William C. Durant saw an incredible opportunity in 1911 when he teamed up with Louis Chevrolet to establish the Chevrolet Motor Car Company. While Chevrolet envisioned building high-performance models, Durant knew the importance of making the Chevrolet lineup affordable. Although the two pioneers disagreed and Louis eventually left the company, Durant remained at the helm and set the Chevrolet Motor Car Company on a new trajectory of building affordable, high-performance models Americans could afford and count on mile after mile.
This same vision embodies the culture at every Chevy dealer near me throughout the country. It’s also integral to best-selling SUVs like the Equinox and Traverse that prove how Chevrolet continues to get it right by answering the needs of drivers and exceeding our expectations. The Equinox is one of Chevy’s top sellers, only second to the Silverado, and is renowned for its efficiency, agility, and versatility. The Traverse shares these features but sits on a larger platform, giving drivers an alternative to full-size models like the Tahoe and Suburban.
Chevrolet’s success at delivering these high-value SUVs is easy to see on the new lot, but how does this value-oriented packaging play out on the used lot when that new car smell is gone and buyers are looking for more bang for their buck? To give you an idea, the used car market moved more vehicles in the last few years because new models were hard to come by due to component shortages and labor issues. We know the underlying reason, which gives 2019 and 2020 models like the Equinox and Traverse a unique advantage on the used lot. How so?
It’s All About Perspective
The US Department of Transportation Federal Highway Administration reports that the average American traveled 14,263 miles in 2019. Pandemic-induced lockdowns throughout 2020 caused this number to fall to 12,724 miles. The FHWA reveals that Americans traveled 2.9 trillion miles in 2020, which, albeit impressive, is 12.4% fewer miles than the previous year.
While it’s easy to see this difference as restrictive, think of it in terms of value on the used car lot. It equates to lower-mileage SUVs like the 2019 and 2020 Equinox and Traverse. Now, add in Chevrolet’s incredible reputation for its high-value packaging, and you have the ingredients of an exceptional SUV that will keep more of your hard-earned money in your wallet where it belongs.
Meet the Equinox
Chevrolet gave new life to its lineup in 2005 when it introduced the Equinox to replace the S-10 Blazer and Tracker. The midsize crossover instantly garnered acclaim because of its on-road presence, particularly after Chevy equipped it with a 301-horsepower 3.6L V6 engine. However, Chevy had more changes in mind and debuted the third-generation Equinox in 2018 as a compact crossover, giving the Equinox’s former midsize classification to the reintroduced Blazer.
Why Shop for a 2019 Equinox?
The 2018 Equinox introduced Chevy’s first all-turbocharged multi-engine lineup, including the only turbo-diesel powertrain in the segment. The same engines power the 2019 Equinox family, starting with the standard 170-horsepower 1.5L engine and the available 252-horsepower 2.0L turbocharged engine that adds excitement to the compact crossover. Most notably, the 2019 Equinox is the last to offer the 1.6L turbo-diesel, which delivers 240 lb-ft of torque for exceptional off-the-line acceleration.
Beyond the powertrain lineup, the 2019 Equinox introduces several high-value features and technologies. For example, the SUV comes standard with a 7-inch or 8-inch color touchscreen display with an available navigation system comparable to newer models. In addition, top-tier trims like the Premier offer advanced safety and driver-assist features, like front pedestrian braking and adaptive cruise control.
Why Shop for a 2020 Equinox?
The 2020 Equinox shares many features with the 2019 model, but a few key differences make this model attractive. For example, 2020 is the last year you can find the Equinox with the 2.0L turbocharged four-cylinder, which means this is the last time you can experience 252 hp and 260 lb-ft of torque from behind the wheel of Chevy’s best-selling SUV. This power, paired with the introduction of the Equinox’s Midnight Edition package, is undeniably thrilling. The package outfits the Equinox LT with a Mosaic Black Metallic exterior, a Jet Black interior, 19-inch Gloss Black wheels, and black badging and accents.
Meet the Traverse
Introduced in 2008 to replace the TrailBlazer, the Traverse is a full-size crossover that takes everything drivers love about the two-row Equinox and expands it. The three-row Traverse is engaging and fun to drive, courtesy of its capable powertrain lineup and ever-growing suite of driver-assist features, comforts, and conveniences. The second-generation Traverse debuted in 2018 and introduced many of these updates, including a sportier exterior design to match the bold design of the Chevy fleet.
Why Shop for a 2019 Traverse?
The 2019 Traverse is a hidden gem on the used lot, especially if you can find models like the RS and High Country. The RS is the Traverse’s performance-oriented trim and comes standard with all-wheel drive and Chevy’s proven 310-horsepower 3.6L V6 engine. Alternatively, the High Country exudes luxury and comes equipped with all-wheel drive, an automatic locking rear differential, exclusive leather seating with suede microfiber accents, an automatic heated steering wheel, and power-folding third-row seats.
Why Shop for a 2020 Traverse?
If you’re looking for a tech-savvy Traverse, look no further than the 2020 model. Chevrolet introduced the industry’s first Buckle to Drive feature, which works with the Traverse’s Teen Driver technology to promote safe and healthy driving habits. In addition, Chevrolet made the HD rear vision camera standard across the Traverse lineup for 2020 and introduced the Chevrolet Infotainment 3 system. Finally, for those looking to use the Traverse to tow heavy loads, look for the Traverse with the trailering package that adds innovative features like Hitch Guidance with Hitch View to simplify hitching up to a trailer.
Choosing the Right Model
The Equinox and Traverse share many similarities as two integral SUVs in the Chevy lineup. They offer the reliability of the Chevy name, proven powertrains, and advanced technologies designed to optimize your safety and awareness on the road. However, they’re also vastly different in several critical ways.
The Equinox is a midsize crossover with two rows and seating for five, courtesy of its 107.3-inch wheelbase, 183.1-inch length, 72.6-inch width, and 65.4-inch height. Alternatively, the full-size Traverse is larger in every regard, measuring 204.3 inches long, 78.6 inches wide, and 70.7 inches tall. The result is dramatic, giving the Traverse its three-row layout and seating for eight with a total passenger volume of 157.3 cu.ft. and a best-in-class cargo volume of 98.2 cu.ft. In contrast, the Equinox isn’t designed to carry as much, offering 103.5 cu.ft. of space for passengers and 63.9 cu.ft. for groceries, luggage, and other small items.
Making the Investment: The Value of Perspective
While Louis Chevrolet and William Durant couldn’t agree on the direction of the company in the early 1900s, Chevrolet found its footing and sealed its fate as an automotive pioneer. Models like the Equinox and Traverse represent that legacy, but they also do something else. They show Chevy’s keen awareness of what drivers want and need in their SUVs.
Chevy delivers tenfold, and it’s easy to see in new models with the latest features, conveniences, and advanced technologies. However, it’s more impressive when looking for used models, especially in light of recent events and their impact on the automotive industry. Models like the 2019 and 2020 Equinox and Traverse offer exceptional value because Chevrolet remains steadfast in keeping its promise to deliver reliability, affordability, and versatility. Today, drivers reap the rewards without compromise.
