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2018 Chevrolet Trax

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Chevrolet
Model
Trax
Year
2018
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Expert Rating
Unavailable

Our expert ratings are based on seven comprehensive criteria: quality, safety, comfort, performance, fuel economy, reliability history and value.

You can interpret our ratings in the following way:

: Outstanding vehicle. Only the most exceptional vehicles achieve this rating.

: Very Good vehicle. Very good and close to being the best vehicle in its class.

: Good vehicle. Decent, but not quite the best. Often affordable, but lacking key features found in vehicles of the same class.

: Below average vehicle. Not recommended, and lacking attributes a car buyer would come to expect for the price.

: Poor vehicle. Simply does not deserve to be on the road.

Select a Trim
Select a Trim
2018 LS Front-Wheel Drive
most popular
Price:   -  From $21,000
2018 LS All-Wheel Drive Price:   -  From $22,500
2018 LT Front-Wheel Drive Price:   -  From $22,900
2018 LT All-Wheel Drive Price:   -  From $24,400
2018 Premier Front-Wheel Drive Price:   -  From $27,300
2018 Premier All-Wheel Drive Price:   -  From $28,800

Overview

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.

Chevrolet Trax

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.

Chevrolet Trax

LS

The LS trim starts at $21,995 (prices include the $995 destination charge), and is well equipped for a vehicle of its size and price. The LS comes with: 16-inch steel wheels, body-color door handles, OnStar with 4G LTE and Wi-Fi hotspot, power windows, cloth bucket seats, a rear 60/40 split-bench seat, power door locks, a remote keyless entry system, and a 7.0-inch touchscreen with Chevrolet MyLink. As far as safety, the Trax comes with 10 airbags, daytime running lights, a rear vision camera, rear child security door locks, and a tire pressure monitoring system.

Adding all-wheel drive to the LS trim costs an additional $1,500 and brings 16-inch aluminum wheels to the crossover. Available packages for the LS trim include the Cargo Package ($115) that adds all-weather cargo mats and a cargo net, the Protection Package ($275) that includes premium all-weather floor mats and front and rear splash guards, and the Interior Protection Package ($175) that brings premium all-weather floor mats and an all-weather cargo mat.

Chevrolet Trax

LT

Stepping up to the LT trim brings the price of the Trax up to $23,895 and brings some creature comforts to the vehicle. On the outside, the LT trim adds deep tinted glass, halogen projector-type headlights, LED taillights, heated and power-adjustable exterior mirrors, 16-inch aluminum wheels, roof-mounted side rails, and a transfer case shield. The LT interior comes with SiriusXM Satellite Radio, a storage compartment under the front passenger seat, cruise control, a 110-volt power outlet, and a remote start system. Just like on the LS trim, adding all-wheel drive is an additional $1,500.

The LT trim adds a few more available packages, including the LT Convenience Package ($450) that adds two spare keys, a six-way power-adjustable driver’s seat, keyless open, a leather-wrapped three-spoke steering wheel, deluxe cloth seats with leatherette seat trim, and keyless start. The Sun and Sound Package ($1,400) brings a power sunroof and a Bose seven-speaker audio system to the vehicle. The Driver Confidence Package ($495) includes a trio of safety features, including rear park assist, rear cross-traffic alert, and blind-spot monitoring. Lastly, the Redline Edition ($1,350) adds a variety of sporty touches, which include 18-inch aluminum wheels, 18-inch all-season tires, black mirror caps, a black grille, black bow ties, black beltline moldings, and black and red Trax badges.

Chevrolet Trax

Premier

The range-topping Premier trim starts at $28,290. The Premier trim adds fog lights, 18-inch tires, and chrome accents to the exterior of the vehicle. On the inside, the trim brings a power sunroof, a Bose seven-speaker audio system, illuminated visor vanity mirrors, a six-way power adjustable driver’s seat, heated front seats, leatherette seat trim, and a leather-wrapped three-spoke steering wheel. The vehicle’s list of safety features expands to include rear park assist, forward collision warning, lane departure warning, rear cross-traffic alert, and blind-spot monitoring.

The only available packages on the Premier trim are the Cargo Package ($115), Protection Package ($275), Interior Protection Package ($175), and the exclusive Midnight Edition ($500) package, which includes a Mosaic Black Metallic exterior paint job, Jet Black leatherette interior trim, 18-inch aluminum wheels, body-color door handles, front and rear carpeted floor mats, black beltline moldings, and a body-color tailgate handle.

CarsDirect Tip

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.

Get your price on a Chevrolet Trax »

author image
Automotive Editor
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Expert Review

Expert Rating
Unavailable

Our expert ratings are based on seven comprehensive criteria: quality, safety, comfort, performance, fuel economy, reliability history and value.

