HEIGHT MATTERS: CHEVY SUVS WITH EXCEPTIONAL GROUND CLEARANCE

It was back in 1969 when Chevy debuted the Blazer. In an age where the muscle car was still reveling in its golden age, Chevy brought out a formidable opponent for the Ford Bronco. With its inline-six engine and eight inches of ground clearance, the Blazer demonstrated a type of off-road prowess that’s still discussed today with reverence and awe. Since then, much has changed for SUVs, but Chevy is still manufacturing them with the philosophy that standing tall and proud is the best way to take on any challenge. “Standing tall” are the definitive words on which this article focuses. Like the 1969 Chevy Blazer, the bow-tie brand has continued to utilize elevated ground clearance in its SUVs. By doing so, increased visibility and off-road prowess give Ford an edge over its competition. A new model year means new SUVs for sale, and today we focus on the continuing excellence of ground clearance that Chevy utilizes.

The 2023 Chevy Blazer

Because we began the article with the mention of the 1969 Chevy Blazer, it’s only fitting to continue with the vehicle’s attributes in 2023. Comparing the models from 1969 and 2023 next to one another, you’ll find a few similarities in some of the items that Chevy has chosen to include. A beefy V6 engine that generates 308 hp and can tow 4500 lbs are features one would expect to be part and parcel of the vehicle’s lineage. However, the exterior design of the Blazer is slightly more curvaceous and pleasing to the eye than its predecessors. Its ground clearance measures 7.6 inches, and while this is slightly shorter than the original Blazer, you’ll find a versatile vehicle on or off-road that doesn’t sacrifice visibility.

The 2023 Chevy Trailblazer

If the Blazer represents the SUV steeped in tradition, then the Trailblazer is a perfect example of how the modern school of thought has changed considerably. The smaller alternative to the aforementioned vehicle, the Trailblazer, is the little engine that could. An analogy that seems too on the nose, considering the standard engine on the vehicle is a turbocharged three-cylinder engine. While the Trailblazer is on the smaller side of the SUV spectrum, it possesses a mighty heart that doesn’t need to be confined to the city streets. A ground clearance of 7.5 inches and available AWD means that the terrain you choose to conquer can be upon the path less traveled.

The 2023 Chevy Equinox

It’s been said that the SUV is the ideal family vehicle, a title that was once shared with the minivan and station wagon. If the minivan does have a successor that manages to elicit excitement and break all the rules, it would be the Equinox. The fact that its namesake refers to a time in the earth’s rotation when both hemispheres are equal is no accident. The Equinox manages to be the ideal compromise between the spacious room and exquisite performance. For 2023, Chevy equips the Equinox with a turbocharged four-cylinder engine made for the discerning family who likes to save money at the pump, getting an impressive 26 MPG in the city and 31 MPG on the highway. And while the Equinox boasts 7.9 inches of ground clearance, this is more to the benefit of visibility than actual off-roading. Safety is always a priority with any family vehicle, and the Equinox offers this exceptionally.

The 2023 Chevy Traverse

In an age where the subcompact SUV has skyrocketed to the heights of popularity, the larger-sized SUV is slowly being outsold by its smaller alternatives. The Chevy Traverse is an amalgamation of both. While not a small vehicle by any means, it’s also not too large to handle easily. A 3.6L V6 equipped with a nine-speed transmission makes for a ride with a kick but is also surprisingly smooth. Described by Car and Driver magazine as “feeling smaller than it is,” it appears to lend space with its seating for eight adults while being light as a feather. Its ground clearance of 7.5 inches will allow for off-roading. However, similar to the Equinox, this is more beneficial regarding visibility.

The 2023 Chevy Tahoe

As we cross into the realm of full-sized SUVs, the Chevy Tahoe is a fine example of a vehicle that offers it all. Two monstrous V8 engines are available, the 5.3L producing 355 hp and the 6.2L belting out 420. With seating for eight adults and an astonishing 123 cu.ft. of available storage space, the Tahoe takes us back to a period when SUVs were titans of the road and shook the asphalt wherever they went.

The ground clearance of the Tahoe is itself a two-fold explanation. The standard offering of 8 inches matches the specifications of the 1969 Blazer we mentioned earlier. This makes obstacles less of a hassle and visibility more prominent. However, for the off-roader, the Z71 performance package is where things get interesting. While you’ll still have 8 inches of ground clearance, an upgraded suspension is in place to keep things smooth when you leave the pavement.

The 2023 Chevy Suburban

Along with the Blazer, the Chevy Suburban is one of the most recognizable names in the entire fleet. The nameplate first appeared in 1935 and is still here in the modern age. Priced less than the Jeep Wagoneer, the Suburban brings a great deal to the table, so much so that it’s hard to imagine anything coming marginally close to matching or surpassing it.

Similar to the Tahoe, two V8 offerings are available and equipped with a ten-speed automatic transmission. With 145 cu.ft. of available storage space, it’s easy to see why so many have praised the SUV throughout the years. With 8 inches of ground clearance coming standard on both the normal versions and the coveted Z71 off-road package, the latter includes skid plates to allow drivers to immerse themselves in the off-road experience.

Taking Your Driving Experience to the Next Level

It certainly goes without saying that taking advantage of one of the vehicles from the current fleet of Chevy SUVs will allow you to get on another level. As we’ve seen here today, Chevy, who has always emphasized the needs of its customers, fully understands the importance of ground clearance in an SUV. For the family-oriented driver, it means having considerable visibility while operating a vehicle on the road. While we live in an age where driving assistance and safety features are advanced, the first line of defense regarding safety is the habits of an experienced and responsible driver.

Of course, for the driver who loves driving through the dirt and taming the landscapes that hinder others, ground clearance makes all the difference in the effectiveness of off-roading. With the addition of a high-end suspension and skid plates, courtesy of Chevy’s Z71 off-road package, there are no limitations when pursuing the perfect adventure. Of course, no matter which advantages ground clearance has for you; it’s important to find the right dealer who can provide you with the very best in selection and service. This is what you’ll find at Richard Lucas Chevy. No matter what you might be in the market for, we’ll help you make the ideal decision and heighten your driving experience.