Nowadays, shoppers recognize Chevy mainly for its selection of large SUVs and trucks. The Chevy Silverado 1500 (as well as its heavy-duty versions) offer some of the best towing capacities in the segment. The new Chevy Colorado isn’t a bad choice either, especially with its new standard turbo engine.

Both the Chevy Suburban and the Tahoe offer generous interior accommodations, plus diesel powertrain options to help you save on gas. Even so, large vehicles inevitably have bigger price tags that might turn some people away. Fortunately, a new study highlights that Chevy’s more affordable cars also have much to offer.

The Chevy Trailblazer takes home a Best Value award

According to Cars.com, the Trailblazer offers the most value compared to any other small SUV for the 2023 model year. To qualify for this award, the car in question must have good trade-in values and low ownership costs. The site also looks at which cars have the most desirable features for consumers, including certain safety functions and smartphone integration.

The car’s initial starting price is also a factor, and the Trailblazer is very affordable at $23,395 to start (per Chevy). The Trailblazer gets its power from a 137-hp 1.2-liter turbo-four engine. A 1.3-liter option is either available or standard on the higher trims. The base engine gets excellent gas mileage, up to 30 mpg combined city/highway.

Cars.com estimates that you’ll only pay around $1,700 in yearly fuel costs, adding to the Trailblazer’s value. Base models come with wireless smartphone integration and an advanced driver assistance systems suite that includes forward collision warning and more. The Driver Confidence package only costs $345 extra, adding lane change alert and rear cross-traffic alert.

However, Cars.com also highlights the Chevy Trailblazer’s five-year (or 60,000 miles) powertrain warranty. Some of its rivals, like the Hyundai Kona, offer 10-year powertrain warranties. 

The Chevy Equinox was a Best Value finalist

A 2023 Chevy Equinox currently starts at $27,995 and is powered by a 175-hp turbo-four engine. You’ll likely only pay around $1,800 on gas each year thanks to the Equinox’s estimated mileage of 28 mpg combined. The Equinox’s powertrain and standard warranty (three years/36,000 miles) match the Trailblazer’s.

The compact Chevy Equinox also shares many of the Trailblazer’s base technology features, and Cars.com also recommends the Driver Confidence II Package. There’s also a joint Confidence/Convenience II Package available for an extra $1,745.

This bundle gives you ventilated front seats, heated rear seats, and more power adjustability options for the driver’s seat. Added safety features include adaptive cruise control, parking assist, and a 360-degree camera.

The Chevy Bolt EV gives you plenty of bang for your buck

A new Chevy Bolt EV starts at $27,495 and has a range of 259 miles, which is average for the segment. Since you’ll only pay $600 a year to recharge this vehicle, you’ll have extra cash for the Driver Confidence Package. It includes the same features as the corresponding package for the Trailblazer, plus parking assist.

Lots of standard ADAS features are included as well, even less common ones like Teen Driver and a following distance monitor. Like its siblings, the Chevy Bolt has wireless smartphone integration. It also has an impressive battery warranty of either 100,000 miles or eight years, whichever maxes out first. 

Because of inflation and other factors, both new and used car prices are constantly fluctuating. Drivers appreciate having a brand that they can rely on for affordable models, and not just from select segments. With so many affordable new cars available, Chevy is well on its way to establishing that reputation for itself.