Find New Roads in a Chevy SUV

September 11th, 2020 by

The front of a white 2021 Chevy Trax is shown at sunset.

There are times when a car just won’t cut it, and a truck just won’t fit. For everything in between, the automotive industry offers the SUV, with iterations from small to full-size providing a perfect fit for every lifestyle. Nowhere is this demonstrated more effectively than in the current lineup of Chevy SUVs.

The first SUV was a Chevy Suburban, a model with an 85-year history and a legacy that carries on in an all-new 2021 model. The full family includes the Suburban’s full-size brother the Tahoe, the midsize Traverse, crossover Equinox, urban Trax, and the recently-revived Blazer and Trailblazer. Few manufacturers offer such a broad range of SUV models, and fewer still have the JD Power and Kelly Blue Book awards to back up their pedigree. For 85 years, the best way to find new roads in America has been in a Chevy, and that’s not changing anytime soon.

Family Traits

Whether you’re a young driver in need of an easy urban navigator for Atlanta college campuses, outdoors-types with a boat on Lake Lanier, or a football family in need of a comfortable, reliable people-mover, there’s a Chevy SUV for you. While some traits and features are unique to certain models and trims, many more traits just run in the family. Let’s take a look at what you get when you hop behind the wheel of any Chevy SUV.

The first thing you might notice on the inside is the infotainment system. The 2020-2021 lineup of SUVs all feature the Chevy Infotainment 3 Systems on 7”-8” touchscreens. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility are standard on all models and most trims. Then, once you’re connected, you’ll probably notice just how much “inside” there is. Cargo volume ranges from 48.4 cu.ft on the Trax to 144.7 cu.ft on the 2021 Suburban.

Even if you spend the whole day at the Mall of Georgia, you won’t have to worry about fitting your haul in your Chevy SUV. You’ll also find ample seating for 5-9 people with best-in-class legroom in small and full-size models alike. Choosing any one model is never a compromise between seating and cargo room––small models like the Trailblazer and Trax feature folding front passenger seats, and top trims of the three-row models offer power-folding third-row seats. You can always make the best use of the interior space.

Under the skin of every Chevy SUV is a minimum of six airbags. The comprehensive Chevy Safety Sense technology suite is standard on Trailblazer and Equinox, and the full suite is available on the 2020 Traverse and 2021 Tahoe and Suburban, including:

  • Automatic Emergency Braking
  • Forward Collision Alert
  • Front Pedestrian Braking
  • Lane Keep Assist with Lane Departure Warning
  • IntelliBeam automatic high beam toggling
  • Following Distance Indicator

While only some of these features are available on Trax models, the Trax’s ten airbags are best-in-class. A high-strength steel safety cage gives the 2021 model a 5-star safety score with the NHTSA, a score shared by the 2020 Equinox and Traverse as well.

The Chevy SUV family has some of the top performers in their segments too. All models have available AWD and dial-controlled traction management options or drive modes. The urban-oriented Trax, Trailblazer, and Equinox have engines under 1.5L, which still provide a sporty feel and manage 26 MPG in the city. The mid-size Blazer and Traverse can be equipped with a stout 3.6L V6 that’ll haul 4,500 lbs. The 5.3L V8s on the Tahoe and Suburban can tow over 8,000 pounds, and the beastly optional 6.2L V8s produce 420 hp. Whether their performance class is focused on fuel efficiency or towing capacity, all Chevy SUVs are competitive in their segment.

Every SUV is Special

Like any family, every member of the Chevy SUV lineup has a unique character. Common traits like the spacious interior and comprehensive safety systems link them. Style, volume, and function make them stand out.

The Trailblazer

A red 2021 Chevy Trailblazer is parked on a city street in Buford, GA.

For 2021 a completely new small SUV has revived the inspirational Trailblazer nameplate. The all-new Chevy Trailblazer has stocky dimensions, a spacious interior, spunky attitude, and the lowest MSRP in the lineup at an MSRP of $19,000, making it an ideal choice for college students.

The folding rear seats and front passenger seat maximize the cargo capacity for solo drivers, and the standard Chevy Safety Assist technology suite provides peace of mind through all of life’s adventures. The best-in-class rear legroom will keep everyone comfortable on group road trips. The Trailblazer’s also got style, providing two-tone paint jobs with alternate roof colors, narrow headlights, and chiseled body lines for a stand-out look. Finally, its small 1.2L Ecotec Turbo engine, which puts out 137 hp, has the agility to keep up on the road and the efficiency, at an estimated 28 MPG in the city and 31 MPG on the highway, to be kind to your wallet and Mother Earth.

The Trax

The Trax is a more-established small Chevy SUV; it’s been around in the US since 2015. It’s a little smaller, making it a marginally better choice than the Trailblazer for urban playgrounds like Atlanta. In fact, the Chevy Trax is functionally very similar to its new sibling. Both have the 7” infotainment system and folding front passenger seat. The Trax is a little pricier (starting at MSRP of $21,300) and doesn’t have the standard features of the Chevy Safety Assist package. However, the 2021 model has a best-in-class ten airbags and a 5-star rating from the NHTSA. Other upgrades over the Trailblazer include access to a 4G Wi-Fi hotspot, heated front seats for frosty winter mornings, and a power sunroof to let the light shine in. It also has a bigger 1.4L engine achieving 148 lb-ft of torque at a low for a little extra pep on busy city streets.

The Equinox

A white 2020 Chevy Equinox is shown from the side in front of a modern wood home.

The Equinox is Chevy’s best-selling model behind the Silverado, with nearly 2 million units sold since introduction in 2004. It’s a serious upgrade from the Trax, sacrificing only 1-2 MPG of efficiency for a 20% increase in cargo volume, potential towing capability, and starting at only $23,800.

