Why the 2026 Chevrolet Traverse Is the Ultimate Family SUV

Drivers love pickup trucks for many reasons: they're versatile, highly capable, and most of all, they're fun to drive. But if you're shopping for used trucks for sale in Birmingham for the first time, you might be a little overwhelmed by the many pickup trucks on the market today. For many shoppers, the process of finding a new pickup truck starts with deciding whether a midsize or full-size truck is the best option. But if you're new to truck shopping, how do you make that decision? Take a look at some of the major differences between pickup truck classes to get an idea of which category might be best for you and your driving needs. About the Trucks For the purpose of this discussion, we're going to compare two of our favorite pickup trucks: the Chevy Colorado and the Chevy Silverado 1500. That allows us to make direct apples-to-apples comparisons between midsize and full-size trucks. However, these aren't the only trucks you can find here on our lot. The Chevy Colorado is joined in the midsize truck category by other fantastic trucks like the Toyota Tacoma, Ford Ranger, GMC Canyon, Honda Ridgeline, Nissan Frontier, and Jeep Gladiator. Having announced major updates for the 2027 model year, the previous generation was introduced in 2023, giving used truck shoppers a range of options to choose from. The Chevy Silverado 1500 is a full-size truck, along with the Ford F-150, Ram 1500, GMC Sierra 1500, Toyota Tundra, and the gone-but-not-forgotten Nissan Titan, which was discontinued in 2024 but lives on as a used full-size truck. The fourth-generation Silverado 1500 was produced between 2019 and 2026, with a major refresh in 2022. So, while the information provided is specific to used Chevy trucks, the concepts can be applied to any truck to help you get started with your shopping experience. Is There a Major Size Difference? The terms "midsize" and "full size" can be a little misleading. While these terms do refer to the actual physical size of the truck, they also include overall capacity and truck weight. In fact, the actual sizes of the trucks can be deceiving on paper. Take the third-generation Colorado and the fourth-generation Silverado 1500 as examples. The third-generation Colorado is offered exclusively with a Crew Cab and a 5.1' bed, and it measures 213 inches in length. The fourth-generation Silverado 1500, on the other hand, is offered with a choice of three-passenger Regular Cab, an Extended Cab with a rear seat, and a spacious Crew Cab that gives rear seat passengers plenty of room to stretch out. The Silverado 1500 can also be outfitted with a 5.8' Short Bed, 6.6' Standard Bed, or 8.2' Long Bed. As a result, you can find Silverado 1500 models measuring 211 inches to 242 inches in length. But these are just a few ways to measure your truck. If you plan on navigating through the Roebuck Springs Historic District, you might want a nimble, more agile midsize truck, while folks who spend time experiencing off-road adventures could choose either option. The actual measurements of the trucks you encounter on your shopping journey will differ, of course, but it's important to note that the actual size of a midsize and full-size truck may not be that different. Bring a measuring tape and read vehicle descriptions closely if you have specific size requirements. Capacity and Capability Many drivers choose between midsize and full-size pickup trucks based on the amount of work they can do. A midsize truck is typically capable of towing sizeable loads and handling a payload that's generally over 1,000 pounds. Again, specifics will differ by model. A full-size truck's towing and payload capacity are largely based on factors like the trim, bed/cabin configuration, axle rating, engine torque, and whether it's a rear-wheel drive or all-wheel drive truck. Therefore, the towing and payload maximum ratings can vary tremendously. Those who find themselves traveling up and down I-65 with a bed full of belongings will also want to check out bed features, as what comes standard can change between midsize and full-size trucks from the same manufacturer. The 2023 Colorado, for example, includes eight fixed tie-down cleats, while the 2023 Silverado 1500 has 12. And while the 2023 Colorado includes an adjustable tailgate with a mid-position for longer items, the 2023 Silverado 1500 offers the Multi-Flex Tailgate, which can be positioned several different ways to accommodate not just more cargo, but your lifestyle. Bigger doesn't always mean stronger, so make sure the maximum towing and payload ratings meet your needs and don't assume based on the truck's classification. Fuel Economy and Power Generally speaking, midsize pickup trucks are engineered for agility, while full-size trucks are equipped with engines that can provide a great deal of torque for greater pushing and pulling capacity. At the 2023 debut of its most recent generation, the