From Carpools to Road Trips: The Best Used Chevys for Families

Let’s be honest: Family life isn’t neat and tidy. It’s car seats, backpacks, snacks spilling between the seats, and the occasional “Are we there yet?” chorus. The good news? Chevrolet makes vehicles built for life’s most precious and chaotic moments. Shopping for a used Chevy for sale means finding models designed to make life easier, safer, and a lot more comfortable for everyone.

As parents and industry experts, we know that you need more than just a way to get from Point A to Point B. You need a vehicle that works just as hard as you do for your family, and we’re here to help. We’ve determined the best used Chevrolet models for families, each offering a unique mix of space, safety, style, and performance. 

The Family Hauler: The Suburban (2021+)

It’s only fitting that our list starts with the automotive industry’s longest-running nameplate: the Suburban. A staple in the Chevrolet lineup for close to a century, the Suburban is the brand’s largest SUV and renowned for its versatility, well-equipped cabin, and impeccable blend of functionality and comfort. 

The 2021 Suburban debuted the SUV’s latest generation, introducing a redesign with best-in-class cargo volume, modern technologies, and exceptional handling. These characteristics make 2021 and newer models excellent finds on the used lot. So, what should you look for as you shop? 

• 2021+ Suburban models have a lower cargo floor and a longer wheelbase, making it easy to optimize the space and enjoy the 23 cu.ft. of additional cargo room for a total of 144.7 cu.ft. 
• The 2022 Suburban complements its 10.2-inch touchscreen with a 12.3-inch Digital Instrument Cluster and adds Google Built-In, which equips the SUV with Google Play, Google Assistant, and Google Maps. 
• Cruise hands-free with the 2023 Suburban Premier or High Country, a perfect addition to the top-tier trim’s first-in-class Four Corner Air Ride Adaptive Suspension and Magnetic Ride Control, which deliver an exceptionally smooth ride. 
• The Suburban’s multi-engine lineup offers a wide range of performance, whether you’re looking for the ample power of the standard 5.3L V8, the higher output of the 6.2L V8, or the diesel performance of the 3.0L inline-six.

The Slimmer Sibling: The Tahoe (2021+)

What if you need a three-row SUV but don’t want something as big as the Suburban? The Chevrolet Tahoe might be the perfect fit, given that it’s the Suburban’s slightly smaller and more agile sibling. 

Shopping for a used Tahoe is similar to shopping for a used Suburban because Chevrolet typically updates the models together. Because of this, you’ll want to look for a 2021 or newer Tahoe. With its all-new redesign in 2021, the Tahoe introduces a best-in-class cargo volume, more legroom in the third row, and an expansive digital landscape. 

• 2021+ Tahoe models offer 60% more cargo room behind the third row, for a total volume of 123.9 cu.ft., and a maximum trailering capacity of 8,400 lbs, depending on configuration. 
• Updated technologies are abundant, from the segment-exclusive 15-inch Head-Up Display to Google Built-In to an extensive camera system that offers over a dozen unique views. 
• Driver assistance tools, like Super Cruise (2023+) and the Chevy Safety Assist suite, add confidence and peace of mind. You’ll also find other advanced features, like a Rear Camera Mirror and Rear Pedestrian Alert. 

The Iconic Compact: The Equinox (2022+)

The Equinox garners widespread praise as Chevrolet’s best-selling SUV, trailing just behind the Silverado 1500 as the brand’s top-selling vehicle. A cornerstone in the lineup since 2005, the Equinox debuted as a midsize crossover and has been part of the compact crossover segment since 2018 to accommodate Chevrolet’s growing SUV family. 

