This post is in partnership with Chevrolet.
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I try to avoid complaining about my car (first world problems and such) because it’s safe and gets us from point A to point B, but when we became a family of three, we simply outgrew it. It’s fourteen years old, with two doors, no radio, and no AC. Does that sound like an ideal family car to you? I think not. Have you tried wrestling a 30-pound human into the back seat of a two-door car and into a car seat he doesn’t want to ride in? I can tell you that it involves some very special maneuvering if you don’t want to throw your back out.
When I envision a road trip in our car, I imagine riding in silence (no radio, remember), sweating in the back seat (where I still always ride to placate the toddler), with my legs scrunched up and my neck at an odd angle. Not what I would describe as riding in style. A road trip in our car was never going to happen but in a brand new 2018 Chevy Equinox? I couldn’t say yes fast enough! We need to start thinking about a new, family-friendly car anyways, and taking part in the Chevrolet Crossover Road Show was the perfect opportunity to learn more about our options.
Our trip began in Denver, where we participated in a hands-on experience to get acquainted with the Chevrolet Crossover lineup. I know nothing about cars and don’t really care to learn more, but my interest was piqued by the technology and safety features in their cars. The Surround Vision, the Equinox’s 360-degree bird’s eye view camera, is something that would really come in handy when parking in the city, and the forward collision and side blind zone alerts would be helpful in stop-and-go city traffic.
After we got the inside scoop on the car, we hit the road for Glenwood Springs, a beautiful little town alongside the Colorado River, about three hours west of Denver. Three hours is a long time for my little man to ride in his car seat, but thankfully the Equinox is a Wifi hotspot, and he was able to watch Llama Llama on Netflix (the small things!). I, of course, spent the majority of the drive in the back seat with him and was thankful for the comfy leather seats and ample head and leg room.
During our short but sweet stay in Glenwood Springs, we visited Iron Mountain Hot Springs, hiked the Grizzly Creek trail in the White River National Forest, and explored the adorable downtown area. We tried to fit in as many activities as possible during the trip, so we packed a lot for each day: extra clothes and shoes, the stroller, the carrier, snacks, and more. Luckily, the Equinox is functional and spacious, with plenty of room for families and their gear. It also has so many practical features that we loved, like keyless open and start, and a powered hands-free trunk. All the little things really add up and feel luxurious, especially compared to our car! Throughout our trip, my son, Henry, referred to the Equinox as “the fancy car,” and has obviously never experienced such a sweet ride, because he still talks about it when we are playing cars! I don’t know who the car made a better impression on, him or me!
I don’t know what the future holds for our current car, but I do know that its days are numbered. After our experience driving the Chevy Equinox, we know what family-friendly comfort feels like, and we’re ready for a bit more “fancy” in our lives!
