The Chevy Equinox is a popular compact SUV, known for its fuel efficiency and comfortable ride. However, many drivers eventually find themselves needing more space for passengers, cargo, or towing capabilities. If you're outgrowing your Equinox and wondering what the next size up is within the Chevrolet lineup or even considering alternatives, this article will provide a comprehensive guide to help you make an informed decision.
Choosing the right SUV involves considering your individual needs and priorities, such as budget, passenger capacity, cargo space, fuel economy, and desired features. Let's explore the options available to those looking for a larger vehicle than the Equinox.
| Vehicle | Key Considerations | Alternatives |
|---|---|---|
| Chevy Blazer | Sportier styling, more powerful engine options, slightly larger cargo area than Equinox. Less passenger space in the rear than Traverse. | Ford Edge, Honda Passport, Nissan Murano. These offer similar sporty styling and performance characteristics. |
| Chevy Traverse | Significantly larger, three rows of seating, ample cargo space, more suitable for larger families. Fuel economy is lower than Equinox. | Honda Pilot, Toyota Highlander, Kia Telluride, Hyundai Palisade, Ford Explorer. These are all popular three-row SUVs offering similar space and features. |
| Chevy Tahoe/Suburban | Full-size SUVs, offering maximum passenger and cargo space, powerful V8 engines, and significant towing capacity. Considerably more expensive and less fuel-efficient than Equinox. Can be difficult to maneuver in tight spaces. | Ford Expedition/Expedition Max, GMC Yukon/Yukon XL, Cadillac Escalade/Escalade ESV. These are the direct competitors in the full-size SUV segment, offering similar levels of luxury, space, and capability. |
Detailed Explanations
Chevy Blazer: The Blazer represents a step up from the Equinox in terms of styling and performance. It features a more aggressive and sporty design, both inside and out. While it offers a slightly larger cargo area than the Equinox, the main appeal of the Blazer lies in its available V6 engine, which provides more power and quicker acceleration. While offering a more engaging driving experience, the Blazer's rear passenger space is not as generous as other mid-size SUVs, especially when compared to a three-row option like the Traverse. It's a good choice for those who prioritize style and performance over maximum passenger capacity.
Chevy Traverse: The Traverse offers a significant increase in size and utility compared to the Equinox. As a three-row SUV, it can comfortably accommodate up to eight passengers, making it ideal for larger families or those who frequently travel with groups. The Traverse also boasts a generous cargo area, even with all three rows in use. Power comes from a V6 engine, providing adequate performance for everyday driving. The Traverse is a practical and spacious choice for those who need maximum passenger and cargo capacity, but keep in mind that fuel economy will be lower than the Equinox.
Chevy Tahoe/Suburban: The Tahoe and Suburban represent the pinnacle of Chevrolet's SUV lineup. These are full-size SUVs built on a truck platform, offering unparalleled passenger and cargo space, as well as exceptional towing capabilities. The Tahoe provides ample space for passengers and cargo, while the Suburban extends the wheelbase for even more cargo volume. Both models come standard with powerful V8 engines, delivering the performance needed to haul heavy loads. The trade-off is lower fuel economy and a larger footprint, making them less maneuverable in urban environments. They are best suited for those who need maximum space, towing capacity, and don't mind the added expense and bulk.
Ford Edge: The Ford Edge is a mid-size SUV that often gets compared to the Chevy Blazer. It offers a similar blend of sporty styling and performance, with available turbocharged engines that deliver strong acceleration. The Edge also provides a comfortable ride and a well-appointed interior. Like the Blazer, it prioritizes style and performance over maximum passenger capacity.
Honda Passport: The Honda Passport is another mid-size SUV with a sporty and rugged design. It features a powerful V6 engine and standard all-wheel drive, making it capable in various weather conditions. The Passport also offers a spacious interior and a comfortable ride. Its focus is on off-road capability and durability.
Nissan Murano: The Nissan Murano is a stylish and comfortable mid-size SUV that focuses on refinement and a premium driving experience. It features a distinctive design, a comfortable interior, and a smooth ride. The Murano is a good choice for those who prioritize comfort and style over rugged off-road capabilities.
