With so many Chevy SUVs to choose from, picking the right one might seem like a daunting task. However, we can assure you that it is easier than you might think. There are currently seven Chevy SUVs in the lineup, and each one is unique in its own way. Every model is designed to suit a certain lifestyle, and we are here to sort it all out for you. So, before you head over to your local Chevy dealer, take a look at some of the highlights for each model here.
Trailblazer
As a sporty, compact crossover with seating for five, the Chevy Trailblazer is a great pick for singles, couples, and small families. It has a maximum cargo space measured at 54 cubic feet, and you can choose between two powertrains and five trim levels. The first standard powertrain is centered around a turbocharged 1.2-liter 4-cylinder engine. Paired with a continuously variable transmission and front-wheel drive, it pushes out 137 hp and 162 lb-ft of torque. With a fuel economy rated at 29 MPG combined, you get some pretty good gas mileage.
The other option is a 1.3-liter 4-cylinder paired with all-wheel drive and a 9-speed automatic transmission. If you intend to go off-roading often, this is the setup you want. The Trailblazer is also great for teenage drivers. Using Teen Driver technology, you can monitor their progress and driving habits via the report card. It also enables you to set speed limits and stereo volume limits. We recommend the L base model due to its entry-level price point and smartphone integration features.
Trax
If you are looking for something even smaller than the Trailblazer yet still robust, the subcompact Chevy Trax is a great pick. With seating for five passengers and a maximum cargo area of 48.4 cubic feet, it’s a solid SUV for people who enjoy adventures. Powered by a 1.4-liter 4-cylinder engine, this petite ride produces 138 hp and 148 lb-ft of torque. Equipped with a 6-speed automatic transmission and your choice of front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive, it has plenty of pep around town. That engine also gives you a high fuel economy set at 28 MPG combined.
Available in three well-rounded trims, we recommend the top-of-the-line Premier trim. Although every new Trax comes with Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a 4G LTE WiFi hotspot, the Premier adds some advanced safety features that we prefer. These include lane-departure warning, forward collision warning, and an auto-dimming rearview mirror. If your driving mainly consists of urban commuting with the occasional road trip, this is the perfect ride for you.
Equinox
If you prefer to stay in the compact crossover category, but you want a bit more cargo room, the Chevy Equinox is a good choice. It can carry five people, and it has a maximum cargo space of 63.9 cubic feet. Under the hood, you will find a turbocharged 1.5-liter 4-cylinder engine. With front-wheel drive and a 6-speed automatic transmission, this powertrain puts out 170 hp and 203 lb-ft of torque. It also gets about 28 MPG combined, saving you money at the pump.
There are four available trim levels for the Equinox. We recommend the LS trim for parents who are teaching their kids to drive. It comes with the aforementioned Teen Driver system and some nice creature comforts. However, the Premier trim is tempting as well with its heated leather seats, a hands-free power liftgate, and advanced safety features.
Blazer
Adventurous, small families will love the Chevy Blazer since it has seating for five people and a maximum cargo area of 64.2 cubic feet. With three powertrains to choose from, the Blazer offers a good range of performance to meet your needs. The L and 1LT trims come with the 2.5-liter 4-cylinder engine paired with a 9-speed automatic transmission and front-wheel drive. Pushing out 193 hp and 188 lb-ft of torque, this powertrain gets 23 MPG combined. Next, the 2LT and 3LT trims use a turbocharged 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine that generates 227 hp and 258 lb-ft of torque while also getting an improved fuel economy of 25 MPG combined.
However, if you want the best performance out of the Blazer, then opt for the available 3.6-liter V6. This engine is standard on the RS and Premier trims, but it is also available as an option on the 2LT and 3LT trims. Either way, it will give you 308 hp, 270 lb-ft of torque, and the ability to tow up to 4,500 lbs. However, the RS and Premier trims will also provide you with a more advanced twin-clutch all-wheel drive system for an edge in slippery conditions.
Traverse
If you are searching for a midsize SUV with three rows of seats, then the Chevy Traverse may be your best bet. Offering a maximum cargo area of 98.2 cubic feet, this spacious model is perfect for families that don’t travel light. Every 2020 Traverse is powered by a 3.6-liter V6 engine coupled with a 9-speed automatic transmission. Generating 310 hp and 266 lb-ft of torque, you can tow up to 5,000 lbs with this SUV. The fuel economy is rated at 21 MPG combined, which is pretty good for a V6 powertrain.
With seven trim levels to choose from, they are all well-equipped with connectivity and infotainment features. If you want navigation and advanced safety features, we recommend the RS. It comes with a voice-activated navigation system with real-time traffic updates. It also features automatic emergency braking, forward collision alert, and lane-departure warning. The Premier and High Country models add more luxurious features like a wireless charging pad, heated second-row seats, and SkyScape.
Tahoe
Large families should consider the Chevy Tahoe. With seating for up to eight people, it has a maximum cargo area of 122.9 cubic feet. The standard powertrain is a 5.3-liter V8 engine that makes 355 hp and 383 lb-ft of torque. However, there are two more powertrain choices that you can pick from. The High country trim uses a 6.2-liter V8 to generate 420 hp and 460 lb-ft of torque, and the optional 3.0-liter diesel I-6 motor pumps out 277 hp and 460 lb-ft of torque.
Offered in six trim levels, we recommend the Z71 for families who love exploring the wild. Featuring larger wheels, all-terrain tires, four-wheel drive, skid plates, and more, this beast will not disappoint. However, if you are leaning more towards the side of luxury, the High Country is the way to go with its well-appointed interior and advanced safety systems.
Suburban
The largest model amongst the Chevy SUVs is the Suburban. This beast can carry eight or nine people and has a maximum cargo area measured at 144.7 cubic feet. With three powertrains to choose from, it can be hard to decide which is best for your driving needs. Every trim comes with pedestrian detection and emergency braking, so you can’t go wrong with any of them.
The standard is a 5.3-liter V8 coupled with rear-wheel drive and a 10-speed automatic transmission. Pumping out 355 hp and 383 lb-ft of torque, it can haul up to 8,200 lbs and gets about 18 MPG combined. Next, the turbo-diesel 3.0-liter I-6 makes 277 hp and 460 lb-ft of torque. It’s the same motor that is available in the Tahoe, and it gets 23 MPG combined. Finally, the 6.2-liter V8 option produces 420 hp and 460 lb-ft of torque for maximum performance.
Find Chevy SUVs Near You
Are you looking for your next family vehicle? Head over to your local Chevrolet dealership to check out all of the aforementioned Chevy SUVs in person. You can even take a few out for a spin to see which one you like best!
