Menu
Call

Best Used Family Cars To Buy

Like it or not, snow can play a significant role in your safety and commute times in the winter months. Although it’s a beautiful backdrop for holiday get-togethers and great for a ski trip, snow can add an element of danger to even the shortest drives. This makes it especially important to choose a vehicle that’s capable of keeping you and your loved ones safe when the flakes start to fly. To help simplify your search, our team at the Schumacher Auto Group has named our top picks for the best cars in the snow and the most helpful features to keep you safe and comfortable when the temperature dips below freezing. Let’s get started!

All-Wheel Drive & Four-Wheel Drive

When it comes to staying safe in slippery winter weather conditions, driving a vehicle equipped with all-wheel drive or four-wheel drive can make a tremendous difference. While there are some differences in how these two systems work, the general concept is the same. Having power engaged on all four wheels helps the vehicle maintain traction better than just two. Even in dry conditions, AWD and 4WD can be especially useful when driving on gravel or dirt roads. Modern AWD and 4WD systems also feature automatic activation to help them save on fuel when the extra traction isn’t needed.

Chevrolet Vehicles Available with AWD or 4WD

  • Trax
  • Trailblazer
  • Equinox
  • Blazer
  • Traverse
  • Tahoe
  • Suburban
  • Colorado
  • Silverado
  • Silverado HD

Remote Start System

One of the most coveted convenience options for drivers who regularly deal with winter weather conditions is a remote start system. Available on both the vehicle’s keyfob and via a compatible smartphone, a simple press of a button can start your Chevrolet vehicle to help it warm up prior to you getting behind the wheel. This can be particularly useful by defrosting the windows and windshield, pre-heating the interior, and even remotely activating heated seats (if equipped). All of this means that you can spend less time exposed to the freezing cold weather and more time getting comfortable for the drive. Remote start is available on a wide range of Chevrolet vehicles and can also be installed as an accessory for many more.

Snow / Ice Drive Mode Settings

Although all-wheel drive and four-wheel drive certainly can boost your confidence when driving in the snow, there is another feature found on many Chevrolet vehicles that can be beneficial in the winter months. Depending on the model, you’ll find a dedicated Snow or Ice drive mode setting accessible on either the center console or via the center display within the gauge cluster. When engaged, these drive modes will adjust throttle response, transmission performance, and the traction control system to provide some extra help in deep snow or on icy road surfaces. Even the most experienced drivers can use a helping hand in the colder months due to the unpredictability of snow-covered roads. Snow and Ice drive mode settings found on several Chevrolet vehicles offer another line of defense against the unexpected.

Heated Seats & Steering Wheels

Especially when temperatures drop below freezing, starting your day inside an ice-cold car is an unpleasant experience for many. However, there are a number of Chevrolet vehicles available with heated seats and steering wheels to help you warm up and get comfortable regardless of how cold it is outside. As we’ve covered previously, models equipped with remote start can also activate the heated seats and steering wheel so you’ll always enter a vehicle that’s warm and toasty even on a chilly winter morning. Certain Chevrolet models including the Tahoe, Suburban, and Silverado are even available with heated outboard rear seats so your passengers can enjoy some warmth on your next ski trip as well.

OnStar Emergency Services & Assistance

The reality is you simply cannot predict the unexpected you might encounter on the roads, especially in harsh winter weather conditions. Available on virtually all Chevrolet and General Motors vehicles, OnStar Emergency Services can provide help at the touch of a button. Specially trained OnStar Advisors are available 24/7 to provide help when you need it the most. No matter if it’s as simple as directions to an ice skating rink or if you’re in an emergency situation, an active OnStar plan means that you can get help at a moment’s notice. Available features include Emergency Services, Automatic Crash Response, Stolen Vehicle Assistance, Roadside Assistance, and Turn-By-Turn Navigation. With several different plans available, you’ll have plenty of options to choose from.

Without question, there are a wide range of factors to consider when shopping for the best family car. Since no two families are alike, it’s only natural that you’d want to choose a model that’s perfectly suited to the specific needs of you and your loved ones. In an effort to maximize value, shopping for a used or certified pre-owned family car is a great way to save big while still enjoying years of reliable performance from your vehicle. At Schumacher Used, we’re proud to offer our customers an extensive selection of quality used and certified pre-owned family cars with options to suit virtually any type of budget. To help narrow down your search, we’ve assembled this handy reference guide that names our top picks for the best used family cars. Let’s take a closer look!

