Looking for a Pre-Owned Chevy SUV? Be Sure to Check Out These Models

There are many reasons to consider buying a used vehicle when you search for your next Chevy SUV. Preowned vehicles pack plenty of value while still offering many of the same comfort and convenience features you’ll find on newer models. One of the most persuasive arguments comes down to the fact that there’s simply more data available. The longer a vehicle has been on the road, the more information there is to draw from. You might be able to ballpark certain factors like fuel costs, but there’s no predicting an SUV’s maintenance and repair costs, depreciation, and insurance premiums until a vehicle has spent a few years gaining some real-world experience. Everyone likes a surprise until it comes in the form of an unexpected repair bill or recall notice. By shopping used, drivers can more easily avoid these worst-case scenarios and protect themselves and their wallets from cars, trucks, and SUVs that might end up being more trouble than they’re worth.

If you’re searching for a used Chevy for sale near Colonie, you’ll find no shortage of compelling options to choose from. In order to make the buying process a little bit easier, we’ve compiled a short review of three of Chevy’s most popular SUVs, ranging from the compact Equinox and three-row midsize Traverser to the big brother of the Chevy lineup in the full-size Tahoe. From comfort and reliability to cargo and passenger space, join us as we look at how these three Chevy SUVs offer a budget-conscious alternative to their late-model counterparts.

Reliability Takes Center Stage With the Equinox

If you’re in the market for a reliable SUV that won’t let you down when you need it most, the Chevy Equinox should be on your shortlist. The crossover has consistently ranked towards the top of its class regarding reliability, with the 2024 model earning a nod from J.D. Power as the most dependable compact SUV on the market. This strong showing is no fluke; while the 2024 Equinox notched an impressive 88/100 Quality & Reliability rating from J.D. Power, the 2023 and 2022 models scored even higher at 90/100. The 2021 model is the obvious standout, landing a 92/100 reliability score that should instill any driver with confidence. These ratings represent a comprehensive survey of a vehicle’s quality and dependability.

The Equinox’s rock-solid reliability score shouldn’t be a surprise to any drivers who are familiar with Chevy’s track record. The bowtie brand is a leader amongst American-model automakers, consistently ranking towards the top of the charts in terms of reliability. In J.D. Power’s 2024 U.S. Vehicle Dependability Study, Chevy placed third behind Toyota and GM sibling Buick with a stellar 174 PP100 (problems per 100 vehicles) score. That’s a significant improvement over the likes of Dodge and Jeep (190 PPV), Hyundai (198 PPV), and Nissan (199 PPV) and even more impressive when compared to Ford and Tesla at 239 PPV and 252 PPV, respectively.

The Equinox’s reliability can be largely attributed to Chevy’s ample experience in the world of automotive design, but some new technologies and features are also helping to keep the crossover on the road for longer than ever. Chevy has packed the Equinox with a wide array of safety and convenience features that can dramatically reduce the likelihood of an accident or costly repair. From Automatic Emergency Braking with Pedestrian Detection and Lane Keep Assist with Lane Departure Warning to Adaptive Cruise Control, advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS) are an inseparable part of most of the pre-owned Equinox models you’ll find sharing I-87. Newer models pack even more of a punch with the introduction of features like HD Surround Vision, Rear Pedestrian Alert, and even a Traffic Sign Recognition feature that’ll automatically display any relevant warning directly on your dashboard.

The Three-Row Traverse Offers Must-Have Convenience and Tech

With seating for up to eight passengers, a full arsenal of advanced safety, convenience, and entertainment tech, and some clever features that should go a long way towards improving your daily drive, the Chevy Traverse is easily one of the most comfortable full-size crossover SUVs on today’s market. We’ll start with the seats, where you’ll find spacious seating for eight deployed in a traditional configuration. While some other eight-passenger crossovers might require riders to squeeze through a narrow gap to access the third row, Chevy has designed the Equinox with a Smart Slide feature that provides plenty of space. It might not sound noteworthy, but it’ll make a difference for older teens or adults who might get relegated to the third row.

Available on Traverse models dating back to 2013, the SUV’s AutoSense power liftgate aims to solve a common problem that every driver is sure to have experienced. You’ve just wrapped up a long day at the beach or trip to the grocery store and return to your vehicle with both arms full of chairs, toys, tote bags, or all the ingredients you need for a week’s worth of school lunches only to be forced to drop everything and fish around for your keys. The AutoSense power liftgate eliminates this annoying interruption by automatically opening the Traverse’s rear liftgate when the keys are within three feet of the vehicle for at least three seconds. It’s a clever little feature, and one that proves just how much Chevy understands the needs of the modern family.

