2026 Chevy Equinox Deep Dive: Trims, Tech, and Features That Matter

As an entity that moves a lot of metal off the lot, let us tell you—when a vehicle is built right from the start, you don’t have to reinvent it every year. That’s exactly the case with the 2026 Chevrolet Equinox. Fresh off a full redesign in 2025, the new model year brings just a couple of subtle but smart enhancements here at the Mid Missouri Powerhouse. 

What’s Changed for 2026?

Chevy now includes the Drive Mode Selector—which lets you tailor the vehicle’s performance for various road conditions—as standard equipment across all trim levels. That’s a nice touch for added confidence, no matter where the road takes you.

As for paint options, things are streamlined this year. A new Polar White Tricoat is exclusive to the Activ and RS trims and comes with an added cost. Meanwhile, Summit White is still available at no extra charge on the entry-level LT trim.

Outside of that, the 2026 Equinox remains unchanged—and that’s not a bad thing. Pricing stays the same too, starting at $29,995.

2026 Equinox Pricing and Availability

Good news—the 2026 Equinox is available now. You can choose between front-wheel drive (standard) or all-wheel drive, which is available across the lineup for an additional $2,000.

Here’s the current pricing breakdown:

• LT: $29,995
  
  

• Activ: $34,395
  
  

• RS: $34,395
  
  

You’ll also find plenty of inventory options like:

• 2026 Equinox 1LT: $34,045
  
  

• 2026 Equinox AWD Activ: $38,085
  
  

Trim Levels & Features That Make a Difference

Each trim has its own character, especially up front. The LT sports a chrome-accented grille, the Activ gets a bold chrome surround with black detailing, and the RS brings a blacked-out grille with body-color accents for a more aggressive look.

Standard features on the LT include:

• 17-inch alloy wheels
  
  

• LED headlights and taillights
  
  

• Keyless entry and start
  
  

• Heated front seats and heated steering wheel
  
  

• 11-inch digital gauge cluster
  
  

• 11.3-inch touchscreen with Google Built-In, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto
  
  

When it comes to safety, the Equinox delivers across the board. Every trim comes equipped with:

• Automatic emergency braking
  
  

• Forward collision alert with pedestrian and cyclist detection
  
  

• Adaptive cruise control
  
  

• Lane keep assist and departure warning
  
  

• Blind spot monitoring with intervention
  
  

• Rear cross-traffic alert, rear parking sensors, and auto high beams
  
  

Looking for extra peace of mind? A 360-degree camera and road sign recognition are available in the optional Safety and Technology Package.

Activ vs. RS: What’s the Difference?

Both trims come with roof rails, a hands-free liftgate, and rain-sensing wipers. Inside, they share:

• Power-adjustable driver’s seat
  
  

• Dual-zone automatic climate control
  
  

• Wireless phone charging
  
  

The Activ goes rugged with 17-inch wheels, all-terrain tires, and synthetic suede seating. The RS, meanwhile, leans sporty with 19-inch wheels, all-season tires, and leather-style upholstery.

Performance & Fuel Economy

Under the hood, all 2026 Equinox models are powered by a 1.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine. Output is:

• 175 horsepower
  
  

• 184 lb-ft of torque (FWD models with CVT)
  
  

• 203 lb-ft of torque (AWD models with 8-speed automatic)
  
  

Official fuel economy ratings are still pending for 2026, but we expect numbers close to the 2025 model:

• FWD: 26 city / 28 highway / 27 combined mpg
  
  

• AWD: 24 city / 29 highway / 26 combined mpg
  
  

In fact, the AWD model's traditional 8-speed automatic performs slightly better on the highway than the FWD’s CVT.

Final Thoughts from the Showroom Floor

Chevy didn’t mess with a winning formula for 2026—and as a dealer, I get why. The Equinox offers serious bang for the buck, especially in safety tech and everyday comfort. Whether you're leaning toward the capable LT, adventurous Activ, or sporty RS, you’re getting one of the most well-rounded compact SUVs in the game today.

