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Tuesday, July 21, 2026

Suburban Vs. The Segment: Chevy’s Giant Still Rules The Road

2026 Chevrolet Suburban

The 2027 Chevrolet Suburban continues to set the standard for full-size SUVs, offering the kind of space, capability, and confidence that families and adventurers alike have relied on for generations. Built on a rugged body-on-frame platform, this SUV comfortably seats up to nine passengers, tows substantial loads with ease, and handles light off-road terrain right out of the box.

From the value-driven LS to the luxurious High Country, and from the adventure-ready Z71 to the sporty RST, the Suburban lineup offers a trim for nearly every type of driver. Shoppers exploring the 2027 lineup will find a vehicle that blends everyday practicality with genuine capability, making it easy to see why the Suburban remains such a popular choice year after year here at the Mid Missouri Powerhouse.

Power to Match Any Adventure

Under the hood, the 2027 Suburban offers three capable engine options, giving drivers the flexibility to choose the setup that best matches their lifestyle. A 355 horsepower 5.3 liter V8 serves as the standard engine, delivering smooth, dependable power for daily driving. Those wanting extra muscle can step up to the available 420 horsepower 6.2 liter V8, which brings spirited performance to a vehicle of this size.

For drivers who prioritize efficiency and low-end torque, the turbocharged 3.0 liter diesel inline six is an excellent choice. Its torque arrives early and stays strong, making it a favorite for towing and long-distance cruising. All three engines pair with a smooth 10 speed automatic transmission, and drivers can choose between rear wheel drive or four wheel drive depending on their needs.

Confident on the Road, Capable Off It

Despite its impressive size, the Suburban delivers a driving experience that feels composed and confident. An available adjustable air suspension allows the ride height to be raised or lowered, improving accessibility, aerodynamics, and ground clearance depending on the situation. The Z71 trim adds rugged capability with 20 inch all-terrain tires, underbody skid plates, and a two-speed transfer case, making it a great option for drivers who want to venture beyond paved roads.

Whether navigating city streets or exploring backcountry trails, the Suburban's driving dynamics consistently impress, offering a smooth and stable ride that belies its considerable size.

Towing Muscle for Work and Play

Towing capability is one of the Suburban's signature strengths. Properly equipped rear wheel drive models can tow up to 8200 pounds, making it easy to bring along boats, trailers, or campers for a weekend getaway. Each engine option offers strong towing figures, giving drivers confidence whether they are hauling equipment for work or gear for a family adventure.

Fuel Efficiency That Fits Real Life

For a full-size SUV of this stature, the Suburban offers commendable fuel efficiency, especially with the diesel engine. Rear wheel drive diesel models are EPA rated at up to 21 mpg city and 26 mpg highway, giving drivers extended range between fill-ups. Even the gasoline powered V8 models deliver solid efficiency for their class, helping keep the Suburban practical for everyday errands as well as long road trips.

Room to Spread Out

Step inside the 2027 Suburban and it becomes clear just how much space this SUV offers. The first row features supportive captain's chairs, or shoppers can opt for a traditional front bench that allows seating for up to nine passengers. The second row offers generous legroom, shoulder room, and headroom, with the option of captain's chairs for an added touch of comfort and easy access to the third row.

Even the third row provides comfortable seating thanks to sliding second-row seats that adjust to create additional space. Behind the third row, a large, flat cargo area easily accommodates luggage, sports equipment, or a full weekend's worth of gear, with even more room available when the rear seats are folded down.

Technology That Keeps Everyone Connected

The 2027 Suburban comes equipped with an impressive suite of technology designed to keep drivers and passengers connected throughout every trip. A crisp 17.7 inch touchscreen takes center stage on the dashboard, paired with an 11.0 inch digital instrument cluster in front of the driver. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto come standard, along with a built-in Wi-Fi hotspot and wireless smartphone charging.

Additional conveniences include household style power outlets, multiple USB ports throughout the cabin, and available upgrades like a premium Bose sound system and a rear-seat entertainment system, perfect for keeping younger passengers entertained on longer drives.

