Top 3 2026 Chevrolet SUVs for Quebec Winter Driving
December 08 2025,
Quebec winters demand vehicles that can handle heavy snow, freezing temperatures, and slippery roads. Whether you live in Delson, cross the Champlain Bridge to get to Montreal, or head out on a weekend getaway to the Laurentians, the right SUV can transform your winter driving experience. Chevrolet offers three compact and midsize SUVs perfectly suited to Canadian conditions, each with distinct features to meet the needs of Quebec drivers.
From the compact Trailblazer to the spacious Traverse, these three models combine AWD, driver-assistance technologies, and generous cargo space. Here's how the Trailblazer, Equinox, and Traverse compare for tackling winter 2026.
2026 Chevrolet Trailblazer: City-Friendly Agility and Efficiency

The 2026 Trailblazer is the ideal choice for drivers who want a nimble compact SUV without sacrificing winter capability. With four available configurations (LS, LT, RS, ACTIV), this vehicle adapts to different lifestyles while maintaining reasonable fuel consumption.
The ACTIV model stands out for Quebec winters. Its off-road-tuned suspension, functional skid plate, and 17-inch wheels with all-terrain tires provide improved ground clearance and better grip on snow. Standard AWD on AWD versions uses a 1.3 L turbo engine producing 155 hp and 174 lb-ft of torque—enough to navigate snowy roads with confidence.
Inside, the Trailblazer prioritizes practicality with heated seats standard on all LT and higher models, a heated steering wheel, and an 11-inch touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Remote start lets you warm up the vehicle before heading out—a welcome advantage on freezing Delson mornings. Cargo space offers 717 L behind the second row, expandable to 1,541 L with the seats folded.
Key Trailblazer ACTIV Features:
- Off-road-tuned suspension with skid plate
- AWD with 1.3 L turbo engine (155 hp / 174 lb-ft)
- Heated seats and steering wheel standard
- Cargo space of 717 L (1,541 L with seats folded)
2026 Chevrolet Equinox: The Ideal Balance for Families
The 2026 Equinox occupies the midsize segment with a balance of comfort, technology, and winter capability. Available in LT, RS, and ACTIV versions, this SUV offers more space than the Trailblazer while maintaining competitive fuel consumption.
The 1.5 L turbo engine produces 175 hp and up to 203 lb-ft of torque on AWD versions. This extra power makes highway passing on Autoroute 30 easier and ensures confident acceleration during winter manoeuvres. Combined fuel consumption of 9.2 L/100 km on the AWD version remains reasonable for a vehicle this size, with a 56 L tank providing a range of approximately 636 km.
The Equinox integrates advanced technologies to improve winter safety. The Chevrolet Safety Assist system includes automatic emergency braking, forward collision alert, lane keep assist, and IntelliBeam automatic high beams. The 11.3-inch touchscreen with Google Built-in provides access to real-time road conditions and voice-activated navigation.
The RS and ACTIV versions add distinctive styling elements. The RS features 19- or 20-inch wheels and sporty accents, while the ACTIV favours a rugged appearance with 17-inch wheels and all-terrain tires. Both configurations include heated seats, a heated steering wheel, and a power liftgate to make loading easier when your hands are full of groceries or ski gear.
Key Equinox ACTIV Features:
- 1.5 L turbo engine (175 hp / 203 lb-ft with AWD)
- Combined fuel consumption of 9.2 L/100 km (AWD)
- 11.3-inch touchscreen with Google Built-in
- Towing capacity up to 680 kg (1,500 lbs) (AWD)
2026 Chevrolet Traverse: Space and Power for Larger Families
The 2026 Traverse is designed for families who need three rows of seating and substantial towing capacity. With its 2.5 L turbo engine producing 328 hp and 326 lb-ft of torque, this full-size SUV delivers the power to transport up to eight passengers and their luggage with confidence.
The RS AWD version combines performance with advanced technology. The eight-speed automatic transmission ensures smooth gear changes, while AWD automatically distributes power between the front and rear wheels based on road conditions. This capability proves especially useful during snowstorms or on Quebec's icy roads.
The Traverse stands out with its towing capacity of 2,268 kg (5,000 lbs)—enough to tow a trailer, boat, or snowmobiles to recreational destinations. The hitch guidance system with rear-view display makes towing manoeuvres easier, even for less experienced drivers.
The spacious interior offers heated front seats for driver and passenger, a heated steering wheel, and a premium Bose 10-speaker audio system available in the Enhanced Driving Package. The central touchscreen controls the automatic climate system, essential for keeping all passengers comfortable during long winter trips.
Traverse RS AWD Capabilities:
|
Feature |
Specification |
|---|---|
|
Engine |
2.5 L Turbo (328 hp / 326 lb-ft) |
|
Transmission |
8-speed automatic |
|
Towing Capacity |
2,268 kg (5,000 lbs) |
|
Fuel Consumption |
12.1 city / 9.9 highway (L/100 km) |
Winter-Ready Technology and Safety
All three Chevrolet SUVs share essential technologies for winter driving. The Chevrolet Safety Assist system, standard on all models, includes automatic emergency braking, forward collision alert, lane keep assist, and automatic high beams. These systems work together to detect potential hazards and assist the driver in low-visibility conditions.
Remote start, available on all models, lets you warm up the vehicle and defrost the windows before leaving home. The myChevrolet app turns your phone into a virtual command centre, letting you lock the doors, check the fuel level, and start the engine remotely.
Heated seats and steering wheels reduce the time needed to reach a comfortable temperature, while automatic climate control systems maintain a stable environment for all passengers. These features turn winter commutes from chores into comfortable experiences.
Choosing the Right Chevrolet SUV for Your Needs
The choice between the Trailblazer, Equinox, and Traverse depends on your priorities. The Trailblazer suits drivers who value urban agility and fuel efficiency without sacrificing winter capability. Its compact size makes parking on Delson's narrow streets easier while still offering enough space for daily needs.
The Equinox is the ideal compromise for medium-sized families. It offers more space than the Trailblazer with still-reasonable fuel consumption. Its modest towing capacity of 680 kg (1,500 lbs) is enough for small trailers or light recreational equipment.
The Traverse is the obvious choice for larger families or those who need three rows of seating. Its superior power and towing capacity of 2,268 kg (5,000 lbs) make it the most versatile vehicle in the lineup, capable of handling both daily commutes and weekend adventures.
Explore Your Next Chevrolet SUV in Delson
The 2026 Chevrolet SUV lineup combines advanced technology, winter comfort, and practical capability to meet the demands of Quebec drivers. Whether you choose the Trailblazer's agility, the Equinox's balance, or the Traverse's versatility, each model offers the features you need to tackle winter with confidence.
The team at Vision Chevrolet Buick GMC in Delson can help you compare these three models and find the configuration that matches your specific needs. Visit our showroom to discover each SUV's winter features and schedule a test drive in real Quebec conditions.