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- Highs Value price tag, surprisingly agile handling, good outward visibility.
- Lows Not particularly quick, interior lacks refinement, driver-assistance features aren't standard.
- Verdict For those shopping on a budget, the Trax is an attractive option, but everyone else will likely find it a bit too basic.
Overview
If cheap and cheerful is your thing, then the 2022 Chevrolet Trax might be the SUV for you. This mini ute provides essential SUV elements such as a tall driving position, available all-wheel drive, and a practical cargo area, but it lacks modern creature comforts you'll find in more expensive options in this segment. A turbocharged 1.4-liter four-cylinder engine is the sole powertrain choice, and it comes with a six-speed automatic transmission. Touchscreen infotainment is standard and includes Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, but the little Chevy's limited suite of driver-assistance features costs extra and its interior materials look and feel dated. If you'd prefer something with more features and an up-to-date design, Chevy's Trailblazer SUV has more to offer in a similarly sized package.
What's New for 2022?
The Trax continues into 2022 with only one change, but it's a fairly important one. Last year's anemic 138-hp 1.4-liter four-cylinder has been boosted up to 155 horsepower. Otherwise, the Trax remains an affordable—if basic—small SUV.
Pricing and Which One to Buy
Unless you're really budget focused, we'd recommend splurging on the LT as it adds several must-have features that honestly should be standard. Those niceties include staples such as cruise control, rear-window tint, heated exterior mirrors, and remote start. For an additional $450, treat yourself to the aforementioned Convenience package.
Engine, Transmission, and Performance
The Trax's sole engine offering is a turbocharged 1.4-liter four-cylinder that makes 155 horsepower. We haven't had a chance to test the Trax with this powertrain, but it comes standard with a six-speed automatic transmission and your choice of front- or all-wheel drive. A firm ride and steady handling give the Trax a feeling of solidity, and quick steering makes it agile in parking lots and urban areas. There's less leaning in corners than you'd expect given the Trax's tall stature, although the handling isn't as responsive and eager as in competitors such as the Mazda CX-30 and the Kia Soul. The Trax's brakes are among the strongest in its class, and the pedal feels firm and confidence-inspiring.
Fuel Economy and Real-World MPG
There's not much variation among the Trax's competitive set in terms of fuel economy, both by the EPA's standards and in our real-world testing. The front-wheel-drive Trax earned EPA ratings of 24 mpg city and 32 mpg highway; going with all-wheel drive drops those numbers to 23 mpg city and 30 mpg highway. For more information about the Trax's fuel economy, visit the EPA's website.
Interior, Comfort, and Cargo
A high seating position and expansive headroom make the Trax's cabin feel airy and spacious, but it actually has less rear-seat room and cargo space than several of its competitors. The Trax comes standard with a well-integrated, easy-to-use touchscreen mounted at the top of the dashboard. There are also some stitched dashboard inserts that help cultivate a more upscale look. Venture further down the center stack, though, and you'll find cheap-feeling climate controls and cut-rate plastics around the shifter and center console. Rivals including the Honda HR-V, the Jeep Renegade, and the CX-30 all offer more features and options. The Trax's cargo area is on the small side for its segment, and rear seats aren't as easy to fold as they are in several competitors. Still, we managed to fit 18 carry-on suitcases with the rear seats stowed. The cavernous HR-V, which held four more carry-ons with the seats folded, is the pick of the subcompact-crossover litter for those who frequently carry large items.
Infotainment and Connectivity
The 7.0-inch touchscreen infotainment that's standard on all Trax models looks basic, but it functions well. It responds quickly to inputs and includes the latest smartphone-integration capabilities. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto functions are standard on all Trax models, which is good because navigation isn't an option. In-car Wi-Fi is standard, although it does require a monthly subscription fee after the free trial period expires.
Safety and Driver-Assistance Features
Overall Safety Rating (NHTSA)
The absence of some important driver-assistance features means the Trax lags behind newer rivals. For more information about the Trax's crash-test results, visit the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) websites. Key safety features include:
- Available forward-collision warning
- Available blind-spot monitoring
- Available rear parking sensors
Warranty and Maintenance Coverage
The Trax's warranty coverage is entirely average, but Chevrolet offers the first scheduled maintenance visit as complimentary—a nice perk that you won't commonly find among its competitors.
- Limited warranty covers 3 years or 36,000 miles
- Powertrain warranty covers 5 years or 60,000 miles
- Maintenance is complimentary for the first visit
