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2024 Chevrolet Trax Review: Major Glow-Up

The updated Trax actually finally has the charm and style of other subcompact crossovers like the Honda HR-V and Mazda CX-30.

2024 Chevrolet Trax Review

Jeff Perez

By: Jeff Perez

Oct 12, 2023 at 12:00pm ET

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Verdict

8.5 / 10

– Ft. Lauderdale

People ask me all the time, "What’s the worst car you’ve driven?" My go-to answer used to be the Chevrolet Trax, a completely underwhelming, uninspired, oddly expensive little crossover that had none of the charm or likeability of some other subcompact offerings.

But now I’ll have to rethink that answer because the 2024 Chevrolet Trax is actually really great. With a stylish exterior, an upgraded cabin, a fresh powertrain, and some necessary safety upgrades, the new Trax makes for a truly compelling – and affordable – subcompact.

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Quick Specs 2024 Chevrolet Trax Activ Engine Turbocharged 1.2-Liter Three-Cylinder Output 137 Horsepower / 162 Pound-Feet Fuel Economy 28 City / 32 Highway / 32 Combined MPG As-Tested Price $26,935 On-Sale Date Now

Gallery: 2024 Chevrolet Trax Review

2024 Chevrolet Trax Review

Design

7/10

Exterior Color: Nitro Yellow
Interior Color: Black w/Yellow
Wheel Size: 18 Inches

The previous Trax was a blob of generic nothingness, but the current model looks really stylish. The sleek front fascia is highlighted by a large lower grille (exclusive to the Activ trim) and a slim upper grille that blends neatly into LED accent lights at each corner of the bumper. The real headlights sit lower down on the bumper on either side of the grille. This Activ model adds exclusive 18-inch black wheels, and the optional Nitro Yellow paint ($395) is one of the best colors Chevy offers anywhere.

The interior is eons better than it once was. Faux black leather is the only material and color option on this Activ model, but it looks great and feels durable. There are soft touch points throughout the cabin with a few nicely textured hard plastic areas that don't feel egregiously cheap. The yellow accents that line the A/C vents and dash add a nice pop of color.

Comfort

6/10

Seating Capacity: 5
Seating Configuration: 2 / 3
Cargo Capacity: 25.6 / 54.1 Cubic Feet

There’s nothing remarkably comfy about the Trax. The ride is pliable and not too stiff, the seats are well-shaped but not overly cushy, and as with most economical SUVs, there’s a good amount of exterior noise that makes its way inside.

It’s not the roomiest subcompact SUV, either, but it does have a decent amount of cargo space for the class and decent legroom. Its 25.6 cubic feet behind the second row, meanwhile, are second only to the Kia Seltos, while its 54.1 cubes behind the first row are third to Kia and the Honda HR-V.

Headroom Legroom Cargo Space Chevrolet Trax 39.6 / 38.1 Inches 41.9 / 38.7 Inches 25.6 / 54.1 Cubic Feet Kia Seltos 40.4 / 38.4 Inches 41.4 / 38.0 Inches 26.6 / 62.8 Cubic Feet Nissan Kicks 40.4 / 38.5 Inches 43.7 / 33.4 Inches 25.3 / 53.1 Cubic Feet Honda HR-V 39.4 / 38.0 Inches 41.9 / 37.7 Inches 24.4 / 55.1 Cubic Feet Hyundai Venue 39.4 / 38.6 Inches 41.3 / 34.3 Inches 18.7 / 31.9 Cubic Feet Mazda CX-30 38.1 / 38.2 Inches 41.7 / 36.3 Inches 20.2 / 45.2 Cubic Feet

Technology & Connectivity

7/10

Center Display: 11.0-Inch Touchscreen
Instrument Cluster Display: 8.0 Inches
Wireless Apple CarPlay / Android Auto: Yes

Analog gauges and an 8.0-inch touchscreen come standard on the Trax LS and 1RS, but the LT, 2RS, and Activ trims add a larger, much nicer 11.0-inch touchscreen with a fully digital 8.0-inch instrument cluster at no cost. The center screen is clean, well-organized, and super crisp, which makes it easy to use on the go, while the digital instrument cluster mimics the center touchscreen with excellent graphics and easy configurability. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto come standard, and wireless phone charging is baked into an $895 Sunroof package.

