GM’s cars, SUVs and trucks have long been a consumer favorite, and this year’s J.D. Power Top Rated SUV awards reflect that. Topping the list are the Chevrolet Blazer, Tahoe, and Equinox, as well as the Buick Envision. Let’s take a look at what GM got right this year. 

2021 Chevrolet Blazer

The 2021 Chevrolet Blazer was J.D. Power’s top rated SUV in the midsize category, scoring an 86/100. Getting up to 22/29 mpg, the Chevy Blazer also has a standard 193-hp 3.6-liter engine, and optional 230 hp and 308 hp engines. The Chevy Blazer handles and accelerates well, while the IIHS was impressed by its crash testing (though the headlights kept it from being award-worthy). This midsize SUV is fuel-efficient and comes with Chevrolet’s new infotainment system. 

What are the downsides of the Chevy Blazer? Storage space isn’t great and options can add up quickly, potentially making the Blazer overpriced. 

2021 Chevrolet Tahoe

The Chevrolet Tahoe takes the number two spot in the 2021 top rated full-size SUVs. The Tahoe has lots of features which make it worthy of this spot; four-wheel and rear-wheel drive, a 5.3-liter V8 standard engine, and an optional 6.2-liter V8 in their High Country model.

Cargo space in the Tahoe is abundant, and an optional front bench seat allows the Tahoe to offer enough seating for a baseball team. 

As one might expect in a full-size SUV, the Tahoe isn’t exactly easy on gas. Other drawbacks include average handling and expensive trim options.

2021 Chevrolet Equinox

The 2021 Chevrolet Equinox is a small crossover SUV which is a top rated consumer favorite thanks to its quality and reliability. It isn’t very powerful, having a 1.5-liter, four-cylinder engine with 170 hp, but it’s a fairly fuel-efficient SUV, coming in at 26/31 mpg. It comes standard with front-wheel drive, but you’ll have to upgrade to get the all-wheel-drive.

In addition to its sluggish acceleration, the 2021 Chevrolet Equinox has hard plastic features instead of luxury touches, reminding you that you’re in a budget SUV, (not that there’s anything wrong with that).

2021 Buick Envision

Ranked ahead of the Equinox on the top rated list is another GM small crossover SUV, the 2021 Buick Envision. While it used to be built on a Chevy Equinox chassis, the Envision is now on a Cadillac XT-4 base. Buick’s SUV has a 2.5-liter 4-cylinder engine capable of 197 hp. While the Buick Envision isn’t exactly powerful, its transmission makes up for it.

Lots of Top Rated options

So how did GM manage to capture so many of the top rated spots in this year’s award categories? Their SUVs are becoming more comfortable and have increased handling and reliability. It’s clear that GM has figured out what their customers want.