Chevrolet has been setting trends in the SUV/crossover lineup for decades. They continue to add first-ever technology with center airbags and unmatched towing capacity in every class. Technology is another outperforming area, with Siri Eyes Free and integrated 4G LTE speeds.
Competitors fall further behind with cargo space and a management system for a litany of items. The upgraded 2017 installments are sure to rank higher, although the Tahoe holds the number one large SUV spot. Large families call this SUV their car of choice for around town and long trips.
The Suburban takes on more of the luxury role. It is also used in the corporate and government sectors for transporting executives and dignitaries. Vehicle MSRPs range from affordable to pricey with generous warranties to enhance the ROI.
Equinox
Size
This is a very roomy subcompact with loads of space for up to five passengers. Cargo gets a boost with nearly 64 cubic feet of room with the 60/40 folding rear seats.
Features
The attention paid to luxury features includes Multi-Flex ingenuity allowing seats to recline for more comfort and easy access to rear cargo. Chrome accented interiors include center cup holders, doors, steering wheels, and more. Four trims offer a litany of base features with spoilers, power door mirrors, telescopic steering wheels, and remote key capability.
Competition in the same class
The competition includes Honda CR-V, Hyundai Tucson, Kia Sportage, Ford Escape and Mazda CX-5.
Pros / Cons
Interior space and versatility are unmatched by the competition. Two engine choices are a standard 2.4L 181hp or optional 3.6L 301hp power-trains. The latter has 3,500 pounds of tow capacity to make this a stand-out alternative. For more of the sought-after features, buyers will need to purchase an expensive package. Handling with the 2017 installment is not as agile as its predecessors.
Price
Consumers can expect to pay from the low $20,000s to $30,000 for the well-equipped Premier trim. Front wheel drive is standard, while all-wheel drive is optional across trims except for the Premier. Power lift gates, moon roofs, and integrated GPS systems are optional on the top two trims, but not available for the rest of the roster.
Special offers
There are five special offers with two leases for the 2WD LS Preferred Equipment Group and the LT preferred Equipment Group. Standard lease and purchase finance deals with low up-front cash or desirable APR are available.
Trax
Size
The vehicle size for this delightful crossover is sub-compact with agility similar to its car counterpart.
Features
Chevrolet designers tried to stuff as many base features as possible including steering wheel mounted controls for hands-free communications and analog/digital instrumentation panels. Touchscreen displays have HD quality in 3d color. Luxury features are chrome accents and specialty finishes for dressy interiors.
Competition in the same class
The competitors according to U.S. News and World Report are Honda HR-V, Mazda CX-3, Jeep Renegade, and Buick Encore.
Pros / Cons
The pros are many with the re-design offering consumers tons of base features including a seven inch center display and 18 inch rims with five spokes. There is only one engine option of a 1.4L ECOTEC turbocharge design.
Price
Trax meets the affordability standard starting at $20,000 with a variety of exterior colors including orange rock metallic and blaze red. The LS, LT, and LTZ trims have one standard and two premium interior upgrades available. Wheel designs are based on the trim with alloy finishes for all.
Special offers
Chevrolet currently has three offers for Trax including a 39-month lease. Two finance options offer a cash allowance or 2.9 percent APR for 60 months.
Traverse
Size
The Traverse is a mid-size SUV with nearly 120 cubic feet of cargo space and room for eight passengers.
Features
Smart-slide seating in the second position has functional armrests. Base features continue with rear HVAC, fully auto and delayed headlamp, and variable rear and front wipers. Security and emergency notification systems are also standard. Luxury features include leather interiors with available WI-Fi for seven devices that stream music or connect to Bluetooth. There are real wood trimmed doors and center consoles. Powerful 3.6L V6 engines have 281hp with towing capacity of 5,200 pounds.
Competition in the same class
Honda Pilot, Nissan Murano, and Toyota Highlander are the competition.
Pros / Cons
The coveted IIHS five star rating makes this one of the safest SUVs on the road. With the list of luxury features, cargo and passenger capacity, and on-board technology, best-in-class is the only designation for the Traverse. The power-train lags a bit on acceleration causing agility to suffer.
Price
The $29,000 MSRP is a steal in comparison to competitors. Center air bags are standard as well as an industry-first feature. Some options are not available or will cost you including power moon roofs, memory seats, and automatic temperature controls.
Special offers
Two preferred equipment groups are available with three other special offers. They provide for cash allowances or low APR leases and purchases with zero APR.
Tahoe
Size
Full-size is the only class the Tahoe will fit in.
Features
The base features with towing capacity and powerful drive-trains continue to propel the Tahoe to the top of the class. Standard HD touchscreens are a massive eight inches with color graphics and 3d GPS features. The LS trim has tri-zone climate controls, rear-view camera, an integrated hot spot, and five USB ports. Some would consider those to be luxury features, although the LT trims and above come with standard leather, Bose audio, power lift gates, and heated seats.
Competition in the same class
GMC Yukon, Chevrolet Suburban, Ford Expedition, and Toyota Sequoia are listed in the slots trailing the Tahoe according to U.S. News and World Reports.
Pros / Cons
There is no real competition in this vehicle size with standard safety features including the award-winning forward collision warning and vibrating safety seat for drivers. Fully-loaded LTZ comes with Head-up display and power-retractable side steps. Its counterparts offer consumers more cargo space.
Price
Chevrolet has not divulged the specifics about the MSRP for the 2017 Tahoe installment. However, the industry buzz is leaning towards the high $40,000 to over $60,000 neighborhood.
Special offers
A national lease is available for the LT Preferred Equipment Group for 39 months. The standard manufacturer cash allowance and APR offers are available at dealerships.
Suburban
Size
Chevrolet added another installment to the full-size SUV roster with the Suburban. This model has an extended rear cargo area with a cavernous space.
Features
Expectations for the 2017 Suburban are a plethora of luxury features with leather interiors and technology over-load infotainment systems with wireless headphones and charging functionality. Base features should include power lift gates, mirrors, moon roofs and retractable side steps. Cargo will surely have the trademark Flex seating capability, under-floor space, and Cargo Management System.
Competition in the same class
Chevrolet Tahoe, GMC Tahoe, and Ford Expedition are the top competitors.
Pros / Cons
The available standard luxury features is the biggest pro for this masterpiece with upscale interiors and power attributes on every item. Vehicle size is another plus with room and towing to accommodate any activity. The competition has a more responsive entertainment system. Safety ratings may be lower than expected.
Price
Pricing for the LS model may start at $50,000 with a slew of bells and whistles. The well-equipped LTZ can easily reach $70,000. In keeping with predecessors, Chevrolet should include a host of standard and luxury features for this SUV.
Special offers
One lease offer is available for 39 months. The finance options have a cash allowance of $1,000 or 2.9 percent over five years.