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Monday, December 30, 2024

Where Comfort Meets Connection: The 2025 Equinox Keeps Families Reliably Rolling

2025 Chevy Equinox

Chevrolet’s
latest redesign of its popular Equinox SUV is a game-changer for families. It’s not just a vehicle—it’s a value-packed companion for your everyday adventures. With a refreshed look, upgraded tech, and a price tag that’s as family-friendly as its features, the Equinox proves you don’t need to compromise on style or function in the least here at the Mid Missouri Powerhouse

Stylish Design That Turns Heads

The 2025 Equinox sports a bold new look with Chevy's signature grille and squared-off wheel arches for a touch of rugged sophistication. It’s the perfect blend of truck-inspired toughness and compact SUV practicality, making it a standout in the crowded crossover market. Inside, Chevrolet has raised the bar, trading in plastic-heavy finishes for a sleek, stylish cabin designed to impress.

Room to Spare, Comfort Everywhere

Whether it’s a quick grocery run or a road trip with the whole crew, the Equinox delivers on space and comfort. With seating for five adults, generous cargo capacity, and a ride that’s smooth and quiet, it’s built for families on the go. Plus, with fuel economy rated at 24 mpg in the city and 29 mpg on the highway, it keeps the environment and your wallet in mind.

Packed with Features for Modern Families

Chevy packs in all the premium features you want—no compromises. The Equinox comes loaded with advanced safety tech, including emergency braking, pedestrian detection, lane-keeping assist, and blind-spot monitoring. For added convenience, the new 11-inch infotainment screen, wireless charging, and heated seats keep everyone happy. Optional packages offer even more, like a surround-view camera system and ventilated front seats.

Performance That Delivers

Under the hood, the Equinox features a 1.5-liter turbocharged engine paired with a smooth 8-speed automatic transmission. It’s tuned to deliver a balance of power and efficiency, perfect for daily drives or weekend getaways. With three drive modes—Normal, Snow/Ice, and Off-Road—you’re prepared for whatever the road (or trail) throws your way.

Affordable Luxury

The Equinox RS, with its sporty styling and premium features, delivers incredible value for families seeking top-tier amenities in an all-wheel-drive vehicle. Even with additional option packages, it remains well below the current average price of a new car, making it a standout choice for those wanting a mix of style, performance, and affordability.

With the RS, you get a bold, sporty look featuring blacked-out trim, eye-catching RS badging, a stylish two-tone color scheme, and sleek 19-inch wheels. Inside, it's all about convenience and style, with a wireless charging pad, a drive mode selector for tough weather conditions, and a sporty flat-bottom steering wheel. 

Plus, the RS includes Chevy's comprehensive suite of safety features, like automatic rear emergency braking and front pedestrian braking—though it doesn’t come with Super Cruise. Whether you're navigating city streets or tackling the elements, the Equinox RS is ready for it all.

Not Just Bigger, But Smarter: The 2025 Equinox's Roomier Interior Explained

The 2025 Chevrolet Equinox offers a bit more room inside, thanks to a slight 2.5-inch increase in width compared to the previous model. While front legroom and headroom remain unchanged, the second-row legroom has grown to 39.2 inches, just a bit more than before, and more than the Honda CR-V, which offers less headroom in both rows.

In terms of cargo space, the Equinox still provides generous capacity, with 63.5 cubic feet with the seats down, just a small drop from the previous 63.9 cubic feet. With the rear seats up, it offers 29.8 cubic feet—essentially the same as before. Chevy maximizes the space in the Equinox in smart ways.

There's handy storage under the cargo floor, plus plenty of space in the front, including cubbies in the center console and a shelf large enough to fit a bag. The cupholders are generously sized, and the flat rear floor adds to the convenience. While competitors like Mazda and Subaru offer wider door openings, Chevy makes the most of the space with thoughtful design features that families will appreciate.

The Final Word

The 2025 Chevy Equinox is more than just a compact SUV—it’s a versatile, stylish, and affordable option that prioritizes what families need most: space, safety, and comfort. Chevrolet is proving they’re committed to staying ahead of the curve.

Shopping for a car that does it all? The 2025 Equinox might just be the perfect match for your family’s needs.

Thursday, December 26, 2024

Silverado’s Full-Size Ascent: The Journey from Trim Level to Titan

2025 Chevy Silverado 1500

Pickup trucks dominate American roads and are heavily celebrated for their remarkable versatility. Among them, the
Chevrolet Silverado 1500 has carved out a strong presence, with sales exceeding half a million units annually. While it trails behind the Ford F-150’s impressive yearly figures of over 700,000, the Silverado’s loyal following and millions of fans highlight its enduring appeal here at the Mid Missouri Powerhouse.

