Tipping the Scales of the SUV World: Choosing the Right Used Chevy SUV

The SUV is the most popular type of vehicle on the road today, and no brand has taken to this segment quite like Chevy. For over a century, Chevy has maintained a consistent quality that is not seen anywhere else; year after year, its SUVs exemplify reliability and excellence. Choosing the right Chevy SUV is an important decision based on needs like seating, storage, the area in which you live, and how often you drive. Getting behind the wheel of a used Chevy for sale unlocks a world of potential and performance. These SUVs are among the best that the bowtie brand offers.

Chevy Trax

The smallest SUV built by Chevy, the Trax, is ideal for first-time buyers and drivers living within the city limits. Introduced in 2015, the Trax uses a small engine that focuses more on economy than performance, ideally suited for the daily commute and occasional weekend getaway. The redesigned 2024 Chevy Trax received positive EPA results, with the vehicle achieving 28 MPG in the city and 32 MPG on the highway for 30 MPG combined.

Since the SUV was relaunched in 2024, the Trax has been a front-wheel drive-exclusive vehicle, making it ideally suited for city and suburban drivers. However, older models offered all-wheel drive. Besides its penchant for providing excellent fuel economy, the Chevy Trax has multiple safety and driver assistance features and amenities to ensure comfort. The Trax offers seating for five and plenty of extra cargo room for everything from grocery store runs to across-town moves.

Chevy Trailblazer

Similar in size and scale to the Chevy Trax, the Trailblazer is for drivers who enjoy an economical commute with peppy acceleration but also desire to escape civilization in their spare time. Introduced in 2021, the Trailblazer uses its size to its advantage to provide drivers with agile performance on the city streets and the capacity to handle trails and other obstacles in the world of off-roading. Unlike the Trax, the Trailblazer has two turbocharged powertrains to choose from and can be equipped with all-wheel drive to facilitate adventure.

The Trailblazer is an excellent example of a smaller SUV possessing a fair amount of style and substance. Besides the available all-wheel drive, the Trailblazer has a unique design that sets it apart from some of the other SUVs built by Chevy. The Trailblazer’s distinctive two-toned color scheme, unique front end, and roof rails give off the impression of a vehicle made for adventure. Drivers who split their time between driving in the city limits and playing in the dirt will enjoy a used Trailblazer’s ability to handle both.

Chevy Equinox

Chevy’s most popular SUV, the Equinox, is seen by many as the ideal means of transportation for the modern family. Introduced in 2005, this compact model provides the practicality that many look for in an SUV, such as seating for five, plenty of storage room, and a variety of safety and driving assistance features, with performance that’s more in line with a sedan than an SUV. Since 2018, the Chevy Equinox has been paired with an economical turbocharged four-cylinder engine that provides agile maneuvering around the city and exceptional fuel economy for a vehicle of its size. The 2024 Equinox received remarkable ratings from the EPA, as front-wheel drive versions of the SUV achieved 26 MPG in the city and 31 MPG on the highway for 28 MPG combined.

The Equinox is as adept as the Trailblazer when traveling off the pavement. Used models have available all-wheel drive and a towing capacity of up to 3,500 lbs in models with the option 2.0L turbocharged engine, making the SUV great for recreational activities such as camping. Whether you’re an individual or family-oriented driver, a used Chevy Equinox will provide you with all the versatility you need.

Chevy Blazer

The Chevy Blazer is one of the most recognizable names in the SUV world, as it’s been part of the Chevy fleet since 1969. The Blazer was reintroduced in 2019 as a midsize crossover model with a strong emphasis on performance and style, which is ideal for drivers who prefer a little kick in their commute. The Blazer’s updated design implements styling cues from the Chevy Camaro muscle car, such as circular HVAC vents and a sportier exterior than previous incarnations.

In addition to the base four-cylinder engine that was discontinued after the 2021 model year, the Blazer offers two potent powertrain options: a turbocharged engine that offers up to 230 hp and a performance-oriented V6 that produces 308 hp. Besides the benefits of fuel economy and performance that make the modern incarnation of the Blazer an exciting option, the SUV provides plenty of practicality and refinement. A used Blazer offers accessibility to a broad range of tech-savvy features, and all-wheel drive versions are adept at towing more weight than smaller SUVs such as the Equinox. For the perfect blend of eye-catching style and substance to match, a used Chevy Blazer checks all of the boxes for you.

Chevy Traverse

Smaller SUVs have certainly become more popular in recent years, but there’s still a need for larger SUVs that provide three rows of seating and plenty of storage. Introduced in 2017, the three-row Chevy Traverse bridges the gap between full-size and compact SUVs. While it offers the advantages of a full-size SUV, such as three rows of seating and nearly 100 cu.ft. of storage space, it is more affordable and efficient than larger models. Until its 2024 redesign, the Chevy Traverse came with a 3.6L V6 engine that is rated for 18 MPG in the city and 27 MPG on the highway, which are highly favorable numbers for an SUV of its size.

Because of its ability to balance its size with reasonable fuel economy, the Chevy Traverse is ideally suited for growing families that need an economical means of transportation that still provides a seat for everyone. Families will also enjoy the many safety features that began being introduced with the 2014 model and were made standard for the 2022 Traverse, such as automated emergency braking and lane-keeping assistance.

Chevy Tahoe and Suburban

The biggest dogs in the yard are the Tahoe and Suburban. The popularity of compact and subcompact SUVs is certainly well-known, but sometimes, you need copious amounts of storage and performance to help tackle the big jobs that life throws your way. The full-size Tahoe and Suburban have always offered V8 powertrains, but the optional Duramax turbo-diesel introduced in 2021 is also a great option. A Chevy Tahoe with the available diesel powertrain has fuel economy on par with some smaller SUVs, with the EPA estimating that the 2021 model can achieve 21 MPG in the city and 28 MPG on the highway.

There’s very little the Tahoe and Suburban can’t handle, whether it’s occupational or recreational duties. Both have well over 100 cu.ft. of storage space and, when properly equipped, can pull over 8,000 lbs. But if you need maximum space, the larger Suburban is the one to choose. Finding a used Tahoe or Suburban built in recent years can give you access to some of Chevy’s most advanced features, such as the Super Cruise hands-free driving technology that was introduced in 2023.

A Fleet That Defies Expectation

Chevy’s SUV fleet is exceptional and has a lot to offer. Based on what we’ve seen today, any used Chevy SUV model offer plenty in terms of performance, storage, fuel economy, and much more. If you want something small and efficient, the Trax, Trailblazer, and Equinox are all great picks. If you want to maximize space and power, then look for a used Tahoe or Suburban. And for something in between, the Blazer and Traverse will provide what you need. Contact us or visit any DePaula Auto Group dealership to see what a used Chevy SUV can do for you.