Professionals: Sturdy worth; sharp appears; surprisingly sensible; partaking and even pleasant to drive; excessive gas financial system
Cons: All-wheel drive unavailable; no engine improve; arduous armrests
The 2024 Chevrolet Trax is a game-changer for its model, its subcompact SUV phase and for reasonably priced automobiles generally. It’s objectively well-executed, subjectively nice to take a look at and, crucially, one heckuva deal that makes others in its phase appear overpriced. Even worth stalwart Kia is wanting down on the Trax from up the worth ladder. And positive, there are basic explanation why it prices much less, which we’ll get to, however on the entire, we expect most consumers will likely be nice sacrificing in these areas to learn from that sharp type and robust worth.
For starters, the Trax has extra passenger area than most subcompact SUVs. Full-size adults can sit comfortably entrance to again, and also you don’t must scoot the entrance passenger seat uncomfortably ahead to accommodate a rear-facing little one seat or kicking toes in a forward-facing one. Cargo area is above common, too. The cabin design is sporty and full of the requirements, which draw consideration away from the cheaper, arduous plastics — this could be a type of sacrifices talked about earlier.
One other can be its small engine, which on paper, not less than, delivers sluggish acceleration even in a phase consisting of leisurely sprinters. In follow, although, it doesn’t really feel that sluggish because of punchy low-end energy from the little turbo-three engine and fast reactions from the six-speed computerized. It’s additional balanced by an general dynamic bundle that’s genuinely pleasant to drive. Sluggish automobiles could be enjoyable, and cheap automobiles could be good, interval. The 2024 Chevy Trax satisfies each.
Inside & Know-how | Passenger & Cargo House | Efficiency & Gasoline Financial system
What it is wish to drive | Pricing & Trim Ranges | Crash Scores & Security Options
What’s new for 2024?
We very almost wrote “The Chevy Trax is an all-new model for 2024,” utterly forgetting there truly was a Trax earlier than. It’s simply this one’s a lot totally different. And extra memorable. And higher.
What are the Trax inside and in-car expertise like?
Nearly each floor within the Trax cabin is tough plastic or a too-hard rubbery floor. That’s unhealthy information for elbows (please, extra padding!), however it’s principally disguised by a good-looking design that shares loads of visible DNA with the Camaro. It additionally helps maintain the worth low. Performance is superb, with a big phone-holding bin (out there with wi-fi charging within the high three trim ranges), beneficiant cupholders cut up by one other cellphone holder, a decent-sized armrest bin and a bonus bin to stash no matter. Door pockets are giant, too, and might accommodate bottles.
From a tech perspective, the Trax contains a de-contented model of GM’s Android-based infotainment system. Accessible in both 8- or 11-inch sizes, it appears good and is straightforward to make use of even when it doesn’t do rather more than tune the radio, show journey pc information, alter car settings and function commonplace wi-fi Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Actually, most individuals don’t want greater than that. The instrument panel is a display within the high three trim ranges, too, and though it lacks the type of performance and customised graphics choices of different all-digital panels, it appears good and is extra simply learn than the usual analog gauges. The 11-inch touchscreen and digital instrument panel are pictured under.
How huge is the Trax?
The Trax isn’t fairly as huge on the surface because the mechanically associated and equally spectacular Buick Envista, however it’s nonetheless significantly greater on the surface than different subcompact SUVs. It’s a half-foot longer than a Kia Seltos, itself no tiny factor, and almost 3 inches longer than the VW Taos. The Trax isn’t as tall, nonetheless, notably within the cargo space, which negates a few of that general size. It does contribute to the Trax wanting so low, smooth and sporty, nonetheless.
Inside, the Trax places this comparatively giant exterior footprint to good use with a giant again seat that lets full-size adults sit back and front. Headroom isn’t a problem regardless of that low, smooth roofline, both. Not like most subcompact SUVs, the Trax is a very viable household car because of this ample rear legroom that gained’t drive the entrance passenger to scoot uncomfortably ahead to make approach for kids in automobile seats behind.