Known for our broad portfolio, Chevrolet excels in various segments, from SUVs and trucks to iconic sports cars like the Camaro and Corvette. At the heart of our truck lineup is the Silverado, which didn’t always enjoy its status as a standalone model. Once a trim level of the C/K series, the Silverado evolved into its own model line, escaping the shadow of its origins to become a significant player in the truck market.

Before its independence, the Silverado represented the pinnacle of Chevy's C/K lineup, a series introduced in 1959 to compete directly with Ford’s F-Series. Available in various configurations with reliable inline-six and V8 engines, the C/K trucks gained a loyal fan base over the decades. As customer demand grew for more luxury-oriented trucks, Chevrolet responded by introducing premium trims, with the Silverado at the forefront.

First introduced as a top-tier trim in 1975, the Silverado offered a distinctive blend of style and comfort. Exterior enhancements included bold color accents, unique moldings, and prominent Silverado branding. Inside, it featured plush, thickly cushioned seats, advanced gauge clusters, and wood trim accents, setting a new standard for upscale truck interiors. This emphasis on comfort and sophistication signaled a shift in consumer expectations and positioned the Silverado as a trendsetter.

The Silverado’s evolution didn’t stop there. By the late 1990s, Chevrolet phased out the C/K designation, promoting the Silverado to its rightful place as the centerpiece of the lineup. Over the years, the Silverado has introduced groundbreaking features, including four-wheel disc brakes, hybrid powertrains, and advanced safety systems, solidifying its reputation as a truck that innovates and performs. 

From its humble beginnings as a trim to its current status as a full-size truck icon, the Silverado's story is one of continuous growth and reinvention. Introduced for the 1999 model year, the Chevrolet Silverado marked more than just a name change—it ushered in significant advancements in design and functionality. 

Built on a newly developed three-section frame, it offered enhanced durability and ruggedness, making it far more capable on uneven terrain compared to earlier models. It also boasted the most spacious cabin among full-size trucks of its era and broke ground as the first pickup to feature standard disc brakes on all four wheels.

A Powerhouse Built for Performance

The Silverado came equipped with an impressive lineup of Vortec engines. The base option, a 4.3-liter V6, delivered 200 horsepower, while the V8 lineup catered to a range of needs. Choices included a 4.8-liter engine producing 255 horsepower and 285 lb-ft of torque, as well as larger 5.3- and 6.0-liter variants, with the top-tier engine generating 300 horsepower and 360 lb-ft of torque. 

A diesel-powered 6.6-liter Duramax V8 was introduced in 2001, offering 520 lb-ft of torque, making it a towing champion despite its comparable 300-horsepower output.

Innovating Through the Years

While it has consistently faced fierce competition from the Ford F-Series, the Silverado has held its own by leading in technological innovation. The 2003 refresh set it apart as the first full-size crew cab pickup with an optional four-wheel steering system. It was also ahead of its time by offering a premium Bose sound system, enhancing the in-cabin experience.

With the second-generation model debuting in 2007, Chevrolet doubled down on performance and refinement. This iteration featured stronger engines, a more robust boxed frame, and improved suspension for better handling and ride comfort. It also made history as the first full-size pickup to include a hybrid powertrain option.

A Legacy of Technological Leadership

Each successive generation of the Silverado has built on this tradition of innovation. The third and fourth generations introduced advanced safety systems, including forward-collision alerts and lane-departure warnings. Practical enhancements, such as the power tailgate introduced in 2019, further cemented its status as a leader in the segment.

The Modern Silverado: A Benchmark in Its Class

The latest Chevrolet Silverado 1500 showcases decades of refinement and innovation. Its powerful 420-horsepower, 6.2-liter V8 stands as the most potent naturally aspirated engine in its class. The addition of Super Cruise technology gives it the unique ability to tow hands-free, a feature unmatched by competitors.

The Silverado also excels in practicality, offering an unrivaled 89 cubic feet of cargo space in its truck bed. With configurations ranging from the versatile 1500 to the heavy-duty 2500 HD and 3500 HD models, there’s a Silverado to meet every demand. Whether it’s for work, recreation, or both, the Silverado continues to set the standard for what a truck can achieve.

High Country Takes the Crown as the Premier Trim

The High Country trim now reigns as the pinnacle of Silverado luxury. Packed with premium features, it offers advanced technologies like Super Cruise for hands-free driving and heated and ventilated seats for ultimate comfort. For those who crave adventure, the ZR2 variant is a standout option. This off-road beast comes equipped with a factory lift kit and trail-ready enhancements, making it more than capable of conquering rugged terrain.

