Which Pre-Owned Family-Friendly SUV Should You Choose?

Families often choose a used SUV because it’s functional, flexible, and affordable. They know how important it is to stick to a budget and get the most for their money. Buying a used SUV lets them do this while getting a great vehicle that can grow with them, providing generous storage, roomy interiors, elevated seating, and more. Whether you’re shopping for your first SUV or upgrading to a new model, there’s a reason why these often top lists of the most popular vehicle class.

At Edwards Chevrolet Downtown, we offer a wide selection of used Chevy SUVs for sale, and our knowledgeable and friendly team can walk you through your options, providing the information you need to make an informed choice. Additionally, we offer Certified Pre-Owned vehicles that give you added peace of mind with factory-backed warranties, and our top-notch service center can perform all your maintenance needs. When you need a used SUV, you can count on us.

Why Do Families Choose Chevy SUVs?

Not only are used SUVs more affordable than new ones, but you’ll enjoy a greater value since the first years of depreciation have already made their mark; this gives you an advantage when you sell or trade it down the line, making it a great investment.

In terms of flexibility and functionality, many SUVs offer fold-down rear rows that increase your cargo space, plus plenty of legroom and headroom for your passengers. Automakers understand how much time you spend in your vehicle, running errands, transporting kids, and facilitating road trips; thus, they’ve focused on creating warm, inviting interiors filled with advanced features that keep your family connected and safe.

For Chevy, this safety umbrella comes as Chevy Safety Assist, a collection of high-tech safety features that provides parents peace of mind, helps them avoid accidents, and gives them a greater understanding of their surroundings. As more and more families spend time outdoors, Chevy has tailored their vehicles with the necessary traction control to tackle all types of weather and terrain.

If you want the best of our pre-owned SUVs, you can find a Certified Pre-Owned model and reap its numerous benefits, like an extended Powertrain Limited Warranty, extended Bumper-to-Bumper Limited Warranty, and the security that comes from a 172-Point Vehicle Inspection and Reconditioning Process completed by our skilled service team. Chevy Certified Pre-Owned vehicles are six model years old or newer with less than 75,000 miles. Added benefits include things like Roadside Assistance (through the life of the limited warranty), two complimentary maintenance visits, and a three-month SiriusXM trial.

On top of getting an SUV backed by one of the automotive industry’s most tenured brands, it’s easy to see why buying a used Chevy SUV is a savvy choice. But which one will you choose? Chevy manufactures a wide variety of SUVs, from the Blazer to the Suburban, each with its own benefits…

The Chevy Blazer

The Chevy Blazer is a great family SUV with a lot of features that set it apart from other vehicles in its class. Its interior is roomy and comfy enough for up to five people, and the ride is smooth. The Blazer’s versatility is also shown by its flexible storage and cargo space, giving you up to 64.2 cu.ft. of space with the second row folded flat.

There are several standard safety features that make the Blazer a great choice, as well as modern technology throughout. You and your passengers will love the seamless connection to Apple CarPlay, available Wi-Fi connectivity, and an easy-to-use infotainment center that puts everything you need within reach.

The Blazer is also fun to drive, whether you’re navigating the streets of Birmingham or headed to the trails of Ruffner Mountain. Responsive steering and stable suspension make the ride comfortable and fun while giving you confidence and control. And if your family enjoys camping, the Blazer can tow up to 4,500 lbs, depending on the engine and trailering package.

In addition, the Chevy Blazer has a rugged and fun look, showing that style doesn’t have to be sacrificed for functionality. Overall, the Chevy Blazer is a great choice that meets the needs of busy families.

The Chevy Traverse

The Chevy Traverse has long been a family favorite for several reasons. This midsize SUV might not be as large as the Tahoe or Suburban, but it offers plenty of legroom over its three rows. In fact, it offers one of the largest cargo volumes in its class, with up to 98.2 cu.ft. available.

When it was first introduced in 2009, families loved the space it provided, as well as the cushioned seating and modern tech features. Those same advantages can be found in the used Traverses on our lot. This model provides quick acceleration, precise handling, and selectable traction modes if you find yourself on the road less traveled.

Flexibility is evident when you look between Traverses, as you can find one with second-row captain’s chairs instead of a bench seat; this reduces your capacity from eight to seven but gives older children or adult passengers more personalized space. It has the same intuitive infotainment system found in the Blazer, as well as many of the same safety features—however, the Traverse is a more rounded SUV, giving a sense of sophistication.

Depending on the trim, you and your passengers can also enjoy USB charging ports in every row, built-in navigation, and more tech, providing an enjoyable road trip experience for all. There’s a reason the Traverse has been a family favorite since its introduction, and one test drive will provide you with all the evidence you need.

The Chevy Tahoe

The Chevy Tahoe was redesigned in 2021, providing families with even more reasons to fall in love with this full-size SUV. Its smooth ride and dynamic handling come from its independent rear suspension. Like the Traverse, you gain space with a third row that is both comfortable and functional, with each row offering charging ports, ample legroom and headroom, cupholders, and more.

Since the redesign, the Tahoe comes with a standard 5.3L V8 engine, providing you with consistent power and capable towing abilities. One thing to consider is that the Tahoe is taller than both the Traverse and the Bronco, meaning smaller children might have difficulty getting in and out; however, the stylish interior and top-of-the-line perks inside make up for that rather quickly.

There are numerous trims to choose from, depending on your family’s needs. If outdoor adventure is on your bucket list, the Tahoe can tow up to 8,300 lbs when equipped with the proper engine and towing package. You’ll also enjoy the Magnetic Ride Control of the Tahoe, which allows its suspension to react instantly to terrain changes, providing better handling and a steadier drive.

The Chevy Suburban

The Chevy Suburban offers the same independent rear suspension found on the Tahoe, as well as the standard 5.3L V8 engine and Magnetic Ride Control. While those things are the same, there are differences, with the biggest being the amount of space the Suburban provides.

The Suburban has a longer wheelbase, which can take some getting used to if you’re driving on narrow roads or navigating through the city. Still, its extra 15 inches gives you and your passengers more freedom to stretch out; this is especially true in the third row, which might cause your kids to fight over who gets the backseat. You also get larger cargo volume when the seats are folded down—up to 145 cu.ft. for the Suburban against 123 cu.ft. for the Tahoe.

The various trim levels for the Suburban offer a wide range of comfort and connectivity advantages. You also get the same great safety features found across the other Chevy SUVs, providing added confidence no matter where you travel. You might also like to know that the Chevy Suburban has been named the Best Large SUV for Families by US News & World Report for several years, making your used Suburban choice even easier.

See Edwards Chevrolet Downtown for Your Used Chevy SUV

No matter which used Chevy SUV you choose, we’re sure you’ll be happy with it for many years to come. When you’re ready, check out our extensive used inventory online or visit our lot to view your options up close. Our team will take the time to ask you about your goals for your SUV and help you narrow down which ones might be best for you. You can also start the financing process online, allowing our team to work on finding suitable rates and loan terms.

Our team has served the Birmingham area for over a century, and we’re one of the oldest family-run Chevy dealerships in the country, making us a great choice for your family to partner with. If you need more space or simply want to upgrade from your current vehicle, stop in to see how we can help you. We’re located in downtown Birmingham, with convenient hours that fit your busy schedule.