You know you need a vehicle, but you’re not sure what kind of vehicle. Should you get something that will better fit your morning commute or one that can handle your weekend adventures? Should you go big or small? You’re the one who has to drive it, not me, so I can’t exactly answer these questions for you. What I can tell you is that if you’re feeling torn on what kind of vehicle you need, you’ll want to turn to a brand that does everything well, not a specialty brand that does some things well and others not mediocre. So, when you are unsure about what vehicle you need, the first question you may want to ask yourself is, “where is the closest Chevy dealer near me?”
Chevy is a brand that does everything well, from its smallest cruiser to its boldest truck. The brand has achieved excellence in every vehicle segment as well as in all of the components that make up the driving experience (namely performance, technology, and design). To give you a bird’s-eye view of Chevy’s lineup, let’s go through the different vehicle types and see how Chevy’s offerings may be able to suit your needs.
Hatchback
If you’re young, single, and looking for something affordable, fun, and efficient, then the Chevy Spark just might be your landing place. If you see this vehicle zip by on the road, chances are you’ll notice fun and vibrant color schemes and very compact size. Don’t let the small stature trick you; you can still fit four people inside.
The thing which really sells drivers on the Spark is its affordability. Now, the affordability of a vehicle has two components: price and fuel economy. While seeing a low MSRP is always exciting, don’t let that excitement drive you into moving too quickly. If the vehicle only offers 12 MPG, then you’ll be paying through the nose on gas. The Spark, however, offers both the low MSRP and the high fuel economy that you want. The 2022 Spark has a starting MSRP of $13,600 and an EPA-estimated fuel economy rating of 30 MPG in the city and 38 MPG on the highway. While the Spark may be petite, it is that smallness that really makes it great for commuters.
Sedan
Sedans are perfect for those looking for an affordable commuter that has some of the sportier qualities you’d hope to find in a luxury vehicle. Chevy’s exceptional sedan offering is the Malibu. The Malibu is a great car because it offers everything you want in a family commuter, from a comfortable interior to a peppy ride.
The great thing about the Malibu is that, similar to the Spark, it is incredibly efficient. For 2022, the Malibu’s 1.5L turbo I-4 engine gets 29 MPG in the city and 36 MPG on the highway. Of course, if you’re open to buying used, the hybrid option goes even further. The 2019 Malibu hybrid option gets 49 MPG in the city and 43 MPG on the highway. Insane efficiency levels combined with top-notch luxury design features mean a nice ride for you.
Crossovers
The crossover SUV is one of the best developments in recent automotive history. A crossover is an SUV-style model with a unibody construction (sometimes based on an existing sedan platform and sometimes its own dedicated design). It provides the perfect in-between for those feeling like a sedan or hatchback is too small, but an SUV is too big. It’s the middle-man but in the best way possible. Chevy offers a few crossovers: the Trax, the Trailblazer, and the Equinox.
- The Trax is a subcompact model but still offers a maximum cargo volume of 48.4 cubic feet in the 2022 model. It’s a great choice for those looking for a smaller car with a little extra interior space. Its taller and rounded figure certainly sets it apart from sedans.
- The subcompact Trailblazer offers slightly more interior space but places a big emphasis on fun design features. The exterior has a sharp, colorful, and exciting appearance, and the interior hosts leading connectivity and safety technology.
- The compact Equinox is a fascinating crossover because it really leans into sporty design cues. On a more practical level, though, the Equinox offers the most interior space of Chevy’s crossovers, with a maximum cargo capacity of 63.9 cubic feet.
All of these crossover SUV models are great for commuters and smaller families. You just need to ask yourself how much space you need and how important the design is.
SUVs
SUVs are larger models than your typical crossover. They have a larger stance and are often built on a truck platform rather than a sedan platform, giving them a more truck-like driving feel. With a bigger stance comes more performance, capability, and, of course, more interior space. In fact, SUVs will often come with three rows of seating rather than two and usually have fairly decent towing capabilities.
Chevy’s two full-size SUVs are the Suburban and the Tahoe. The Suburban has the unique distinction of being the longest-running nameplate in the Chevy lineup; 88 years sure isn’t anything to sneeze at, and vehicles don’t stay around that long if they’re not doing well. The Tahoe is slightly smaller than the Suburban but still retains many of the same features.
If you need a family vehicle or a lot of space, these are the vehicles for you. Both vehicles offer premium luxury features and leading technology, including Google Built-In for the 2022 model. The only question is how big of a vehicle you want. The Tahoe can seat either seven or eight passengers, depending on if you have the second-row bench or captain’s chairs, and it maxes out at 122.9 cubic feet of cargo space. The Suburban seats eight, and it maxes out at 144.7 cubic feet of cargo volume. Both are large SUVs, but the Suburban goes for maximum space, while the Tahoe is slightly more compact.
Trucks
Since we’re on the topic of cargo space, if hauling things around is your biggest priority, then you’re looking for a truck. Good thing Chevy has a few. Not only does Chevy make trucks, but Chevy is well-known for its truck models. Of course, there’s the classic Silverado, but there’s also the younger and more compact Colorado.
The Colorado is a fun midsize pickup with excellent specs for its class and exciting off-road options. It is ideal for urbanites seeking to enter the pickup game, as its compact size makes it easy to park and maneuver through city streets. However, if you’re looking for a work truck, the Silverado is where you’ll want to look.
The Silverado starts at the standard full-size level with the 1500 but works its way up through the HD ladder in the 2500 and 3500 models. 2022 is an exciting model year for the Silverado as the new ZR2 model is taking this truck to a new level with off-roading. While the Silverado has always had decent off-roading capability, especially in the recent Trail Boss trims, the ZR2 goes beyond the trim level and truly transforms the Silverado into an off-roader.
The real Silverado fun is coming in 2024, though, with the introduction of the Silverado EV. This groundbreaking electric truck is set to be one of the first of its kind, providing up to 660 horsepower and 780 pound-feet of torque, all while being able to accelerate from 0 to 60 in less than 4.5 seconds. So, yeah, the Silverado is taking things to the next level. Stay tuned.
Line ‘Em Up
Chevy does well in every segment it tackles. Some brands cater to one specific market segment, but Chevy provides something for everyone. We haven’t even touched on performance vehicles like the Corvette or the Camaro or EVs like the Bolt EV and EUV. So, whether you’re young and single, starting a family, deep in family life, or looking for a work truck, Chevy’s got something for you. It’s important to know your needs and know which vehicle type will suit you, and the best way to figure that out in you are unsure is to check out the offerings at your local Chevy dealership. Then you can get specific with the model, trim, and features. Even when you are unsure which type of vehicle to get, you can be sure that there is a Chevy that will meet your needs.