Now, we discovered that the cargo space isn’t as giant and helpful as its official 25.6-cubic-foot quantity would indicate. The truth is, we managed to extra simply load six suitcases into the Envista regardless of it having much less area on paper. The Seltos, Taos, Nissan Kicks, Kia Niro and Subaru Crosstrek additionally carried out higher. The Chevy Trailblazer was notably worse, although.
What are the Trax gas financial system and efficiency specs?
Each Trax is powered by a 1.2-liter turbocharged three-cylinder engine that sends 137 horsepower and 162 pound-feet of torque via a six-speed computerized to the entrance wheels solely. All-wheel drive shouldn’t be out there.
Gasoline financial system estimates are 28 mpg metropolis, 32 mpg freeway and 30 mpg mixed. We solely managed 27.4 mpg in over 300 miles of blended driving, which can be the results of small turbo engines being extra inclined to a heavy foot … which we’ve.
Trax Activ (inexperienced) and Trax 2RS (crimson)
What is the Trax wish to drive?
Very similar to the mechanically associated Buick Envista, the Trax’s powertrain specs sound completely lame. Three cylinders? 137 horsepower? Six-speed computerized? We didn’t even point out that the 0-60-mph dash is someplace within the 9s, making it one of many slowest automobiles within the phase. The factor is, you’d by no means realize it by driving it. It is a good powertrain that’s been thoughtfully utilized to this automobile to concurrently guarantee a low value, good gas financial system and elevated refinement.
It begins with the engine itself. Neglect the horsepower – these 162 pound-feet of torque come on early at 2,500 rpm, guaranteeing a punchy energy supply round city and when leaping right into a sooner lane of visitors. That six-speed computerized could sound antiquated, however it’s fast to reply and is extra more likely to discover itself in the correct gear (in contrast to eight-, nine- or 10-speed items), doesn’t stutter to have interaction (in contrast to a DCT) and doesn’t depressingly drone (in contrast to a CVT). The engine itself additionally sounds fairly good, with a muffled snarl paying homage to a playful canine tugging on a rope.
The little-engine-that-could can be balanced by the remainder of the driving expertise, which is superb. We genuinely loved driving the Trax, beginning with steering that’s responsive and comparatively feelsome. The suspension behaves in a much more refined method than is predicted on this phase, sustaining composure and grip on our mountain street check route, whereas offering a cushty journey in all places else. Now, it’s definitely on the “sporty” and “firmer” aspect of the consolation scale, particularly with the out there 19-inch wheels, so be sure that to seek out some bumps on a check drive. Ought to or not it’s a contact too agency, check out a model with smaller wheels, or the softer-sprung Envista.
What different Chevrolet Trax opinions can I learn?
Chevrolet Trax Baggage Take a look at
Take a deep dive into how a lot precise stuff can match contained in the Trax’s cargo space and the way it compares with the mechanically associated Buick Envista.
What’s the 2024 Trax value and the place is it constructed?
The Trax is in-built South Korea, which is probably going one other approach GM managed to maintain the worth down. It begins at a budget-friendly $22,590, together with the $1,095 vacation spot cost.
Though higher trim ranges definitely get extra gear, the hole isn’t that vital, which is in line with the equally modest hole in pricing between the most cost effective and most costly trim ranges. As an alternative, the trim ranges largely differ in type. The LS and LT are extra conservative and conventional; the 1RS and 2RS are the sporty, Camaro-esque ones with differing ranges of kit; and the Activ is a distinct, arguably extra trendy tackle sporty.
All costs under embody the $1,095 vacation spot cost, and once more, all-wheel drive shouldn’t be out there.
LS: $22,590
1 RS: $24,290
LT: $24,490
2 RS: $26,090
Activ: $26,090
What are the Trax security rankings and driver help options?
Each Trax comes commonplace with ahead collision warning with computerized emergency braking and pedestrian detection, lane-departure warning and lane-keeping help. The Driver Confidence Bundle provides blind-spot and rear cross-traffic warning system, adaptive cruise management and rear parking sensors.
The brand new Trax had not been crash-tested by a 3rd social gathering on the time of this writing.