Safety Features Drivers Can Rely On

Peace of mind comes standard with the 2027 Suburban. Every model includes a suite of driver-assistance technologies, such as automated emergency braking with pedestrian and cyclist detection, lane departure warning, and lane keeping assist. Drivers looking for an extra layer of convenience can opt for adaptive cruise control paired with a hands-free driving feature, allowing for a more relaxed experience on longer highway stretches.

A Trim for Every Lifestyle

With six distinct trims, the Suburban lineup makes it simple for shoppers to find the version that matches their needs. The LS offers dependable, straightforward capability, while the LT adds comfort features like heated leather front seats and a power liftgate. The RST brings a sportier look with blacked-out trim and larger wheels, along with premium touches like a Bose stereo and leather seating.

For those who love the outdoors, the Z71 delivers genuine off-road hardware, while the Premier and High Country trims offer elevated comfort and refinement, including heated and ventilated front seats and available adaptive suspension. New for this year, the High Country trim comes exclusively with four-wheel drive, and a striking new White Sands exterior finish is now available on the RST and Z71.

Experience the 2027 Suburban Today

From its spacious, versatile interior to its capable engine lineup and thoughtful technology, the 2027 Chevrolet Suburban continues to prove why it remains a favorite among full-size SUV shoppers. Whether the priority is towing capability, passenger comfort, or advanced safety features, the Suburban offers a well-rounded package built to handle whatever life brings.

Curious about the 2027 Suburban? A visit to us here at the Powerhouse is the best way to explore the lineup and see which trim fits your lifestyle.  Experiencing its comfort, capability, and technology firsthand is the best way to discover why the Suburban continues to be such a trusted choice for families and adventurers alike.

Monday, July 13, 2026

Turbo Four. Sport Mode. Paddle Shifters. The 2026 Chevy Trax Came Ready to Play.

2026 Chevy Trax

There is a particular kind of satisfaction that comes from a vehicle that exceeds expectations quietly and consistently. No fanfare. No overpromising. Just a genuinely enjoyable driving experience that reveals itself gradually over the course of a week behind the wheel. That is precisely the kind of vehicle the 2026 Chevrolet Trax turns out to be, and it is exactly why drivers who give it a fair chance tend to walk away more impressed than they anticipated.

The Trax arrived in its current generation with a design that turned heads in the small SUV segment, bringing sharp Chevrolet styling to a category that had long been defined by forgettable shapes and uninspired proportions. For 2026, new color options join the lineup to give buyers even more ways to personalize an already distinctive looking vehicle.

The visual identity is already well established, and these additions simply expand the palette for drivers who want their Trax to reflect their own personal style here at the Mid Missouri Powerhouse.

A Turbocharged Heart That Delivers Real World Satisfaction

Under the hood of the 2026 Chevrolet Trax sits a 1.2-liter turbocharged three-cylinder engine producing 137 horsepower, paired with a six-speed automatic transmission. On paper, those numbers invite skepticism from anyone accustomed to larger displacement engines. Behind the wheel, the reality is considerably more engaging than the specification sheet suggests.

In everyday driving situations, the turbocharged three-cylinder delivers a peppy, willing character that makes urban commuting, highway merging, and back road cruising genuinely enjoyable. The turbocharger provides a meaningful boost to the driving experience, and the front-wheel-drive setup keeps the Trax feeling nimble and responsive in the kind of daily driving situations that define most ownership experiences.

Drivers who have spent time with the Trax consistently report that the engine grows on them over the course of ownership. The accessible power delivery and light, responsive feel of the vehicle in traffic and on winding roads combine to create a driving experience that prioritizes everyday enjoyment over peak performance metrics. For the driver who wants a vehicle that is fun to drive without requiring constant effort, the Trax delivers that experience with genuine consistency.

A Ride That Earns Respect on Every Kind of Road

The 2026 Chevrolet Trax carries a suspension setup tuned to balance ride comfort and handling response in a way that rewards drivers who explore beyond the city limits. Back road driving reveals a composure and willingness to change direction that goes beyond what the Trax's compact dimensions might initially suggest.

