Consumer's Key to Insight: In-Depth Comparison of The 2020 Chevy Traverse & The 2020 Dodge Durango

As your decision to purchase a new vehicle becomes a reality and it is time to make the final choice, it always makes sense to compare two similar models. Everyone here at West Chevy of Knoxville loves to provide support for the brand we have worked so hard to build up, yet we know that you need to be able to properly size our models up to the competition. The staff at Kelley Blue Book were getting into “comparison” mode this week themselves and took on the task of seeing how the 2020 Chevy Traverse stacked up against the 2020 Dodge Durango.

 

These two represent two different ends of the SUV offering spectrum: One of them offers up a modern platform powered by a V6, and the other has a bit more of a rugged chassis with the option to move up to a V8. What the KBB team had the most praise for regarding the Traverse was that it had excellent styling inside and out, had more than ample cargo space, very comfortable seating in all three rows for up to eight, and the handling was great were a vehicle its size. What they didn't like was the lack of features on lower trims and that safety features are only available as options: we do take these things into consideration and will note them as our future development teams go to work.

What was appreciated within just a few minutes of a test drive of our rival in the form of the Dodge Durango was the full-size capability in a midsize SUV, two V8 engine options, and a towing ability that is truly the king of the segment. One trait where the Traverse won over the Durango was maneuverability: within 15 minutes, the KBB crew deemed that the maneuverability of the Durango was not nearly as precise and competent as what the Traverse offers. The engine on the Traverse is a very quick V6 that cranks out 310 horsepower and 266 lb-ft of torque, and the recommendation given here is to move up to the LS trim to get the features you want.

A favorite in the feature department is the rear-view camera mirror inside: you gain very easy access to a live video feed precisely 180-degrees behind the vehicle. If raw power is right up your alley, you would have a great appreciation for the two V8 engines the Durango offers on top of the standard V6. The tow rating of 8,600 lbs is higher, but keep in mind that you are dealing with a gigantic lurch of a vehicle with 8.1 inches of ground clearance. Both the Traverse and Durango don't have driver assists as standard, as some consumers are very adamant about seeing extras such as these on the lower trim levels, or without a forced add-on expense.

GM Authority Breaking News: 2021 Chevy Colorado Production Has Begun

Trucks have enjoyed a long and great run of appreciation, adoration, and off-road excitement at the hands of happy customers here at West Chevy of Knoxville. GM Authority has already broken the story of the beloved Chevy Colorado getting a refresh for the next model: there will be new front fascias, a new tailgate, a slightly-revised trim level structure, and changes to the equipment group structure. Even those updates were covered in-depth and the news just released that the 2021 Chevy Colorado production is officially underway!

Production of the 2021 Colorado started on June 26^th in the U.S. making the Colorado along with the GMC Canyon the first U.S. Built 2021 model year Chevy vehicle to enter the production phase. With production happening right now, there may be a few options and features that will not be available just during development's first phase. This includes the 2.8-Liter Inline-4 LWN turbo-diesel Duramax engine, the Crush color for all models, and the Sand Dune Metallic Color for the Z71.

Next year's Colorado features a trim level structure that has been entirely revised, with the base trim level that slotted below the Work Truck removed from the option list. Each model will now also get a very unique front-end treatment, and a brand-new debossed tailgate brandishing the Chevy script at the rear. You can see all of the other minor changes and updates here. Right now, we are being told that the current second-generation Chevy Colorado will exist for at least the next two years before it could see replacement by an updated version of the GMT31XX platform.

The next-generation model will see power derived from an engine like the turbocharged 2.7-Liter Inline-4 L3B gas engine. As the staff of Kelley Blue Book quickly recognized, the Colorado is the most customizable of any midsize truck, and they also gave high approval for the performance and raw energy the diesel option offers. Best-in-class towing, a completely refreshed exterior, and world-class comfort during the ride and handling are all other fine points of this rugged-and-ready beast. 

The Coming of the C8 Was Incredible: What's Coming Next Will be Earth-Shaking

With the engine situated for the first time behind the driver after decades of speculation and in-depth engineering, the new Corvette represented an enormous change for one of America's most iconic cars. As of now, there has not been an official announcement, there will certainly be much more powerful and faster Corvettes to come in the future, really catapulting Chevy into the realm of full-blown super cars such as Lamborghini and Ferrari. It is no shame that some have not considered us neck and neck with these high-end track-dominators as of yet, seeing as how Chevy products are a mere fraction of their price. 