The largest of Chevy’s small SUVs is on a roll, winning JD Power’s Most Dependable Compact SUV three years in a row as of writing. Chevy Safety Assist is standard again, and technologies such as a hands-free liftgate, surround vision, and Teen Driver Technology bring added ease and comfort. For a small family––or a big family who just needs a reliable second car––in the greater Atlanta area, there’s few options as well-rounded as the Chevy Equinox.

The Equinox is also the smallest Chevy SUV to offer towing capability. It offers a 2.0L turbo that can handle up to 3,500 lbs when properly equipped; when not using the engine for towing, switchable FWD/AWD and stop/start technology keep fuel efficiency high. Striking a perfect balance between capability, comfort, and frugality, it’s no wonder that the Equinox is so popular.

The Blazer

Let’s not beat around the bush. The Equinox is stylish, but it’s no head-turner, and it doesn’t pack a lot of muscle. If you’re the type who wants to stand out or just needs a little bit more utility than Equinox brings to the table, you should take a serious look at the new Chevy Blazer.

The Blazer is the wild child of the Chevy SUV family. Bold styling accents like ultra-thin headlamps, chrome trim, and an aggressive stance make the Blazer’s presence known. Its engine can be upgraded to a 3.6L V6 with a max towing capacity of 4,500 lbs. Starting at an MSRP of $28,800, the Blazer offers six trim levels with increasing comfort, technology, and style options for a truly personalized ride. With a floor-mounted rail system and standard adjustable cargo fence, the mid-size Blazer is built with utility in mind.

Three engine options, a 2.5L Ecotec with FWD achieving up to 27 MPG, a 2.0L turbo with AWD and 230 hp, and the 308 hp V6––allow you to build this SUV the way you need it. Whether you’ve got a boat to tow, a cottage in the mountains, or just need to get around town in style, there’s a Blazer that’s just right for you.

The Traverse

The Chevrolet Traverse has a similar starting price point to the Blazer at $29,800, and it’s also classified as a mid-size SUV, but the similarities don’t go far beyond that. This is a true full family coach bus with nearly 100 cu.ft of cargo volume and seating for up to 8 passengers. The spacious cabin is designed for comfort. SmartSlide second-row seats make third-row access simple, and a hands-free liftgate with power-folding third-row seats make it easy to make the most of the best-in-class cargo space.

A noise canceling cabin with USB chargers in every row and the Chevy Infotainment 3 system keeps everyone connected; full comfort is a button push away with heating available for the front and second row of seats. Dual sunroofs keep the interior bright, and a 5-star NHTSA safety rating with the entire Chevy Safety Assist suite available keeps the occupants secure. Offered with the same 3.6L V6 as can be found on the Blazer, the Traverse also has the muscle to tow up to 5,000 lbs. This is the vehicle for you if you preferred the Equinox to the Blazer, but needed more space for football gear––or the entire offensive line.

The Tahoe / Suburban

A black 2021 Chevy Suburban, which is the largest of the Chevy SUVS, is towing an Airstream past hills.

Speaking of the offensive line – among Chevy SUVs, this is it. The full-size Tahoe and Suburban are a tremendous break from their smaller siblings. All-new for 2021 and starting at $49,000 and $51,700 respectively, this is a totally different class of vehicle. These SUVs are truck-like workhorses.

The only substantive difference between the Chevy Tahoe and Suburban is size. Both offer a front bench seat for a capacity of 9 people, and virtually every trim level and features are the same. They’re both tremendously popular––the Tahoe is the best-selling full-size SUV in America 19 years running, and the Chevy Suburban is the longest-running nameplate in the industry.

Upgraded for 2021 to provide best-in-class second row legroom and improved third row leg and headroom, the only meaningful difference is that at almost 19’ long, the massive Suburban has a best-in-class 144.7 cu.ft. of cargo volume while the Tahoe “only” offers 122.9 cu.ft.

The standard 5.3L V8 can tow over 8,000 lbs. Both models have an available performance package that puts a 420 hp 6.2L V8 under the hood with a Hydra-Matic 10-speed automatic transmission and magnetic ride control for maximum comfort and optional Brembo performance front brakes. Also new for 2021 is a Z71 off-road-oriented trim to really put all that muscle to the test.

On the inside, these SUVs are the picture of comfort and luxury. Tri-zone climate control, ventilation on the front seats, and heating on first and second-row seats keep all passengers in optimal conditioning. Twelve-way adjustment with driver memory sets the seat just the way you and your co-pilot want it. Everyone can stay connected with 12.6” rear seat media systems in the back, an 8” or 10.2” infotainment screen up front, and USB chargers throughout the cabin. Triple-sealed doors and acoustic-laminated windshields keep the interiors whisper-quiet; a Bose sound system makes those whispers crystal-clear.

With most of the Chevy Safety Assist suite standard and remaining features available, the big dogs defend their occupants well. The 2021 models boast up to nine distinct camera angles for rearview and surround-view displays so you won’t feel so big and unwieldy if you do find yourself squeezing into a downtown garage.

Find Your Chevy SUV at Rick Hendrick Chevrolet of Buford

Here we are committed to providing an excellent customer experience from start to finish. We know Buford, and we love getting to know every new customer who steps through our door. That’s how our expert sales team can help you find which Chevy SUV is the right one for you. Top safety ratings, best-in-class cargo volume, and comfortable seating run in the family, so stop by to let us show you that a welcoming all-American spirit is a Chevy family trait, too.

Posted in Chevy SUVs