Car and Driver noted that the Trax rides and handles well, with a hushed cabin that maintains composure at highway speeds in a manner that competes favorably with more expensive vehicles in the segment. That cabin quietness is a genuine achievement for a vehicle in this class, and it contributes significantly to the sense of quality that the Trax projects during extended drives.

The seating position is lower than one might expect given the Trax's upright exterior profile, which contributes to a more connected, engaged driving feel. Getting in and out is straightforward and comfortable, making the Trax an easy companion for daily use regardless of how many times a day that entry and exit cycle happens.

Real Drivers. Real Love. Real Stories.

The enthusiasm that Trax owners express about their vehicles goes well beyond what might be expected for a compact SUV. Online communities dedicated to the Trax are filled with drivers sharing their experiences, and the consensus is remarkably consistent. Owners describe the Trax as a vehicle that surprises them regularly with how capable and enjoyable it turns out to be in daily use.

One owner on a popular automotive forum described the Trax as the best decision made in years, noting that the combination of city maneuverability, highway comfort, and cargo flexibility made it the perfect fit for a busy lifestyle that demanded versatility from a single vehicle. Another owner described taking the Trax on a road trip and being pleasantly surprised by how relaxed and composed it remained over several hundred miles of mixed highway and country road driving.

Consumer Reports reliability data supports this real-world enthusiasm, with the Trax earning a strong four out of five reliability score, a meaningful improvement that reflects the quality and consistency built into the current generation of this vehicle. For buyers who plan to keep a vehicle for many years, that reliability track record matters considerably.

A Cabin That Does More Than the Exterior Suggests

Step inside the 2026 Chevrolet Trax and the interior immediately communicates a thoughtful approach to space utilization that maximizes what is available within the vehicle's compact footprint. Legroom and foot room in the front and rear are genuinely accommodating, making the Trax a comfortable environment for a range of passenger sizes and body types.

Climate control is handled through an intuitive combination of physical dials and buttons that prioritizes ease of use over technological complexity. Temperature and fan speed are managed through dedicated controls that can be operated without taking attention away from the road, a practical design decision that makes the Trax genuinely easier to live with on a daily basis.

The audio system delivers sound quality that consistently surprises drivers who expect modest performance from a vehicle in this segment. With Apple CarPlay connectivity included, smartphone integration is seamless, and the overall infotainment experience covers the essential bases that modern drivers rely on every day.

Cargo Space That Punches Considerably Above Its Weight Class

One of the most compelling practical advantages of the 2026 Chevrolet Trax is its cargo carrying ability. With the rear seats in use, the Trax provides a meaningful amount of daily cargo space behind the rear seat. Fold those seats flat and the available cargo area expands to an impressive 54.1 cubic feet, a figure that Car and Driver called a cavernous cargo area and one that directly competes with larger, more expensive SUVs in segments above the Trax's class positioning.

For drivers who regularly carry groceries, sports equipment, luggage, or outdoor gear, the Trax's cargo flexibility is a genuine and practical strength that makes the small exterior footprint deceptive in the best possible way. The vehicle looks compact from the outside and performs like something considerably larger on the inside.

Safety Technology That Goes Well Beyond the Minimum

Standard safety equipment on the 2026 Chevrolet Trax includes a comprehensive suite of driver assistance features that deliver genuine protection without requiring any additional investment. Forward collision alert, automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning, lane keeping assist, and a following distance indicator are all included as standard equipment across the Trax lineup.

Available options add rear cross-traffic alert, lane change alert, adaptive cruise control, and rear park assist for drivers who want a more comprehensive coverage of the driving environment. The combination of standard and available safety technology gives the Trax a safety profile that competes comfortably with vehicles in higher price segments, adding genuine peace of mind to the overall ownership equation.

