Which Chevy SUV Would Be Best for You to Buy Used?

Choosing the right vehicle is not always easy; as your used Chevy dealer near Arcadia, we know how challenging it can be to sort through all of the options available to you when shopping for a used SUV. That’s why we’re here today to help simplify things and provide you with some information that can point you in the right direction.

While we can’t say for sure which model will best meet your needs until we talk to you and learn what you’re looking for, we can give you some guidance on what to expect from each one. Let’s take a look at the used Chevy SUVs you’ll typically find, what each of them offers you as a driver, and some model years to remember while shopping.

The Chevy Trax: Small and Affordable

Kicking things off, we have the Chevy Trax, which is the smallest option you’ll typically find when looking at used Chevy SUVs. First released for the 2013 model year, the Trax is the perfect choice if you’re looking for something small and affordable. This is one of the least expensive options in the Chevy lineup when sold new, so a pre-owned model gives you an even better deal along with a quality SUV that you can enjoy for a long time. You won’t get massive power from the Trax, but it has a sporty engine and responsive performance that is great for driving around Arcadia and enjoying yourself on the weekend.

The first generation for the Trax ran from 2013 through 2022, with a second generation launching in the 2024 model year. This new generation includes a redesign that makes it larger than before—bigger than the Trailblazer, in fact. If you want one of the smaller ones, look for a Trax from 2017 or later, when it received a refresh with updated styling and a redesigned interior.

The Chevy Trailblazer: Surprisingly Spacious

If you’re looking for something similar in size to the Trax or even a bit larger, then this is a great pick. Much like the Trax, the Trailblazer is also a subcompact SUV, but it has a number of differences that make it well worth considering. The Trailblazer has often had numerous engines available, giving you more options to choose from when looking at pre-owned models. Perhaps the most notable difference is that the Trailblazer has historically been larger and had more room inside than the Trax. Looking at models from 2022, for example, the Trax has just over 48 cu.ft. of cargo space, while the Trailblazer gives you more than 54 cu.ft.

One of the newest additions to the Chevy lineup, the Trailblazer, has only been available since the 2021 model year (though an older SUV used the same name in the early 2000s). As you look at used models, consider an ACTIV trim if you want rugged looks or an RS trim if you prefer a sportier, street-inspired style. You can find both front- and all-wheel drive models, so keep that in mind when exploring your options.

The Chevy Equinox: Compact Design, Big Power

From one of the newest to one of the oldest SUVs in Chevy’s lineup, the popular Equinox was first introduced for the 2005 model year and has been a favorite for many drivers ever since. This is a compact SUV that slots in above the Trax and Trailblazer, giving you a larger vehicle with more space inside without getting too big. The Equinox is a terrific choice if you want something with great interior cargo space and decent towing figures but don’t want to go up to a midsize SUV.

As you look at used Equinox models, consider one from 2016 at the earliest, when the second-generation Equinox received an update and mid-cycle refresh. The third generation of the Equinox launched with the 2018 model year, making that a great one to look for, and it received a refresh and update for 2022. One thing to note is that a 2.0L Turbo engine was discontinued with the 2021 model year, so go for an earlier one if you want boosted performance.

The Chevy Blazer: A Mighty Midsize Marvel

Moving up to a larger option, the Chevy Blazer is a midsize SUV that’s significantly bigger than the ones we’ve looked at so far. This is still a two-row vehicle that has seating for up to five passengers, but its larger design makes it a terrific choice if you have a family you need to shuttle around Arcadia. Its cargo space is comparable to the Equinox, while your passengers will surely enjoy the extra space to stretch out in.

Much like the Trailblazer, the Blazer is a recent addition to Chevy’s lineup that first launched for the 2019 model year. You can find a sporty 2.0L Turbo engine on the Blazer or a powerful V6, so keep that in mind while looking at used models. The Blazer received a facelift and refresh for the 2023 model year, including new front-end styling and interior upgrades; look for these models if you want an SUV with some of the latest bells and whistles.

The Chevy Traverse: Three Rows for More

If you need more seating in your SUV than you’ll get with the two-row models we’ve looked at so far, then the Chevy Traverse is a great place to start. Larger than the Blazer, the Traverse isn’t as big as its full-size siblings but still provides you with a tremendous amount of room inside. The most significant thing about the Traverse is that it has a third row of seating, letting you bring six or more people along with you, depending on its configuration.

First introduced for the 2009 model year, Chevy gave the Traverse a facelift and update for 2013, so look for that era if you want an older model. A second generation of the Traverse kicked off with the 2018 model year, including a full redesign, making them great ones to look for on the used market. The Traverse received a mid-generation facelift and update for 2022, including improvements to its already impressive standard safety tech, so look for one of these if you want amazing tech to help protect your family.

The Chevy Tahoe: Full-Size Body and Strength

Next, we have the first of two full-size models to consider if you need a large SUV. The Chevy Tahoe is a terrific choice for a growing family, with three rows of seats and a tremendous amount of cargo space. This makes it a fantastic option when you want to ensure everyone can stretch out and be comfortable while still being able to load up with everything you need to bring along with you.

The Tahoe has been available since the 1995 model year, so there are loads of this nameplate on the used market. We’d suggest starting with 2015 models, as the earliest ones to consider when Chevy launched the fourth-generation Tahoe to tremendous acclaim. A fifth-generation Tahoe launched for the 2021 model year, growing in size and gaining more interior space.

The Chevy Suburban: The Largest of the Fleet

If you’re looking for the most interior space possible, you can’t beat the Chevy Suburban. This is the biggest vehicle in Chevy’s lineup these days, and it’s been around since 1935, making it the longest-running nameplate in the industry. We wouldn’t go quite that far back for a used model; instead, you’ll want to stick to models from this century. With three rows of spacious seats and incredible amounts of cargo space, this is an amazing SUV for camping, tailgating, and running errands.

The eleventh-generation Suburban kicked off with the 2015 model year, making it a good one to focus on if you want an older SUV. It received numerous updates and changes in the years that followed; the twelfth generation launched for the 2021 model year with a redesign that made it larger and more spacious, much like the Tahoe. These are great ones to look for if you need as much room inside your SUV as possible.

Fantastic Used Chevy SUVs for Arcadia Drivers

As you can see, you have some amazing options available to you when looking for a used Chevy SUV; your choice simply comes down to what you’re looking for in your next ride. If you want a smaller model, then look for a Trax, Trailblazer, or Equinox; for something a bit roomier, you’ll want a Blazer or Traverse; and if you’re looking for a large, powerful, and incredibly spacious SUV, then the Tahoe or Suburban is the way to go.

These two full-size SUVs even provide you with remarkable towing capacity, so they’re fantastic choices if you have a boat, camper, or trailer that you want to haul behind your vehicle. Once you know what you’re looking for, we here at Ryan Chevrolet will show you some amazing used Chevy SUVs and make sure you drive away in the perfect model.