Powered by a 3.6L V6 engine producing 310 horsepower and 266 lb-ft of torque, the 2020 Traverse delivers a strong balance of performance, passenger comfort, and towing capability, making it one of the most versatile midsize SUVs in its class.
2020 Chevy Traverse Towing Capacity
The 2020 Chevy Traverse towing capacity is up to 5,000 pounds when properly equipped with the available Trailering Package. Without the factory towing package, the Traverse is limited to 1,500 pounds, making it suitable only for light trailers and cargo carriers.
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Model Year | 2020 |
| Engine | 3.6L V6 |
| Horsepower | 310 hp |
| Torque | 266 lb-ft |
| Transmission | 9-Speed Automatic |
| Drivetrain | FWD or AWD |
| Maximum Towing Capacity (with Trailering Package) | 5,000 lbs |
| Towing Capacity (without Trailering Package) | 1,500 lbs |
| Maximum Tongue Weight | 500 lbs |
| Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) | Approximately 6,160 lbs |
| Gross Combined Weight Rating (GCWR) | Up to 10,250 lbs (properly equipped) |
Related 2024 Chevy Traverse Towing Capacity(for All Trims)
Engine Performance
Every 2020 Chevrolet Traverse comes equipped with Chevrolet’s reliable 3.6-liter naturally aspirated V6 engine. This engine is paired with a smooth-shifting 9-speed automatic transmission, providing responsive acceleration and efficient highway cruising.
Performance specifications include:
- Engine: 3.6L DOHC V6
- Horsepower: 310 hp
- Torque: 266 lb-ft
- Transmission: 9-Speed Automatic
- Fuel Type: Regular Unleaded
- Fuel Tank Capacity: 21.7 gallons
The V6 offers enough power to confidently tow boats, campers, utility trailers, and recreational equipment while maintaining comfortable highway performance.
Trailering Package Features
To achieve the full 5,000-pound towing capacity, the Traverse must be equipped with the available factory Trailering Package.
The package generally includes:
- Heavy-duty engine cooling system
- Hitch receiver
- 7-pin wiring harness
- Hitch guidance technology
- Enhanced cooling components
- Trailer pre-wiring
Without these components, Chevrolet limits towing capacity to 1,500 pounds for safety and vehicle durability.
Related Chevy Traverse Towing Capacity[Models 2009 – 2026]
Trim Levels and Towing Capacity
| Trim | Maximum Towing Capacity |
|---|---|
| L | 5,000 lbs (with Trailering Package) |
| LS | 5,000 lbs (with Trailering Package) |
| LT Cloth | 5,000 lbs (with Trailering Package) |
| LT Leather | 5,000 lbs (with Trailering Package) |
| RS | 5,000 lbs (with Trailering Package) |
| Premier | 5,000 lbs (with Trailering Package) |
| High Country | 5,000 lbs (with Trailering Package) |
What Can a 2020 Chevy Traverse Tow?
With its maximum towing capacity of 5,000 pounds, the Traverse can handle a wide variety of recreational and work trailers.
Small Travel Trailer
Many lightweight travel trailers weigh between 3,000 and 4,800 pounds, making them an excellent match for the Traverse.
Examples include:
- Forest River R-Pod
- Coachmen Clipper Express
- Jayco Jay Flight SLX
- Winnebago Micro Minnie (lighter models)
Pop-Up Camper
Pop-up campers usually weigh between 1,500 and 3,500 pounds, allowing plenty of remaining payload capacity.
Fishing Boat
Most aluminum fishing boats with trailers weigh between 2,000 and 4,000 pounds, making them an easy tow.
Related Chevy Towing Calculator By Vin
Jet Skis
A pair of personal watercraft on a tandem trailer generally weighs less than 2,000 pounds.
Utility Trailer
Utility trailers carrying:
- Lawn equipment
- ATVs
- Furniture
- Building materials
Typically remain well below the Traverse’s towing limit.
Small Horse Trailer
A single-horse trailer or lightweight livestock trailer may fall within the 5,000-pound limit, provided total loaded weight stays below the rating.
Cargo Weight Matters
The published towing capacity assumes the vehicle is properly equipped and not overloaded.
Remember to account for:
- Passenger weight
- Cargo inside the SUV
- Trailer cargo
- Accessories
- Hitch equipment
Adding heavy passengers and luggage reduces the available towing capacity.
