The weather can change at the drop of a hat; because of this and the sometimes extreme weather challenges of the Midwest, drivers need a vehicle that works just as well in blistering hot conditions as it does in the dead of winter—and that is why many drivers tend to choose Chevy. Search any used Chevy dealer and you’re sure to find a great vehicle that works hard all year long through rain or shine.
Believe it or not, as recently as 2020, cars like the Chevy Malibu and Impala were the preferred models for drivers across the Midwest from the Dakotas down to Kentucky, while trucks like the Silverado 1500 dominated in states like Indiana, Kansas, and Minnesota—so it’s safe to say that, if you need a vehicle to help you tackle snow, wind, rain, and sun, Chevy is there for Midwestern drivers in all the ways that count.
Unsure which Chevy you need to meet your daily demands? We’ve narrowed the choices to some of the most useful, compatible, and all-around best Chevys for Midwestern drivers. From the city to the farm and through the changing seasons, you can count on Chevy to get you where you need to go.
Urban Jungles on the Great Lakes
The Midwest is primarily composed of open spaces, but there are also some massive cities; this means putting up with congested traffic, slippery freeways, limited parking, narrow avenues, and long commute times in triple-digit or sub-zero temperatures. Having a vehicle that can rise to the challenge is essential if you want to enjoy your drive rather than dread it.
Suburban and urban drivers alike will find plenty to love about the Malibu. Everyone loves SUVs and crossovers these days, but sometimes a sedan is called for; the Malibu not only offers exceptional fuel economy but it can be upgraded to four-wheel drive and a powerful engine to get plenty of extra control to deal with slippery streets. This midsize sedan offers seating for up to five people, making it great for families or carpooling. The smaller dimensions of the Malibu make it ideal for city parking, which can often be limited for larger vehicles.
If you had your heart set on a crossover SUV, the Chevy Trax might be right up your alley. It’s affordable and fuel-efficient—two things drivers want most from a commuter vehicle. Its compact size makes it great for weaving in and out of traffic, and you can upgrade to all-wheel drive for a machine that’s great during snowfall. If your daily drive involves getting from the suburbs to the city and back again, the Trax offers safety, comfort, and convenience in one bite-size package.
Being in the Midwest, the winter plays a large part in your vehicle choice—but, then again, so does the summer. It might be sunny on the way in, but hailing on the way home. Sizzling hot streets and sudden downpours mean you need to be ready for anything. The Chevy Trailblazer is a compact SUV equipped with an excellent safety suite and noteworthy engine choices that make handling changing weather a breeze. Equip your Trailblazer with all-wheel drive for increased peace of mind. This small SUV’s great price and compact nature make it perfect for your daily urban adventures.
Suburban Driving All Year Long
The suburbs can be a tricky place to navigate; with urban conveniences and a taste of the country, you need a vehicle that can tackle it all. Luckily for you, Chevy is there to help. The great thing about suburbs is you can enjoy ample space and twisting roads, but when the snow is coming down and the plow won’t be by until tomorrow, you need a vehicle that will get everyone safely to school AND help you get your errands done before dinner.
Families tend to find the Chevy Equinox fits into their suburban lifestyle like a glove. This midsize SUV offers plenty of convenience with seating up to five, a standard safety suite, excellent fuel economy, and plenty of weight and responsive control when tackling snowy roads—and an all-wheel drive option can make it even more competent.
When it comes to winter driving, the weight of your vehicle can make a difference. The 2023 Chevy Suburban was named the “Best Large SUV for Families” by US News and & World Report three years in a row; it’s the ideal family vehicle, giving you the rugged strength you need to beat winter at its own game.
While the spacious interior of this full-size SUV means you can bring along family, friends, and any extra gear you need, strong engine choices mean you can get into nature without worrying about getting stuck. As for the hotter months, the Suburban can have a sunroof, cooled front seats, plus tri-zone climate control to ensure everyone is comfortable and cool front to back.
If you want plenty of power but still need a capable family hauler, the Chevy Colorado might be right up your alley. This is Chevy’s midsize truck, and it can seat up to five passengers when you opt for the Crew Cab. The multiple engine choices and four-wheel drive help you deal with snow drifts, ice, or slick streets without stress. Four doors make it quick to buckle in the kids, grab the family dog, and go.
High ground clearance makes the Colorado capable of dealing with tricky road conditions. Its handy bed means you can load up sleds, bikes, and other essentials and hit the trails all year long. If you need to commute into the city or head out of town, it won’t cost you a fortune—thanks to the Colorado’s decent fuel economy—and its tight dimensions help it fit in without compromising its great performance.
Heading Out to the Country
Living in a rural environment can present its own unique set of challenges. You often need to get the job done yourself or spend a significant amount of time driving into town, and sometimes the ladder isn’t always an option. Having a capable vehicle that can tackle thick mud, cold snow, and anything else Mother Nature cooks up is indispensable.
There’s no question that one of the best vehicles rural drivers can get is a Silverado 1500. This workhorse brings the perfect balance of power and comfort you want from a truck. Super strength engine choices with the potential to improve your off-roading capabilities mean that, whether you’re tackling a two-lane country road or a trail through the forest, the Silverado 1500 won’t leave you in a lurch. Its impressive cargo bed makes loading up cargo quick and easy, and advanced tech takes the headache out of trailering.
The Chevy Blazer lets rural drivers explore new terrain, get the kids off to school, or deal with a downpour, all without slowing down. The Blazer offers all-wheel drive to take things off-road and deal with summer mud or winter storms. Having an SUV loaded with driver assistance features gives you the confidence you want when dealing with the unknowns of Midwestern weather. Superior control, great fuel economy, and high reliability mean the Blazer gives a lot without asking for a lot.
Chevy Helps You Drive With Confidence
Chevy makes versatile vehicles that perform no matter the climate or location. From extreme cold to extreme hot and everywhere between, Midwestern drivers need a vehicle that can handle their day-to-day demands. Sometimes it’s the city, sometimes the country… and your Chevy will work where it’s needed—and for that, drivers are thankful. When the weather shifts for the worse, or you have to make a sudden trip from the farm into the city, your Chevy will always be up for the challenge.
Chevy takes drivers where they need to go. Great models like the Malibu, Suburban, and Silverado 1500 are built to deliver on every level. All-wheel drive, powerful engine choices, and standard safety suites make a Chevy worthy of your time and attention. Big, small, and everything between—when the weather takes a turn for the worse, take control and turn things around from behind the wheel of your Chevy.