with the class leaders, Traverse not only provides a greater amount of cargo space, but it also provides more comfortable third-row seating.

Though the Pathfinder provides 1,000 lbs more towing capacity and a slightly higher estimated average fuel economy, those are the only areas where it manages to beat the Traverse. It falls behind in horsepower and has a less reliable transmission.

The Traverse exceeds the Pathfinder when it comes to handling as well as off-road capabilities. The Pathfinder falls behind when it comes to both interior and exterior styling options while trailing far behind in relation to safety and technology features. To add insult to injury, the 2020 Chevy Traverse costs $4,000 less.

The 2020 Chevy Traverse tops the 2020 Nissan Pathfinder as the better family SUV

Families often require a greater amount of seating and passenger space – two areas where the 2020 Chevy Traverse outclasses the 2020 Nissan Pathfinder. While lagging slightly behind in a couple of areas, the Traverse provides more family-friendly technology and interior styling features as well as additional safety features not found in the base model Pathfinder. For these reasons as well as the sticker price, the Traverse tops the Pathfinder as the better family SUV.