With Chevrolet introducing the Equinox’s newest generation in 2025, shopping for a used Equinox is exciting and incredibly rewarding. Late third-generation models following the 2022 refresh offer outstanding value. Here’s what to consider:

• The sporty RS trim joined the lineup in 2022. It’s instantly recognizable by its blacked-out details and Dark Android wheels. Inside, red stitching accents give the RS an athletic aesthetic that defies the norm of a family-friendly SUV destined for carpools. 
• The 2023+ Equinox produces slightly more horsepower, with its 1.5L turbocharged inline-four making 175 hp for more engaging performance.
• For enhanced safety features, look for a 2024 Equinox with the Driver Confidence II Package that adds Lane Change Alert with Side Blind Zone Alert, Rear Cross Traffic Alert, and Front and Rear Park Assist.

The Three-Row Star: The Traverse (2022+)

The Traverse hits the sweet spot for families looking for something larger than the Equinox but more agile and efficient than the full-size Tahoe and Suburban. Chevrolet’s stylish three-row SUV has been in the lineup since 2009, with its third-generation debut in 2024. For shoppers on a budget, late second-generation Traverse models after the 2022 refresh are outstanding options. Why?

• The 2022 Traverse features bolder exterior design details with an updated front fascia, new grilles, and LED lighting. Those details evolve again in 2024, with the Traverse boasting a more truck-inspired design that gives it a rugged aesthetic.
• The 2024 Traverse introduced the all-new Z71 trim, which is perfect for adventurous families because of its increased ground clearance, all-terrain tires, twin-clutch all-wheel drivetrain, and unique dampers for better handling off the pavement. 
• The 2022+ Traverse is packed with safety features, with the 2024 Traverse expanding that suite with Rear Park Assist, an HD Rear Vision Camera, Blind Zone Steering Assist, Adaptive Cruise Control, Traffic Sign Recognition, Side Bicyclist Alert, Rear Pedestrian Alert, and Reverse Automatic Braking. 

The Full-Size Beast: The Silverado 1500 (2021+)

Are you looking for a family-friendly vehicle that’s beyond the traditional SUV? Chevrolet encourages families to dream big with the Silverado 1500, a full-size truck renowned for its versatility. 

Since its debut in the late 1990s, the Silverado 1500 has proven its adaptability. It’s ready for anything, whether managing your weekday commute and school drop-offs, running errands around town, hauling equipment between job sites, or venturing beyond the city limits for a weekend getaway with your family. 

The fourth-generation Silverado 1500 debuted in 2019, but 2021 or newer models are more enticing. Why? Chevrolet introduced its revolutionary Multi-Flex tailgate in 2021, sweetening the Silverado 1500 with several significant updates and modifications over the last few years. 

• The 2021+ Silverado 1500 offers the Multi-Flex tailgate, which boasts six unique functions that transform how you use the bed and access your cargo.
• The 2022+ Silverado 1500 introduces a larger digital landscape, stretching from the 12.3-inch Digital Instrument Cluster to the 13.4-inch color touchscreen with Google Built-In, Android Auto, and Apple CarPlay. 
• Adventure-ready families will appreciate the Silverado 1500 ZR2, which debuted in 2022 with Multimatic DSSV dampers, front and rear e-lockers, an off-road chassis and suspension, 33-inch off-road MT tires, and underbody skid plates. 
• Diesel fans will want to shop for a Duramax-powered 2023+ Silverado 1500, which delivers more horsepower and torque after improvements to the pistons, compressor, fuel injector, and temperature control features. 

Finding the Right Chevy Model

From spacious SUVs like the Tahoe and Suburban to the best-selling Equinox, three-row Traverse, and full-size Silverado 1500, there’s a used Chevrolet for sale that’s perfect for your family. So, how do you find the right fit? Come to LaFontaine Chevrolet Dexter, of course!

We’ll listen attentively to your needs to help you make a confident purchase. We’re excited to ride along during test drives and answer all your questions about features, technologies, and amenities. Whether you want to see how a car seat fits in the Silverado 1500’s backseat or if the Traverse’s cargo area is spacious enough for a stroller, we’ll do whatever it takes, sharing our expertise and guiding you along the way. 

At the end of the day, the right Chevrolet isn’t simply about driving; it’s about helping your family thrive. We’re honored to be part of that process.

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