Colorado was offered with three engine options, all based around the 2.7L turbocharged engine. Torque ranged from 260 lb-ft to 430 lb-ft, depending on which option was selected. In 2025, however, the Turbo High Output version became standard, giving all Colorado drivers 310 horsepower and 430 lb-ft of torque. Full-size pickup trucks, on the other hand, frequently have multiple engine options across the lineup. However, not all of that power is created for similar use. Using the 2022 Silverado 1500 as an example, the base engine is a 310-horsepower 2.7L turbocharged inline-4 that produces 430 lb-ft of torque and can tow around 9,000 pounds, depending on the configuration. The 5.3L V8 offered in 2022 produces significantly more horsepower but less torque, at just 383 lb-ft. As a result, models equipped with this engine don't gain much towing power over the base engine unless the Max Trailering package is included. The 2022 6.2L V8 and 3.0L turbocharged diesel engine options both offer 460 lb-ft of torque, giving them top towing honors among the lineup. Vehicles equipped with either of these engines have the potential to tow up to 13,300 pounds. Again, these are just examples of how to consider engine options in both midsize and full-size trucks. The Ford F-150, Ram 1500, and Toyota Tundra are just a few examples of trucks that offer different-sized engines to accommodate the many different goals of pickup truck drivers. Choosing Your Ideal Truck When it comes to pickup trucks, "bigger" doesn't always mean "better." When shopping for your very own used truck, keep your driving goals in mind. If towing is important to you, pay close attention to engine specifications and towing equipment that's already on board. Check out each bed to make sure it's the right size and provides all of the right tools. And of course, pay attention to the engine. Find one that offers you all the thrills you want without sacrificing the capability you need. When picking out your next truck, it's easy to get distracted by all of the fun features and details. However, if you choose your truck based on how you plan to use it, you'll find it gets a little easier to narrow down your choices. With all of the options found at today's dealerships, you'll have no problem finding your perfect used truck in Birmingham.

The 2026 Chevy Trax is one of the most affordable vehicles on the market, making it a good fit for just about any budget. That low price might mean that you expect a Chevy Trax for sale near Bessemer to have underwhelming features and options. After all, with a price that low, something has to give, right? While you won't find incredible luxury features on the Trax that you can get with a Cadillac, there's still a fantastic range of features and options that Chevy has packed into this lovely little SUV. The result is a vehicle accessible to most folks, with a daily drive you'll look forward to. Let's take a look at some of our favorite surprises with the Trax. The Standard Chevy Safety Assist Package There are a few things we love more about modern vehicles than how well they can help keep people safer on the road. Although nothing can replace careful driving, advanced driver-assistance features can enhance your reactions. The 2026 Trax comes with the Chevy Safety Assist package standard, which includes: Forward Collision Alert Automatic Emergency Braking Front Pedestrian Braking Following Distance Indicator Lane Keep Assist with Lane Departure Warning IntelliBeam auto high beams These six features work together beautifully to give you ample time to react to a potential collision and avoid or reduce the severity of a crash. Features like the IntelliBeam high beams even benefit others as you drive around Bessemer each day, keeping everyone safer. The fact that you get all of this in every Trax model at such a great price is hard to beat. The Available Driver Confidence Package If you're looking to take safety to the next level, then Chevy has you covered with great available options for the Trax. Since this SUV starts at such a low price, it's easy to add a few extra features that might be out of reach with a pricier vehicle. The Driver Confidence Package is a particular favorite of ours since it includes: Rear Park Assist Rear Cross Traffic Alert Lane Change Alert with Side Blind Zone Alert Adaptive Cruise Control (on select models) These added features come together to take road safety to the next level, making it much easier to avoid collisions with people you might not see. The Rear Cross Traffic Alert is particularly helpful for getting in and out of parking spots safely, especially when visibility is limited. Terrific Available Tech Features Although the standard tech features on the 2026 Trax are great, the available upgrades really take things to the next level. Since this is such a budget-friendly model, it's no surprise that it offers a couple of interior display options. That said, the