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. 

Ready, Set, Assemble: 2025 Chevy Equinox Production Dates Revealed

Staying glued to the news on the web has always provided us with the “early bird’s scoop” here at the Mid-Missouri Powerhouse, where we have just learned of another thrilling looming deadline! Full-on representing a thrilling new stance upon its official debut, the 2025 Chevy Equinox will now make public its exciting changes to the exterior styling, interior appointment, and amazing high-tech features. GM Authority has now learned when our favorite new-gen compact crossover is expected to launch. 

Official production for the 2025 model is expected to resume on May 20^th, 2024. The current 2024 Equinox is scheduled for conclusion on May 18^th, 2023. The facility at GM San Luis Potosl plant is transitioning towards EV-only production, with models such as the Equinox and Blazer poised at the forefront. The all-new 2025 Equinox will stun buyers with an exterior design more aligned with our progressive language, including its signature two-tire “highbrow” headlights. In the rear, a set of horizontally oriented taillights are situated, alongside sharp & aggressive dual exhaust outlets. 

The interior has undergone a very thorough overhaul and features better ergonomics. The space boasts a sense of practicality, and the new digital gauge cluster is poised directly behind the new steering wheel. The Infotainment system already was ranked as awesome up against the competition, but the 2025 model sports an entirely new version. There are new active safety features along with the convenient and game-changing GM Super Cruise technology. Specific powertrain details are not quite yet on the table, but we expect the 2025 Equinox to arrive with a small displacement turbocharged variant.

The Motor Trend team claimed that this will most likely be the year to say goodbye to the 2024 model’s base 7.0-inch touchscreen infotainment system, with an 8.0-inch model or larger on all base LS’s. Most trims are expected to step into the coming of spring with a larger display of around 11 inches. Wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay should be part of the picture, along with physical knobs and buttons to assure that things remain simple. Edmunds.com praised the incoming Equinox for its “premium look inside and out, strong optional V6 engine, quiet interior, and comfortable highway ride.”

Facing off directly with the likes of the Mazda CX50 and Honda CRV, the Equinox has long staked its claim by delivering intense bang for the hard-earned buck. Last earmarked the additions of riptide blue and Lakeshore blue color choices, along with a revision of the Driver Confidence II Package. This will now see the addition of blind spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert, along with availability on the base LS trim. The Car and Driver review team was thrilled with the 2024 Equinox’s competent handling and incredibly accurate and very direct steering quality. 

The Equinox boasts a 3500-lb towing capacity, along with a nicely-styled cabin and many interior luxuries. Every Equinox is available with a subscription-based Wi-Fi hotspot, and the model has earned a 5-star rating from the NHTSA. Some of the Equinox’s safety features include standard forward collision warning, automated emergency braking, standard lane departure warning and lane keeping assist, and available adaptive cruise control. There is always the possibility of brand-new hybrid powertrains joining the mix, and we are thrilled to keep everyone informed here on the blog of any updates or other pertinent NYE details!

Sleek, Stylish, and Smart: What’s New & Noteworthy in the 2024 Chevy Traverse

One of the top-selling SUVs in our lineup here at the Mid-Missouri Powerhouse in Linn, Missouri is the Chevy Traverse, and it’s getting a complete redesign for 2024. Moving into its third generation after its 2009 introduction, the Traverse is our 3-row midsize SUV, slotted comfortably in between the Tahoe and Blazer. It’s clear that Chevrolet listened to drivers who wanted a more truck-like look, as the redesigned Traverse has a much more rugged look.

The larger grill features a bar that spans the width of the vehicle and a prominent Chevy bowtie. Distinctive LED headlights and taillights are now standard, as well as dual exhaust. It has been thrilling to witness all the many unique ways in which trims have developed to brandish their own personality, and the Traverse RS sweeps onto the scene with a sportier look. It offers 22-inch high-gloss black aluminum wheels, gloss black trim, and Jet Black leather seats with red accents. 

The Z71 trim level has been added to the Traverse lineup, drastically boosting the SUV’s off-road capability. It roars in with an extra inch of ground clearance, 18-inch gloss black wheels fitted with all-terrain tires, a twin-clutch AWD system, off-road suspension, and the incline-conquering hill descent control. Super Cruise hands-free driver assistance technology is now offered as well, which is an amazing technology boasting over 34 million hands-free miles driven. There’s also an aluminum skid plate to protect the front, and red tow hooks to tie things together. 

