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Which Chevy SUV Is Best for a Family in Texas?

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Quick answer: For most Texas families, the right Chevy SUV comes down to seats and trailer weight. Two rows and light towing point to the Equinox or Blazer. Three rows on a tighter budget point to the Traverse. Eight or nine seats, or a trailer over 5,000 pounds, point to the Tahoe or Suburban.

Every Chevy SUV at a glance

Here is how Chevrolet lists its gas SUVs today. Figures are Chevrolet's own, from the model year chevrolet.com shows for each one.

Model (year shown)SeatsMax cargoMax towing Chevrolet listsStarting MSRP*
Trax (2026)554 cu. ft.Not listed$21,700
Trailblazer (2026)554.4 cu. ft.Not listed$23,600
Equinox (2027)563.5 cu. ft.1,500 lbs.$29,300
Blazer (2026)564.2 cu. ft.4,500 lbs. (3.6L V6 with Trailering Package)$34,300
Traverse (2027)7 or 898 cu. ft.5,000 lbs.$41,100
Tahoe (2027)8 standard; 7 or 9 available122.7 cu. ft.8,400 lbs.$61,500
Suburban (2027)8 standard; 7 or 9 available144.5 cu. ft.8,200 lbs.$64,500

*Chevrolet's starting MSRP excludes destination freight charge, tax, title, license, dealer fees and optional equipment. The dealer sets the final price. Max cargo is with rear seats folded.

Start with how many seats you need every week

Count the people you carry most weeks, not once a year. If that is four or five, a two-row SUV is easier to park, cheaper to buy and lighter on fuel than a three-row. The Equinox and Blazer both seat five with room for gear behind the second row.

If you regularly carry six or more, or kids plus their friends, go to three rows. The Traverse seats up to eight on the LT with the available second-row bench, and seven on other trims. The Tahoe and Suburban come with eight seats standard and offer seven or nine. Behind the third row, the difference is real: Chevrolet lists 22.9 cubic feet in the Traverse and 41.5 in the Suburban. That decides whether luggage fits with every seat filled.

If you tow, let the trailer pick the SUV

A loaded horse trailer, a ski boat or a camper narrows the list fast. Chevrolet lists 1,500 pounds for the Equinox, up to 4,500 for the Blazer with the V6 and Trailering Package, 5,000 for the Traverse and 8,400 for the Tahoe. Those are maximums for a properly equipped vehicle; the rating on the SUV you buy may be lower. Use the loaded weight of your trailer, not the brochure weight. If you are close to a limit, step up a size. Our Tahoe towing guide covers the Tahoe in detail.

Plan for long Texas drives

From Eastland it is about 55 miles to Abilene and 95 to Fort Worth on I-20, so many family trips are highway miles. For long drives, look at cargo with every seat in use, second-row comfort and driver assistance. Chevrolet lists more than 15 standard safety and driver assistance features on the Equinox, including Chevy Safety Assist, and more than 20 on the Traverse. Available Super Cruise on several Tahoe trims adds hands-free driving on compatible highways. Check crash-test results for the exact model year at IIHS and NHTSA before you decide.

Match the SUV to the budget

Starting prices run from $21,700 for the Trax to $64,500 for the Suburban before destination and fees, so the right answer depends on the payment you are comfortable with. Two moves help most. First, value your current vehicle, because trade equity can close the gap to a larger SUV. Second, get pre-approved so you shop by monthly payment, not sticker price. If you drive fewer miles and like a newer vehicle every few years, compare buying with a lease.

The Trax and Trailblazer are Chevrolet's lowest-priced SUVs. They work for a small family or a first car, though Chevrolet does not list a tow rating for either. Our Trax vs Trailblazer comparison covers the choice between them.

Which Chevy SUV should your family buy?

  • Family of four, mostly town and highway, no trailer: Equinox. It has the lowest starting price of the five-seat SUVs that have a tow rating, and room for a weekend's gear.
  • Family of four or five who tow a small boat or utility trailer: Blazer with the V6 and Trailering Package, rated up to 4,500 pounds.
  • Six to eight people on a budget: Traverse, with three rows, up to 98 cubic feet of cargo and a 5,000-pound rating. Learn more about the Chevy Traverse in Eastland.
  • Eight or nine seats, or a heavier trailer: Tahoe, rated up to 8,400 pounds. Choose the Suburban if you need luggage room with every seat filled. Our Tahoe vs Suburban comparison covers the trade-off.

