The Best and Most Iconic Used Chevy Models For Busy Growing Families

March 11th, 2022 by

A red 2020 Chevy Suburban parked in front of a modern house overlooking mountains.

Are you a used Chevy shopper who calls Arab, Alabama home? If so, you’re part of a community of hardworking, busy families who value quality and always appreciate a great deal. Guntersville Chevrolet is your Chevy dealership near Arab, home to the best selection of new and used Chevys in the region. When it comes to finding the best Chevy model for your busy family, you have tons of options, but a few specific models might just be ideal.

Families have a unique set of needs when it comes to choosing the right vehicle. This is especially true when your family is on the larger side. How best to find a car with room for people and gear? One trip to our showroom is all you’ll need to see the wide variety of options found within the diverse Chevy lineup. Take your pick from multiple SUVs, crossovers, and even a pickup (or two)! The toughest choice will be settling on just one.

When you choose a pre-owned Chevy vehicle, you’re saying yes to durability, reliability, and value. Chevy manufactures some of the most iconic vehicles on the road today, including the legendary Suburban and the powerful Silverado 1500 pickup. Within the Chevy lineup awaits your perfect family vehicle, so don’t compromise. Instead, trust over a century of automotive engineering innovation and check out one of these popular Chevy models.

The Iconic Chevy Suburban

When it comes to people movers, the Chevy Suburban is the grande dame of them all. Here’s something you may not know about this large SUV – the Suburban name was born in 1934, making it the longest continuously used nameplate in the auto industry. It began as a hybrid of a truck and a station wagon, and while the Suburban has morphed into a highly sophisticated premium SUV, it still holds true to its core design objective: utility.

The Suburban is currently in its twelfth generation, but used buyers should focus their search on generation eleven. Spanning model years 2015 – 2020, the eleventh-generation Suburban features a more aerodynamic body with a lightweight aluminum hood and liftgate that substantially improves fuel economy. The standard 5.3-liter EcoTec3 V8 engine produces plenty of horsepower and torque – to effortlessly haul its nearly 6,000 pounds of heft around the Arab town limits. With a 130-inch wheelbase, there’s tons of cabin and cargo space for busy families.

The Suburban offers seating for up to nine, a max towing capability of 8,300 pounds (trip to Guntersville Lake, anyone?), and 355 horses under the hood for spirited acceleration. The third-row seat folds completely flat to reveal even more cargo space when the 16 cubic feet behind it won’t cut the mustard. If you’re carrying enough passengers to send a few to the far back seats, you won’t hear any grumbling about legroom – this eleventh-generation Suburban expands passenger space to keep everyone comfortable.

Offered in three trims – the LS, the LT, and the LTZ – the Suburban is available in two and four-wheel drive. Choose the latter for a little extra traction during those muddy weekend camping trips in the Talladega National Forest. Seating for eight passengers is standard, but buyers who can settle for a seven-seater can opt for a model with second-row captain’s chairs. A rear entertainment system is available to make road trips more bearable for the kiddos, and plenty of luxury features will keep mom and dad comfy in the front.

A blue 2019 Chevy Silverado 1500 driving on a desert road.

The Silverado 1500 and HD Series

It’s hard to dispute Chevy’s dominance in the pickup truck category. Whether judging on the merits of its mid-size Colorado or comparing the full-size Silverado lineup to the competition, Chevy’s trucks continually earn high marks from buyers who count on them to get the job done. For families who just don’t want an SUV, a full-size light-duty Silverado 1500 or heavy-duty 2500 or 3500 might just be the perfect antidote.

The cabin of a crew cab Silverado comfortably seats five (six if you opt for a bench seat in the front) with plenty of space in the bed for all your gear. Families are often pleasantly surprised at the usefulness of a pickup body style. After all, it doubles as a tailgating home base and a convenient spot for transporting bulky cargo like camping gear and bicycles. Choosing a pickup also maximizes towing capability, so if you have a large RV or boat, hook-up and hauling are effortless.

If your trailer is more of a fifth wheel, consider a heavy-duty 2500 or 3500 Silverado. These beasts take capability to a whole new level without leaving behind cabin comforts. Trims like the High Country add leather seating, high-tech infotainment, and multi-zone climate control for optimal passenger comfort. Consider a used HD truck to save thousands on your purchase price. Even older model years offer tremendous value and reliability.

US News and World Report recently named the 2019 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 the best truck for families, citing the expansive list of driver-assist safety features and excellent crash test ratings as two primary reasons. Additionally, families will love the infotainment touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity, as well as an available Bose premium audio system and the Silverado’s generous supply of USB charging ports.

A maroon 2018 Chevy Traverse parked in front of a body of water.

The Versatile Traverse Crossover

If driving a large SUV or full-size pickup fills you with anxiety, but you still need three rows of seats, consider the versatile Chevy Traverse. Part of Chevy’s crossover lineup since 2009, the Traverse began its run as a full-size offering, but Chevy changed its proportions in 2018 when it joined the popular mid-size category. The second generation, therefore, is a great starting point for buyers who want a smaller family vehicle.

Starting in 2018, the Traverse’s wheelbase measures 120.9 inches, 10 inches shorter than its big brother, the Suburban. As for overall length, the Traverse is just 204.3 inches long, nearly two feet smaller than the Suburban. These more diminutive dimensions might fit well with families living and driving in congested urban areas or those with limited driveway or garage space. It still seats up to eight passengers, so larger families will find it plenty big.

The Traverse is offered in front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive. Chevy has tweaked the trim lineup over the years, offering 2018 model-year buyers multiple configurations, including the luxurious Premier version. The Premier includes leather seating, a wireless smartphone charger, heated seats and steering wheel, and multiple driver-assist safety systems. It’s the perfect size compromise that somehow still doesn’t skimp on space.

Which Chevy Vehicle Is Right for Your Family

Choosing from the variety of vehicles found in the Chevy lineup isn’t easy. After all, each one has its own list of unique benefits. Still, if you carefully consider your lifestyle and the types of activities your family engages in, a clear winner will undoubtedly emerge. Chevy’s thoughtful lineup appeals to almost any family, from parents with little ones in car seats to broods with gangly teens.

Whether you have one child or five, these capable Chevy SUVs, crossovers, and trucks offer the versatility and passenger capacity you’re seeking. Sometimes, neither a compact ute nor a sedan will do. Instead, you need the big guns – vehicles that are locked and loaded with the space and features busy families demand. Chevy’s iconic Suburban, rugged Silverado, and nimble Traverse stand out, offering buyers tremendous value and utility.

Arab area families – now’s the time to start your search for your next family car. Life doesn’t offer any guarantees, but when you choose a Chevy, you’re sure to enjoy years of family-friendly driving enjoyment.