Vehicle Type: Four-door, Five-passenger subcompact crossover SUV.
Price Range: $21,495 - $24,995, including destination fee but before optional equipment.
Powertrain: All 2024 Chevrolet Trax are powered by a turbo 1.2-liter three-cylinder engine making 172 horsepower and 162 lb-ft of torque paired with a traditional six-speed automatic transmission, driving the front wheels.
All-wheel-drive is not available.
Video Review:
What’s New for 2024?
The Chevy Trax is all new for the 2024 model year. The new generation is bigger in almost every way with larger exterior dimensions, more passenger space, and increased cargo space. The redesign also gives the Trax a fresh, sporty look that is more in line with other offerings from Chevy. Some specs did shrink however with the move from a four-cylinder engine with 155 horsepower to the smaller less powerful three-cylinder. Also down is the price, with the new Trax ringing up at more than $1,000 less than the prior model.
What’s Good?
- Low entry price without sacrificing too many features
- Larger interior with plenty of legroom front and rear
- Car-like ride and handling
What’s Bad?
- Unhurried acceleration
- Slow-shifting transmission
- No all-wheel-drive available
Would we buy one? Definitely.
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Overview:
The Chevy Trax is aimed at buyers looking for a small economical crossover, that is packed with features, without breaking the bank. Despite the lack of available all-wheel-drive, the Trax is spacious and offers a nice amount of utility for the price. Unless AWD is a necessity, the Trax should be near the top of any household’s subcompact SUV shopping list.
The Trax competes in a crowded segment with models like the Buick Envista, Ford Bronco Sport, Honda HR-V, Hyundai Kona, Kia Niro, Kia Soul, Kia Seltos, Mazda CX-30, Nissan Kicks, Nissan Rogue Sport, Subaru Crosstrek, Toyota Corolla Cross, and Volkswagen Taos. The slightly smaller Chevy Trailblazer sits in the same segment as well.
As previously mentioned, the 2024 Chevy Trax is an all-new car and a major upgrade over the outgoing generation. A new 137 horsepower turbocharged three-cylinder engine, longer wheelbase, larger interior, and five trim levels each offering compelling features for the price are the largest changes. The styling is also a big departure from the old model with more aggressive sportier styling, which many buyers may find more exciting. All these improvements come with another welcome surprise: a starting price that is lower than the outgoing model. The 2022 Trax had a base price of $22,895 or $1,400 more than the all-new 2024 Trax. Chevy skipped a model year between generations of the Trax.
Overall Score: 3.7/5 stars
Driving Experience: 4/5 stars
The powertrain is adequate, but certainly not exciting. The engine creates enough low-end torque to make city driving easy. Acceleration is sluggish and passing slow drivers will take a degree of patience.
Where many competitors have gone to a CVT, Chevy’s choice to use a traditional automatic is refreshing, but its performance disappoints, with many reviewers finding the transmission to be slow to select gears.
Handling is carlike and the Trax feels grounded and stable. The seating position is lower than many small SUVs in the category making the Trax feel more nimble and less truck-ish.
The brakes confidently slow the vehicle and the steering offers a reasonable amount of feedback.
Visibility is average for the class, with decent forward visibility, but limited rearward visibility thanks to large C-pillars and a slightly sloping roofline.
Safety Features: 3.5/5 stars
As is the case with many brand-new vehicles, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) crash test and safety ratings are not yet available for the 2024 Chevy Trax.
Standard safety and driver assistance tech include forward collision alert, automatic emergency braking with pedestrian recognition, following distance indicator, lane departure warning, lane keeping assist, and automatic high beams. More advanced features like adaptive cruise control are available as part of a Driver Confidence Package on higher trim levels.
Reviewers overall have found the systems to work well and are unintrusive under normal driving conditions. Many features and warnings can be disabled to meet driver preferences.
Safety scores from either testing organization may change our rating when they are released.
Value: 4.5/5 stars
The Chevy Trax has one of the lowest starting prices in the class, without sacrificing must-have features.
Moving up through the trim level ladder adds features that keep pace with the added price. Any trim level feels like a relative bargain.
Due to the newness of the 2024 Trax, it is difficult to predict long-term ownership costs, resale value, or reliability issues. Nothing currently known about the model or its powertrain throws up red flags that would mean a high cost of ownership.
Like most cars in 2024, certain features are bundled together in optional packages, but the pricing for these packages is reasonable and features bundled together are often complementary. For example, to get wireless device charging the Trax must also be optioned with a power sunroof.
Tech Features: 3.5/5 stars
LS and 1RS trim levels are equipped with an 8.0-inch touchscreen infotainment system, which includes wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The base infotainment system features a larger screen than any trim level of the outgoing Trax.
A 12-volt power outlet, four-speaker stereo system, active noise cancellation, one USB-C and one USB-A port, and a WiFi hotspot are also included as standard
Higher trim levels get an 11-inch touchscreen and an 8-inch digital instrument cluster. Other upgrades include additional USB ports for the rear seats, a six-speaker audio system, and automatic climate control.
The Trax is Chevy’s least expensive model for 2024, however, it offers a nice array of tech features even in base trim.
Practicality: 3.5/5 stars
A longer wheelbase and larger overall size add practicality to the Trax compared to the outgoing model. The Trax has comfortable, roomy seating for four adults and enough room to bring along their stuff as well. The middle seat in the rear row should be fine for children but don’t plan on jamming five adults in the Trax for long trips.