Shopping for a new SUV? Don’t settle for a spreadsheet comparison. The real deal is waiting here at the dealership, and I guarantee the 2026 Chevrolet Equinox will impress. Whether you're looking for tech, comfort, or capability, this SUV brings it—all without blowing your budget. The best part? You can take one for a test drive today.

Let’s get you in the driver’s seat so you can experience what all the hype is about!

Trail Titan: Chevy’s 2025 Silverado ZR2 Hits Hard with Diesel Might

We’ve driven a lot of trucks over the years, but the 2025 Silverado ZR2 stands out as a true powerhouse built for serious drivers. As a team that’s spent years helping folks at the Mid Missouri Powerhouse find the perfect truck, we can confidently say this one checks nearly every box. After spending a week with it, we were reminded exactly why full-size pickups like this continue to be America’s top choice for work, play, and everything in between.

If you’re looking for a truck that blends off-road capability with everyday practicality, the ZR2 should be the first one you take for a test drive.

Power That Works for You: Meet the Duramax Diesel

The model we tested came equipped with Chevy’s strong and smooth Duramax 3.0-liter turbocharged diesel inline-six engine. This powerhouse offers 305 horsepower and a torque-rich 470 lb-ft, making it perfect for towing, highway cruising, or weekend adventures in the Ozarks.

Chevy pairs this engine with its finely tuned 10-speed automatic transmission, and let me tell you — it's a match made in truck heaven. The shifts are quick, silky smooth, and the engine stays in the sweet spot whether you're climbing hills or cruising at 70 on I-70. You’ll get the feel of a gas engine with all the durability and efficiency of a diesel.

We put in about 500 miles behind the wheel — highway stretches, rural roads, a little dirt, and even a light tow job — and it handled all of it with confidence and comfort. Fuel economy was right in line with expectations, averaging 23 mpg during our trip, which is impressive for a truck this capable.

Interior Tech That Feels First-Class

Step inside the ZR2 and you’ll find yourself surrounded by some of the best tech Chevy has to offer. A massive 13.4-inch touchscreen dominates the dash, paired with a sharp 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster. Everything’s intuitive, easy to use, and beautifully integrated.

Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are still onboard — a big win for those who love seamless smartphone integration. Add to that smart features like a 3D surround-view camera, rear cross-traffic braking, and a comprehensive suite of safety tech, and you’ve got a truck that makes everyday driving easier and safer.

Bold Design, Built to Stand Out

In Riptide Blue, this truck commands attention. It’s bold, muscular, and not shy about showing off its off-road chops. With 33-inch Goodyear Wrangler Territory tires, a lifted suspension, and all the rugged gear that comes with the ZR2 badge, it’s ready for whatever you throw at it — trails, job sites, or downtown lots.

The design combines tough lines with refined touches, and while other brands take a different styling approach, the Silverado ZR2 leans into its adventurous spirit — and that resonates with a lot of our customers here in Missouri.

Room for Everyone — And Everything

Need space? The Silverado has it. The crew cab offers generous room for five full-grown adults to ride in comfort, while the bed gives you 62.9 cubic feet of cargo space — enough to load up gear, haul lumber, or pack in all your camping essentials. Whether you're headed to the lake or the lumber yard, this truck is built to handle it.

Behind the Wheel: Refined and Ready for the Long Haul

Driving the Silverado ZR2 is a pleasant surprise — especially for a full-size off-road truck. It glides over bumps and holds steady through curves, thanks in large part to the advanced Multimatic DSSV dampers and rugged suspension. Even when driving through town, it’s easy to maneuver. U-turns, parking lots, and tighter roads were no trouble at all — it actually felt smaller than it looks, and that’s saying something.

Inside, the cabin is whisper-quiet and incredibly comfortable, making it a fantastic daily driver or road trip companion.

Strong on Power, Smart on Fuel

Despite being a big, capable truck, the diesel ZR2 delivers outstanding fuel efficiency. We logged 23 mpg on our trip, right in line with the EPA estimates of 20 mpg city and 23 mpg highway. That’s a big deal for anyone looking to combine power with practicality — especially when gas prices start bouncing around.

