CROSSOVER SUVS FROM CHEVROLET - PERFECT FOR CONNECTICUT

The compact SUV market is a tough place to stand out in because consumers place their main focus on price. They even put limits on the features they deem necessary to consider a car in order to attain that low-price they're after. If pick-up truck owners need towing power and raw strength to look at a vehicle, or full-size SUV owners need luxury and comfort, this market segment is not at all demanding. At first glance that looks like a blessing, but it is more of a curse since everyone must battle on price alone to win the race. This leaves very little room for improvements, but somehow Chevrolet has managed to put three splendid compact SUVs on the market.

Their lineup is a trio comprised of Trax, Equinox, and Traverse. Chevrolet wants to offer a car for everyone's precise needs and between these three, all their trim levels and engine choices, they managed just that.

THE CHEVROLET TRAX

Starting things off is the city-friendly Trax. A small crossover SUV it has one of the lowest entry prices on the market. Catering to their clients' biggest need, price, Chevrolet delivered a surprisingly good car. The first thing to impress is the exterior, as smooth-chic lines define the car's contour.

Inside you'll find generous space both for passengers as well as cargo, with 19 cubic feet available behind the second row and 48 behind the first. The clever use of soft-touch materials on the interior gives the car an upscale look and feel while the generous list of standard features, mostly tech-related only add to the pleasant surprises Trax has for prospective buyers. What other comparably priced SUV has a 7.0-inch touchscreen in the middle of the dash, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Bluetooth connectivity, a Wi-Fi hotspot, 2 USB ports and a six-speaker audio system as standard features?

As far as ride quality goes the Trax delivers a smooth, pleasant experience due to its comfortable seats and spacious interior with plenty of leg room to go around. Another crucial aspect is the car's reliable powertrain, a 1.4-liter turbo-4 engine that produces 138 horsepower and 148 pound-feet of torque, coupled with a 6-speed automatic that makes seamless gear shifts.

THE CHEVROLET EQUINOX

The middle ground, between bare necessities and upscale features, takes the form of the Equinox. Better equipped, bigger and pricier than the Trax, the Equinox got a complete make-over in 2018. It now sports dramatic lines that give the exterior a sleek look, one that is sure to turn a few heads on the road.

Apart from modern looks, last year's makeover came with all the modern-tech industry has to offer. That's why you'll get to enjoy features like a surround view parking camera, panoramic sunroof, ventilated front seats, all very rare in Equinox's class, plus every high-tech safety feature imaginable. Pedestrian detection, lane-keep assist, emergency braking and beyond, all can be equipped on this compact SUV.

The Equinox gives its clients ample engine choice options, with no less than three powertrains available. The base model comes with a 1.5-liter inline-4 that will produce 170 horsepower and 203 pound-feet of torque. It is paired with a 6-speed automatic. Two available options in the form of a 2.0-liter turbo-4 and a 1.6-liter turbodiesel can be selected to replace the standard engine. The former puts out 137 horsepower and a whopping 240 pound-feet of torque while the ladder will give you 252 horsepower and 260 pound-feet of torque. The 2.0-liter is the most powerful out of the three and gives the Equinox a towing power of up to 3500 pounds, which is more than enough for a small boat or a small to medium sized camper.

Regardless of the engine, it gets, the soft yet accurate steering and the compliant suspension will make for a comfortable ride even on slightly rocky roads, not to mention on the highway or city driving.

A long, impressive list of standard features that includes a 7.0-inch touchscreen, Chevrolet's own MyLink infotainment system, Android Auto, Apple CarPlay, On Star Guidance, Bluetooth connectivity, a USB port, and heated side-view mirrors only adds to the car's value for money proposition.

THE CHEVROLET TRAVERSE

Chevrolet's subcompact SUV star is the Traverse. It is larger than its brothers and can be fitted with features that transform it into a luxury SUV, but also the price naturally spikes with these additions.

Even the base model though is miles ahead of its peers and I'm talking about the competition. When it comes to comfort, for example, there's no beating the Traverse. It has the best in class passenger space as even the third row can comfortably accommodate up to three adults for short drives and two adults for long commutes. The first and second rows are a dream, with ample leg room and cushy, cozy seats. Cargo space is also best in class with 23 cubic feet available behind the third row, 58 behind the second and a whopping 98 cubic feet behind the first row of seats. That's enough to carry in one load two baby elephants or half of your wife's luggage when you go on a 3-day trip.

Completely redesigned last year, the Traverse dropped 400 pounds which makes the available V6 powertrain feel like a beast. It produces 310 horsepower and 266 pound-feet of torque and it's paired with a 9-speed automatic. The second available option is a 2.0-liter turbo-4 that will give out 257 horsepower, but considering the new model's slimmed down version you're bound to get a great driving experience regardless of your engine choice.

Traverse is famous for its plethora of trim levels that range from the very basic to the borderline luxurious. That being said, even the simplest of trims comes with a lot of features. To name just a few, a 7.0-inch touchscreen display, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, OnStar guidance with 4GE connection, a Wi-Fi hotspot, 6 USB ports that cover all three rows and Chevrolet's Teen Driver pack. It will allow you to set a limit for things like maximum audio level or top speed while reporting back on the car's whereabouts at all times and sending notifications in case of an accident.
There you have it, from the small-chic and budget-friendly Trax to the reliable, gorgeous Equinox, all the way to the king of comfort, the Traverse, Chevrolet has designed a subcompact SUV for everyone. We have all three models in various trim levels available in our showroom in Torrington Connecticut. We'd be delighted to arrange for a drive-test and guide you through the multitude of choices so that by the end you'll land your dream car. All you have to do is pay us a visit at Northwest Hills Chevrolet.