The new Trax has almost 42 inches of front seat legroom and 38.7 inches of rear seat legroom. Cargo capacity is also up with 25.6 cubic feet behind the back seat and 54.1 cubic feet with the seats folded. This is substantially more than some competition like the Toyota Corolla Cross, and beats the old model, but puts the Trax in the middle of the class for most metrics.
Unfortunately for those in wintery climates who feel the need to have the additional traction of AWD, the Trax is front-wheel drive only. Offroading is also not something the Trax should be expected to excel at. Those looking for a subcompact crossover SUV with some off-road capability should look at the Ford Bronco Sport or Jeep Compass Trailhawk.
Styling & Design: 4/5 stars
Inside, the Trax has grown in size and grown up. The redesigned interior is more functional and spacious than the outgoing model, making it a worthy contender among small SUVs.
From the driver’s seat, buttons and screens are angled toward the driver for easy reach of the car’s basic functions. Materials are appropriate and sturdy for the entry-level price point, and higher-end options are available as you move up trims.
Seating is spacious in both rows, with room for four adults to be comfortable even on longer drives.
The fit and finish, both inside and out, meet the market standard. There are no surprising panel gaps, creaky materials, or poor assembly work that can be obviously noticed.
The exterior styling of the new Chevy Trax brings it into line with much of the rest of the automaker’s lineup, with styling cues from the Blazer and Camaro, moving away from the dated look of the outgoing model and current Chevy Equinox.
Overall the Trax is a compelling offering in the subcompact SUV category and a big upgrade over the prior model. It is bigger, more stylish, and better in almost every way.
Fuel Efficiency: 3/5 stars
The EPA estimates the 2024 Chevy Trax will get a fuel economy of 28 MPG around town, 32 MPG on the highway, and 30 MPG combined. Reviewers found actual mileage closely reflects EPA estimates.
The Trax sits near the middle of the rankings for fuel efficiency. At the top of the class, the Nissan Kicks gets an estimated 33 MPG combined, while the AWD Dodge Hornet sits at the bottom with 24 MPG combined.
When comparing the most similar models, the Chevy Trax's fuel economy is acceptable, but not stellar. The Honda HR-V gets 28 MPG combined, while the Kia Seltos gets 31 MPG, Hyundai Venue, and Chevy Trailblazer get 31 MPG.
What’s it Going to Cost Me?
In the base LS trim, the Chevy Trax has an MSRP of $21,495, before adding any optional equipment. For that price, the Trax comes with a turbocharged 1.2-liter three-cylinder engine making 172 horsepower and 162 lb-ft of torque paired with a traditional six-speed automatic transmission and front-wheel drive. The exterior features 17-inch steel wheels with silver wheel covers. The interior features black cloth with gray and blue accents. Standard tech includes an 8.0-inch touchscreen infotainment system, which has wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Bluetooth connectivity, active noise cancellation, and a WiFi hotspot are also included. Chevy’s Safety Assist suite of features includes automatic emergency braking, forward collision alert, front pedestrian braking, following distance indicator, lane keeping assist with lane departure warning, and automatic high beams.
A $995 LS Convenience Package can be purchased and includes remote start, heated front seats, carpeted rear floor mats, body-color heated power outside mirrors, and 17-inch alloy wheels. An aesthetic Blackout Package includes black front and rear bowtie emblems and a black nameplate which complement the large black grille, all for $295.
Upgrading to the Trax 1RS trim costs $23,195. This trim includes all features from the LS Convenience Package, but upgrades to 18-inch glass black and machined aluminum wheels. A heated flat-bottom steering wheel, sportier front and rear design, black exterior trim, and red interior accents. Despite its sportier looks and red trim, RS models get no performance upgrades.
A Driver Confidence Package can be purchased for $395 and adds rear parking assist, rear cross-traffic alert, and lane change alert with blind spot monitoring.
LT trim starts at $23,395 and includes a number of upgrades. Outside, the Trax LT gets roof rails, 17-inch aluminum wheels, and LED daytime running lamps. Inside, LT models get an 11-inch touchscreen infotainment system, an 8-inch digital instrument cluster, push-button start, and automatic climate control.
LT trims can also be optioned with the Blackout Package. An LT Convenience Package adds keyless entry, heated exterior mirrors, a heated steering wheel, and heated front seats for $595. The driver confidence package costs $795 and includes the same features as when added to the 1RS but also includes adaptive cruise control. Wireless device charging and a power sunroof can also be added for $895 bundled together as the Sunroof Package.
The Trax 2RS starts at $24,995 and includes the same equipment as the 1RS plus upgrades like 19-inch black and machined aluminum wheels, heated front seats, keyless entry, keyless start, and Evotex seating with red accents.
The Chevrolet Trax ACTIV also starts at $24,995 but is more oriented towards luxury than the sporty 2RS. ACTIV models get 18-inch black-painted aluminum wheels, an eight-way power driver’s seat, heated front seats and steering wheel, keyless entry, keyless start, and Evotex seating with yellow trim.
The Sunroof Package ($895) and Driver Confidence Package ($795) can also be added to the 2RS or ACTIV trims.
If it were our money, we would get the mid-tier LT trim optioned with the LT Convenience Package, to get extra niceties like heated seats and steering wheel at a low price. The Trax is in the middle of the pack in the subcompact SUV segment in most statistical categories, but it generally comes at a significant discount compared to offerings with similar features.