What's new for 2027

Chevrolet now shows 2027 models for the Equinox, Traverse, Tahoe and Suburban, and it is promoting upcoming 2027 Trax and Trailblazer models. The lot may carry both model years for a while, so specs and prices can differ by year. Ask which year a vehicle is before you compare it with this table.

Shopping for a family SUV in Eastland

Tell us how many people you carry, what you tow and the payment you want, and we will line up SUVs that fit, not just the one in the showroom. Browse new Chevrolet inventory or our AWD and 4WD SUVs, compare Chevy lease deals in Eastland, and start with the online pre-approval application.

Why Buy at Blake Fulenwider Chevrolet

Blake Fulenwider Chevrolet is at 1245 E Main St in Eastland, Texas, and serves shoppers in Eastland, Stephenville, Mineral Wells, Brownwood, Breckenridge, Abilene and Baird. Here is how buying from us works.

  • Your trade-in gets a real offer. Value your trade online or schedule an appraisal. We will buy your vehicle even if you do not buy one from us.
  • Financing from local lenders. We have relationships with local banks and lenders, and you can start with our online pre-approval application before you visit.
  • You choose how to start. Request a quote online, schedule a test drive, use the Vehicle Finder, or call Sales at 866-233-8549. We are open Saturdays.
  • Protection after the sale. Ask about Chevrolet Protection plans and GM Rewards when you buy.

Read what customers say on our customer reviews page.

Talk to Sales: 866-233-8549 · Get pre-approved · Value your trade · Hours and directions. Sales hours are Monday to Friday 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM and Saturday 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM. Blake Fulenwider Chevrolet, 1245 E Main St, Eastland, TX 76448.

Related FAQs

What is the biggest Chevy SUV?

The Suburban. Chevrolet lists up to 144.5 cubic feet of cargo space behind the first row and 41.5 cubic feet behind the third row. It seats eight as standard, with seven or nine available. Choose it over the Tahoe when you need luggage room with every seat in use.

Which Chevy SUV has three rows of seats?

Three Chevy SUVs have three rows: the Traverse, Tahoe and Suburban. The Traverse seats seven or eight and starts at the lowest price of the three. The Tahoe and Suburban seat eight as standard and offer seven or nine, and both are rated to tow more than the Traverse.

How much can a Chevy SUV tow?

It depends on the model. Chevrolet lists 1,500 pounds for the Equinox, up to 4,500 for the Blazer with the V6 and Trailering Package, 5,000 for the Traverse and 8,400 for the Tahoe. Those are maximums for a properly equipped SUV, so check the rating on the vehicle you buy.

What is the cheapest new Chevy SUV?

The Trax, with a starting MSRP of $21,700 for the 2026 model, per Chevrolet. The Trailblazer starts at $23,600. Both prices exclude destination, tax, title, license and dealer fees. Your payment depends on trim, trade value and financing, so get pre-approved to see real numbers.

Is the Traverse or Tahoe better for a family?

The Traverse costs less and seats up to eight, which suits most families who do not tow heavy trailers. The Tahoe seats up to nine and is rated to tow up to 8,400 pounds against 5,000 for the Traverse. If you pull a camper or horse trailer, the Tahoe is the safer fit.

Can I see several Chevy SUVs at Blake Fulenwider Chevrolet?

Yes. Our Eastland store sells new Chevrolet SUVs, and you can browse current inventory online first. Call Sales at 866-233-8549 and tell us your family size, what you tow and your budget, and we will line up the SUVs that fit for a side-by-side test drive.

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What Is the Chevy Silverado Texas Edition?