Used vs Certified Pre-Owned Vehicles

Before we get started on our best family cars list, it’s important to consider the unique benefits of shopping for both a used vehicle and certified pre-owned models. While both options represent significant savings compared to purchasing a new model, used and CPO vehicles each offer their own individual advantages. Whether it’s the lower starting price of a used car or you’re interested in the robust warranty protection offered by certified pre-owned models – visit the link below to learn more about how these two options compare!

Used Cars vs Certified Pre-Owned Cars

Best Used Three-Row Crossover for Families – Chevrolet Traverse

Having enough space for your growing family can make a tremendous difference, no matter if that means carrying additional cargo or additional passengers. An ideal choice for families searching for greater room and greater versatility, it’s easy to see why the Chevrolet Traverse has remained one of the most popular three-row crossovers on the market. Equipped with a standard V6 or an optional turbocharged 4-cylinder engine along with an available all-wheel drive system, the Traverse delivers a blend of efficiency and power to create lasting memories with your loved ones. Featuring your choice of second-row captain’s chairs or a bench seat, the Traverse boasts room for up to either 7 or 8 passengers depending on configuration. There’s even an available rear-seat entertainment system, perfect for keeping everyone engaged on longer journeys. Its unibody design delivers two unique benefits by maximizing usable cargo space and delivering a car-like ride despite its size. A used Chevrolet Traverse represents an outstanding value and is one SUV that the whole family can agree on.
View Used Traverse Inventory

Best Used Family SUV for Towing – Chevrolet Suburban

Sometimes the most unforgettable adventures require taking the path less traveled. For nearly a full century, the Chevrolet Suburban has remained the ultimate companion for families eager to get out and explore. In addition to its robust body-on-frame construction, every Suburban comes standard with a muscular V8 engine that delivers superior low-end torque that’s essential for towing. Especially if you like to bring along your largest toys such as a camping trailer, a pair of jet skis, or even a boat – the Suburban has the power you need to make the most of your next family vacation. An available tow package and cutting-edge innovations like a 360-degree view rear camera let you tow with complete confidence. Interior amenities including leather-trimmed upholstery, a power-folding third-row seat, a one-touch power moonroof, and ambient lighting help deliver a truly luxurious experience inside the Chevrolet Suburban. There’s also a full suite of active safety features that help keep you and your family prepared and protected from the unexpected on the roads.
View Used Suburban Inventory

Best Used Pickup Truck for Families – Chevrolet Silverado 1500

Pickup trucks have come a long way from the bare-bones work vehicles of decades past. Whether you use your truck for work, play, or a combination of both – the Chevrolet Silverado continues to set the benchmark for the full-size pickup truck segment. Especially in Crew Cab configuration, the Silverado is ready to pull double-duty as a tool on the job site and as a family-approved vehicle. Another advantage of the Silverado is its extensive trim range, ranging from the utilitarian LT to the first-class High Country, making it easy to find one that’s perfect for you and your family. Among the most diverse in the industry, the Silverado is available with engine options including a class-exclusive turbocharged 4-cylinder, economical V6, several proven V8 options, and even a turbodiesel for maximum low-end grunt. Clever features like integrated bed corner steps make it easy to access cargo or climb into the bed for your family’s next tailgate party or trip to the drive-in theater. For a half-ton truck that can do it all, look no further than the legendary Chevrolet Silverado.
View Used Silverado 1500 Inventory

Bonus Selection: Best Used EV for Families – Chevrolet Volt

Have you been eager to make the switch to an all-electric vehicle? Today’s EVs deliver a wide range of benefits including unparalleled efficiency, effortless acceleration, and smooth power delivery. Especially if your family is in need of a commuter vehicle, consider the Chevrolet Volt. As one of the industry’s earliest and most successful entrants in the EV segment, the Volt remains an incredibly affordable alternative to a conventional vehicle. You’ll be able to say goodbye to wasting your valuable time and money at the gas station. Instead, its impressive all-electric driving range makes it an excellent option for both around-town commuting and even longer distance trips. Outstanding resale value combined with an attractive starting price on the used market makes it hard to ignore the value of the Volt. Whether it’s a first vehicle for a teen driver or a shared car that multiple members of the family can drive, the Chevrolet Volt remains a steller choice in terms of value, efficiency, and clever technology.
View Used Volt Inventory
Best Used Family Cars To Buy