The 2026 Chevrolet Trax Proves That the Best Things Come in Compact Packages

The 2026 Chevrolet Trax is the small SUV that earns its reputation one drive at a time. Sharp styling that stands out in parking lots and on city streets. A turbocharged engine that delivers surprising everyday energy. A hushed, composed highway presence that competes with more expensive vehicles. A cargo area that transforms the Trax's practical capability well beyond what its exterior suggests. And a reliability track record that keeps improving with each passing year.

This is a vehicle that rewards drivers who spend time with it, revealing new strengths and capabilities with each passing mile. The 2026 Chevrolet Trax offers everything needed for comfortable daily driving and spontaneous road trips alike.

Monday, July 6, 2026

Big Screen. Big Space. Big Towing. The 2026 Chevy Traverse LT Does Not Skimp Where It Counts

2026 Chevy Traverse

Smart buyers have always known that the best value in any segment rarely carries the most prestigious badge. The 2026 Chevrolet Traverse LT AWD makes that case as convincingly as any vehicle on the market today. Three rows for eight passengers, 328 horsepower under the hood, a 17.7-inch touchscreen on the dash, and 5,000 pounds of towing on the hitch: the 2026 Traverse LT arrives loaded for whatever the family needs next here at the Mid Missouri Powerhouse.

And it does all of it without asking buyers to stretch the budget to get there.  This is the vehicle that makes buyers question why they were looking at more expensive alternatives in the first place.

A Bold Exterior That Makes a Statement Without Saying a Word

The 2026 Traverse LT arrives with the kind of exterior presence that turns heads in any parking lot. The available Midnight Sport Edition package transforms the already handsome Traverse into something genuinely striking, blacking out the grille and exterior badging while adding gloss black painted 20-inch aluminum wheels. The result is a refined, aggressive appearance that looks far more expensive than the window sticker suggests.

In Mosaic Black Metallic, the Traverse's multi-tonal finish catches light in a way that makes the SUV look dynamic even standing still. This is a vehicle that was clearly designed by people who understand that a family hauler does not have to look like one. The Traverse LT manages to be bold and sophisticated at the same time, and the Midnight Sport Edition package takes that balance even further.

328 Horsepower and the Confidence to Go Wherever the Day Takes You

Under the hood, the 2026 Traverse LT is powered by a 2.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine producing 328 horsepower and 326 pound-feet of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. In practice, this powertrain delivers smooth, confident acceleration that makes merging onto the highway and passing slower traffic feel effortless rather than stressful. The engine manages the Traverse's substantial size with authority, pulling the SUV up to speed quickly and maintaining composure throughout the full range of everyday driving situations.

All-wheel drive comes standard on the LT, providing additional traction confidence in rain, snow, and varying road conditions. Five selectable drive modes give drivers the flexibility to tailor the driving experience to the conditions at hand, whether that means maximizing efficiency on a long highway run or engaging AWD mode when the weather turns. Towing capacity of 5,000 pounds means the Traverse is equally capable of pulling a boat, a loaded utility trailer, or a camper to wherever the weekend leads.

The Screen That Changes the Way Drivers Think About Infotainment

One of the 2026 Traverse LT's most immediately impressive features is its 17.7-inch horizontal touchscreen, one of the largest infotainment displays available in the three-row SUV segment. The horizontal orientation feels natural and intuitive, with a layout that makes finding the most-used features fast and effortless. Icons are clearly organized and logically placed, and the overall system response is quick and reliable throughout the ownership experience.

A large dedicated radio volume knob on the touchscreen keeps one of the most frequently used controls accessible without requiring menu navigation, a practical detail that makes a meaningful difference during daily driving. The available Bose premium audio system with 12 speakers, part of the Enhanced Driving package, elevates the listening experience to a genuinely impressive level that rewards careful music selection on any length of trip.

Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto come standard, and a wireless charging pad below the center stack keeps devices powered without cluttering the cabin with cables. A stalk shifter mounted on the steering column frees up additional console space and contributes to a cleaner, more organized center area between the front seats.

