Parents rejoice! Your kids are going back to school. But what’s the best vehicle to take your to school in? We look at three options in three different price brackets
Under $30,000
The sub $30,000 crossover SUV market is full of options. There’s the Buick Encore & Encore GX, the GMC Terrain, the Chevrolet Trax & Trailblazer. But the one we think would be best for your busy family is the updated 2022 Chevrolet Equinox.
Not only does the 2022 Equinox receive fresh new front and rear styling, but it is also packed with the latest technology and a lot of standard features.. It now has standard wireless Apple CarPlay & Android Auto compatibility, a full suite of advanced safety & driver aids such as forward collision alert with automatic emergency braking as standard, standard LED headlamps, standard remote vehicle start with keyless entry & exit, and standard heated front seats to name a few.
With a starting price of $26,498 for the LS FWD, you’re getting a lot of features for not that much money. Opt for the AWD and it is still under $30,000 at just $28,898.
Under $50,000
But what if you need 3-rows of seating for your kids and their friends? GM has you covered with a few options to choose from.
If you’re looking for something with a bit more luxury, the 2022 Buick Enclave has a stylish new look along with comfort that one would expect from more expensive auto manufacturers. However, it is a bit more pricey at $48,398 to begin with. That’s why the GMC Acadia and Chevrolet Traverse are the ones you should really consider. They both start at just under $38,000 but can be well equipped for under $50,000.
Of the two, the 2022 Chevrolet Traverse is the one we’d go for. It has updated styling, a powerful V6 engine with 310 hp, and can be equipped as a 7-passenger or an 8-passenger SUV. Just like the Equinox, the 2022 Traverse comes equipped with standard wireless Apple CarPlay & Android Auto, standard advanced driver aids and safety features, and can be equipped with adaptive cruise control on the lower LT trim. Best of all, the Traverse has best-in-class cargo volume with 2,780 L with the 2nd and 3rd row seats folded.
Over $50,000
For the ultimate in family practicality, the 2021 GMC Yukon is the SUV to go for. It was completely redesigned for the 2021 model year (along with its twin, the Chevrolet Tahoe) and is available in an XL version with more rear passenger legroom and cargo capacity.
Just like the Chevrolet Traverse, it is available with 7 or 8 passenger configurations but with more leg and headroom so your kids and their friends can have enough space for themselves. Furthermore, the extra space in the trunk means that you’ll also be able to carry more things during the next family trip. As well, the GMC Yukon can tow up to 8,400 lbs, enough for a boat or trailer.
Opt for the Denali trim and the new GMC Yukon will provide you and your family with the utmost comfort. The new Yukon is available with air suspension which can not only raise and lower by up to 4-inches, but it also provides a very smooth ride over the roughest roads. Leather upholstery is standard on higher trim levels and while the front seats are available with heating and ventilation, the 2nd row seats are also available with a heated function.
By far the best new feature of the 2021 GMC Yukon is the optional 12.6” touchscreens in the 2nd rows. They can not only display the navigation - so that your kids will never ask again “Are we there yet?” - but with the HDMI & 120-volt plugs, your kids can actually play video games on the screens while on a long road trip.
Wildcard
For those that want to save the most money at the pumps while saving the environment, the all-new 2022 Chevrolet Bolt EUV is also a good choice for taking the kids to and from work. The all-new Bolt EUV has more legroom than the standard Bolt in the back seats. Furthermore, the interior is updated with premium materials and a large 10.2” touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay & wireless Android Auto compatibility.
The 2022 Bolt EUV offers up to 397 km of electric range and is the first Chevrolet vehicle to offer Super Cruise. It is a semi-autonomous hands-free driving system that works on over 320,000 km of highways in Canada & the United States. Best of all, the 2022 Chevrolet Bolt EUV starts at just $40,198.
Eagle Ridge GM – Coquitlam, British Columbia