Quick answer: The Chevy Silverado Texas Edition is an option package, not a separate trim. On recent Silverado LT, RST and LTZ trucks it has bundled popular equipment, such as a convenience package, trailering gear and a locking rear differential, plus Texas Edition badging. What it includes changes by year and trim, so the window sticker is the final word. What the Texas Edition package has included Chevrolet has offered the Texas Edition as a package (GM option code PDA) on Silverado trucks, not as its own trim. GM Authority, reporting on the package in 2020, listed what it added by trim. Dealer research pages published since then describe the same structure. Treat the list below as what the package has included, and check the exact truck you are looking at. Trim What the package has added Silverado 1500 LT and RST Convenience Package, locking rear differential, Trailering Package and Texas Edition badging Silverado 1500 LTZ LTZ Convenience Package, Safety Package and Texas Edition badging Silverado HD LT and LTZ Convenience Package (LTZ version on LTZ), Safety Package and badging The badging is what most people notice. The equipment is what you pay for. On an LT or RST, the trailering gear and the locking rear differential are the parts that change how the truck works. If you pull a stock trailer or drive unpaved county roads, those two items matter more than the badge. How much does a Texas Edition cost? There is no single price. The package is priced on top of the trim it is added to, so a Texas Edition LT and a Texas Edition RST start from different numbers. Chevrolet does not publish a Texas Edition price on its Silverado pages. The honest way to price one is to compare two window stickers: the same trim and engine with and without the package. The difference is what the package costs on that truck. Then compare that to what the equipment would cost if you added it one option at a time. If you would order the trailering and convenience items anyway, the package can be the simpler way to get them. If you would not use them, a truck without the package may fit your budget better. For most buyers the question is the monthly payment, so ask for the payment on both trucks, not only the sticker price. You can start with our online pre-approval application to see your numbers first. Is the Texas Edition only sold in Texas? It is built and marketed for Texas buyers, but dealer pages report that Chevrolet dealers in neighboring states can order it too. Availability on any one lot depends on what the dealer ordered. If you are shopping in Eastland, Abilene or Stephenville, the quickest way to know is to ask what is on the ground or what can be ordered. How to confirm a Texas Edition on a used truck Many Texas Edition shoppers are looking at older trucks, and a badge is easy to add. Before you pay extra for one, confirm it: Pull the original window sticker by VIN. The package should be listed by name on the truck's original sticker. Check the option codes. GM trucks carry a Service Parts Identification label, usually in the glove box, that lists the truck's option codes. Look for the Texas Edition package code there. Check the equipment, not the emblem. On an LT or RST, look for the trailering hardware and the locking rear differential the package included. Browse our used trucks in Eastland and ask us to pull the sticker on any Silverado you are considering. Is there a Tahoe or Suburban Texas Edition? People do search for one. We have not found a Chevrolet source that lists a Texas Edition package for the current Tahoe or Suburban, so we do not describe one here. If you see a Tahoe or Suburban advertised as a Texas Edition, ask for the window sticker, the same way you would on a Silverado. What about the 2027 Silverado? The next-generation 2027 Silverado 1500 is expected to go on sale at the end of 2026, Chevrolet says. Its trim names change: the former LT is now simply called Silverado, alongside Work Truck, Custom, Custom Trail Boss, Trail Boss, High Country and ZR2. Chevrolet's 2027 announcement does not mention a Texas Edition, so it is not yet confirmed which 2027 trims will offer it. If you want a 2027, see what is new on our 2027 Silverado 1500 page. Texas Edition and towing The Trailering Package in the LT and RST Texas Edition helps a truck tow, but it does not set the tow rating by itself. The engine, cab, bed and axle decide that. Our Silverado 1500 towing guide lists Chevrolet's ratings by engine. If your trailer is heavy, start there before you choose a package. Shopping a GMC instead? The GMC Sierra has its own Texas Edition, which our sister store covers. Shopping for a Silverado Texas Edition in Eastland Tell Sales which trim you want and what you plan to tow or haul. We can check whether a truck on the lot carries the package, show you the sticker, and price it against the same truck without it. If you are trading a truck in, value it first so the number is part of the conversation from the start. Browse our new Silverado 1500 trucks in Eastland, TX. Why Buy at Blake Fulenwider Chevrolet Blake Fulenwider Chevrolet is at 1245 E Main St in Eastland, Texas, and serves shoppers in Eastland, Stephenville, Mineral Wells, Brownwood, Breckenridge, Abilene and Baird. Here is how buying from us works. Your trade-in gets a real offer. Value your trade online or schedule an appraisal. We will buy your vehicle even if you do not buy one from us. Financing from local lenders. We have relationships with local banks and lenders, and you can start with our online pre-approval application before you visit. You choose how to start. Request a quote online, schedule a test drive, use the Vehicle Finder, or call Sales at 866-233-8549. We are open Saturdays. Protection after the sale. Ask about Chevrolet Protection plans and GM Rewards when you buy. Read what customers say on our customer reviews page. Talk to Sales: 866-233-8549 · Get pre-approved · Value your trade · Hours and directions. Sales hours are Monday to Friday 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM and Saturday 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM. Blake Fulenwider Chevrolet, 1245 E Main St, Eastland, TX 76448. Related FAQs Is the Silverado Texas Edition a trim or a package? It is a package, not a trim. Chevrolet has offered it on Silverado LT, RST and LTZ trucks under GM option code PDA. It adds equipment and Texas Edition badging to the trim you choose, so a Texas Edition LT and a Texas Edition RST are still different trucks underneath. What does the Texas Edition include on a Silverado LT or RST? On recent LT and RST trucks, the package has included a Convenience Package, a locking rear differential, a Trailering Package and Texas Edition badging. Contents can change by model year, so check the window sticker on the exact truck before you pay for the package. How do I know if a used Silverado is a real Texas Edition? Ask for the original window sticker, which you can pull by VIN, and look for the package by name. Then check the Service Parts Identification label, usually in the glove box, for the package option code. A badge alone does not prove the truck has the equipment. How much more does a Texas Edition Silverado cost? There is no single price, because the package sits on top of the trim. The simplest way to see the cost is to compare two window stickers for the same trim and engine, one with the package and one without. Ask for the monthly payment on both, not only the price. Can you buy a Silverado Texas Edition outside of Texas? It is marketed to Texas buyers, but dealer pages report that dealers in some neighboring states can order it. What is on any lot depends on what that dealer ordered. If you are near Eastland, Abilene or Stephenville, call us and we will check what is available or can be ordered. Will the 2027 Silverado have a Texas Edition? Chevrolet has not said yet. The next-generation 2027 Silverado 1500 is expected to go on sale at the end of 2026 with new trim names, and its announcement does not mention a Texas Edition. We will update this page when Chevrolet confirms which 2027 trims will offer it.