Chevy VP Scott Bell excitedly claimed that the new Traverse was specially designed to perform more like an SUV and as a result would be in many more garages than the 2023 model year. All variants of the 2024 Traverse come standard with the all-new 2.5-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder engine, cranking out 328 horsepower and 326 lb-ft of torque. An 8-speed automatic transmission is standard, and all-wheel drive is an option on all trim levels. The all-new Traverse is also equipped with a 5,000-lb towing rating. 

Another significant update, this time to the interior, is the XXL 17.7-inch touchscreen as standard, and an 11-inch digital driver’s display. The instrument panel has also been lowered, which offers better direct outward visibility. Six USB ports are now standard, and the new Traverse offers the convenience of available wireless phone charging. There’s also a new pass-through design for the underside of the console and the heated steering wheel. 

Higher-level trims now have second-row captain’s chairs with seating for seven, and the new “SmartSlide” feature that provides easier access to the third row. When all seats are folded flat, the new Traverse has up to 98 cubic feet of space, with the third row featuring a 60/40 split for added functionality. Anyone with young ones to haul around will find the Traverse ideal. We love the added Harvest Bronze and Lakeshore Blue exterior colors!

Deck the Driveway: The 2025 Chevy Tahoe's Exceptional Powertrain Lineup and Towing Triumph

Updates on coming-soon models are just as festive and fun as unwrapping holiday gifts themselves here at the Mid-Missouri Powerhouse! Anticipation and feature-rich models go hand in hand, as the excitement of having a brand-new set of wheels to tackle the daily to-do list is a complete game-changer. The 2025 Chevy Tahoe arrives onto the scene proudly with updates such as new 24-inch wheel designs to choose from on the RST and High Country trims. 

Lakeshore Blue Metallic and Cypress Gray are two striking new available exterior paint colors, and the High Country and RST trims have new 24-inch wheel designs to choose from. The 5.3-liter and 6.2-liter engines are rightfully sticking around to enjoy the New Year’s festivities, with the second-generation 3.0-liter Duramax turbodiesel arriving as a brand-new option for 2025. It cranks out 305 horsepower and 495 lb-ft of torque, a substantial increase over the outgoing diesel’s 277 horsepower and 460 lb-ft of torque. This powertrain is available on all six trims, which will delight off-road-hungry drivers looking for low-end climbing power.

The 10-speed automatic transmission now comes as standard, and the Tahoe’s maximum towing capacity is situated at a robust and holiday party-bound 8,400 lbs. The multilink independent rear suspension has undergone updates to be more refined, and extra steering calibrations will make this large vehicle feel smaller to handle and maneuver. The Magnetic Ride Control option has been updated to alleviate some of the bumps and tossing that can be par for the course on minimally maintained roads anywhere. 

Inside, the instrument panel is now lowered to provide a better sense of forward visibility, with the sought-after newcomer to the holiday caroling session presiding as the 17.7-inch infotainment screen. This addition makes for a cleaner and more accessible cabin and boosts the sense of usability during routine drives that still shine with an appealing demeanor. The hands-free Super Cruise feature was already available on the High Country and Premier trims, and for 2025 it will be on the RST and LT as well. The crisp new screen also sees a reconfigured center stack with sleeker air vents, and RST models now offer the very cool Victory Red stitching. 

Premier models now boast a Sky Cool Gray and Jet-Black color combination, and the luxurious High-Country model includes the model’s first real wood trim and leather seats. Chevy has taken a very close look at the stiffly competing Jeep models that have seen success with this addition, and we are confident here at the Powerhouse that those looking for a touch of upper-end elegance and comfort are going to be impressed. Lake days and other long-awaited getaways will provide a perfect opportunity to use the new trailer-tire health monitor and boat ramp assist.

A new forward path indicator provides the vitals on your estimated turning path for the trailer and the vehicle, with the RST and High Country trims also offering air suspension for the first time. “The staggering amount of how much needs to be done” in a day has changed the landscape for drivers nationwide, spurning the need for features such as the brand-new interior motion detector. This will ensure that no passengers are hastily left behind after finding the perfect tree, or impromptu cruise around town to check out lights. Another extra that has become a Powerhouse favorite is the proximity liftgate, which requires anyone to stand for three seconds near the rear of the car before opening.