You can interpret our ratings in the following way:

: Outstanding vehicle. Only the most exceptional vehicles achieve this rating.

: Very Good vehicle. Very good and close to being the best vehicle in its class.

: Good vehicle. Decent, but not quite the best. Often affordable, but lacking key features found in vehicles of the same class.

: Below average vehicle. Not recommended, and lacking attributes a car buyer would come to expect for the price.

: Poor vehicle. Simply does not deserve to be on the road.

author image
Contributing Writer

Following a mild update last year, the 2018 Chevrolet Trax, available in three trim levels, boasts a roomy interior, hatchback versatility, and available all-wheel drive across the lineup. But mundane styling, lackluster performance, mediocre fuel economy, and the lack of advanced safety features on all but the most expensive model keep it from being a top pick in the small crossover class.

Best Value

Pricing for the 2018 Chevrolet Trax starts at $21,895 for a front-wheel-drive model in LS trim and tops out at $31,940 for an all-wheel-drive Premier model finished in available Orange Burst Metallic equipped with the optional Driver Confidence II Package (forward collision warning, lane departure warning), Power Sliding Sunroof, and 18-inch Midnight Silver alloy wheels. Power windows and locks, a rearview camera, and a 7.0-inch touchscreen with Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto capability are standard on all trim levels.

With a single drivetrain choice, we'd skip the bare-bones LS, as well as the FWD Premier model with a base price of nearly $2,500 more than a FWD Chevrolet Equinox LS, which leaves the LT. LT upgrades include remote start, projector headlights, LED taillights, 16-inch alloy wheels, satellite radio, roof side rails, cruise control, deep tinted glass, and power mirrors. Here's what it looks like:

  • Model: 2018 Chevrolet Trax LT
  • Engine: 1.4-liter turbocharged four-cylinder
  • Output: 138 hp / 148 lb-ft
  • Transmission:Six-speed automatic
  • Drivetrain: Front-wheel drive
  • MPG: 22 City / 28 Hwy
  • Options: LT Convenience Package ($450, two spare keys, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, cloth- and leatherette-trimmed seats, a power driver's seat, keyless push-button start, body-color door handles), Driver Confidence Package ($495, rear park assist, rear cross-traffic alert, blind-spot monitoring).
  • Base Price: $23,895 (including a $995 destination fee)
  • Best Value Price:$24,840

Performance

Chevrolet Trax

The Trax features a comfortable, controlled ride and responsive steering. For added measure, the transmission's widely-spaced gearing results in a tall sixth gear for composed and fuel-efficient highway cruising.

With only 138 horsepower on tap, the 1.6-liter turbo struggles to get up to highway speeds quickly, so passing on freeways requires careful planning. An EPA-estimated 25 miles per gallon in the city, 33 on the highway, and 28 combined is only mid-pack for the class.

Style

Wrapped in conservative sheetmetal, the equally restrained interior delivers on space in spades – with cup holders, bins, and storage cubbies galore, as well as room in back for two adults. Fit and finish is very good, the front seats are sufficiently long for taller drivers, and cabin noise is fairly subdued during highway cruising.

Things are hardly perfect, however, as harsh engine sounds enter the cabin under hard acceleration. Black plastic interior surfaces are the rule, while the Trax's lack of exterior design flair stands in sharp contrast to competitors like the Jeep Renegade and Mazda CX-3.

The Best and Worst Things

Unlike many of its competitors, the Trax's subcompact exterior belies a spacious interior where four adults can travel in relative comfort.

With no manual transmission option and just 138 hp on tap, the Trax struggles in anything more than around-town driving – including merging onto expressways and passing at highway speeds.

Right For? Wrong For?

Chevrolet Trax

Reasonable pricing for both the LS and LT, along with a spacious, versatile interior, make the Trax a good choice for value-oriented buyers.

Frustratingly poor acceleration times – even compared to other vehicles in its class - will have enthusiasts scurrying for competitor's showrooms.

The Bottom Line

Despite a roomy interior and available all-wheel drive for less than $24,000, the 2018 Chevy Trax is kept from being a top contender in the small crossover class due to its generic styling, poor acceleration, and lack of advanced safety features on most trims.