Well Equipped and Worth It

The Silverado ZR2 delivers exceptional value for everything it brings to the table. Our test model came equipped with premium features like adaptive cruise control, a head-up display, and the versatile Multi-Flex tailgate. For a fully loaded, off-road-ready, tech-packed full-size pickup, it’s right in line with what today’s truck buyers expect—and then some.

Final Thoughts from a Missouri Expert

If you’re shopping for a premium off-road truck that’s just as comfortable on the road as it is in the wild, the 2025 Chevrolet Silverado ZR2 deserves a serious look. We’ve been behind the wheel of just about every truck out there, and this one stands tall among them. Whether you're towing, trail running, or just taking on daily life in style — the ZR2 gets the job done, and then some.

It’s one thing to see it online—it’s another to feel it on the road. Come by and drive the ZR2 today.

2025 Chevy Traverse First Look: Roomy, Relaxed, and Ready

As experts who have helped hundreds of families find their perfect vehicle here at The Mid Missouri Powerhouse, we can confidently say the 2025 Chevrolet Traverse is a standout option for anyone needing space, comfort, and everyday capability—without breaking the bank.

Big Space, Big Value

If you're looking for a spacious three-row SUV that blends contemporary style with everyday practicality, the 2025 Traverse is a standout choice. It competes confidently with class leaders like the Hyundai Palisade, Kia Telluride, and Ford Explorer, all while bringing a unique Chevy personality and impressive overall value to the table.

A Fresh Powertrain with Muscle and Efficiency

Under the hood, the Traverse now features a turbocharged 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine paired with a new eight-speed automatic transmission. With 328 horsepower and 326 lb-ft of torque, it’s actually more powerful than the outgoing V6 and still tows up to 5,000 pounds—great for hauling trailers, boats, or weekend gear.

Tech That Wows Every Passenger

The Traverse isn’t just powerful; it’s packed with tech. Every trim comes with a massive 17.7-inch touchscreen and an 11.0-inch digital instrument cluster, both running on Chevrolet’s smooth and intuitive Google-based infotainment system. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard, along with six USB ports, wireless charging, and available Wi-Fi hotspot capability.

Safety and Peace of Mind on Every Drive

Even at the entry level, the Traverse comes loaded with smart safety features like automatic high beams, pedestrian detection, traffic sign recognition, and lane-keeping assist. For those who want more, the available Super Cruise hands-free driving system makes highway travel incredibly stress-free. On trims like the Z71 and High Country, Super Cruise even handles lane changes on its own.

Comfortable Inside, Capable Outside

The High Country trim features beautiful jet black leather seating with subtle bronze and silver accents that elevate the entire cabin. Every button and screen is thoughtfully placed. Even the third row offers adult-friendly comfort, with more than 33 inches of legroom—something many rivals can't match.

Need space? You’ve got it. With all seats folded, the Traverse gives you up to 97.6 cubic feet of cargo room, making it ideal for road trips, home improvement runs, or soccer practice carpool duty.

Smooth Cruising, Everyday Comfort

Behind the wheel, the Traverse glides over bumps and rough pavement with ease—even on available 22-inch wheels. The ride is smooth and refined, with comfortable seating that keeps passengers relaxed mile after mile. Whether you're running errands or headed on a cross-country vacation, this SUV gets the job done with grace.

Fuel-Saving Performance

The new powertrain isn’t just stronger—it’s also more efficient. The front-wheel-drive Traverse achieves up to 23 mpg combined, making it more economical than many shoppers expect from a vehicle of this size. All-wheel-drive models still do great, offering around 20 mpg combined, depending on the trim.

A Competitive Price for a Fully Loaded Experience

The High Country trim offers excellent value for a top-of-the-line three-row SUV. With its refined design, advanced safety features, and cutting-edge technology, it delivers a premium experience. Even with optional upgrades like premium paint or all-wheel drive, it remains a smart and accessible choice for families who want it all without stretching the budget.

