Chevy’s SUV Lineup Covers The Bases
Over time, the idea of a sports utility vehicle has evolved significantly to answer the demands of a wide range of lifestyles. Originally emulating the rugged versatility and utility of military vehicles, the first SUV’s set their sights primarily on balancing off-road capability with real-word functionality. It’s of no real surprise that their ability to assure safety and dependability (despite the terrain) prompted SUV’s to evolve into the perfect family vehicle.
Over the last few decades, it’s been interesting to witness this evolution. While the first ‘Family SUV’s’ maintained a focus on versatility, they would eventually need to address both the needs and demands of families (especially larger ones). This means refocusing on accessible pricing, fuel economy, comfort and the growing demands on technology. Such concerns would prompt the expansion of SUV offerings to include the ever-growing number of Crossover offerings, reiterating the segment’s original intention of ‘balance.’
This is important to keep in mind when exploring today’s over-saturated Crossover / SUV market. What offerings do the best the job of balancing the various demands of our lives? Which makes and models serve up the perfect blend of economy, safety, versatility, and technology? In this regard, it’s difficult to argue that the lineup of Chevy SUVs stands confidently among the best offerings available. Let’s explore the lineup further.
Chevy Trax
(starting at $21,000 MSRP)
Kicking off the selection of crossovers comes the Trax, which is best described as a raised variation of the subcompact hatchback styling of the Chevy Sonic. Height matters and the Trax stands taller than most of its competitors, quite literally. This equates to an upright seating position that improves driver visibility and allows for plenty of headroom for taller passengers.
Perfect for those who value fuel economy and a smaller footprint (over an overzealous powertrain) the Trax offers a modest 138 hp and 148 lb-ft of torque, but a competitive 30 mpg. With confident handling and braking, the Trax serves as a perfect starting point, serving as a testament to Chevy’s commitment to offering award-winning dependability.
Chevy Equinox
(starting at $23,580 MSRP)
The Equinox steps into the lineup as an indication of how successful Chevy is at evolving each offering from one another, introducing unique strengths and attributes that appeal to a wider customer base.
Quiet. Practical. Accessibly-priced. And yet, the Equinox serves up three turbocharged four-cylinder powertrains (including a diesel variant) that make it appealing to those who value performance options. This, combined with more dynamic handling, result in a nimble vehicle that emulates many characteristics you’d expect for a more high-end machine. Considering that the turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder matches the 252 hp of the Audi Q5, this speaks volumes.
With a newer platform responsible for a 400 LB weight production, the Equinox serves up a legitimate athletic feel, putting the ‘sport’ in sport utility.
Chevy Traverse
(starting at $29,930 MSRP)
If the Equinox gains a sporty feel, the Traverse represents the lineup’s shift towards a classic, oversized SUV feel. In fact, it’s worth noting that the Traverse stands as having the most significant overall footprint within the crossover segment.
Designed with people-moving in mind, the three-row Equinox equates to a more masculine take on classic minivan functionality. This means plenty of space for passengers and cargo alike while retaining a powerful-looking aesthetic. The option of substituting bench-style seating for the second-row captain’s chairs increases the Equinox from a seven to eight-passenger capacity and its 98.2 cubic feet cargo space gains ‘Best in Class’ ratings.
The Traverse is served up in seven trim levels, with the option of either front or all-wheel drive, and with either a turbocharged 2.0-liter 4-cylinder or a more confident 3.6-liter V6. Regardless of the configuration you choose, the Traverse serves as a perfect tent-pole for Chevy’s SUV lineup.
Chevy Tahoe
(starting at $47,500 MSRP)
Named by J.D. Power & Associates as the ‘Most Dependable Large SUV’ the Tahoe might be the ultimate realization of what a Chevy SUV can be, before stepping into luxury territory. Fittingly described as a ‘superb blend of advanced technology, bold styling and powerful performance’ the Tahoe still remains an ever-evolving, enduring favorite nearly three decades after its introduction.
With the availability of two V8 powertrains (a 5.3 and 6.2-liter, respectively) there is no shortage of power and, despite its truck-inspired design, the Tahoe offers a remarkably quiet cabin experience. This combined with Chevy’s wide array of available technology makes it remarkably appealing. And with a special edition capable of generating 420 horsepower, there is plenty to explore in terms of the Tahoe.
Chevy Suburban
(starting at $50,200 MSRP)
Last, but certainly not least, is the iconic Chevy Suburban. Rolling the versatility you’d expect of an SUV into the utilitarian nature of a truck, and wrapping it up with the type of styling and amenity you’d expect of a luxury vehicle, the Suburban has something for everyone.
This equates to seating for up to nine passengers and countless cargo and small item storage space. Ideal for large families (or any group requiring a powerful people-mover) the Suburban is more than just the top of Chevy’s lineup; it’s the elder statesman of sports utility, having first been introduced back in 1935.
And with a powerful 5.3-liter V8, the 355 hp Suburban has muscle to spare. Combined with the luxury of its overall cabin experience, it’s hard to argue the Suburban’s enduring longevity.
Which Chevy SUV is Right for You?
From the accessibility of the Trax to the near-opulence of the Suburban, the lineup represents a thoughtful attempt to offer a cohesive, well-designed and nicely-tiered lineup that offers something for almost every driver, budget, and lifestyle.
If you’re interested in exploring Chevy SUV’s further, we hope that you’ll visit McCluskey Chevrolet, so that we can help you to find the perfect fit the demands of yours
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