The Chevy Trax Proves That the Words Cheap and Inexpensive Have Very Different Meanings
tags:
MSRP
- Attractive pricing, well-equipped base model, feels more expensive than it is.
- Slower than most competitors, audio system upgrade would be welcome, all-wheel drive option MIA.
- Rolling proof that an affordable transportation device can still deliver a comfortable, feature-filled, and stylish driving experience.
HIGHS
LOWS
VERDICT
Overview
The Chevrolet Trax SUV is inexpensive, reasonably fuel-efficient, and arguably more stylish than it needs to be. But it’s that very combination of qualities that make it such a satisfying choice in the subcompact, five-passenger SUV segment. While its 137-hp turbocharged 1.2-liter three-cylinder engine won’t wow you with acceleration, it’s powerful enough, and the six-speed automatic transmission shuffles the gears ably before sending output to the front wheels.
The interior is spacious for the class, offering enough room for even larger drivers, and there's a class-competitive amount of second-row passenger space and cargo room—we fit six carry-on bags behind the rear seats. Chevy loads up on the standard content too, including an 11.3-inch infotainment screen and adaptive cruise control, making the Trax a value play that doesn’t skimp on features.
Expert Tip: If the lack of all-wheel-drive availability eliminates the Trax from your vehicle search, check out the Chevrolet Trailblazer that offers many of the Trax’s same qualities but includes an all-wheel-drive option.
What's New for 2027?
Chevrolet has streamlined the lineup from five to three available trims: the LT replaces the departed LS as the base model, and the RS1 and RS2 trims are combined into a logically named RS; add the remaining Activ, and you’ve got three. The electrical and software architecture are upgraded, allowing for additional standard safety features, including reverse automatic braking and front park assist, among others. Available tech gets a bump with the addition of the Gemini AI assistant to the native Google software.
Cosmetically, the 2027 Trax features an updated grille, new wheel designs, and LED taillamps. There’s also a revised liftgate design, and power open/close is now available. Inside, a new Storm Sky Gray interior color joins the palette.
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Pricing and Which One to Buy
Engine, Transmission, and Performance
- Engine: 137-hp turbocharged 1.2-liter three-cylinder
- Transmission: 6-speed automatic
- Drivetrain: front-wheel drive
The Trax has a modest powertrain consisting of a 137-hp turbocharged 1.2-liter inline-three engine, a six-speed automatic transmission, and front-wheel drive. All-wheel drive isn't available. The Trax gets off the line with enough gusto to avoid feeling sluggish around town and sounds good doing it, but you'll notice the lack of power when merging or passing on the freeway. We prefer its conventional six-speed automatic over the continuously variable automatic transmissions (CVTs) found in many of its rivals that let the engine drone during acceleration. Handling is decidedly carlike, and the Trax is more agile than many of its rivals. Its brake pedal feels reassuringly firm underfoot, and the steering is predictable and relatively communicative given the Trax's basic-transportation mission.
0–60-MPH Times
- C/D 60-mph Test: 8.8 seconds
In Comparison: The Trax got to 60 mph in 8.8 seconds in our testing, which is slower than some competitors, including the Mazda CX-30, which did it in 8.1 seconds; the Volkswagen Taos managed the 60-mph sprint in 8.2 seconds.
Fuel Economy and Real-World MPG
- C/D 75-mph Highway Fuel-Economy Test: 30 mpg
- EPA City Rating: 28 mpg
- EPA Highway Ratings: 31-32 mpg
The Chevy Trax has EPA-estimated ratings of 28 mpg city, 32 mpg highway, and 30 mpg combined. Opting for the 19-inch wheels, however, will subtract 1 mpg from the highway rating. On our 75-mph highway fuel-economy route, the Trax returned 30 mpg. For more information about the Trax's fuel economy, visit the EPA's website.
In Comparison: The Mazda CX-30 edged out the Trax in our 75-mph real-world fuel-economy test with a 31 mpg return; the Volkswagen Taos proved to be far thriftier, with a 40-mpg result that easily beat its 36-mpg estimate.
Interior, Comfort, and Cargo
First Row: The Trax has a pleasant interior with a good amount of space for the driver and front passenger. We like its low, car-like driving position. Its driver-facing infotainment screen and climate controls are neatly placed, and the rest of the interior is made up of the unexceptional materials expected in this affordable segment, but the overall effect is cohesive and attractive.
Second Row: Technically a five-passenger vehicle, the rear center seat is as tight as you’d expect. Things are better with only two passengers in back, but the rear seats could benefit from more padding and bolstering. The seatback folds in a 60/40 fashion.
