If you have a hankering for some of that good old US style and power, then you’ve probably been perusing the Chevrolet catalog, reading reviews on cars like the Chevy Equinox. An SUV or crossover from the USA-based automaker is bound to tick all the right boxes, since this is the home of the free-ranger. There are few places these hardy high-riders can’t go, and they are still quite affordable. And while most large vehicles in the States don’t care much about fuel economy, the Equinox actually returns some decent mileage figures from its entry-level engine.
Of course, if you want something a little smaller and more affordable, you could always consider one of the sedans like the Chevrolet Malibu. It’s still quite affordable at well below $30k MSRP, and you get a decent list of features and decent cargo capacity. But there are plenty of other options, too, including some sportier muscle cars in classic American style. These include the Camaro and Corvette, available in coupe or convertible guise. Some of the most exciting models from this brand include the:
- Camaro ZL1 Convertible
- Corvette Stingray C8
- Blazer
- Tahoe
- Colorado
Every Flavor of Pie
As is clear, there is definitely something for everyone here, no matter your taste. If you’re just starting out, a smaller sports car like the Spark might be perfect, or you can stretch for a larger sedan like the Malibu. Where the former is a slick little urban runabout, the latter is a stylish sedan that focuses a bit more on practicality and the potential for family.
Meanwhile, the Tahoe and Blazer have been winning hearts with moms and dads across the country with their spacious cabins and commodious trunks. And for those who want something hardier still, Chevy offers up the Colorado or the various configurations of the ever-popular Silverado.
Is Bigger Really Better?
Very often, it is the large SUVs like the Kia Telluride that turn heads, but there are more than a few incredible compact options on the market. The Blazer is a great example of this. A choice of three engines deliver varying levels of performance, from the sleepy entry-level engine all the way through to the throaty V6, which directs 308 horsepower and 270 lb-ft to the front or all four wheels, courtesy of the nine-speed automatic transmission.
Inside, it is more spacious than some of its larger rivals. Even those in the back seat have nothing to complain about, and taller passengers won’t even need to slouch thanks to the ample headroom. The trunk is the headliner, though, with 30.5 cubic feet presented behind the rear seats, increasing to 64.2 cu ft when you fold them down. If all that wasn’t enough, the eight-inch touchscreen with smartphone integration, Wi-Fi, and automatic climate control keep everyone happy. Sadly, most of the desirable safety features are reserved for the upper trim levels.
In comparison, the much larger Tahoe has a lot more power at its disposal. The 355-hp V8 is standard on the base model, while a 420-hp V8 is available, alongside the 460 lb-ft turbo-diesel. The last in the line offers the most when it comes to towing, which is something Chevrolet has always excelled at. It also returns some of the best mpg figures, though very few large SUVs win any awards in this area.
Inside, it doesn’t make the mistake that many mid-size competitors do, skipping out on a third row of seats to maximize space for those in the back while not making any compromise in the trunk. All of these factors combine in a handsome package to create a hardy, practical vehicle that feels equally at home in the city or out in the rough outdoors.
The V8 is Far From Dead
Where many automakers are scrambling to get a piece of the EV pie, Chevrolet feels that the gorgeous sound of a V8 is not something we should give up without a fight. It’s easy to forgive them when you hear that engine roar, and it helps that the Chevy Bolt and Volt have proven that the company knows how to play ball in the alternative fuel arena.
Going up against the likes of the Tesla Model S Performance and the Porsche Taycan, a pair of electric beasts, the Camaro and Corvette Stingray don’t fall too far behind. The latter makes the 0-60 mph in around 2.9 seconds. And the sound? That more than makes up for the few tenths of a second difference. And its style is something else entirely.
True, it may not be particularly practical, and a price tag of around $60k can seem restrictive, but that’s still a lot cheaper than a Mercedes-AMG or BMW M. Even the Model S and Taycan seem expensive in comparison. Unfortunately, this does come at a cost to interior quality and standard features. The sheer pleasure of the drive, though, will easily distract you from this. It’s true American muscle at its best.