Read Less

Specs & Features

Highlights
Overall Crash Safety Rating
Engine - Cylinders/Horsepower/Torque
1.4L I-4 / 138 HP / 148 ft.lbs.
Transmission
6-spd sequential shift control auto w/OD
Drive Type
Front-wheel
Fuel Economy - City/Highway/Combined
25 / 33 / 29 Mpg
Passenger Capacity
5
Bumper to Bumper Warranty
36 Months / 36,000 Miles
Mechanical Specs
Engine - Cylinders/Horsepower/Torque
1.4L I-4 / 138 HP / 148 ft.lbs.
Drive Type
Front-wheel
Fuel Economy - City/Hwy/Combined
25 / 33 / 29 Mpg
Brakes
Front Disc/rear Drum
Front Suspension
Strut
Rear Suspension
Semi-independent Torsion Beam Beam
Spare Tire And Wheel
Compact Steel
Fuel Tank
14.0 Gal.
Recommended Fuel Type
Regular Unleaded
Average Cost To Fill Tank
$53
Dimensions & Capabilities
Maximum Cargo Volume
48.4 Cu.ft.
Passenger Volume
Exterior Length
167.6 "
Exterior Width
69.9 "
Exterior Height
64.9 "
Front Headroom
39.6 "
Rear Headroom
38.8 "
Front Legroom
40.8 "
Rear Legroom
35.7 "
Front Shoulder Room
54.1 "
Rear Shoulder Room
52.8 "
Front Hip Room
Rear Hip Room
Curb Weight
3,124 Lbs.
Wheel Base
101 "
Turning Radius
18.3 '
Exterior Features
Door Count
4 Doors
Wheels
16.0 " Steel
Paint
Clearcoat Monotone / Metallic Monotone
Exterior Mirrors
Dual Power Remote Convex Spotter
Bumpers
Front Body-colored
Grille Moldings
Black W/chrome Surround
Rear Spoiler
Lip
Exhaust
Stainless Steel
Interior Features
Seating
Passenger Capacity
5
Seat Trim
Cloth
Front Seat Type
Bucket
Heated Front Seats
Front Driver Seat Direction Controls
6-way / 8-way (6-way Power)
Front Passenger Seat Direction Controls
4-way
Front Armrests
6-way / 8-way (6-way Power)
Rear Armrests
Center
Rear Seats
60-40 Split-bench
Radio & Infotainment
Radio
Chevrolet Mylink Am/fm, Clock, Seek-scan
Speakers
6
Radio Steering Wheel Controls
Apple Car Play
Android Auto
Bluetooth w/ Hands-Free Connectivity
Convenience Features
Steering Wheel Type
Telescopic Tilt
Climate Control
Cruise Control
With Steering Wheel Controls
Sun Roof
Rearview Mirror
Day-night
One Touch Open Window
Front And Rear
Tinted Windows
Light / Deep
Vanity Mirrors
Remote Keyless Entry
Keyfob (all Doors)
Power Outlets
1
Safety Features
Overall Crash Safety Rating
Overall Front Crash Safety Rating
Overall Side Crash Safety Rating
Rollover Crash Safety Rating
Front Impact Airbags
Driver And Passenger
Driver Side Impact Airbags
Seat Mounted
Knee Airbag
Driver And Passenger
Passenger Side Impact Airbag
Seat Mounted
Rear Side Airbag
Rear Side-impact Airbag
Seatbelt Pretensioners
Front
Anti-Lock Brakes
4-wheel Anti-lock Brakes (abs)
Forward Collision Warning
Blind Spot Sensor
Lane Departure Warning
Autonomous Cruise Control
Pedestrian Detection
Driver Attention Alert
Daytime Running Lights
Auto High Beams
Adaptive Headlights
Parking Sensors
Security Systems
Security System
Panic Alarm
Ignition Disable
Immobilizer
Warranty
Bumper To Bumper Months Miles
36 Months / 36,000 Miles
Major Components Months
60 Months / 60,000 Miles
Included Maintenance Months
24 Months / 24,000 Miles
Roadside Assistance Months
60 Months / 60,000 Miles
Corrosion Perforation
72 Months / 100,000 Miles
Accessories Months

Used 2018 Chevrolet Trax for Sale

6 vehicles found within 100 miles of your area
Chevrolet
LS
Color: Silver
Price

$11,499

Mileage

54,420 mi

Map location icon

Temecula Safi Motors (77 mi)

Phone: (951) 551-5324
Chevrolet
LS Front-Wheel Drive
Color: Summit White
Price

$12,998

Mileage

70,333 mi

Map location icon

Premier Chevrolet of Buena Park (24 mi)

Phone: (855) 451-7695
Chevrolet
LS
Color: White
Price

$13,443

Mileage

74,170 mi

Map location icon

Tom Bell Chevrolet (69 mi)

Phone: (909) 255-2714
Chevrolet
LT Front-Wheel Drive
Color: Summit White
Price

$13,900

Mileage

51,417 mi

Map location icon

South Bay Lexus (8 mi)

Phone: (866) 392-8969
See All Used Car Listings

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