starting eight-inch infotainment screen is more than enough for many people and quite impressive for the price. Going with a higher trim, however, gets you several excellent available features that can elevate every moment you spend driving around Bessemer. The 11-inch HD color infotainment screen is a beauty that makes it easy to keep track of important information as you drive. This is joined by an available eight-inch color Driver Information Center that looks great. An available wireless charging pad is incredibly functional and convenient, letting you easily charge compatible devices without wrestling with cables. You get wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto support, which we love, as well as standard cruise control across every model. The available six-speaker sound system fills the interior of this subcompact SUV with rich audio. Simple and Refined Trim Levels In everything we like about the Trax, there's a common theme: simplicity. Chevy keeps things simple with the Trax, but that doesn't mean it's ever lacking in anything. For example, you have five different trim levels to choose from, with simple options and upgrades between them. Trax LS: The starting trim for the Trax, the LS comes with all standard features, including an eight-inch infotainment display and the Chevy Safety Assist package. It has LED headlights, 17-inch wheels, and plenty of extra options available. Trax 1RS: This sporty option for the Trax includes several excellent upgrades and enhancements to enjoy as you drive around Bessemer. It comes with 18-inch machined two-tone wheels that look fantastic and have a distinct RS aesthetic. This includes RS badging and a unique grille outside, black bowtie emblems, red interior accents, and more. Trax LT: If you're not interested in RS styling but want upgrades beyond the standard features, the LT is a great choice. This model features 17-inch two-tone wheels and a comfortable ride quality. Inside, you get large available displays, automatic climate controls, remote start, and much more. Trax 2RS: This is a direct upgrade to the 1RS, with 19-inch machined two-tone wheels for an even bolder stance. You get the distinct RS styling here with exterior badging, the unique grille, and more. The large interior displays and available Jet Black seating with Red accents make this model a fantastic overall choice. Trax ACTIV: Finally, we have the ACTIV, which is the next step up from the LS and LT. This model features 18-inch black wheels and a Black grille with titanium chrome accents, creating a gorgeous overall aesthetic. Inside, you get an eight-way power driver's seat, plenty of great tech features, and available jet black seating with Artemis accents for great looks. One of our favorite things about this trim lineup is how Chevy has priced these models. The LS starts at the lowest price, then the 1RS and LT are the same MSRP, and the 2RS and ACTIV are the same MSRP. So you can view it as three tiers of options, with distinct aesthetic and feature differences between the models at each tier. Great Performance and Fuel Efficiency Although performance might not be the first spec you consider when looking at a subcompact SUV like this, it's still important. You want something that feels great as you're driving around Bessemer each day, even if you're just heading to work. Chevy understands this well, and they've designed and engineered the Trax to be a small SUV that you'll look forward to driving. The 2026 Trax is powered by a 1.2L EcoTec turbocharged I-3 engine that provides 137 hp and 162 lb-ft of torque. This is plenty of power for a small SUV like this, and the six-speed automatic transmission responds quickly as you drive. You get front-wheel drive with this model, which is perfect for keeping you in control with a light-weight SUV like this. Thanks to its small size and excellent engineering, the 2026 Trax delivers an EPA-estimated 28 MPG in the city, 32 MPG on the highway, and 30 MPG combined. This is perfect for getting to and from work, running errands when you need to, and enjoying yourself on the weekend. So you can get around Bessemer with fewer stops for gas. A Surprisingly Spacious Interior As a subcompact SUV, you might expect the Trax's interior to lack functional space. In reality, you get more than 25 cu.ft. of cargo space in the back of the Trax, as well as more than 54 cu.ft. of total cargo volume behind the front row. That gives you plenty of room inside for shopping bags, luggage, and everything else you need to bring with you each day. Everything Bessemer Drivers Expect As you can see, the 2026 Chevy Trax has a lot to offer, which is a big part of why it's such a popular SUV. A small, sporty size, a great starting price, and plenty of upgrade options make it easy to get everything you need in your car. So if you're ready to see more great features that you might not expect in a subcompact SUV, then we're here to show them to you.

