5 Crucial Things You Need to Consider Shopping for Chevy SUVs

Shopping for a Chevy SUV is a very commonplace consumer activity in today’s automotive market. Why? Because Chevy SUVs are extremely popular, especially affordable entry-level nameplates like the Equinox and Trax. But just going with the cheapest option doesn’t mean it’s the best option for you. In fact, if you plan on heading to a used Chevy dealer, there are some standards and expectations you should have when it comes to shopping for and buying an SUV. That’s why we put together this list to help make the shopping experience easier. This way, you have an idea of what you need to know about shopping for Chevy SUVs before you actually begin the shopping process.

5: Know Your Driver and Passenger(s)

Who are you getting this SUV for? That’s one of the biggest questions you have to ask yourself before you commit to a purchase. In fact, knowing who the vehicle is for will help answer a lot of other questions in terms of features, drivability, affordability, and comfort. If you’re buying the vehicle for yourself, then think about exactly what you want from an SUV and what sort of features you find most enticing from a Chevy crossover or SUV. If you are buying this vehicle for your new driver, what are they going to want to prioritize?

Another thing to consider is the potential passengers. Are you planning on commuting with other people to work? You might consider that you would need a Chevy SUV with enough backseat room for everyone, especially people who might be tall. A midsize or full-size SUV would probably be the better option. Alternatively, if you’re buying an SUV for your family or maybe you occasionally pick up and drop off kids on the way to school, you could technically settle for something like a small or midsize SUV.

Knowing and understanding who you’re buying the SUV for makes a huge difference when it comes to a lot of factors. This also will determine what your costs might be and what your budget should be. If you’re willing to spend a little more for something larger, you can consider moving up the nameplate chain to something like the Traverse or Tahoe. If you don’t have the budget for something larger, then you can stick with something like the Trax or Trailblazer.

4: Consider Passenger/Cargo Volume

Size is another important thing to consider before shopping for an SUV. Not every SUV is the same size. There are subcompact SUVs like the Trax; compact SUVs like the Trailblazer; small SUVs like the Equinox; mid-size SUVs like the Blazer and Traverse; and full-size SUVs like the Tahoe and Suburban. Each of these vehicle sizes has different passenger volume and cargo volume, so you should consider that when shopping for a used Chevy.

If you need something small and compact, you can go with a Trax or Trailblazer and get perky performance out of either one with just enough room for you and a couple of passengers. If you have to lug around a lot of stuff and need the extra room, something like the Trailblazer would be good. If you have passengers that need leg space, shoulder space, etc., then something larger like the Equinox might be the better option for you. It’s both affordable and roomy.

If you don’t mind the price hike that comes with full-size SUVs, then they’re definitely worth considering if you want the maximum amount of passenger and cargo volume available for an SUV. Also, full-size SUVs typically have higher tow ratings than smaller vehicles, so that’s another important factor to consider if you want to tow a boat, a camper, or another vehicle for any reason at all. However, with larger vehicles, that also means more fuel consumption, so if fuel economy is important to you, then a compact or mid-size SUV might be the sweet spot you need to balance out economy versus features.

3: Never Discount Luxury

This may not seem like a really important feature to consider when buying from a used Chevy dealer, but it’s oftentimes something people only really think about after they buy a vehicle. Think about the number of times you’ve heard someone say, “Man, I wish I bought the trim with the leather seats,” or “I really like the look and feel of the wood and chrome trimming.” This can be a regret people have after buying a vehicle and then thinking about the value they missed out on.

Sure, luxury is completely optional and will only add to the costs, but sometimes the costs are worth it. For just about every nameplate that Chevy offers in its SUV line-up, you can find luxury trims available that include features like heated and ventilated seats, power driver and power passenger seats, leather components, and even a heated steering wheel. There are a lot of other options as well, such as remote entry, power windows and mirrors, along with interior lighting. If any of those features sound like an enriching driving experience, then that’s something you should consider when it comes time to buy a used Chevy trim that comes with some of that equipment.

Exterior luxury features shouldn’t be discounted either. Yes, they are extra features, but how your SUV looks says a lot about you and what you value in your ride, and some people really like to have a great-looking vehicle in their possession. If a certain kind of luxury look is what you desire, then a Suburban or Tahoe makes for an excellent choice, especially with the chrome exterior stylings. If your budget is limited, but you still want something that looks luxurious and eye-catching, the Trailblazer is the perfect Chevy SUV catch. It looks phenomenal and carries a modest price tag.

2: How Important Is Infotainment?

Infotainment is almost an essential element for many newer vehicles. If you’re looking into buying an SUV from a used Chevy dealer, then you’re probably going to want to look into buying something that features the latest Chevrolet Infotainment System. It’s not just about the entertainment factors but also being able to track vehicle health, navigation, and even access emergency services. If you value that kind of functionality, then you should definitely consider a model year Chevy SUV that has the Chevrolet Infotainment 3 System or newer installed.

Another thing to keep in mind is that different SUVs have different levels of infotainment features. The higher up the line you go, the more options you get. So consider if you want wireless Qi-based smartphone charging, you may have to go with a higher-end trim like the High Country or Premier. Almost every trim and nameplate will net you access to touchscreens and Apple CarPlay and Android Auto support, so that’s not something you usually need to worry about when selecting an SUV.

However, if you want extended infotainment features, like second-row touchscreen monitors, or additional USB ports across multiple rows, you may have to consider a full-size SUV like the Tahoe or the Suburban, which come equipped with those features. On the upside, most of the SUVs, even the used ones, will allow you to make use of voice-activated controls and access thanks to Bluetooth connectivity. That all fits into the fact that if you decide you want the latest infotainment features, Chevy SUVs are kind enough to accommodate the basics across the entire brand, from the most economical up to the most luxurious.

1: Keep Safety in Mind

One of the most – if not the most – important features to look for when purchasing an SUV from a used Chevy dealer is safety. It may not be on the mind of those who are looking for a spiffy-looking SUV to cruise around town in, but it’s still something everyone should consider before buying an SUV. If you’re a parent, then this is probably the topmost consideration for your next purchase.

Luckily, it’s not a feature you have to think much about. All Chevy vehicles come with an assortment of standard safety features, so even if you buy something economical or something luxurious, you have access to driving safety features like StabiliTrak for stability and traction control, as well as multi-passenger airbags, LED running lamps, and the OnStar Connected Services. Additionally, features like Teen Driver are basically standard across each of the nameplates, making it a great addition to any of Chevy’s SUVs where it’s available.

Other available safety suites include more advanced driver assists and aids, such as lane-changing alerts, blind zone alerts, and lane keeping assistance. If you want to feel safe with the extra aids or if you want someone who is driving the vehicle to feel safe, such as a loved one or a teen driver, then these extra safety features are well worth having in an SUV. Just keep in mind that when buying used to find the trim that contains all the features you want for a price that works with your budget.