Cargo Capacity: Don’t let the Trax’s small profile mislead you: We fit six carry-on bags with the second row in place, and an impressive 21 with it folded flat. Specifically, the Trax has 26 cubic feet of storage behind the second row and 54 with the seatbacks folded.
Infotainment and Connectivity
- Infotainment: 11.3-inch touchscreen
- Connectivity: Bluetooth, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
- Audio System: 4-speaker stereo (standard), 6-speaker stereo (available)
An 11.3-inch infotainment touchscreen is standard across the lineup for 2027, as is the 11.0-inch digital gauge cluster. Connectivity features include wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, an available wireless phone charger, and a Wi-Fi hotspot. While the standard 4-speaker and available 6-speaker audio systems are serviceable, we feel a premium system option would resonate with the youth-oriented demographic who might be considering a Trax. A 12-month subscription to GM’s OnStar One service is included, which provides access to OnStar services including video streaming and a wi-fi hotspot. A12-volt power port is located on the lower dash, and a quartet of USB ports (two each, front and rear compartments) provides charging access.
Safety and Driver-Assistance Features
Every Trax comes standard with the Chevy Safety Assist driver-assistance suite, which has been significantly updated for 2027 to include key features including adaptive cruise control and more.
- Standard Safety Features: automated emergency braking with pedestrian detection, lane-departure warning and lane-keeping assist, adaptive cruise control.
For information about the Trax's crash-test results, visit the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) websites.
Warranty and Maintenance Coverage
Chevy's basic warranty package is just that—basic—but so is the coverage of many of its competitors. The Kia Soul and its corporate cousin, the Hyundai Kona, however, both offer longer protection plans. Chevy also provides one free dealer maintenance visit within the first year of ownership, a nice perk.
- Limited Warranty: three years or 36,000 miles
- Powertrain Warranty: five years or 60,000 miles
- Complimentary Maintenance: first visit
C/D Test Results and Specs
Each year, we put hundreds of vehicles through our rigorous instrumented testing regimen. If the data in the chart below is for a different model year, that's because this vehicle hasn't changed since we last tested it, and the test results remain accurate.
Specifications
Specifications
2024 Chevrolet Trax
Vehicle Type: front-engine, front-wheel-drive, 5-passenger, 4-door wagon
PRICE
Base/As Tested: $21,495/$26,685
Options: Activ trim (keyless entry, push-button start, heated steering wheel, body-color grille insert, black mirror caps, 18-inch wheels, 11.0-inch infotainment touchscreen, six-speaker stereo, 8.0-inch digital instrument cluster, eight-way power driver's seat), $3500; Sunroof package (power sliding sunroof and inductive phone charging), $895; Driver Confidence package (rear cross-traffic, lane-change, and blind-sport alert; adaptive cruise control), $795
ENGINE
turbocharged and intercooled DOHC 12-valve inline-3, aluminum block and head, direct fuel injection
Displacement: 73 in3, 1193 cm3
Power: 137 hp @ 5000 rpm
Torque: 162 lb-ft @ 2500 rpm
TRANSMISSION
6-speed automatic
CHASSIS
Suspension, F/R: struts/torsion beam
Brakes, F/R: 11.8-in vented disc/10.6-in disc
Tires: Goodyear Assurance Finesse
225/55R-18 98H M+S TPC 3179MS
DIMENSIONS
Wheelbase: 106.3 in
Length: 178.6 in
Width: 71.8 in
Height: 61.4 in
Passenger Volume, F/R: 54/44 ft3
Cargo Volume, Behind F/R: 54/26 ft3
Curb Weight: 3069 lb
C/D TEST RESULTS
60 mph: 8.8 sec
1/4-Mile: 16.8 sec @ 81 mph
100 mph: 30.5 sec
Results above omit 1-ft rollout of 0.4 sec.
Rolling Start, 5–60 mph: 9.5 sec
Top Gear, 30–50 mph: 4.8 sec
Top Gear, 50–70 mph: 6.4 sec
Top Speed (C/D est): 115 mph
Braking, 70–0 mph: 180 ft
Roadholding, 300-ft Skidpad: 0.84 g
C/D FUEL ECONOMY
Observed: 25 mpg
75-mph Highway Driving: 30 mpg
75-mph Highway Range: 390 mi
EPA FUEL ECONOMY
Combined/City/Highway: 30/28/32 mpg
C/D TESTING EXPLAINED
More Features and Specs