According to the US Census Bureau, the average American has a commute time of 26 minutes per trip (cumulatively about 4.3 hours per week). This makes a sound, economical, and comfortable ride a necessity for the daily drive. Thankfully, a visit to your local Chevy dealer will reveal that Chevrolet has that department more than covered with a specialized lineup of vehicles specifically designed to take the hassle out of one of the most stressful moments of anyone’s workday, the commute. For life in bustling urban areas, the right vehicle can make the difference between a safe, comfortable, and pleasant commuting experience and one that just simply does not live up to par. Chevy has built its name on finding and servicing the needs of the American people, and this year has proved no different, with new models that check every box imaginable to exceed the expectations of the American daily driver. Here is a detailed look at this year’s great Chevy models for commuting.
2020 Chevrolet Malibu:
This year’s Chevrolet Malibu is a stylish, budget-friendly, and safety-conscious option perfect for almost any daily commuter. The 2020 Malibu boasts every requisite feature needed to make it an excellent daily commuter. A sleek, modern exterior houses the buyer’s choice between variants of its turbo Ecotec engine. The 1.5-liter Ecotec features several fuel-saving technologies such as Continuously Variable Valve Timing, Direct Injection, and stop/start technology to glean the maximum from every drop of gasoline poured into the Malibu’s tank. The 2020 Malibu’s 1.5-liter Ecotec trim makes 29 MPG in the city and 36 MPG on the highway, for an impressive 32 MPG combined.
On the other hand, performance lovers can opt for the Malibu’s more powerful 2.0-liter turbocharged Ecotec engine. This churns out 250 hp and 260 lb-ft of torque and is paired with a more performance-oriented 9-speed automatic transmission that makes the difference in power feel even larger. However, opting for this engine will reduce fuel economy to 26 MPG combined. Still, a higher gasoline bill is a small price to pay for the more enjoyable commute provided by a vehicle with plenty of power under your control.
As powerful and efficient as the Malibu’s drivetrain system is, Chevy ensured no compromises were made in terms of safety and drivability. An array of driver security functions are available on the 2020 Malibu to ensure the greatest driver confidence on every trip to and from the workplace. Driver-assist technologies such as Forward Collision Alert, Side Blind Zone alerts, Advanced Adaptive Cruise Control, and “Intellibeam” headlamps that automatically switch between high and low beams are all available on the 2020 Chevrolet Malibu.
The latest Malibu also includes several native technologies like the Chevrolet standard infotainment system, available 4G LTE WiFi hotspot, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, as well as options for wireless charging. The MyChevrolet mobile app gives you remote access to your car from your smartphone, and a feature called Teen Driver Technology is designed to help coach younger drivers to improve their skills and follow safety protocols. With a bevy of features and multiple trims, the Chevy Malibu really offers a bang for your buck, especially with its standard L trim starting at a competitive $22,095 MSRP.
2020 Chevrolet Equinox
For those commuters with a larger more people or gear to transport, they might consider a compact SUV like the Chevrolet Equinox. The latest Chevy Equinox is a compact model with a versatile array of features to make the daily drive not just a tolerable experience but a luxurious one. The Equinox has set a high standard for itself in recent years for affordability and reliability, and this year’s Equinox has set the bar even higher to usher in the new decade.
The Equinox has always been an eye-catcher, and alongside several options to customize its striking exterior, the Equinox offers two premier design variants. Its “Midnight” version exudes a classy noir ambiance every time the Equinox hits the road. This variant includes a midnight black finish, 19-inch gloss-black alloy wheels, a jet black grille, dark front fog lamps with black bezel surrounds, front and rear black bowtie emblems, and a glossy black perforated leather finish for the interior.
Alternatively, drivers can opt for the sportier “Redline” edition. The Redline variant comes with its own unique racing-inspired black grille, 19-inch black wheels with racing red accents, black window surrounds, black bowtie emblems, Equinox badging with red outlining, and jet black mirror caps.
However, for the Equinox, looks aren’t everything. The compact SUV is a veritable juggernaut of safety features, each of which is designed to inspire driver confidence on the road at all times. All 2020 Chevy Equinox trims now come standard with Chevrolet Safety assist, a bundle of six advanced safety tech features to detect and respond to hazards in real-time, optimally preventing them before they even occur. Chevy Safety Assist comes with Forward Collision alert along with emergency braking and Front Pedestrian Braking, Lane Keep Assist with lane departure warnings, following distance indicators, rear collision alerts, and Chevy’s Intellibeam automatic high beam assistance.
Its standard 1.5-liter turbocharged engine offers a highly efficient 28 MPG combined, which is not far behind the Malibu sedan. Additionally, for drivers seeking to put a bit more pep in their step, there is the option to upgrade to the 2.0-liter turbo engine producing 252 horsepower and 260 lb-ft of torque, that is fitted with Chevy’s 9-speed automatic transmission. This engine also comes with a seamless tow/haul mode for effortless trailering. Simply flip a switch, and the Equinox is set to tow up to 3,500 pounds. In colder climates, the Equinox adapts just fine, with its LS, LT, and Premier variants offering a switchable all-wheel-drive mode to improve traction on the road when needed or provide better fuel economy by reverting to front-wheel-drive whenever increased grip isn’t necessary.
Additionally, Chevrolet spared no expense in offering a wide variety of interior amenities and technologies, from its foldable 60/40 second-row seats to the native Chevy infotainment system compatible with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Much like the Malibu, the Equinox offers options for a 4G LTE WiFi hotspot, wireless charging, six USB ports, and the MyChevrolet app to pair with its Teen Driver Technology. Additionally, for the first time ever, the Equinox will offer Amazon Alexa built right into the car’s digital interface for intelligent music streaming, shopping, and connection with compatible devices. Despite all these features, the 2020 Chevrolet Equinox starts at just $23,800.
Hit the Road With Chevrolet
Regardless of one’s occupation or lifestyle, everyone needs transportation. But simply having the means to get from point A to point B is not enough. Safety, reliability, and affordability are all things that need to come into consideration. And for those needs, your local Chevy dealer has options to leave every driver satisfied, whether they are performance-focused or more concerned with finding the most practical alternative. Even better, every Chevy is a stylish and attractive
