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Monday, July 29, 2024

Silent Sensation: The 2025 Chevy Trax 2RS Merges Smooth Operation with Sharp Looks

2025 Chevy Trax 2RS

Compact SUVs are consistently appealing to busy family drivers at the Mid-Missouri Powerhouse! The 2025 Chevy Trax slots directly behind the Trailblazer and holds a massive value proposition as the most cost-efficient SUV in the Chevy lineup. The CarPro.com auto experts took a close look at the Trax on their blog this week, which is a practical and roomy solution for Missouri drivers of all types on the go. 

One of the Trax’s unique properties is that it appears larger than it is while providing much more room inside than the competition. The exterior boasts very sharp lines, while the front view is quite similar to what is found on the Trailblazer and Blazer. There are boomerang-style rear taillights, roof rails, and a rear spoiler. The 19” machined wheels visually set things up nicely, and it maintains a squared-jaw profile excellently. Under the hood is the 1.2-liter inline 3-cylinder turbocharged engine, which cranks out 137 horsepower and 162 lb-ft of torque.

This staff’s test drive yielded a very smooth and quiet engine, which is paired with a 6-speed automatic. The team eagerly jumped into their tester with the 2RS package, which is top-of-the-line. Their interior was black with red accents and added a nice touch of ritzy black gloss trim on the center console and across the dash. “Insides are everything” regarding valuable first impressions, and the Evotex faux leather is an attractive cabin fixture. It’s also a breeze to configure the 8” color driver information screen’s information from the flat-bottom steering wheel.

Directly at the center of the dash is an 11” touchscreen that houses the rear camera and controls the wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. Here you can also control the boomin’ 6-speaker sound system, Bluetooth, Wi-Fi hotspot, and Sirius XM. A few other sweet convenience items on the center console are the wireless cell charger, a few cupholders, and the switch for the start/stop system. There’s an extra 3 inches of legroom over the last generation Trax, and back-seat passengers now get two USB-C ports.

There are 26 cubic feet of cargo, and the cover conveniently rises when the tailgate is lifted. A few of the included standard safety features are forward collision alert, automatic emergency braking, lane keep assist, and HD rear camera. One very useful addition is the Driver Convenience Package, which provides blind spot monitoring, adaptive cruise control, and rear cross-traffic alert. Acceleration proved to be ample even under a very eager foot! Fuel economy is rated at 28 city, 32 highway, and 30 overall.

Auto expert Jerry Reynolds’s final opinion was: “In a sea of SUVs, the Trax stands out as attractive, and very affordable.” The Edmunds.com review team eagerly stated that the Trax offers “many features for the money, along with roomy seating and cargo area given its subcompact size.” The 2025 Chevy Trax also provides an incredibly accessible gateway to the brand and proves that sensible budget models don’t need to be stale. A survey of past Trax owners saw one right here in Missouri claiming that her favorite features were its “sporty look, heated seats and wheel, and awesome Auto start.”

Tuesday, July 23, 2024

2024 Chevy Suburban High Country: Optimally Outclassing Luxury SUVs


The saying “size matters” still applies to the state of the auto market today, as solid body-on-frame platforms are fit for lugging the whole family. Whether it's the remote cabin trip you were looking forward to or the next Comic-con in the city, you’re getting around 3 tons of SUV for your spend with the 2024 Chevy Suburban! There’s so much space to stretch out in that you’ll be able to lounge in a state of luxury.


The High Country trim here at the Mid-Missouri Powerhouse features extra-nice additives such as extended leather upholstery, a head-up display, and the more powerful 6.2-liter V8. The High Country also has premium extras from lower trims such as a 10-speaker Bose sound system, a very cool 12-inch digital driver display, wireless charging, and another excellent mood booster for those in the back. It’s the second-row entertainment system, which includes dual rear-seat mounted 12.6-inch touchscreens, and two HDMI ports on the back of the center console. 


The Cars.com auto review team took their test model north of Los Angeles off for a fun weekend blitz to Santa Barbara, California, and immediately found it more comfortable than most sedans from high-end luxury brands. The writer’s first words of praise for the vehicle were the perks of the “cavernous cabin”, which he was able to use as a mobile office. He took a video meeting just off the highway with the onboard Wi-Fi hotspot, while also putting the useful household power outlet in the second row to use. 


The High Country’s hands-free Super Cruise technology is also an option, and here the crew discovered that it is as impressively effective in a very large frame as it is in smaller models. The application was not nerve-inducing in the least, even when the road and coastline became quite challenging and jagged. Versatility plays a huge part in the Suburban’s build quality, with the higher-spec 6.2-liter V8 cranking out around 420 horsepower and 460 lb-ft of torque. These stats are burly enough to yield an 8,200-lb tow rating. 


