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Introduction If you've been searching for a three-row SUV that handles everything from school pickups to weekend trips through the Santa Ynez Valley, the 2026 Chevrolet Traverse deserves a serious look. This generation of the Traverse is a significant step forward — a new turbocharged engine, a best-in-class 17.7-inch touchscreen, and four distinct trims that cover everything from family value to off-road capability. At Rio Vista Chevrolet in Buellton, we have the 2026 Traverse in stock and are happy to help drivers from Solvang, Santa Maria, Lompoc, and Santa Barbara find the right configuration. Here's everything you need to know. What's New for 2026 The 2026 Traverse carries forward the major redesign introduced in the previous generation, with refinements across technology, safety, and capability. The most significant change under the hood is the move to a 2.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine producing 328 horsepower and 326 lb-ft of torque — more power and better efficiency than the old V6 it replaced. All models pair with an eight-speed automatic transmission. Inside, every 2026 Traverse comes standard with the impressive 17.7-inch diagonal touchscreen — one of the largest in its class — featuring Google built-in, including Google Maps, Google Assistant, and Google Play. An 11-inch Driver Information Center keeps key data in your sightline. 2026 Traverse Trim Levels LT — Starting Around $40,800 The LT is the entry point and the most popular trim for a reason. It comes loaded with the 17.7-inch touchscreen, adaptive cruise control, automatic emergency braking, a panoramic dual-glass sunroof (available), and seating for up to eight with an available second-row bench seat. AWD is available on the LT for an additional cost. Best for: Families who want maximum space and modern technology without moving into premium pricing. Z71 — Starting Around $48,900 (AWD Standard) The Z71 is the outdoors-oriented trim. It comes standard with AWD — specifically an advanced Twin-Clutch AWD system with an auto-locking rear differential that distributes torque independently to each rear wheel. Add underbody skid plates, all-terrain tires on 18-inch black machine-finished wheels, tow hooks, and off-road-tuned suspension, and you have a Traverse that's genuinely capable when the pavement ends. For Santa Ynez Valley drivers who spend time on dirt roads, ranch property, or heading up to Big Bear or the Sierras, the Z71 is worth the upgrade. Best for: Drivers who want off-road capability without giving up three-row family practicality. RS — Starting Around $55,400 The RS takes the Traverse in a sportier, blacked-out direction. Think 22-inch high-gloss black alloy wheels, a black grille, RS badging throughout, a flat-bottom steering wheel, and a panoramic sunroof. The RS also includes the Enhanced Driving Package with Super Cruise — GM's hands-free driver assistance technology that works on over 585,000 miles of compatible roads. Best for: Drivers who want a bold, modern aesthetic and premium tech features. High Country — Starting Around $55,100 The High Country is the range-topper, blending capability with executive-level comfort. It comes with Super Cruise standard, power-folding third-row seating, one-touch fold second-row seats, and 22-inch high-gloss black machined-face aluminum wheels. It seats seven with standard captain's chairs in the second row. Best for: Buyers who want the most luxurious, fully-equipped Traverse with every available comfort and tech feature. Key Specs at a Glance Spec All Trims Engine 2.5L Turbocharged 4-cylinder Horsepower 328 hp Torque 326 lb-ft Transmission 8-speed automatic Fuel Economy 20 city / 24 highway MPG Max Towing 5,000 lbs (when properly equipped) Seating 7 (captain's chairs) or 8 (LT bench) Touchscreen 17.7-inch diagonal display Why Buy Your 2026 Traverse at Rio Vista Chevrolet? Rio Vista Chevrolet has been family-owned and operated in Buellton since 1991 — serving drivers throughout the Santa Ynez Valley, Santa Maria, Lompoc, and the greater Santa Barbara area for over 35 years. We offer no-markup pricing on all new Chevrolet models and free delivery anywhere in California. Whether you're coming in from Solvang down the road or making the drive from Santa Barbara, our team is here to help you find the right Traverse for your family without pressure or games. Browse our current 2026 Traverse inventory → Or give us a call at 805-691-7447 or stop in at 390 E Highway 246, Buellton, CA 93427. Categories to select in WordPress: Buellton Chevrolet Dealer, Chevrolet Traverse Tags to add: 2026 Chevrolet Traverse, 3-Row SUV Buellton CA, Chevy Traverse Santa Barbara

Best Used Chevy Silverado 1500: A Buyer's Guide (2016-2024) The Chevrolet Silverado 1500 has been Rio Vista's best-selling truck for years, and that popularity carries straight into the used market. A used Silverado 1500 can save you thousands over new while still giving you a capable, comfortable work truck or daily driver, but not every model year and trim is built the same. Here's what to look for. What Changed Across Model Years (2016-2024) 2016-2018 (K2XX generation): The last of the "classic" body style before the full redesign. Simple, reliable, and generally the most affordable entry point. The 5.3L V8 is the sweet spot for most buyers, proven, easy to service, and widely available. Watch for the 8-speed transmission on later trims, which had some early software-related shifting complaints (mostly resolved via dealer reflash). 