Honda Pilot: The Honda Pilot is a popular three-row SUV known for its reliability and practicality. It offers comfortable seating for up to eight passengers, a spacious cargo area, and a smooth ride. The Pilot is a versatile choice for families who need a reliable and spacious SUV.
Toyota Highlander: The Toyota Highlander is another well-regarded three-row SUV, known for its reliability, fuel efficiency (especially the hybrid model), and comfortable ride. It offers a spacious interior and a wide range of features. The Highlander is a popular choice for families who prioritize reliability and fuel economy.
Kia Telluride: The Kia Telluride has quickly become a favorite in the three-row SUV segment, thanks to its stylish design, spacious interior, and long list of standard features. It offers comfortable seating for up to eight passengers, a generous cargo area, and a powerful V6 engine. The Telluride is a great value for those looking for a well-equipped and stylish SUV.
Hyundai Palisade: The Hyundai Palisade is closely related to the Kia Telluride, sharing many of the same mechanical components and features. However, the Palisade has its own unique styling and interior design. It offers a comfortable ride, a spacious interior, and a long list of standard features. The Palisade is another excellent value in the three-row SUV segment.
Ford Explorer: The Ford Explorer is a classic three-row SUV that has been around for decades. It offers a wide range of engine options, including a powerful turbocharged V6. The Explorer also offers a spacious interior and a variety of features. It's a versatile choice for families who need a capable and spacious SUV.
Ford Expedition/Expedition Max: The Ford Expedition and Expedition Max are full-size SUVs that compete directly with the Chevy Tahoe and Suburban. They offer maximum passenger and cargo space, powerful V6 engines, and significant towing capacity. The Expedition Max extends the wheelbase for even more cargo volume.
GMC Yukon/Yukon XL: The GMC Yukon and Yukon XL are the more upscale versions of the Chevy Tahoe and Suburban, offering similar levels of space and capability but with more premium features and styling. The Yukon XL provides even more cargo space than the Yukon.
Cadillac Escalade/Escalade ESV: The Cadillac Escalade and Escalade ESV are the luxury versions of the Chevy Tahoe and Suburban, offering the ultimate in comfort, features, and style. They provide opulent interiors, advanced technology, and powerful V8 engines. The Escalade ESV extends the wheelbase for even more cargo volume.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main reason to upgrade from an Equinox? The primary reasons are usually the need for more passenger space, increased cargo capacity, or greater towing capability.
Is the Chevy Blazer significantly larger than the Equinox? While the Blazer is slightly larger, the main difference is in its sportier styling and available engine options.
Does the Chevy Traverse have more cargo space than the Blazer? Yes, the Traverse offers significantly more cargo space than the Blazer, especially with the third row folded down.
Is the Tahoe or Suburban difficult to drive in cities? Their larger size can make them challenging to maneuver and park in crowded urban areas.
Which SUV offers the best fuel economy among these options? The Chevy Blazer with its standard engine typically offers the best fuel economy compared to the larger Traverse, Tahoe, and Suburban. However, it will still be less fuel efficient than the Equinox.
Are there any hybrid options in this size range?
Yes, the Toyota Highlander and Ford Explorer both offer hybrid models that deliver better fuel economy than their gasoline-only counterparts.
What is the most affordable option to upgrade from an Equinox?
The Chevy Blazer is generally the most affordable option for upgrading, offering a balance of size and features without the significant price jump of the larger SUVs.
Conclusion
Choosing the right SUV to upgrade from a Chevy Equinox depends heavily on your individual needs and priorities. If you're looking for a sportier option with slightly more space, the Chevy Blazer is a good choice. For families needing maximum passenger and cargo capacity, the Chevy Traverse is a practical and spacious option. If you require the ultimate in space and towing capability, the Chevy Tahoe or Suburban are the top choices. Consider your budget, driving needs, and lifestyle when making your decision to ensure you select the SUV that best fits your requirements.