Beyond the Plug: The 2025 Chevy Equinox Adds More Screen Space, Next-Level Drive Modes

 

The versatile and appealing Chevy Equinox was able to celebrate 2023 as quite a successful year here at the Mid-Missouri Powerhouse: it’s a 5-passenger vehicle with a heaping amount of charm, and the best-selling vehicle next to the Silverado pickup! The Equinox has not yet made the move to embrace a hybrid option, but the 2025 Equinox model is on track to hit lots with plug-in charm and efficiency. It is slated to use a completely different architecture boasting a sleeker look, sheet metal, and various new parts.

The Equinox’s exterior styling on deck for next year looks more rugged and truck-like, while still deriving power from the 175-horsepower 1.5-liter turbocharged Inline-4 cylinder. There will be two new transmissions specifically engineered to boost well-shifting bandwidth and off-the-line power. Front-wheel drive versions get a continuously variable transmission that sees a modest drop in peak torque from 203 lb-ft to 184. All these changes are engineered to guarantee the Equinox a better response time and fuel economy, along with new off-road and snow-drive modes. 

The Equinox can now tow 800 pounds in the front-wheel drive version, and 1,500 lbs with the AWD model. The overall stance is 2.3 inches wider, and the goods have been slightly lifted to share some cool traits with its relative in the form of the Traverse. For an extra dose of stealth attitude and more interior room, the roof line now goes straight back and gives the entire vehicle a boxier look. With the wheel wells still possessing a squared-off look, this adds a more curvaceous and accentuated visual flow. 

Active-spec Equinoxes will now be spruced up with a white two-tone roof, a Cacti exterior color, and standard 17-inch all-terrain tires. Taking a cue from the revved-up and heavily capable Colorado family, each trim has a unique fascia to set it visually apart. Every manufacturer out there with their head firmly rooted in the game has made more features standard across their lineups, and Chevy has gone to extremes to do the same with the Equinox. 

Designers and high-up execs alike wanted to ensure that the LT was not a completely entry-level and bare-bones trim and were hard at work adding a dozen top-notch safety features as standard. You can help prevent intersection mishaps, stay in the proper lane, and detect vehicles in your blind spot along with anything obstructing your rear pathway. Screen space has been a huge selling point with many customers over the past two years, and manufacturers have risen to the occasion by jumping quickly at demands for enhancement. The Equinox now has an 11.0-inch driver display and an 11.3-inch touchscreen, representing a 4-inch gain from the outgoing model.

Even though the Equinox has fared amazingly well as a budget-minded option for today’s consumer, it still possesses the class and charm to chauffeur the visiting client or instigate a formal night out. The 2025 model’s upgraded electronics allow for easier over-the-air software updates, and heated front seats and steering wheel come standard on all trims. The sense of practicality the Equinox possesses was always capable of intersecting amazingly with gift-wrapped and once unattainable charm. The Driving.ca review staff was thrilled with the AWD models and the 8-speed automatic, as well as the undeniably classy interior.

Mountains, Mudslinging, and More: Z71 Off-Road Trim Takes Center Stage in Tahoe, Suburban Sales

Our full-size SUVs have always been a customer favorite here at the Mid Missouri Powerhouse, as many drivers are looking for large-scale people movers to get the job done! The Tahoe and Suburban both offer six very sweet trim levels, with a variety of different styles and features to hit the road with. There’s the entry-level LS, the mid-range LT, the trail-ready Z71, the sportier RST, the upper-end Premier, and top-of-the-line High Country.

This assortment offers up many different features that have added to our brand’s appeal for so many decades, but there’s one trim level that stands out from the rest as far as popularity. Chevy marketing exec Todd Brown claimed that the Z71 trim level accounts for 23 percent of the total vehicle sales of this sturdy pair, which could be surprising to some. For the 2024 model year, some of the Z71’s highlights include two front-mounted red recovery hooks, 20-inch wheels with all-terrain tires, and the all-protecting performance front skid plate. 

The adaptive air ride suspension allows for on-the-spot adjustments that assist with off-roading and challenging terrain, and 4-wheel-drive is included as standard. Demand for the Tahoe and Suburban’s Z71 models is expected to increase over the next year, since GM is offering both models with a 3.0-Liter I6 LZO turbodiesel Duramax. This powertrain is a replacement for the 3.0-Liter I6 LM2 turbodiesel and cranks out 305 horsepower and 495 lb-ft of torque minus a long crank. You can take things to the next level with the naturally aspirated 5.3-liter V8 L84 gas engine, proudly affixed to the GM T1 platform.

The 2024 Suburban comes equipped with a massive interior, high towing capacity, and newly revised infotainment system. The Suburban has been in continuous production longer than any other vehicle in the nation. The Suburban is 15 inches longer than the Tahoe, with an incredibly useful 16 cubic feet of additional cargo room behind the 3rd-row seats. This has long been known as America’s quintessential hauling king and remains a strong contender for any operation that deems itself a full-fledged fleet. 