This is enough to put quite a scare into anyone ahead of you as you navigate an on-ramp! If you opt for the Z71 variant, you’ll be enjoying a not-so-subtle flex around anyone you find at the nearest off-road site. The Edmunds.com review team praised the new Suburban for its “smooth ride and massive cargo space, plus heaps of available technology.” They were quite impressed with the multilink rear suspension, which offered a much better ride than the leaf-sprung variety. On their test track, the Suburban rocketed from 0 to 60 mph in just 6.7 seconds. 


It also was able to come to a complete stop from 60 mph in just 122 feet, which is excellent for an SUV this size. The steering is well-balanced and can handle sharp turns with an ideal amount of feedback. The independent rear suspension handles out bumps in the road much better than older generations that relied on a solid rear-axle design. Their test vehicle also came with optional Magnetic Ride Control and adaptive air suspension. They were also impressed with the driver safety aids such as lane keeping assistance and adaptive cruise control, and a mixed city and highway fuel rating of 18.7 mpg. 

Monday, July 15, 2024

Ready to Buy the 2025 Chevy Equinox? Take A Look At These 5 Key Traits.

As the long, hot, and activity-packed days of summer are upon us here at the Mid-Missouri Powerhouse, it’s a great time to look at the anticipated models of 2025. Kids camps are in full swing, the wake-up alarm may be set a bit later, and the backyard grill may need a few more coals! The popular Chevy Equinox will arrive on the scene soon after a complete redesign, immediately after being named Cars.com’s Best Car of 2024.”

The Equinox also secured a spot on the Car and Driver “10Best” trucks and SUVs award list! Drivers love that it is one of the roomiest compact SUVs available, along with its long list of life-saving safety technology. Here are 5 key traits to look at if you are in the market for an Equinox, which shows up at destination packing a punch and paving new ground for the budget segment.


A Bold New Look:


The 2025 Equinox now boasts a complete exterior makeover, which draws from Chevy’s latest and most appealing design language. There’s a sportier grille, cool new headlights, and sharp taillights. The Equinox also now boasts a slightly larger footprint, which makes for a very dominant presence on the road.


A Tech-Rich Cabin:


Once inside the cabin, it’s evident that it was built for comfort and user-friendly connectivity! The new Equinox features a new 11-inch instrument cluster and 11.3-inch infotainment touchscreen that integrates with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. The Equinox integrates with Google, constantly keeping you connected to what matters most. The large and responsive interface is a snap to navigate and access world-class entertainment options.


Comprehensive Safety First:


The 2025 Equinox is an excellent choice for families and professionals everywhere who prioritize safety! It comes standard with features such as forward collision warning, pedestrian and cyclist detection, lane keep assist, and automatic emergency braking. A simple upgrade provides night vision, automatic parking assist, and adaptive cruise control, which add heightened peace of mind. The Equinox’s safety rating from the NHTSA is five stars, with the driver and front passenger side rated as five stars.


Efficient Performance:


The Equinox’s powertrain is a 1.5-liter turbocharged gas engine, which cranks out 175 horsepower. There is the choice of front-wheel or all-wheel drive, with the AWD models offering a smooth and snappy torque boost. This engine is paired with a smooth and efficient 8-speed automatic transmission. While this is a bit less potent than the Suburban and a few other full-size SUVs, this is still ample power for daily duties and the occasional road trip. The 2025 Equinox averages 26 mpg in the city and 28 mpg on the highway. 


Trims + Availability:


The 2025 Equinox comes available in the LT, Activ, and RS trims. The LT is the base-level entry point that balances style and functionality. The RS offers a sporty stance with front fascia, black mirrors, moldings, emblems, and badging, along with a 1.5-liter turbo engine. The top-tier ACTIV trim boasts unique ACTIV stitching for the roof rails, interior, all-terrain tires, microfiber seating, and heated front seats. The ACTIV trim also provides the option of a two-tone white roof and the aesthetic addition of the panoramic sunroof.


Tuesday, July 9, 2024

Master the Metropolis: 2024 Chevrolet Trailblazer's Urban Versatility

The writers on duty at Autotrader.ca had great things to say about the Chevy Trax yesterday, which they feel is the best small vehicle GM has made to date! Since it only comes in front-wheel-drive, they shifted their sights to the 2024 Chevy Trailblazer. Buyers here at the Mid-Missouri Powerhouse love it for its similar size and optional AWD. Their testing model was the RS trim, which received a refresh for this year and now rides on very cool new 19-inch wheels.

Theirs also came in the striking Crimson Red hue with an added twin-screen display in the dash. There’s a standard 11-inch center touchscreen and 8-inch digital instrument unit, with the upper-end trims now including vibrant colors on the stitching and across the dash. The 2024 Trailblazer gets the top five-star crash-test rating from the NHTSA, ensuring that the fun trips of summer will be under the safest guise possible. We’d have to recommend the Hominy Creek and MKT Nature trails, which are both fantastic ways to see the Show-Me State during the height of the warm season!


