A major deciding factor for choosing one SUV over another includes its capacity to accommodate passengers, which draws potential buyers toward three-row models. In addition to adequate passenger space, many shoppers also want plenty of cargo space. When it comes to exceptional cargo space, Chevy is one automaker to turn to. The 2020 Chevrolet Traverse is a midsize SUV that allows for both without breaking your budget.

The 2020 Chevrolet Traverse gives more cargo space for less money

The 2020 Chevy Traverse came at No. 7 on the CarFax 15 SUVs with the Most Cargo Space in 2020 list. Being in the top half is impressive, but even more so when you consider that all six of the SUVs ranked above the Traverse are full-size SUVs. In comparison to these full-size SUVs, the 2020 Traverse only gives up 20 cubic feet of cargo space while leading the way among midsize models.

What is the advantage of the midsize Traverse with its expanded cargo space over a full-size SUV? Your initial investment for a full-size SUV is between $55,000 and $90,000, and the five-year cost to own one of these beasts is above $65,000.

In contrast, the sticker price on the 2020 Traverse starts at just under $30,000 and its estimated five-year cost to own is around $48,000. These numbers translate into savings of more than $40,000 over the lowest priced full-size SUV, making the three-row, 2020 Chevrolet Traverse a cheap way to get a lot of cargo space without completely sacrificing passenger space.

Buyer beware when it comes to focusing on cargo space

Paying less to get more cargo space sounds like a great idea, but you have to be careful when considering SUV cargo space because these figures are not always real-world accurate. The cargo space figure specified by many automakers includes space with the rear seats folded forward. Technically, this is potential cargo space, but it comes at the expense of passenger space.

The specified 98.2 cu. ft. of cargo space on the 2020 Chevrolet Traverse includes dropping both the second and third rows. Its true cargo space with two rows of seats in use is 57.8 cu. ft., while with all three rows in use it comes in at 23 cu. ft. of standard cargo space.

By comparison, the 2020 Chevrolet Suburban has an overall cargo space of 121.7 cu. ft., 76.7 cu. ft., and 39.3 cu. ft., respectively, while the 2020 Tahoe (classified as a full-size SUV) includes 94.7 cu. ft., 51.7 cu. ft., and a mere 15.3 cu. ft. with all passengers riding comfortably.

Due to the different ways of calculating and specifying cargo space, the 2020 Chevy Traverse still provides the most maximum cargo space of the SUVs in its class, but the 2020 Buick Enclave also provides equal standard cargo space of 23 cu. ft.

When you compare the two based on initial investment and cost to own, the 2020 Enclave is around $38,000 ($8,000 higher) and its five-year cost to own is close to $55,000 ($17,000 higher), making the 2020 Traverse the cheaper option.

The cheap cargo space of the 2020 Chevy Traverse could be a good fit for your family

Adequate passenger space along with ample cargo space are among the most critical elements in choosing the SUV best suited for many families. The 2020 Chevy Traverse is a three-row, midsize SUV with cargo potential close to or in excess of many full-size SUVs.

If you are shopping for an SUV that combines these features while requiring a lower initial investment and a lower cost to own, you can look with confidence to the 2020 Chevrolet Traverse as a good fit for your family.