The Silverado EV Paves the Way for the Future

As the shift toward electrification gains momentum, Chevrolet has positioned the Silverado to lead the charge with the 2024 Silverado 1500 EV. Powered by dual electric motors, the EV offers impressive flexibility, with configurations delivering power to either the rear wheels or all four. Depending on the setup, it boasts an exceptional range of up to 492 miles. Advanced four-wheel steering, featuring Sidewinder technology, allows diagonal movement for navigating tight spaces effortlessly.

Chevy’s Commitment to Staying Ahead

With competition in the truck market as fierce as ever, Chevrolet continues to innovate with each refresh. By blending cutting-edge technology and thoughtful design, the Silverado evolves to meet the demands of modern drivers. In the years ahead, this evolution might push the Silverado’s most luxurious trims toward a refined new identity. 

Monday, December 16, 2024

From 9-to-5 to Off-Road Drive: Meet The 2025 Silverado 2500 HD Trail Boss

2025 Chevy Silverado HD Trail Boss

For the 2025 model year,
Chevrolet has introduced the Trail Boss package as an option for the Silverado 2500 Heavy Duty. Borrowing features from its smaller sibling, the Silverado 1500, the 2500 Trail Boss includes Z71 suspension upgrades, rugged blacked-out bumpers with red recovery hooks, and 20-inch wheels wrapped in all-terrain tires. 

Adventure-ready and family-friendly, the Trail Boss is now available at the Mid Missouri Powerhouse to power your next getaway. The standard engine is a robust gas V8, but for those needing serious towing capability, the optional Duramax diesel delivers immense torque, making it perfect for hauling heavy loads. This places the Trail Boss as a capable yet more accessible alternative to the top-tier ZR2 or Bison trims.

Balanced Performance On and Off the Road

While the Silverado 2500 Trail Boss is undoubtedly a hefty truck, it shines on the open highway. Its powerful engine handles steep grades effortlessly, even with a payload in the bed, such as dirt bikes or camping gear. The spacious cabin, particularly the massive back seat, provides ample room for passengers and equipment, ensuring comfort during long trips.

The Rancho shocks included in the Trail Boss package offer a surprisingly smooth ride for a mid-tier suspension system. Whether navigating city streets, handling speed bumps, or cruising along choppy highways, the suspension provides impressive control without compromising comfort.

Duramax Diesel: Power Meets Efficiency

Equipped with the Duramax diesel engine, the Trail Boss transforms into a towing powerhouse. With 975 lb-ft of torque, it easily hauls campers, side-by-sides, or trailers to remote destinations. Despite its size and 6.6-liter displacement, the engine achieves a respectable fuel economy, averaging 15.8 mpg during extended drives.

Off-Road Capability

The Trail Boss offers impressive off-road capability, making it a solid choice for adventurers seeking rugged performance. Equipped with Rancho shocks, it effectively handles uneven terrain with confidence and stability. Designed for versatility, the Trail Boss is ready to tackle trails and backroads, delivering a capable and dependable experience for off-road enthusiasts.

Practical Features for Everyday Use

The Silverado 2500 Trail Boss is packed with thoughtful features for work and play. The 6.25-foot bed includes multiple tie-down hooks, ideal for securing cargo. Clever storage solutions, such as compartments behind the rear seatbacks, make it easy to stow smaller items like tie-down straps. The Multi-Flex tailgate adds versatility, although the built-in speakers may not be everyone's cup of tea.

Inside, the Trail Boss offers a clean, tech-friendly interior with plenty of room for passengers and gear. The digital rearview mirror provides excellent visibility, leaving you prepared for anything from urban errands to satisfying the urge to hit the wild! 

A Practical Alternative

The 2025 Silverado 2500 HD Trail Boss combines practicality with off-road capability, making it a balanced choice between a dependable work truck and an adventure-ready vehicle. It offers a more accessible option for those looking for versatility without committing to the premium features of the ZR2 or Bison trims. 

The Trail Boss is the perfect companion for families, adventurers, and weekend warriors alike, effortlessly combining style and substance. Offering a seamless blend of everyday usability and off-road capability, this package truly shines when paired with the powerful Duramax diesel engine. With its unique combination of performance and practicality, the Trail Boss delivers a standout experience for drivers who want it all.

