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) | Seats | Max cargo | Max towing Chevrolet lists | Starting MSRP* |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Trax (2026) | 5 | 54 cu. ft. | Not listed | $21,700 |
| Trailblazer (2026) | 5 | 54.4 cu. ft. | Not listed | $23,600 |
| Equinox (2027) | 5 | 63.5 cu. ft. | 1,500 lbs. | $29,300 |
| Blazer (2026) | 5 | 64.2 cu. ft. | 4,500 lbs. (3.6L V6 with Trailering Package) | $34,300 |
| Traverse (2027) | 7 or 8 | 98 cu. ft. | 5,000 lbs. | $41,100 |
| Tahoe (2027) | 8 standard; 7 or 9 available | 122.7 cu. ft. | 8,400 lbs. | $61,500 |
| Suburban (2027) | 8 standard; 7 or 9 available | 144.5 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.