Bottom Line?

The 2025 Chevy Traverse hits the sweet spot between family-friendly function and modern-day refinement. It’s one of the easiest vehicles to recommend right now—and it’s a great SUV to have on the lot. Spacious, well-equipped, and built to last—the 2025 Traverse delivers big where it matters most. Visit us and experience the value for yourself.

Who Needs Wings? Indy 500’s Corvette ZR1 Pace Car Has More Power Than the Grid

Here at the Mid Missouri Powerhouse, we’re used to talking about powerful vehicles—but the new C8 Corvette ZR1? It's in a league of its own. With an eye-popping 1,064 horsepower, this beast isn't just rewriting the rules for street-legal performance—it’s also stealing the show at this year’s Indy 500.

Believe it or not, the ZR1 pace car has more horsepower than the race cars it's leading. Most IndyCars, with their high-strung 2.2-liter turbocharged V6 engines, top out around 700 horsepower. Add in the new hybrid system, which debuted midway through 2024 and makes its Indy 500 debut this year, and you’re looking at a combined output of roughly 800 horsepower.

That means the ZR1 leads the field with a 250+ horsepower advantage—a truly rare occurrence in Indy history. We’re talking about a VIN-numbered production car outmuscling purpose-built race machines. Incredible!

Of course, raw power doesn’t tell the whole story. IndyCars are designed to maintain blistering speeds over multiple laps thanks to their ultra-lightweight builds, aerodynamic grip, and slick tires. While the new ZR1 can hit a top speed of around 233 mph, the race cars will average that over four flying laps. Still, it’s hard not to marvel at how far production car performance has come.

Chevy fans know this isn’t the brand’s first time in the spotlight at Indy. Chevrolet has proudly supplied the Indy 500 pace car since 2002, and the Corvette has held the honor every year since 2017. This year’s pace car arrives in a sleek white-and-gold livery, fitted with the ZR1’s Carbon Aero Package to deliver track-ready downforce and commanding presence.

Behind the wheel will be Michael Strahan, TV host and former football superstar—not to mention a major car enthusiast with a serious garage of his own.

More Than a Showstopper—The ZR1 Is a Statement

The fact that the new Corvette ZR1 is leading the Indy 500 speaks volumes—but it’s also a signal of where performance vehicles are headed. This isn’t just a pace car—it’s a pace-setter. Chevrolet is proving once again that it’s not afraid to push boundaries and put track-worthy power into the hands of everyday drivers.

The ZR1 isn’t just about going fast in a straight line. Thanks to its aggressive aerodynamics, cutting-edge suspension tuning, and mind-bending engineering, it hugs the corners just as confidently as it tears up the straightaways. With the Carbon Aero Package equipped, this thing doesn’t just glide—it clings to the asphalt.

From Speedway to Showroom—Experience the Legacy

This kind of engineering isn't reserved for race day. It’s available for those of us who dream big, drive bold, and want to make a statement every time we hit the road. At Mid Missouri Powerhouse, we believe the ZR1 embodies everything a Corvette should be—ferocious, refined, and ready for anything.

And while the Indy 500 is a once-a-year spectacle, your chance to get behind the wheel of a legend is right here, right now. Whether you’re drawn in by the roar of over 1,000 horses or the unmistakable sculpted bodywork, the ZR1 delivers the thrill in every detail.

The Track Might Be Calling—But We’ve Got the Keys

Ready to feel that adrenaline surge for yourself? Don’t wait for race day. Come by and let’s talk Corvettes. Take a test drive, hear that exhaust growl, and see why the C8 ZR1 is the kind of car that turns every highway into your personal victory lap.

At Mid Missouri Powerhouse, we don’t just sell Corvettes—we live for them. And we can’t wait to help you find yours.

Want to catch the ZR1 in action? Tune into the Indy 500 on Sunday, May 25, with coverage starting at noon on Fox. It’s not just racing history—it’s a celebration of American horsepower, and we’re proud to be part of it.