Overview As one of the most affordable subcompact SUVs on the market, the Chevrolet Trax delivers a high level of value with both style and grace. The Trax’s appeal starts with its sharp exterior styling, a theme that continues into its quiet and well-equipped cabin. With heaps of rear legroom for adult passengers and a capacious cargo area for recreational equipment, the Trax’s utility is undeniable. So, too, is its pleasant ride quality and surprisingly nimble handling. By deftly blending all those characteristics in a package that costs less than some upscale riding lawnmowers, the Trax is about as good as it gets when it comes to bang for your buck. What’s New for 2026?Other than two new exterior colors and changes to package availability, not much. The 2026 Trax’s fresh paint options include White Sands and Apex Red. They replace Crimson Metallic and Nitro Yellow Metallic, which are no longer available. A few other options have been deleted from the Trax’s order sheet, including the Winter/Summer Mat Package, a cargo area organizer, premium carpeted floor mats, and a highway safety kit. Pricing and Which One to BuyThe price of the 2026 Chevrolet Trax is expected to start around $22,000 and go up to $26,000 depending on the trim and options.LS$22,000 (est)1RS$24,000 (est)LT$25,000 (est)2RS$26,000 (est)ACTIV$26,000 (est)The Chevy Trax offers some promising extras without coming close to breaking the bank. The LT is the sweet spot between affordability and features. It comes with a big 11.0-inch infotainment touchscreen and remote start, and we’d spend the extra cash for the optional heated front seats and steering wheel. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are also standard on LT and up, which makes navigation and playing music from your smartphone a breeze.Engine, Transmission, and PerformanceThe Trax has a modest powertrain consisting of a 137-hp turbocharged 1.2-liter inline-three cylinder engine, a six-speed automatic transmission, and front-wheel drive. All-wheel drive isn’t available even as an option. The Trax gets off the line with enough gusto to avoid feeling sluggish around town, but you’ll notice the lack of power when merging or passing on the freeway. Still, we prefer its conventional six-speed automatic over the continuously variable transmissions (CVTs) found in many of its rivals, as this transmission shifts smoothly and avoids the droning found in CVT-equipped competitors such as the Honda HR-V and Subaru Crosstrek. Handling is decidedly carlike, and the Trax feels more agile than many of its rivals. Its brake pedal feels reassuringly firm underfoot, and the steering is predictable and relatively communicative given its basic-transportation mission.0–60-MPH TimesThe Trax got to 60 mph in 8.8 seconds in our testing, which is slower than some competitors but acceptable by the admittedly low performance standards of the subcompact SUV segment.More on the Trax SUVFuel Economy and Real-World MPGWhile the EPA hasn’t released any fuel economy information for the 2026 Chevy Trax yet, last year’s model earned EPA estimates of 28 mpg in the city and 32 mpg on the highway. On our 75-mph highway fuel-economy route, the Trax returned 30 mpg. For more information about the Trax’s fuel economy, visit the EPA’s website.Interior, Comfort, and CargoThe Trax has a pleasant enough and easy-to-use interior with a good amount of space for drivers and passengers. Its driver-facing infotainment screen and climate controls are neatly placed, and the rest of the interior is made up of the unexceptional materials expected in this affordable segment. Compared with the old model, the Trax has a longer wheelbase than before, which has resulted in additional rear legroom and more cargo space. Its driving position also feels much lower this time around and more carlike, which we consider a plus. While tech luxuries such as remote start, heated front seats and steering wheel, and a sunroof are trim-dependent, these features help liven up the cabin.The Car and Driver DifferenceInfotainment and ConnectivityChevy gives the Trax LS and 1RS trims an 8.0-inch infotainment touchscreen as standard equipment, which is already a larger unit than what was previously offered on the fanciest version of the previous generation. An 11.0-inch infotainment touchscreen comes on trims LT and up and includes an 8.0-inch digital gauge cluster. Connectivity features include wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, an available wireless phone charger, and a Wi-Fi hotspot.How to Buy and Maintain a CarSafety and Driver-Assistance FeaturesEvery Trax comes standard with the Chevy Safety Assist driver-assistance suite. 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:
- Standard automated emergency braking with pedestrian detection
- Standard lane-departure warning and lane-keeping assist
- Available adaptive cruise control
Warranty and Maintenance CoverageChevy’s basic warranty package is just that—basic—but so is the coverage of its competitors. The Kia Soul and its corporate cousin, the Hyundai Kona, both offer longer protection plans. Chevy also provides one free dealer maintenance visit within the first year of ownership, which is a nice perk.
- Limited warranty covers three years or 36,000 miles
- Powertrain warranty covers five years or 60,000 miles
- Complimentary maintenance is covered for the first visit
SpecificationsSpecifications
2024 Chevrolet Trax
Vehicle Type: front-engine, front-wheel-drive, 5-passenger, 4-door wagon
PRICE
Base/As Tested: $21,495/$26,685
Options: Activ trim (keyless entry, push-button start, heated steering wheel, body-color grille insert, black mirror caps, 18-inch wheels, 11.0-inch infotainment touchscreen, six-speaker stereo, 8.0-inch digital instrument cluster, eight-way power driver’s seat), $3500; Sunroof package (power sliding sunroof and inductive phone charging), $895; Driver Confidence package (rear cross traffic, lane-change and blind-sport alert, adaptive cruise control), $795
ENGINE
turbocharged and intercooled DOHC 12-valve inline-3, aluminum block and head, direct fuel injection
Displacement: 73 in3, 1193 cm3
Power: 137 hp @ 5000 rpm
Torque: 162 lb-ft @ 2500 rpm
TRANSMISSION
6-speed automatic
CHASSIS
Suspension, F/R: struts/torsion beam
Brakes, F/R: 11.8-in vented disc/10.6-in disc
Tires: Goodyear Assurance Finesse
225/55R-18 98H M+S TPC 3179MS
DIMENSIONS
Wheelbase: 106.3 in
Length: 178.6 in
Width: 71.8 in
Height: 61.4 in
Passenger Volume, F/R: 54/44 ft3
Cargo Volume, Behind F/R: 54/26 ft3
Curb Weight: 3069 lb
C/D TEST RESULTS
60 mph: 8.8 sec
1/4-Mile: 16.8 sec @ 81 mph
100 mph: 30.5 sec
Results above omit 1-ft rollout of 0.4 sec.
Rolling Start, 5–60 mph: 9.5 sec
Top Gear, 30–50 mph: 4.8 sec
Top Gear, 50–70 mph: 6.4 sec
Top Speed (C/D est): 115 mph
Braking, 70–0 mph: 180 ft
Roadholding, 300-ft Skidpad: 0.84 g
C/D FUEL ECONOMY
Observed: 25 mpg
75-mph Highway Driving: 30 mpg
75-mph Highway Range: 390 mi
EPA FUEL ECONOMY
Combined/City/Highway: 30/28/32 mpg
C/D TESTING EXPLAINEDMore Features and Specs
Source: caranddriver.com