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How Much Can a Chevy Silverado 1500 Tow?

Quick answer: A 2026 Chevy Silverado 1500 can tow up to 13,300 pounds when it has the Duramax 3.0L Turbo-Diesel and the available Max Trailering Package. Most configurations tow less. The exact rating depends on the engine, cab, bed, drive type and trailering package, so check the truck you plan to buy, not the headline number. What the 13,300-pound number means Chevrolet's top figure for the 2026 Silverado 1500 is 13,300 pounds. That is the high end of a chart, not what every truck carries. Chevrolet says its trailering ratings are for comparison only and that passengers, cargo and options reduce what you can pull. A truck with a different engine, a different cab or no Max Trailering Package will have a lower rating. The rating that counts is the one for the truck you drive home. Silverado 1500 towing capacity by engine Engine (2026) Power Maximum trailer weight Chevrolet lists 2.7L TurboMax 310 hp, 430 lb-ft About 9,000 to 9,500 lbs 5.3L EcoTec3 V8 355 hp, 383 lb-ft About 9,200 to 9,900 lbs. Up to 11,400 lbs with the Max Trailering Package. 6.2L EcoTec3 V8 420 hp, 460 lb-ft About 9,100 lbs. About 11,900 lbs with the Max Trailering Package. Up to 13,200 lbs on the RST with that package and 20-inch wheels. Duramax 3.0L Turbo-Diesel 305 hp, 495 lb-ft About 9,000 to 9,300 lbs. About 11,700 to 12,100 lbs with the Max Trailering Package. Up to 13,300 lbs with that package and 20-inch wheels. Ratings change with cab, bed length and drive. Crew Cab 4x4 trucks sit toward the low end of each range and Double Cab 2WD trucks toward the high end. The off-road ZR2 trims are rated lower, at about 8,700 to 8,800 pounds. Not every engine is offered on every trim, so ask which trims carry the engine you want. Payload and tongue weight can limit you first Tow rating gets the attention, but payload often runs out sooner. Chevrolet lists a maximum payload of 2,260 pounds for the 2026 Silverado 1500, and only on the best-equipped configuration. Chevrolet's trailering guide puts tongue weight for a conventional trailer at 10 to 15 percent of the loaded trailer weight. On an 8,000-pound trailer that is 800 to 1,200 pounds on the hitch, and it comes out of the same payload that carries your passengers, tools and feed. Use the loaded weight of the trailer, not the empty weight on the brochure. For horse, stock, equipment and travel trailers, the trailer's gross weight rating is the safer number to plan around. Chevrolet also says trailer brakes are required above 2,000 pounds of trailer weight on the Silverado, so a heavier trailer needs working brakes and a way to control them. When a Silverado 1500 is not enough If your loaded trailer sits near the top of the numbers above, or you pull heavy gooseneck or fifth-wheel trailers often, look at Silverado 2500HD heavy-duty trucks before you settle on a 1500. Pulling at the limit every weekend wears on a truck and on you. A heavier truck gives you room, which matters on the long grades and wind of West Texas highways. What changed for 2027 Chevrolet lists the 2027 Silverado 1500 at a higher maximum tow rating, up to 13,700 pounds with the 5.7L V8. The 2027 engine lineup also lists a 6.6L V8 rated at 481 horsepower, a 5.7L V8 at 402 horsepower, the TurboMax at 350 horsepower and the Duramax 3.0L Turbo-Diesel at 305 horsepower. Ratings differ by model year, so use the year and configuration of the truck in front of you. Buying a Silverado to tow at Blake Fulenwider Chevrolet Because the rating changes from one Silverado to the next, we would rather you shop by trailer than by trim. When you call Sales at 866-233-8549 or request a quote, tell us what you pull and about what it weighs loaded. That lets the trucks you