It is that time of year when cities around the country have auto shows so that media as well as everyone else can see the new lineups of vehicles that the various manufacturers are bringing soon to a showroom as well as those concept vehicles that may or may not come to be. Houston is no exception when it comes to having their own auto show. The 2016 Houston Auto Show brought in over 700 vehicles this year. The space is larger than it ever has been. Plus there are about 70 that you can test drive as well.
The biggest news that came out of this years 2016 Houston Auto Show media day was when GMC debuted their new 2016 Sierra All Terrain X. This truck looks to be an off-roading dream come true. The all black look makes this truck look like a mean beast that just wants to go eat up the road and trails that gets in its way. The 5.3L V-8 engine boasts 365 horsepower. It is another truck that I think will compete with the Ford Raptor and Nissan Titan XD. GMC also showed off their newly redesigned 2017 Acadia which brings a technology innovation that could literally be a lifesaver. The new Rear Seat Alert system will warn the driver that they previously opened the rear doors and to check them in case their might be a child back there. Way too often you hear on the news of people forgetting kids in cars and this could be a huge advancement to prevention.
Chrysler brought in the all new 2016 Pacifica that was just debuted in Detroit. We were given an i depth description of just how they designed the look of the vehicle as well as functionality. The technology that allows you to open and close the tailgate has now been added to the side sliding doors as well. Imagine being able to carry your baby in the carrier and not having to try to open the door with your hands, just the swipe of your foot. They will be making the first hybrid version of a minivan as well. That is some good news for when you need the space for a larger family but would love to have the fuel efficiency as well.
Camp Jeep is another big highlight of the 2016 Houston Auto Show. This is the time where you can ride in a Jeep around a simulated off road course and see just what the vehicles can accomplish. Yes there is even sand!! Too bad we couldn’t take it really off road, now that would be a blast.
Speaking of test driving. Is there a Toyota or Ford or Mazda that you would like to get a feel for without having to visit a dealership? Well with 70 vehicles waiting to be test drove back to back. It gives you a better idea just what should be your next vehicle or what features you like in one versus another. There is an inside ride and drive area as well as one outside by the entrance to the show.
What is great about the Houston Auto Show is that it brings i so man more vehicles than a lot of shows so you really get a feel for what each manufacturer makes and is available on the market. It is also a fun time to see some classic cars and a few crazy ones as well. I think my kids want to ride in the tricked out Hummer!! The Houston Auto Show is a great event to go to as a family as there is plenty for the kids to see and who wouldn’t like looking at some cool cars?
I want to send a huge thank you to the Houston Auto Show, GMC and SheBuysCars for having me out this week.
The grands would for sure like the Hummer. And Pops. And Jason!