A Cabin That Thinks About Every Person in Every Row

Inside the 2026 Traverse LT, the cabin design prioritizes comfort and practicality for all seven or eight occupants across all three rows. The front seats are supportive and well positioned, with heated seating and a heated steering wheel making cold-weather mornings considerably more pleasant. Climate controls feature large, easy-to-operate toggles that can be adjusted quickly without requiring drivers to look away from the road.

Second-row captain's chairs slide and fold forward with a simple lever operation, making access to the third row smooth and quick even for passengers who are not as nimble as they once were. Third-row legroom is genuinely usable for most adult passengers when the second row is positioned appropriately, making the Traverse a true seven or eight passenger vehicle rather than a theoretical one.

The available Evotex pleather seating surfaces with gray stitching bring a premium appearance to the cabin that coordinates beautifully with the Midnight Sport Edition's dark exterior theme. Gray trim inserts on the door panels and textured dash accents around the chrome-framed air vents add visual interest and a sense of quality that exceeds what most buyers expect at the LT price point.

Cargo Space That Handles Every Haul and Every Adventure

The 2026 Traverse LT delivers cargo capacity that makes it a genuinely practical vehicle for families who load and unload on a daily basis. With all three rows in use, there is 22.9 cubic feet of storage behind the third row for everyday essentials. Folding the third row expands that to 56.6 cubic feet, and with both rear rows folded, the Traverse opens up to an impressive 97.6 cubic feet of cargo volume that can handle furniture runs, camping trips, or large sports equipment without creative stacking strategies.

A power liftgate at the rear makes loading and unloading straightforward when hands are full, while the split-folding rear seats can be lowered by pulling a convenient cord on the seat backs. The available 120-volt power outlet in the cargo area adds a practical element that makes the Traverse genuinely useful for tailgating, outdoor events, or job site applications where portable power is a welcome addition.

Safety Technology That Watches Out for the Whole Family

Standard safety features on the 2026 Traverse LT provide comprehensive protection across the full range of everyday driving situations. Smart cruise control, automatic emergency braking, forward collision alert, intersection automatic emergency braking, pedestrian and cyclist recognition, and reverse automatic braking all come standard, creating a safety foundation that works proactively rather than reactively.

The available Enhanced Driving package adds Chevrolet's Super Cruise hands-free semi-autonomous driving technology, an advanced parking assist system, and driver attention monitoring for a more complete active safety experience on longer highway trips. The Driver Confidence package further expands the safety suite with high-definition surround vision, a rear pedestrian alert system, traffic sign recognition, and a rear camera mirror that improves rear visibility in a wide range of conditions.

Together these available packages bring the Traverse LT very close to the full safety capability of much higher-priced three-row SUVs.

Four Trims, One Exceptional Foundation

The LT serves as the accessible starting point of the Traverse lineup, but the full trim range gives buyers the flexibility to tailor the vehicle to their specific priorities. The Z71 adds rugged off-road capability and aesthetic touches for buyers who want their three-row SUV to handle more than just smooth pavement.

The High Country steps into genuine luxury territory with premium materials and additional comfort features. The RS delivers a sportier visual identity for buyers who want a three-row SUV with a more dynamic character. Each trim builds on the strong foundation the LT establishes, giving buyers a clear and logical path to exactly the configuration that fits their life.

The Traverse LT: The Family SUV That Gets It Right From the Very First Trim

The 2026 Chevrolet Traverse LT is the rare vehicle that does not require buyers to climb to the top of a trim structure to feel like they got the full experience. Everything a family needs from a three-row SUV, from the 328-horsepower engine and the 17.7-inch touchscreen to the spacious cabin, the towing capability, and the full safety suite, comes standard in the Traverse LT without the premium pricing that usually goes with it.

This is what a complete ownership experience looks like when the focus is on the driver rather than the sticker price. Come in and see it in person. Once the whole family is buckled in and the destination is locked into that massive screen, every other three-row SUV suddenly feels like it is asking too many questions about why it costs more and does less. The Traverse has a way of answering every family SUV question before it is even asked!