look at start from the right engine and trailering package instead of the right color. Most people who tow are also replacing something. Value your current truck online or schedule an appraisal before you shop. We will buy it even if you do not buy a truck from us, so you start with a real number. If you want to see financing first, begin with the online pre-approval application. We have relationships with local banks and lenders, and you can work through the numbers before you visit. Ready to look at trucks? Browse our new Silverado 1500 trucks for sale in Eastland, TX. If you tow a few times a year and use the truck for work the rest of the time, compare buying with the Chevy lease deals in Eastland as well. Why Buy at Blake Fulenwider Chevrolet Blake Fulenwider Chevrolet is at 1245 E Main St in Eastland, Texas, and serves shoppers in Eastland, Stephenville, Mineral Wells, Brownwood, Breckenridge, Abilene and Baird. Here is how buying from us works. Your trade-in gets a real offer. Value your trade online or schedule an appraisal. We will buy your vehicle even if you do not buy one from us. Financing from local lenders. We have relationships with local banks and lenders, and you can start with our online pre-approval application before you visit. You choose how to start. Request a quote online, schedule a test drive, use the Vehicle Finder, or call Sales at 866-233-8549. We are open Saturdays. Protection after the sale. Ask about Chevrolet Protection plans and GM Rewards when you buy. Related FAQs How much can a Silverado 1500 tow with the diesel? With the Duramax 3.0L Turbo-Diesel and the Max Trailering Package, Chevrolet lists up to 13,300 pounds for a 2026 Silverado 1500, the top rating in the lineup. Without that package, the same engine is rated at roughly 9,000 to 9,300 pounds. Cab, bed and drive type also change the number. How much can a Silverado 1500 carry in the bed? Chevrolet lists a maximum payload of 2,260 pounds for the 2026 Silverado 1500, but only on the best-equipped configuration. Most trucks are rated lower. Passengers, gear and the tongue weight of a trailer all count against payload, so read the label on the driver's door jamb of the exact truck. Do I need the Max Trailering Package to tow with a Silverado 1500? The Max Trailering Package is what lifts a rating from the base range to the top of the chart. On the 5.3L V8, for example, Chevrolet lists about 9,200 to 9,900 pounds without it and up to 11,400 pounds with it. It is optional, so confirm it is on the truck you buy. What tongue weight should a Silverado 1500 trailer have? Chevrolet's trailering guide puts tongue weight for a conventional trailer at 10 to 15 percent of the loaded trailer weight. On an 8,000-pound trailer, that is 800 to 1,200 pounds pressing on the hitch. That weight counts against the truck's payload along with passengers and anything in the bed. When should I choose a Silverado 2500HD instead of a 1500? Look at a Silverado 2500HD if your loaded trailer is near the top of the 1500's ratings, or if you pull heavy gooseneck or fifth-wheel trailers often. Our Eastland store sells both, so you can compare the two trucks in person and decide which one fits the way you tow. Will Blake Fulenwider Chevrolet buy my old truck when I upgrade? Yes. We will buy your vehicle even if you do not buy one from us. Start by valuing your trade online with your name, email, ZIP code and the year, make and model, or schedule an appraisal at the store. Then you can use that number when you price your new truck. Talk to Sales: 866-233-8549. Sales hours are Monday to Friday 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM and Saturday 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM. Blake Fulenwider Chevrolet, 1245 E Main St, Eastland, TX 76448.