Related 2020 Chevy Colorado Towing Capacity[All Engines]
Payload Capacity
The 2020 Traverse offers a payload capacity of approximately 1,650 to 1,800 pounds, depending on trim level and drivetrain.
Payload includes:
- Driver
- Passengers
- Cargo
- Hitch weight
- Accessories
Always ensure the combined payload remains within Chevrolet’s specified limits.
Tongue Weight Recommendations
A properly balanced trailer should place approximately 10% to 15% of its total weight on the hitch.
For a fully loaded 5,000-pound trailer:
- 10% = 500 pounds
- 15% = 750 pounds
However, the Traverse hitch is generally rated for a maximum tongue weight of 500 pounds, so loading should be adjusted accordingly.
Related Towing Capacity of Chevy Trailblazer(for All Models)
Towing with Front-Wheel Drive vs AWD
The Traverse is available with either Front-Wheel Drive (FWD) or All-Wheel Drive (AWD).
Front-Wheel Drive
Advantages include:
- Better fuel economy
- Lower maintenance costs
- Excellent highway performance
All-Wheel Drive
Benefits include:
- Improved traction
- Better stability on wet roads
- Easier launching at boat ramps
- Better handling on gravel roads
- More confidence while towing in poor weather
Both drivetrains maintain the same maximum 5,000-pound towing capacity when equipped with the Trailering Package.
Fuel Economy While Towing
EPA fuel economy (without towing):
Drive train City Highway
FWD 18 MPG 27 MPG
AWD 17 MPG 25 MPG
When towing, fuel economy commonly drops to:
- 12–17 MPG depending on:
- Trailer weight
- Terrain
- Speed
- Weather
- Cargo load
Trailer Brake Requirements
Most states recommend or require trailer brakes once trailer weight exceeds 3,000 pounds.
If towing near the Traverse’s maximum capacity:
- Electric trailer brakes are highly recommended.
- A trailer brake controller improves stopping performance.
- Ensure trailer lights are functioning properly before every trip.
Towing Safety Tips
Follow these best practices for safe towing:
- Stay below the maximum towing capacity.
- Verify proper tire pressure on both the SUV and trailer.
- Distribute trailer cargo evenly.
- Keep approximately 60% of trailer weight ahead of the axle.
- Use extended mirrors if needed.
- Inspect the hitch before every trip.
- Secure all cargo.
- Leave extra stopping distance.
- Drive at moderate speeds.
- Avoid sudden steering inputs.
Advantages of the 2020 Chevy Traverse for Towing
Several features make the Traverse a capable family tow vehicle:
- Powerful 3.6L V6 engine
- Smooth 9-speed automatic transmission
- Available intelligent AWD
- Stable wheelbase
- Spacious three-row seating
- Comfortable ride quality
- Available Hitch Guidance camera
- Trailer sway control
- StabiliTrak electronic stability control
- Hill Start Assist
These features help improve driver confidence while towing on highways and uneven terrain.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can a 2020 Chevy Traverse tow 5,000 pounds?
Yes. A properly equipped 2020 Traverse with the factory Trailering Package can tow up to 5,000 pounds.
Can a Traverse tow a camper?
Yes. Many lightweight campers, pop-up campers, and small travel trailers fall within the Traverse’s towing capacity.
Does every 2020 Traverse come with a hitch?
No. Many models leave the factory without a hitch or Trailering Package. Verify equipment before towing.
Can the Traverse tow a boat?
Yes. It can comfortably tow fishing boats, ski boats, pontoon boats (smaller models), and personal watercraft as long as the total trailer weight stays within the manufacturer’s rating.
Does AWD increase towing capacity?
No. AWD improves traction and towing confidence but does not increase the maximum towing capacity beyond 5,000 pounds when properly equipped.
Final words
The 2020 Chevy Traverse towing capacity reaches 5,000 pounds when equipped with Chevrolet’s factory Trailering Package, making it a capable midsize SUV for towing campers, boats, utility trailers, and recreational equipment. Powered by a dependable 310-horsepower 3.6L V6 engine and a refined 9-speed automatic transmission, the Traverse offers an excellent combination of performance, passenger comfort, and towing capability. Before towing, always verify that your vehicle has the required Trailering Package, stay within the manufacturer’s weight ratings, and follow proper loading and trailer safety practices for the safest towing experience.