Performance & Handling

6/10

Engine: Turbocharged 1.3-Liter Three-Cylinder
Output: 137 Horsepower / 162 Pound-Feet
Transmission: Six-Speed Automatic

As with most subcompact SUVs, performance isn’t a high priority for the Trax. But the standard turbocharged 1.2-liter three-cylinder engine offers 137 horsepower and 162 pound-feet of torque, which gives it decent low-end shove and admirable oomph at higher speeds for highway passing. The six-speed automatic is unremarkable in most use cases but can be a little sluggish when you’re really hammering it. As for the suspension, there’s a tinge of body roll in corners but the Trax feels well-sorted otherwise. The one big downside here is that the 2024 Trax does not offer all-wheel drive, even on the "rugged" Activ model, whereas a number of other subcompacts do.

Chevy's Other Small SUVs:

2022 Chevrolet Trailblazer Activ Review: Triumphantly Tiny

2022 Chevrolet Equinox Review: Dutifully Serving

Safety

6/10

Driver Assistance Level: SAE Level 1 (Hands-On)
NHTSA Rating: Not Rated
IIHS Rating: Not Rated

Every Trax is equipped with abundant active safety features out of the box. A forward collision warning with automatic emergency braking, a rear high-definition camera, a lane-departure warning, and lane-keep assist all come standard. But if you want the best stuff, Chevy asks extra for things like blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, lane change alert, and adaptive cruise control on LT models and above. At least it all works well when activated; the Trax keeps its composure in the lane and applies smooth braking and throttle inputs as needed.

Fuel Economy

7/10

City: 28 MPG
Highway: 32 MPG
Combined: 30 MPG

City Highway Combined Chevrolet Trax 28 MPG 32 MPG 30 MPG Honda HR-V 26 MPG 32 MPG 28 MPG Hyundai Venue 29 MPG 33 MPG 31 MPG Jeep Renegade 23 MPG 29 MPG 26 MPG Kia Seltos 28 MPG 34 MPG 31 MPG Nissan Kicks 31 MPG 36 MPG 33 MPG Mazda CX-30 26 MPG 33 MPG 29 MPG

Pricing

7/10

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Base Price: $20,400 + $1,095 Destination
Trim Base Price: $24,995
As-Tested Price: $26,935

The new Trax is a great value no matter which way you slice it. The base model starts at $21,495 for 2024 with the $1,095 destination fee included, while the top-trim Activ model tested here costs $24,995 out of the box. But even with options the Trax is a relative bargain.

Options like the sunroof (with wireless charging) adds $895, adaptive cruise is another $650, and the nifty Nitro Yellow paint is $350. All told, the Trax tested here comes in at $26,935, which makes it an affordable choice when other competitive subcompacts can crest $30,000 with options.

Base Price Competitive Spec Chevrolet Trax $21,495 $26,935 Honda HR-V $25,425 $29,980 Hyundai Venue $20,985 $24,325 Jeep Renegade $29,445 $35,060 Kia Seltos $25,715 $31,710 Nissan Kicks $24,485 $27,270 Mazda CX-30 $26,370 $30,760

Competitor Reviews

FAQs

Is The Chevy Trax Smaller Than The Equinox?

Yes, the Chevy Trax is the smallest SUV the automaker offers. It's only 178.6 inches long, compared to the Equinox, which is 183.1 inches long.

What Is The Gas Mileage Of The Chevy Trax?

The 2024 Chevrolet Trax has a fuel economy rating of 28 miles per gallon in the city, 32 on the highway, and 30 combined.

Does The Chevy Trax Has All-Wheel Drive?

No, the 2024 Trax no longer offers all-wheel drive as an option. All trims even the Activ model – are front-wheel drive only.

2024 Chevrolet Trax Activ

Engine Turbocharged 1.2-Liter Three-Cylinder

Output 137 Horsepower / 162 Pound-Feet

Transmission Six-Speed Automatic

Drive Type Front-Wheel Drive

Efficiency 28 City / 32 Highway / 30 Combined

Weight 4,145 Pounds

Seating Capacity 5

Cargo Volume 25.6 / 54.1 Cubic Feet

Base Price $20,400 + $1,095 Destination

Trim Base Price $24,995

As-Tested Price $26,935

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