So many drivers love that the Suburban is one of the most spacious vehicles out there that isn’t a van, while also exuding so much more personality than other large SUV models. Here, this popular Z71 trim offers uphill descent control, a unique front fascia to improve ground clearance, and a very stunningly cloaked black and dark chrome exterior trim.

The 2024 Tahoe is incredibly popular for its spacious cabin, excellent technology features, and wide variety of engine choices. It is rugged and yet still very well domesticated. The Z71 trim is perfect for this vehicle which is a workhorse with a dutiful penchant for wandering in the wild. Without completely over-reaching, the Z71 treatment adds the cool extras of chunky all-terrain tires, the skid plate, and a distinctive honeycomb grille.

The Tahoe also snagged up the honors of the “Best Large SUV of 2024” from J.D. Power and remains a strong choice for anyone wanting to carry a lot of people or bring a trailer along for the fun. For the ultimate in off-road preparedness, the Off-Road Capability Package also offers adaptive dampers to take on the ruts and ravines of the wild.

Screen Savvy, Secure, & Sophisticated: A Sneak Peek at the 2024 Chevy Equinox

The coming of new models is as exciting here at the Mid Missouri Powerhouse as bowl game playoffs and weekends on sledding hills: there is NO reason that winter must be a dreaded season! The 2024 Chevy Equinox comes in as welcoming as a mug warmer on a cold morning and represents the seventh model year of the compact crossover’s third and final generation. As we got the snow boots and ice scrapers primed and ready, we first took note of the trim list, as the LS, 1FL, LT, 2FL, RS, and range-topping Premier reside in the ranks.

Riptide Blue Metallic and Lakeshore Blue Metallic join the color scheme, and the Confidence & Convenience Package is now standard on the LT trim. The Driver Confidence II Package now includes Lane Change Alert with Side Blind Zone Alert and Rear Cross Traffic Alert, as the 2023 models featured them as a standalone option. Value pricing has become crucial over the past 3 years, and the Equinox has cheerfully risen to the occasion of providing current-level greatness on a budget.

The 2024 Chevy Equinox is powered by a 175-horsepower 4-cylinder engine that is paired with a 6-speed automatic transmission, along with front or all-wheel drive. The Kelley Blue Book team deemed the Equinox comfortable enough on the highway, and adequately nimble for daily driving. Rear-seat legroom is an area where the Equinox thoroughly excels when pitted against the competition, while also offering 29.9 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seats. The RS trim takes things to a much sportier level with unique front styling, black Chevy badging, 19-inch black wheels, and very cool red interior stitching.

The Standard Safety Tech suite now includes automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection, lane keep assist, a following distance indicator, and automatic high beams. The Midnight Edition offers a darkened aesthetic that nicely blacks out the aluminum wheels, front and rear bowtie emblems, body-color mirror caps, and unique grille. As we closely examined user reviews right here in Missouri, one very satisfied owner claimed that she loved the “above average power, features that compare with the Rav4 and CRV, and sweet added touch of the power moon roof for lighting at night.”

The U.S. News auto review crew was excited with the Equinox’s high-performing ability to “tick all the boxes needed for a family-friendly vehicle with a small footprint.” Their test drive saw them discovering and enjoying the Equinox’s very spacious cabin, balanced ride and handling, and excellent fuel economy. The front row offers very comfortable seats and plenty of passenger room, and the Equinox is well worth checking out if you are after a family-friendly and spacious SUV with numerous driver assistance features.

The Premier trim offers luxe features such as a larger touch screen, very useful wireless charging, and posh leather upholstery. The LT trim still offers a robust list of features for great value, and it comes equipped with the same powertrain eagerly showing up for duty across the entire lineup. For just a slight bump up from the base trim, you’ll enjoy power-adjustable front driver’s seats, heated front seats, and a power liftgate, along with a 4.2-inch digital gauge cluster. Their extensive review and comparison had also found that the Ford Escape’s 3-cylinder engine was much noisier than the Equinox’s, and that its fuel economy helps it claim “budget-minded champion” status.

Efficiency Meets Excitement: The Turbocharged Heart of the 2024 Chevrolet Traverse

As we may be not-so-eager to shovel driveways and count the inches of powder here at the Mid-Missouri Powerhouse, we are always anticipating incoming details for amazing new releases! The Chevy Traverse is a feature-rich and practical 3-row SUV that has found its sweet spot nestled in between the Chevy Blazer and full-size Tahoe. The incoming model was unveiled last July at the Lansing Delta Township Assembly, as Chevy VP Scott Bell claimed that he was very confident the new Traverse would continue to rise in the ranks of popularity. 

The last generation of Traverse claimed a trusty 3.6-liter V6 cranking out 310 horsepower and 266 lb-ft of torque, and this brings to our attention one very admirable feature of the incoming 4-cylinder. It rises to the occasion by still cranking out 328 horsepower and enjoys a massive torque spike resulting in 326 lb-ft as compared to the V6’s 266. The previous generation approached the table with a very capable 9-speed automatic, while the incoming model’s 8-speed offers better drive quality, is more fuel efficient, and is lighter. 