The Chevy Equinox appeals to many drivers. Commuters appreciate its car-like handling, comfortable interior, and efficient engine. Small families like that it’s safe and spacious, but not too cumbersome to handle. Even new drivers and first-time buyers love the Equinox, thanks to its affordable price tag and exceptional reliability. It’s not only this that makes the Equinox such a crowd favorite. It’s also the fact that new models are loaded with some of the most desirable tech features on the market. If you’re seeking out a Chevy Equinox for sale near Gardendale, Edwards Chevrolet Downtown has a spectacular selection of Equinox models just waiting to wow you. We love to watch our customers drive away in vehicles that have all the features they demand. This is especially the case when it comes to tech. Here are some of the tech features today’s drivers just can’t get enough of in the 2026 Equinox. Advanced Displays The 2026 Equinox shows off a particularly innovative interior. This is evident from the moment you step inside its quiet, comfortable confines. From connectivity and entertainment features to important ride data, you can be sure to enjoy all of it via these intelligently designed displays. Infotainment Touchscreen Every 2026 Equinox trim has an 11.3-inch diagonal touchscreen display that lets you access your coveted tech. Whether you’re seeking out expert navigation or you just want to play your favorite tunes, this display is the gateway to all of this. It is angled slightly toward the driver for maximum viewing. Digital Gauge Display In addition to the prominent infotainment display that occupies a large portion of the dashboard, the 2026 Equinox also features an 11-inch digital gauge display. This screen, located behind the steering wheel, displays important ride details, such as speed, safety alerts, and other pertinent driving information. This display helps you stay in tune with all aspects of your ride, making your time on board a safer and more enjoyable experience. Smart Software The 11.3-inch infotainment display runs one of the most advanced software interfaces in the industry—Google built-in. This system is a game-changer for Chevy vehicles, allowing drivers to access everything they could ever want on the way to all their Gardendale destinations. Access Google Play and download all the apps you need to stay focused and entertained during your ride. Google Maps makes it easy to navigate to unfamiliar places with extreme confidence. Google Assistant makes your drive more convenient, letting you use your voice to control various aspects of your media system and more. With this Google-based software system, you’ll have the ability to enjoy everything you need right at your fingertips or just with the sound of your voice. This doesn’t just make your ride more satisfying; it also makes it safer. This way, you won’t have to fumble with clunky controls or try to locate a feature you need on a complicated touchscreen. Everything is right where it should be, waiting to be of service. Wireless Connectivity Having wireless tech on board your vehicle certainly makes your journey better. This is especially true when you don’t want your cabin cluttered with unsightly wires but still want access to all your must-have tech. Fortunately, the 2026 Equinox makes it easy for Gardendale drivers to stay connected to their day from the highway—without wires taking up space inside their cabin. With wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, you’ll get to enjoy the features of your smartphone without having to plug it in. Access contacts, messages, apps, and entertainment features seamlessly through your touchscreen, so your phone can remain safely tucked away in your bag. You can also enjoy wireless charging, allowing you to place your phone on the charger built into your Equinox without having to locate a charging cord while you’re busy maneuvering through rush hour traffic. The Equinox is filled with an abundance of tech aids to help make your travels better and more connected in every way. You will also get to take advantage of a Wi-Fi hotspot through the Equinox’s Google-based software system, allowing you to remain connected to the goings-on of your day from the highway. Safety & Assistance Tech Every Gardendale driver should prioritize safety, and the 2026 Equinox makes this easier with all the safety and assistance aids on board. With over 15 standard safety and assistance features, your drive will be more secure, no matter what awaits you on your daily commute to the office. Standard Safety Features As we mentioned above, the Equinox has a host of standard safety aids to help make your time on the road safer for all. Through standard Chevy Safety Assist, you’ll have access to everything from lane-keeping assistance and collision alerts to IntelliBeam headlamps and automatic braking features watching out for you at every turn. The 2026 Equinox also has other standard features to take advantage of, including Rear Park Assist to help you park like a pro and Rear Cross Traffic Braking to help you avoid an obstacle behind you while you’re backing up. You’ll get to enjoy an HD Rear Vision Camera as well, which provides you with exceptionally clear views of the areas behind your vehicle. Available Safety Features Turn your rearview mirror into a dazzling display through the available Rear Camera Mirror or stay abreast of who is walking behind you with Rear Pedestrian Alert. Available HD Surround Vision provides a bird’s-eye view of the area around your vehicle, perfect for busy parking lots, packed city streets, or unfamiliar locations. OnStar Everyone wants to feel like they have someone watching their back on the road, and with OnStar, this is a reality. From emergency response services to roadside assistance, you can count on OnStar to help you through difficult times while you’re traveling. Let’s face it, you never know what’s going to happen on the open road, and having OnStar in your vehicle allows you to be ready for anything. A Tech-Savvy Vehicle for Tech-Savvy Drivers When it comes to taking on your Gardendale commutes, errands, road trips, and school runs, the 2026 Equinox proves that it’s able to offer the tech features you require. It’s armed with show-stopping displays to keep you connected and entertained during the ride. It also shows off excellent software capabilities built into Google. Plus, with a slew of safety features, you can remain secure and confident as you travel in this Chevy superstar. Every driver wants to enjoy their ride, and for many, that means access to cutting-edge tech on board their vehicles. Whether you have always wanted a large, immersive touchscreen in your car or you just want to access the features on your phone without having to dig it out of your work bag, the Equinox has it all to appeal to every driver imaginable. Finding Your Perfect Equinox So, if you’re ready to make your time on the road better and more technologically advanced, the Equinox deserves a closer inspection. Not only is it impeccably innovative, but it’s also efficient, easy to drive, cozy inside, and ultimately affordable. It’s a winner for a wide range of drivers and worth adding to your driveway if you demand more from your dedicated travel companion.