 

In today's current base model, the 495-horsepower Stingray has many advantages when taking a close look at the Corvettes' new “rear mid-engine” layout. The entire car's weight is shifted, which improves handling through curves as well as speed in a straight line since the back wheels have more weight over them. Right away you notice how much closer you as the driver is to the perfect center of the driving experience. You are also seated a bit further forward, closer to the front wheels that are piloting the car.

With a lower hood minus the engine, the driver also gets to enjoy a more thorough view of the road ahead, which helps in droves during high-speed maneuvers. This design that was pondered and conceptualized for so long now enables engineers to create versions of the car with an abundance of higher power, and the ability to handle it on all counts. The current C8 brandishes 50 more horsepower than the outgoing model and has received very high accolades and raving reviews for handling, the feel of the interior, and spectacular value. 

We have been informed here at West Chevy of Knoxville that a high-performance hybrid is widely rumored to be in the design stages, but it has not been officially confirmed. A very long and narrow row of buttons graces the current C8's interior, creating a snug low wall between the driver and passenger, while the central touchscreen is also tilted towards the driver. There is no more manual transmission offered, and the automatic is quick, responsive, and smooth as anything many auto journalists have driven during their entire career.

Changing driving modes is done via a knob with a comfy hand rest above it, and plugs you straight into Tour, Sport, or Track modes at your whim. The seasoned experts out there have been excited about just how good this car corners, and how the Track mode adjusts the suspension and steering responsiveness to immediately adapt to the adrenaline-laced challenge. We will keep you posted here on the blog about the many ways in which the coming Corvette will be even more exciting and powerful, and the best medium to take on a “socially distanced” cruise at “speed of light” caliber!

2021 Chevy Malibu Sport Edition Featured in Carbuzz.com Close-Up

During a time when trucks and SUVs are snagging up a large share of what is the overall popularity factor, it is inspiring to see that the fun and engagement had while driving a sedan still lives on. The ninth-generation Chevy Malibu is gaining a new spec as it now enters its sixth year on the market in the form of the Sport Edition, and the folks on staff at Carbuzz.com highlighted the excitement in their blog this week.

 

The 2021 Sport Package includes upgrades in the form of a black nameplate badge, black bow-tie emblems, and black-painted alloy wheels measuring 13 inches in diameter, wrapped in 245-section all-season tires. It is based on the LT trim level – one step down from the range-topping premier trim – and sees the requirement of a Jet-Black exterior paint option. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto will now see wireless features, where before a USB cable connection was required, and the model will also see the addition of a newly available safety feature being added to encourage proper seat belt use. Called “Buckle to Drive”, the driver is not allowed to shift out of park until it is detected that the seat belt is fastened.

Inside, the current Malibu sports a traditional cabin for its class, but it adds to the style with varying light color contrasts, an exceptionally large touchscreen, a simpler HVAC interface, and uniquely shaped air vents. If you opt for the RS trim, you see even more contrast with Jet Black Interior, which matches with the metallic trim nicely. Those looking for a bit more luxury will find what they need in the Premium trim, which includes leather seating, ventilated front seats, heated rear seats, and more.

Standard amenities such as an 8-inch touchscreen, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, a six-speaker audio system, and Bluetooth audio streaming should all be on the list, and under the hood in the starter model is a 1.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder that delivers 163 horsepower and 184 lb-ft of torque. At the top of the engine lineup is a 2.0-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder that cranks out 250 hp, paired to a nine-speed automatic transmission. All of us here at West Chevy of Knoxville are proud of the fact that the current Malibu boasts a “Superior” rating in the front-crash prevention test, and this is with the enhanced automatic emergency braking system.

After a test drive, you’re going to see so many reasons to add the Malibu to your family’s fleet: the sedan always offers up the connection between the road and the driver that the excitement of driving was always meant to be centered around. The ability to haul and tow that a pickup gives you always boasts its appropriate time and place, but when a hairpin turn is in your near future, the spirit and excitement of a sedan are unbeatable and exhilarating!