The Chevrolet Trax may be the automaker’s smallest SUV in the lineup, but the incredibly compact vehicle has a lot going for it, especially for consumers living in densely packed urban environments. While other automakers have gone down the path of making their subcompact crossovers look good above all else, the Trax’s recipe is a little more straightforward, offering drivers an easy-to-maneuver body style, all-weather capability (as an option), good fuel economy, and the practicality of a SUV.
What's New for 2018
After benefiting from a mid-cycle refresh for 2017, the 2018 Chevy Trax carries on without any significant changes. Three new colors replace a trio of outgoing shades and a few safety and convenience features have been added.
Choosing Your Chevrolet Trax
Based on the same platform as the Chevrolet Sonic, the Trax is powered by a 1.4-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine that produces 138 horsepower and 148 pound-feet of torque. The engine is paired to a six-speed automatic gearbox, while front-wheel drive is standard. All-wheel drive, though, is available throughout the entire lineup. Fuel economy figures are better for front-wheel drive models, as the Trax is capable of getting up to 25 miles per gallon in the city and 33 mpg on the highway. Adding all-wheel drive brings those figures down to 24 mpg in the city and 30 mpg on the highway.
The crossover body style aids the Trax in being able to hold more cargo than its subcompact shape may allude to. Cargo volume with the rear seats folded down measures in at 48.4 cubic feet. With the rear seats in place, the Trax offers owners 18.7 cubic feet. The Trax’s front passenger seat also folds flat, allowing the crossover to hold items that are eight feet long without having to keep the trunk open.
There are three trim levels for the Trax: LS, LT, and Premier.
While the Trax comes with a good mix of features at a low starting price, the LT trim is the one we’d go with. Consumers looking for extra safety features can opt for the Driver Confidence Package, which adds some of the latest safety features at a reasonable price. With all-wheel drive priced at $1,500, the optional system is a worthy upgrade for those wanting a little more confidence in inclement weather conditions.