Tuesday, December 10, 2024

Roomy, Modern, and Fun: The 2025 Chevrolet Trax Proves Small SUVs Can Shine

2025 Chevy Trax

In an era of rising inflation and increasing car prices, the Chevrolet Trax stands out as a reminder of what affordability in car buying should look like. The LS base model is incredibly affordable as the Trax continues Chevrolet's tradition of offering budget-friendly entry-level vehicles here at the Mid Missouri Powerhouse

This subcompact crossover provides competitive features, a smooth driving experience, and a price that positions it among the most affordable vehicles available in the U.S. Beyond its affordability, the Trax offers a host of compelling reasons to make it your next vehicle.

The Chevrolet Trax offers an exceptional driving experience from the moment you get behind the wheel. Its spacious cabin, commanding seating position, and expansive displays make it feel like driving a larger Chevrolet crossover. Once you hit the road, the Trax transforms into a lively, agile vehicle with a unique hatchback-like spirit—an exciting throwback to a style that embodies Chevrolet’s commitment to dynamic driving experiences. 

The Trax delivers agile handling and an enthusiastic driving experience powered by its turbocharged three-cylinder engine. With a 0 to 60 mph time of 8.8 seconds, it offers a balanced performance well-suited to its segment. 

The six-speed automatic transmission is designed for efficiency and provides the option for manual shifting via a plus/minus button on the gear selector. This setup offers quick response times and added control when needed, allowing drivers to easily tap into more energetic acceleration for tasks like overtaking or merging.

The Trax's turbocharged three-cylinder engine brings a distinctive character to the driving experience, with a spirited tone that complements its lively performance. On the highway, the engine settles into a smooth rhythm, showcasing its capability to maintain steady speeds with ease. With peak torque available at just 2500 rpm, it delivers confident performance while blending its energetic nature with a composed and comfortable ride, making it a standout choice in its class. 

Braking and Suspension Performance

The Chevrolet Trax's braking system may require a bit more effort at lower speeds, which is something to be aware of. The torsion-beam rear suspension provides a firm ride, especially when the vehicle is unladen. However, when loaded near its maximum capacity, such as with four passengers and gear, the ride quality improves significantly. With a curb weight of 3069 pounds, the Trax benefits from its relatively light design, enhancing its agility and maneuverability.

Everyday Usability and Interior Features

The Trax excels in interior design, offering a cabin that feels more premium than its price suggests. Base models feature a segment-competitive 8.0-inch infotainment touchscreen, while higher trims, such as the Activ, come equipped with an 11.0-inch display. This larger screen supports wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, delivering a modern, responsive interface that outshines many competitors.

Passenger space is another highlight. The Trax provides ample head, shoulder, and legroom, edging out many rivals in overall cabin volume. Cargo space is also impressive, offering 25.6 cubic feet behind the rear seats and expanding to 54 cubic feet when the rear seats are folded, rivaling some small vans.

Holiday Hustle Made Easy

With ample cargo space and comfort for passengers, the Trax simplifies your busy schedule.

The 2025 Chevrolet Trax delivers a strong package with its modern technology, roomy interior, and impressive cargo capacity. While it has some minor drawbacks in braking and ride comfort, its overall value and features make it a compelling choice in the subcompact crossover segment.

The Chevrolet Trax stands out as an exceptional offering within GM’s lineup, blending playful handling, a spacious cabin, and sharp design—all in a crossover priced under $30,000 across all trim levels. With its competitive package, the Trax delivers remarkable value, making it a strong contender in the subcompact SUV market.

Upgrading through the Trax lineup is surprisingly affordable. The top-tier Activ trim starts at just $25,395, offering features such as eight-way power-adjustable seats. Optional upgrades include a power sunroof ($895) and a comprehensive driver-assistance suite featuring adaptive cruise control, rear parking assist, lane-departure warning, and rear cross-traffic alert ($795). These features add significant value without dramatically increasing the price.

The Chevrolet Trax is the perfect companion for the busy holiday season, seamlessly blending practicality, style, and comfort to make navigating gatherings and events effortless. Compared to rivals like the Mazda CX-30, Volkswagen Taos, and Nissan Kicks, the Trax shines with its spacious cabin and eye-catching design, delivering exceptional value at a competitive price.

Its versatility makes it ideal for everything from daily commutes to holiday shopping trips and family outings. In snowy regions, the Trax’s front-wheel-drive platform pairs beautifully with quality winter tires, offering dependable traction to keep you confidently on the move, no matter the weather. With its thoughtful features and adaptable performance, the Trax is ready to make your holiday season even more enjoyable.

For first-time buyers, the Trax includes thoughtful features like a following-distance graphic displayed on the driver information screen. This tool helps new and less-experienced drivers maintain a safe distance from other vehicles, adding peace of mind on the road.

With its accessible pricing, modern features, and well-rounded design, the 2025 Chevrolet Trax delivers an unbeatable combination of value and capability.