2019-2021 (T1XX, first redesign): Bigger cab, more tech, and the diesel 3.0L Duramax inline-6 became available starting in 2020, a strong pick if towing or fuel economy is the priority. Early 2019 models had some reported infotainment glitches; 2020+ ironed most of that out. 2022-2024 (T1XX refresh): Updated styling, revised interior, and expanded trim tech packages. These command the highest used prices in this range but come closest to new-truck features and remaining factory warranty coverage, worth prioritizing if you want peace of mind over maximum savings. Mileage: What's Normal For a truck this age, expect roughly 12,000-15,000 miles per year as a rough benchmark. A 2018 with 60,000 miles is right in line; a 2018 with 150,000+ miles isn't automatically bad, but it changes what to inspect (transmission service history, suspension wear) and where it should land in your budget. Towing, Payload, and Fuel Economy at a Glance 5.3L V8: Up to ~11,000 lbs towing, ~2,280 lbs payload (varies by trim/config), the all-around choice for most owners 6.2L V8: Up to ~13,300 lbs towing, best for frequent heavy towing (boats, larger trailers) 3.0L Duramax diesel (2020+): Best-in-class highway fuel economy, strong low-end torque for towing, higher used purchase price but lower fuel cost over time 4.3L V6 (base trims): Lowest towing capacity, best suited to buyers who want a truck mainly for daily driving and light hauling Which Trim Fits Which Buyer Work Truck (WT) / Custom: Budget-focused, fleet-friendly, minimal frills. A smart pick for commercial use or a first truck LT: The volume trim for a reason. Balances features and price, good all-around daily driver RST: Sport-styled version of the LT, popular with buyers who want looks without stepping up to a full off-road package Trail Boss / Z71: Off-road suspension and hardware. Worth the premium only if you'll actually use it off-pavement High Country: Top-trim luxury and tech. Closest experience to a new truck, priced accordingly Best Picks by Budget Under $30K: Typically 2016-2018 Silverados with higher mileage, WT/Custom or base LT trims. Best value per dollar if you're comfortable with fewer tech features and a bit more mileage. $30K-$45K: The sweet spot for most buyers. Later K2XX or early T1XX trucks (2018-2021) with moderate mileage, often LT or RST trim, sometimes still carrying remaining factory powertrain warranty. $45K+: 2022-2024 trucks with low mileage, Trail Boss/High Country trims, or diesel Duramax configurations. Closest to new-truck condition and features. Common Issues to Check For Transmission shift quality on 8-speed-equipped 2017-2019 models (test drive at varying speeds) Infotainment responsiveness on 2019 models specifically Suspension/bushing wear on any truck with 100,000+ miles, especially if towing history is unknown Full service records: a documented maintenance history matters more than mileage alone Why Buy Used From Rio Vista Chevrolet Every used Silverado 1500 on our lot goes through inspection before it's listed, and we back it with the same no-markup pricing and free California delivery we offer on new inventory. No dealer add-ons, no games. If you're in Buellton, Santa Barbara, or Santa Maria and shopping used, [browse our current Silverado 1500 inventory] or stop by for a test drive. Questions about financing a used Silverado, or want help comparing a specific model year to your budget? [Contact our team], we're happy to walk through it.

Chevrolet just pulled the wraps off the redesigned 2027 Silverado 1500, and it's a bigger update than the usual mid-cycle refresh. If you're shopping for a full-size truck right now, here's what's actually different — and why the 2026 Silverado still deserves serious consideration. A Bolder Look, Inside and Out The 2027 Silverado keeps the truck's signature boxy silhouette but sharpens nearly everything around it. Expect a more aggressive front fascia, a bigger grille, and standard dual exhaust with quad tips on Custom trim and above. Inside is where the bigger jump happens — every trim, including the base Work Truck, gets a 12.2-inch digital instrument cluster and a massive touchscreen (16.3 to 16.6 inches depending on configuration). That's a serious tech upgrade across the entire lineup, not just the top trims. New Engines Across the Board This is the headline change. The 2027 lineup swaps in two new Gen 6 Small Block V8s: a 5.7L (replacing the outgoing 5.3L) and a 6.6L (replacing the 6.2L). The TurboMax 2.7L turbo-four gets an "enhanced" update as the standard engine on WT, Custom, Custom Trail Boss, Silverado, and Trail Boss trims. The 3.0L Duramax diesel carries over largely unchanged — but availability expands, with the diesel now offered on the entry-level WT trim for the first time. One trim-level change worth knowing: for 2027, the Trail Boss won't be offered with the new 6.6L V8 at launch — just the TurboMax four-cylinder and the Duramax diesel. If you specifically want a V8 Trail Boss, that's a reason to look at the current 2026 lineup instead. Simplified Transmission Lineup The 2027 Silverado moves to a single 10-speed automatic across every engine and trim, replacing the current mix of transmission options. Fewer choices to sort through, but also less flexibility if you had a specific gearing preference. Seven Trims The 2027 lineup runs Work Truck, Custom, Custom Trail Boss, Silverado, Trail Boss, ZR2, and High Country — broadly similar ground to today's trim walk, with the changes concentrated in what's under the hood and on the dash rather than a wholesale restructuring. When Does It Arrive? Chevrolet hasn't released pricing or a firm on-sale date yet — production is expected to begin in Q4 2026, with the truck reaching dealers later in the year. Details on pricing and full availability are expected closer to launch. Why the 2026 Silverado Still Makes Sense Right Now If you need a truck today, waiting on a redesign that hasn't hit dealer lots yet — with pricing that hasn't even been announced — is a real trade-off. The 2026 Silverado 1500 is a proven, fully sorted truck: strong towing capability across every engine option, the current V8 and diesel lineups both well-established, and the trim flexibility (including that V8 Trail Boss) that the 2027 won't offer at launch. At Rio Vista Chevrolet, every new Silverado 1500 is priced at or below MSRP — no dealer markups, no negotiating games. Combined with free delivery anywhere in California, buying now means you're not paying a premium to wait for tech that's still months from reaching a lot near you. Ready to see what's in stock? Browse our current Silverado 1500 inventory or call our team at 805-691-7447 to talk through which configuration fits what you actually need.