The Traverse is also available with heated driver and front passenger seats, a heated steering wheel and a remote starter that’ll make the morning commute just a little bit cozier on those chilly winter mornings in the Capitol District. The SUV’s sizable 17.7-inch touchscreen infotainment display found on more recent models provides a full range of connectivity options and a voice activation feature and can be configured to give every driver a customized experience behind the wheel.

The Traverse’s ADAS, like Adaptive Cruise Control, Rear Pedestrian Alert, Enhanced Automatic Emergency Braking, and Reverse Automatic Braking, help to enhance driver confidence and safety, but if there’s one feature that really sets the crossover apart from a comfort perspective, it would have to be Chevy’s Super Cruise hands-free driving technology. Super Cruise can be called into action on over 750,000 miles of compatible roads across the U.S. and Canada, and has already earned a place in the hearts of the Chevy faithful with over 80 percent of drivers reporting that the hands-free system makes for a more relaxing experience. There’s only one catch: those seeking to take advantage of the sophisticated Super Cruise system will largely be limited to 2024 Traverse models, or 2023 in the case of the Tahoe.

There’s Room for Everyone, and Everything, in the Spacious Tahoe

The fifth-generation Tahoe saw Chevy make a number of important changes to the popular full-size SUV. In addition to upping the Tahoe’s tech arsenal with a standard 10.2-inch touchscreen infotainment system, Wi-Fi hotspot, and optional twin-screen rear entertainment system, the automaker also graced the SUV with a full complement of new ADAS and a diesel engine option that brings some 460 lb-ft of torque into the mix. While these improvements certainly deserve some attention, it’s Chevy’s decision to completely reimagine the Tahoe’s suspension that really represents the most notable change. The SUV swapped out the live axle and leaf springs found on the fourth-gen model in favor of an independent rear multilink suspension that offers some significant advantages in terms of interior space.

The fourth-gen Tahoe was already one of the most spacious full-size SUVs on the market, with almost 95 cu.ft. of cargo space and comfortable seating for up to eight passengers, but the fifth-gen model doubled down on those generous dimensions to provide drivers with one of the roomiest rides in its class. Replacing the live axle and leaf springs with the new independent rear suspension allowed Chevy to maximize its capacity, gaining 11 cu.ft. of cargo space and providing third-row passengers with an extra 10 inches of legroom.

This last figure makes the fifth-gen Tahoe particularly well-suited to the role of family vehicle, with the third row providing more than enough space to accommodate growing teenagers and even adults. These improvements are limited to the rear seats, with the Tahoe’s first row also gaining some additional shoulder and hip room that should make for an even more comfortable ride whether you’re exploring the Hudson Valley or venturing into NYC for a weekend adventure.

Chevy stretched out the SUV to 210.7 inches and upped the wheelbase to 120.9 inches, two numbers that have quickly made the Tahoe the largest SUV in the full-size segment. The Tahoe’s cargo area has also ballooned in size, gaining 28 cu.ft. over the previous generation when both the second and third rows are folded down. While the fifth-generation Tahoe might be a revelation in terms of cargo and passenger space, the fourth-gen model also provides an above-average experience that should fit the needs of most drivers. The third row might prove a little too cozy for some long-legged adults, but the older version of the Tahoe still lives up to its full-size designation with plenty of room to stretch out, relax, and enjoy the ride.

A Chevy SUV for Every Type of Driver and Lifestyle

It doesn’t matter if you’re the type of driver who prioritizes cargo space, reliability, or comfort; a pre-owned Chevy SUV can be a great option for a wide range of drivers. The Tahoe provides all the space you’ll need to make the most of your weekends, whether you’re trying to get in a quick round of golf or exploring the Mohawk-Hudson Bike-Hike Trail with the family. The Traverse’s cutting-edge cabin includes a variety of comfort-enhancing features, not to mention some impressive ADAS and Chevy’s impressive Super Cruise hands-free driving technology. The Equinox’s rock-solid reputation for reliability will provide years of worry-free driving with the 2021 model representing an obvious highlight with an outstanding score from J.D. Power. If you want to learn more about any of these three SUVs, take a test drive, or explore the full range of Chevy vehicles, make DePaula Chevrolet your first stop.