Here the testing crew notes that the adaptive cruise control has undergone some significant tweaks that massively improved its performance. All trims include single-zone climate control and six-speaker audio, along with LED headlights. Many other car review professionals have recommended the LT trim, which is where you enjoy the addition of heated seats and steering wheel, and remote engine start. The Activ and RS trims provide the dazzling interior addition of faux-leather upholstery, the rear seat center armrest, and a power driver’s seat.



One of the awesome above-and-beyond options is the 120-volt power outlet, which can enable a few comforts from home or juice for a proper tailgating session. The panoramic sunroof is an amazing way to enjoy the atmosphere, as seasonal skies and changing colors can find their way in. The climate system is controlled with several buttons and dials, and the center screen presents very straightforward icons and a simple volume dial. This crew had to make a couple of four-hour-plus trips during their time with the Trailblazer


One of them who had issues with a bad spine was able to remain comfortable for the duration, and the 39.4 inches of rear-seat legroom is more than many rivals offer. The 1.3-liter engine cranks out 155 horsepower and 174 lb-ft of torque and proved to move quite well off the line and through traffic in the city. The most everyday and very relatable benefit of the Trailblazer here was that it proved to be comfortable and practical. The handling is smooth and responsive and offers up a very decent and not strenuous ride. 


The Edmunds.com review team praised the Trailblazer for being comfortable, easier to park, and nailing down an excellent EPA rating. It is exceedingly competent at nearly everything it does and consistently remains a half-step ahead of many others in its class. The nine-speed automatic keeps the powertrain in its sweet spot while accelerating, and provides a smooth downshift when you need to pass. The Trailblazer offers a nice balance between digital and analog controls, with the necessities being easy to locate at first glance. With futuristic yet rugged styling and a pleasant demeanor, the Trailblazer also is an excellent choice due to its approachable demeanor and general competency.

Monday, July 1, 2024

2025 Chevy Blazer EV: Super Cruise into a Tech-Forward & Stylish Future

2024 Chevy Blazer EV

The editorial staff on duty at Autoblog has been busy cranking out features educating drivers about “what’s hot and what’s not” now for decades! We have enjoyed referring to them here at the Mid-Missouri Powerhouse when it comes to all types of models, and the new Chevy Blazer EV was on their list this past week for review. When it first arrived on their testing lot, its bold styling immediately caught their eye, as well as the optimal size for the American market.

Their first glance at the interior led them to claim that this was the best interior Chevy had ever put on four wheels in terms of design and quality. The touchscreen has a very futuristic and functional presence, which is another trait that drivers have eagerly had their eyes on new releases for. Fundamentally the Blazer is the same car it was for its first full year on the market, with just a few package tweaks and updated style options from GM. After just two miles behind the wheel, this crew remarked that this SUV MUST be considered by anyone in the market at its price range.

Its overall design, in-car tech, and passenger space along a driving range topping out above 300 miles have rendered the Blazer a very worthy option within its segment. The Blazer EV is now in its second model year, which has given it some content availability changes. The RS eAWD can now be equipped with a sunroof, and the 2RS enjoys Bose premium audio as standard. Contrast black and white roof options are now available, while the RS and LT both now offer an exclusive white paint option.

The Midnight/Sport Edition smartly envelopes the roof rails, wheels, and badging in darkness, along with dark chrome air vents and black cloth upholstery. The Blazer’s interior received extra praise for not adopting the “stripped-down” appearance that other EVs have. The build quality and materials used are excellent, the switchgear is top-notch, and the large screens are not the hastily bolted-on variety. The RS cabin was billed here as having an even better appearance than the related and quite pricey Acura ZDX!

The Android-based infotainment system was very simple to figure out, with very user-friendly menu shortcuts directly on top of the 17.7-inch touchscreen. These are also just a short reach from the steering wheel, and a very seamless and reliable navigation service is provided by Google Maps. Your final search results can now show up in the layout options configurable 11-inch instrument panel, along with the inclusions of the full Google Built-in suite. The Blazer EV is about the same length as the gas-powered model, which offers an excellent amount of backseat legroom for taller passengers.

Optional on the LT and standard on the RS trims is an added 90-horsepower induction motor on the rear axle, good for a combined 288 horsepower and 333 lb-ft of torque. This resulting AWD system offers a significant performance increase, stepping in to aid traction during acceleration. The RS is available with rear-wheel drive courtesy of a different 250-kW motor which powers the rear axle and cranks out 340 horsepower along with 325 lb-ft of torque.

There is also a massive sense of excitement coming with the SS model, which will crank out 557 horsepower and 648 lb-ft of torque. This will be accomplished by pairing the RS’s rear motor with a brand-new “secret weapon” for a more powerful front motor. Every Blazer EV now includes forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection, lane-keeping assist and lane-departure warning, automatic high beams, and GM’s ingenious Safety Alert Seat.