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The car market hasn’t been in a good place for a few years. Whether you’re buying new or used, there will be markup and overpriced models you don’t want to buy from any automaker, including Chevrolet. Fortunately, some still sell popular vehicles at low prices. Although we can’t account for local dealers not marking them up, there are five affordable Chevy SUVs that start under $40,000. Each one is much different than the last, but all start at a low and reasonable price.

The 2022 Trax is the most affordable Chevy SUV

Front angle view of silver 2022 Chevy Trax
2022 Chevy Trax | Chevrolet

First, the 2022 Chevy Trax must enter the conversation when discussing affordability. Starting at $21,700, it’s one of the most affordable SUVs in the market. As a result, it’s nice that it comes with some excellent features for such a cheap model. According to Edmunds, 16-inch alloy wheels, a seven-inch infotainment screen, satellite radio, Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, Wi-Fi capability, and a six-speaker sound system are standard.

Only one other trim exists, and it starts at $24,395. Buying either version of the Trax is affordable and far below the dreaded $40,000 mark. Most Trax extras come from optional packages. That’s why the upper LT trim only gets upgraded seating surfaces, upgraded headlights, LED running lights, roof rails, heated outside mirrors, and a cargo cover.

A 2022 Chevy Trailblazer costs how much?

2023 Chevy SUVs
2023 Chevy Trailblazer | Chevrolet

It might be surprising to hear how much the next Chevrolet SUV costs. For just $22,100, buyers can get the most basic version of the 2022 Chevy Trailblazer. Edmunds says it’s decently well-equipped, offering Wi-Fi, Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, forward collision mitigation, lane-keeping assist, automatic high beams, and more. However, every version of the Trailblazer is far below the $40,000 price point.

Even the highest trim, Activ, starts at just under $27,000. For that price, customers get the upgraded turbocharged engine, off-road tire and suspension tunings, a tow hitch receiver, underbody skid plates, simulated leather upholstery, a heated steering wheel, and more. Furthermore, the RS trim is mostly the same, and both offer many optional packages.

Does the Chevy Equinox break $30,000?

2022 Chevy Equinox parked on display
2022 Chevy Equinox | Chevrolet

The prices are among the most impressive parts of the Chevy SUV lineup. A popular small SUV, the 2022 Chevy Equinox, is the third model in the lineup to start below $30,000. More specifically, the Equinox LS begins at $26,300. Best of all, it’s much larger than the Trax or Trailblazer but comes with similar basic equipment. For example, Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, a 4G LTE Wi-Fi hotspot, keyless entry, push-button ignition, forward collision mitigation, lane-keeping assist, and a rear-seat reminder.

However, none of the four Equinox trims break $40,000. The most expensive Premier model starts at $32,195 with fees. It gets just about everything lower trims have, including remote start, heated seats, a power liftgate, and more. However, Premier models exclusively get a hands-free liftgate, a wireless charging pad, a 120-volt outlet, an upgraded backup camera, a heated steering wheel, driver’s seat memory, and more.

Is the Blazer even better?

Front angle view of Radiant Red Tintcoat 2023 Chevy Blazer crossover SUV
Radiant Red Tintcoat 2023 Chevy Blazer | Chevrolet

Starting at $35,100, the 2022 Chevy Blazer is an upgraded, more stylish Equinox. It’s a five-passenger midsize SUV that checks most boxes for SUV owners. Plus, it’s sleek and stylish, even compared to other SUVs in the Chevy lineup. The 2LT base trim offers owners 18-inch alloy wheels, six speakers for audio, satellite radio, four USB ports, an eight-inch touchscreen, Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, cruise control, forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-keeping assist, and lane departure warning.

The highest RS and Premier trims cross the $40,000 threshold. However, another trim beside the base model remains below, the 3LT. For $38,795, buyers get leather upholstery, heated front seats, heated mirrors, a power liftgate, blind-spot monitor, and rear cross-traffic alert. Experts like Edmunds think the 2LT base model is the Blazer to buy, as it provides much more value than those over $40,000.

The 2022 Chevy Traverse is an affordable SUV

Finally, the 2022 Chevy Traverse is the last Chevy SUV that starts under $40,000. Its pricing throughout the lineup is similar to the Blazer. Starting at $34,895, the LS base model is a worthy three-row crossover SUV. For example, it has triple-zone automatic climate control, Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, onboard Wi-Fi, forward collision warning, automatic braking, lane-keeping assist, rear parking sensors, blind-spot monitor with rear cross-traffic alert, and more.

Only the next step up, the LT model with cloth seats, stays below $40K. The model adds foglights, roof rails, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, a power-adjustable driver’s seat, second-row captain’s chairs, wireless charging, and satellite radio for $37,395. Passed this point, buyers will owe more than $40,000. However, experts like Edmunds recommend the LT Cloth model over every other, so it’s got the most bang for your buck.

5 Affordable Chevy SUVs

In conclusion, five affordable Chevy SUVs start under $40,000. If you’re looking to pay as little as possible, the Trax and Trailblazer are excellent subcompact SUV models that are far below $30,000. Next, the Equinox is a bit more costly but remains very affordable. Finally, the Blazer and Traverse are the least affordable Chevy SUVs for under $40,000. These models only offer two trims below that price point, but fortunately, both are at their best in their cheapest form.

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