2024 Chevrolet Trax

From the side the Trax hits strong RAV4 and Blazer notes, with at least a two-pack of sculpting at its sides. The swoop atop its rear fenders gets capped by pointy LED taillights that gesture back toward thick haunches. 

Inside, the elements of other Chevy interiors—round air vents, angled pods with touchscreens and digital gauge clusters—knit together better than in any other application. On the RS trim, it wears thoughtful details like the red trim on its air vents and toggle switches, or the piping on the Activ’s seats—but we’re still a hard pass on the Activ’s ample black gloss trim, which glares from the dash and the center console, just itching to be scratched.

It doesn’t overwhelm the driver, either. We’d peg the Trax’s 0-60 mph times in the eight-second range. Not incredibly quick, the Trax is credibly quick enough to execute highway merges, on-ramps and passing. It’s perfectly capable for an economy car, and the turbo-3’s torque can at least be accessed at reasonably low engine speeds; peak torque arrives at 2,500 rpm. 

What would transform it would be a battery pack instead of an engine, of course, but Chevy would not confirm or deny whether a Trax EV is in the works.

The Trax’s 6-speed automatic transmission hinders it, but not in any objectionable way at this price point. With no manual transmission available, it would be better if the Trax had some paddle-controlled manual-shift mode or if even the existing manual gear toggle (mounted on the transmission lever) could be accessed outside of Low gear. It can’t, and the Trax sometimes fumbles the plays called by the driver by holding gears too long.

With a set of MacPherson struts in front and a torsion-beam rear suspension, the Trax can’t file down the roughest roads like a bigger, heftier SUV, but its responsible acceleration teams up with moderately responsive steering and good body control to iron out pavement that’s maintained to a decent standard. The Trax never rattled our teeth when it sailed over frost heaves and hot-patched tarmac, but it preferred the 18-inch all-season tires on the mid-range models to the Activ’s 19-inchers. (We weren’t able to sample the 17-inch wheels on the base version). 

Is the Chevrolet Trax 4WD?

No. All versions have front-wheel drive, despite the “crossover” billing from Chevy’s marketing wing. It does sport up to 7.3 inches of ground clearance, in case TJ Maxx’s parking curbs need some repainting.

Drivers and front passengers in most versions of the 2024 Trax make do with manual-adjust seats. No worries; even without power adjustment the Trax has good support in most directions and the driver seat can be adjusted for a good driving position, though lower-end versions do not have a telescoping steering wheel. The front seats need better lumbar support, too, but unlike other recent GM SUVs, the Trax’s front seats have wide bottom cushions and taller seatbacks. They’re covered in a durable fabric on most versions, with Activ editions adding some synthetic leather trim on the bolsters.

The Trax has better back-seat space and comfort than some other GM trucks and SUVs, too. A 6-footer can expect at least an inch of knee room and the same for headroom once they’ve tucked in back, where the seats have firm cushions and enough recline in the backrest for comfort. It won’t quite carry a third large person in back, but two fit easily; the Trax has potential to be the most affordable new Uber ride, and that’s no slight.

Cargo space checks in at 25.6 cubic feet behind the back seats, and 54.1 cubic feet when those seatbacks get folded.

The Trax wears price-appropriate trim, made better than average in its detailing—like the way the silver dash trim fades toward the sides with a textured pattern. But some of it might not pass muster with drivers who might be willing to pay more for a better grade of interior trim. So, while we might otherwise deduct a point for some of the truly thrifty Trax trim—like the felt that lines the footwells, the hard plastic door trim, or the hollow sound that’s made when the doors or tailgate close—it presents such excellent value, we give it a pass.

Outward vision is mediocre to the rear quarters, where the Trax roofline sweeps upward and cuts into the view.

• The $21,495 Trax LS has LED headlights, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, an 8.0-inch touchscreen, cruise control, cloth upholstery, and 17-inch wheels. Options include blind-spot monitors, rear parking sensors, and remote start.

• The $23,195 Trax 1RS comes with 18-inch wheels and heated front seats. Blind-spot monitors and a sunroof are options.

Which Chevrolet Trax should I buy?

• We suggest the $23,395 Trax LT, which comes with an 11.0-inch touchscreen and remote start, as well as automatic climate control and rear-seat USB ports. Heated seats are available, along with adaptive cruise control, a power sunroof, and wireless smartphone charging.

• The $24,995 Trax 2RS moves up to 19-inch wheels and heated front seats. Adaptive cruise control, a power sunroof, and wireless smartphone charging are options.

How much is a fully loaded Chevrolet Trax?

• At the top of the lineup, the $24,995 Trax Activ has 18-inch dark wheels and dark trim, for a monochrome look. It gets a power driver seat, too, and heated front seats. A sunroof is an option, along with blind-spot monitors, adaptive cruise control, and wireless smartphone charging.

No Trax offers upscale touches such as leather upholstery, all-wheel drive, or Bose audio.