For loyalists, the appeal of crossovers and SUVs come from a blend of utilitarian functionality and versatility. The former allows for simpler transportation of passengers, cargo or gear. The latter empowers drivers from all walks of life to travel more freely, with lesser regard to geography, terrain or seasonality. Combined, they equip the driver for whatever might be thrown at them.
Consider the northeast, for example. With no two years delivering identical weather trends, it’s easy to understand why so many people within that region opt to drive SUV’s. From back-road foliage drives to snow-covered commutes, these drivers know that they’re covered, regardless of the conditions.
But with the SUV market over-inundated with options, the difficulty lies in choosing which make and model best suits you. For our money, the most diversity within any automaker’s offerings goes to Chevy hands down. Not only is the lineup tiered very effectively to accommodate different budgets and overall needs, but each offering has its own distinct character. When looking at Chevy SUV’s, drivers will find something perfect, just as drivers from Portland or Providence will. There truly is something for everyone, and for every budget.
Chevy Trax
Priced to start around $21,000 MSRP the Chevy Trax kicks things off. With only a few model years under its belt, the Trax has been a work-in-progress, with each model year introducing refinements that improved its overall appeal. As recently as last year, the Trax underwent cosmetic overhaul and turned more than a few heads as a result.
Offering three trim levels to choose from, all are equipped with the same 1.4-liter four-cylinder engine mated to a six-speed automatic transmission. Front-wheel drive is standard, but All-Wheel adds the versatility.
As an entry-level offering, its worth using the Trax to point out Chevy’s dedication to the inclusion of available technology. Even the base LX trim comes Bluetooth enabled, compatible with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, with a touchscreen interface and the option of a 4G LTE WiFi hotspot. Not many competitors can say the same.
Chevy Equinox
Next up is the redesigned Chevy Equinox, with pricing starting around $23,580 MSRP. A top seller among Chevy’s offerings. the 2018 Equinox is available in four trim levels with three different engine configurations. Introduced with a turbocharged 1.5-liter four-cylinder, it is succeeded by a turbocharged 2.0-liter and fuel-efficient 1.6-liter diesel. With a max output of 252 horsepower and 260 lb-ft of torque, the Equinox makes for a very capable ride.
Chevy Traverse
Beginning at $23,930 MSRP is the Chevy Traverse, also redesigned for the 2018 model year. Offering a reduction in weight, with increases in output, space and included technology, the new Traverse is bound to gain more attention than ever.
Seven trim levels help the Traverse to earn his name since it bridges the gap from accessibly equipped to near-luxury status. And there’s no shortage of power thanks to two powertrain options: a 3.6-liter V6 paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission (310 hp, 266 lb-ft) and a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder. This is enough to help the Traverse tow up to 5,000 LBS which measures confidently against any in-class competitors.
Countless enhancement packages allow buyers to maximize the amenities, and with increases in both passenger and cargo space, the Traverse only serves to reinforce Chevy’s commitment to continual improvement.
Chevy Tahoe
The Chevy Tahoe steps up to plate, priced to start at $47,215 MSRP. Carrying over the classic truck-on-body feel one would expect of a large SUV, the Tahoe remains a beast. With three-row seating, there is no shortage of space for both passengers and cargo within its expansive cabin.
Deceptively quiet, it’s almost hard to reconcile that the three trim levels are split across a 5.3-liter V8 (355 hp and 383 lb-ft) and a 6.2-liter churning out an impressive 420 hp and 460 lb-ft. With a max towing capacity of 8,400, the Tahoe is a confident partner for almost every adventure.
Chevy Suburban
And atop the line, sits the iconic Chevy Suburban, starting at $49,915 MSRP. Casting a looming shadow, it seats up to nine and is available in three trim levels, all of which are powered by a 5.3-liter V8 mated to a six-speed automatic transmission.
Channeling 355 horse and 383 lb-ft of torque, there is little that the Suburban can’t overcome. And opting for the Z71 Off-Road Package can further increase its trail-readiness, making it a bit of a dichotomy, trapped somewhere between a mud-runner and luxury transport.
Chevy Dependability
No discussion of any Chevy offerings would be complete without some mention of the line-ups overall Dependability rating. In fact, Chevy has garnered ‘Most Dependable’ accolades from J.D. Power and Associates, across their entire line.
In the crossover SUV segment, this recognition was bestowed upon the Tahoe which, after nearly thirty years and four generations continues to endure as a top pick.
Chevy Technology
Also worth applauding is Chevy’s inclusion of technology, as mentioned briefly above. Standing head and shoulders above their competition, Chevy excels at incorporating technology into their offerings, be it top-trim or base-level. Not every automaker is as diligent, which could be argued as a way of making most vehicles obsolete before they even roll off the assembly line/.
Which is the Best Fit for You?
With a lineup this well-realized, the decision truly is yours to make. No matter which you choose, you get the assurance of Chevy’s high dependability ratings, and an assurance of retained value.
Choosing a crossover or SUV is a wise choice regardless of where you live. You’ll never regret being well-prepared in the event of challenging driving conditions, and Chevy’s line-up provides assurance in spades. Just choose whichever one is right for you, and you won’t be disappointed.