The all-new Traverse boasts a tow rating of 5,000 pounds, which is enough to provide the necessary grunt for an exciting lake day or impromptu college student storage pod haul! The 8-speeed automatic sends power to the front wheels except on the Z71 trim, equipped with a twin-clutch all-wheel drive system that is appealing (and trail-ready!) standard fare. The Traverse’s exterior drew inspiration from the full-size Tahoe, with a very prominent and taller front end, and a large Chevy bowtie in the middle of a bar right on the grille. 

Passengers in the third row will benefit from the Traverse’s larger rear quarter-glass panel, and the RS trim now replaces the Premier and High Country. The RS trim now exists as the premium-level offering, riding in style with 22-inch high-gloss black wheels and blackout accents on the grille, roof rails, and moldings. It also comes prepared for any rougher caliber of roads ahead with a sports-tuned suspension, and there are well-placed red accents with the dark interior as a backdrop. Power-folding third-row seats come in quite handy during any winter excursion with more onboard, such as trying your hand at an afternoon of ice skating near Pointer’s Creek!

The LS trim comes standard with 8-passenger seating, with all other trims offering up room for seven and captain’s chairs on the second row. There’s an available second-row bench that still suffices for 8 in a pinch, and all Traverse trims come properly equipped for the next airport run with a max cargo capacity of 98 cubic feet. This cold and blustery month also welcomes another exciting milestone for Chevy, as this is the first unibody SUV with the Z71 Off-Road Package. 

Enjoying brand-new Traverse ownership just got that much more awesome, as the Z71 Package features off road tuned suspension, twin-clutch AWD, and the challenging incline-ready Hill-Descent Control. There is also now an automatic Autosense Liftgate included for the first time on the Traverse, which quickly opens the liftgate if it senses your key fob hovering near the rear of the vehicle. The Motor Trend crew was thrilled with the massive 17.7-inch infotainment screen upgrade, which is angled directly towards the driver and ready to please the masses who are constantly on the quest for bigger and better. 

Mule Mentality: Testing the Grit and Tenacity of the 2023 Chevrolet Colorado ZR2 – Chevy's Off-Road Workhorse

Many trucks that exist as diehard legends have brandished likenesses to some very amazing stories during their journeys. The Car and Driver crew took a good look at a historic event in a recent article about a miner in California who began digging a tunnel through a mountain in California’s unforgiving Mojave Desert. The time was 1902, and primitive elements made this an incredibly difficult task. It took him three long decades to complete the job, and his tunnel then appeared on a ledge just above the very scenic valley.

It is possible to embark down a dirt road to view this incredibly dedicated individual’s work, but it happens to be a treacherous journey full of silt and small obstacles. These conditions make all of us here at the Mid Missouri Powerhouse realize that trucks such as the Chevy Colorado ZR2 are the ultimate weapon when it comes to navigating what initially appears as an area that cannot be conquered. Much like the mules that assisted this gritty icon during the job, the Colorado is very stubborn, sure-footed, and capable of weathering any storm. The 2023 model grew in wheelbase, ground clearance, and width dimensions, and the powertrain lineup became a bit more simplified.

Beginning to get situated with its existence in the mid-size category, each Colorado version now comes with a turbocharged 2.7 liter inline 4 cylinder paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission. The high-output version cranks out 310 horsepower and 430 lb-ft of torque, boasting enough power to tow around 6000 pounds and zip to 60 mph in just 7.1 seconds. This is hands-down the best and most versatile off-road tackling beast in the industry, with a 3-inch lift and Multimatic DSSV spool-valve dampers aiding its ability to powerfully rule the wild.

Larger 33-inch tires on 17-inch wheels are a heavily armed antidote for the very rough stuff, and a completely redesigned front fascia works wonders on mastering the many challenges that are common with demanding terrain. Drive modes have made quicker responses and better performances much more accessible, and the ZR2’s “Baja” variety reigns as the true boss of holding gears longer while making for an easier slide. Inside these along with the locking front and rear differentials are simple to find, while the heated and ventilated front seats can offer segment-leading comfort even during the most inclement of conditions. 

Motor Trend was thrilled immediately after they began their test drive of the ZR2, as it embodied “part racer and part shockingly refined commuter” without a hitch. We must agree that this is a vehicle that always remains unfazed no matter what is thrown at it, and for the fact that this truck stays incredibly true to its laurels and doesn’t drastically alter an already-superb recipe. Skid plates are a necessary element that can confidently protect all things good regarding the underside, and the ZR2 boasts the beefiest in existence. The Baja mode scored high points here as well, with its focused reduction of the electronic stability control intervention and its tendency to hold lower gears at a high rev point.

The masters of everything rugged at AEV outfitters lent their expert hands during the creation of the Bison Package, which adds unique wheels, even more durable Boron steel skid plates, stamped steel bumpers, and hydraulic bump stops to the package. The crew cab with a 6-foot 2-inch bed and 131.0-inch wheelbase produces many suspension configurations, and a 3.42:1 axle gear ratio assists with outright mastery of the challenging crawl.