For those yearning for a new generation of Chevy’s smallest SUV, the 2024 Chevy Trax returns with more of what you’re after in a subcompact crossover.
How can an SUV be small enough to fit everywhere but large enough to be more useful than a traditional hatchback? This is the question facing every subcompact SUV in the market. The new Trax is larger and roomier than the previous model while bringing more value to the market. This new Chevy SUV has an attractive new design and improved safety features that improve this little SUV.
The Trax blazes forward with power and design
Although the powertrain of the new Trax isn’t all that impressive, it’s the same one used in the smaller Trailblazer subcompact crossover. Another Blazer influence is the styling inspiration that comes from the larger Chevy Blazer. This is how the new Trax blazes forward with more of what you want. The power is adequate for an efficient and affordable drive, and this new Chevy SUV has more rear legroom and cargo space than it had before. Strangely, the new starting price is lower than the previous version of the Trax, making it one of the most affordable vehicles in the market today.
Chevy Trax pros and cons
This new version of the Trax brings good equipment to the market in a useful little SUV that provides excellent value for the money. Performance and driving refinement are sacrificed in the interest of affordability. Car and Drive gives us a few pros and cons of this new Chevy SUV.
Pros
- More Trax for the money
- More legroom than before
- CVT-free zone
Cons
- The RS trim doesn’t provide performance increases
- Sluggish acceleration
- Slow transmission
As long as you’re only looking for a small SUV to handle your around-town driving, you’ll be more than happy with how the new Trax performs.
Chevy gives this SUV new life
When the previous generation of the Trax ended after 2022, there were only two trim levels offered. This new 2024 model has five trim levels, providing several great options for drivers to enjoy. This SUV is new inside and out, with a longer wheelbase, more rear legroom, and increased cargo capacity.
The LT trim is a sweet spot for this SUV, as this trim is for many of Chevy’s products. The LT trim includes:
- 11.0-inch touchscreen
- Remote engine starting
- Optional heated front seats and steering wheel
- Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
- A navigation system
This new life in the Trax doesn’t come at a cost. This new model only offers 137 horsepower from the small engine, which is a significant drop compared to the 155-horsepower previous version.
A small engine leaves something to be desired
The new Chevy Trax is powered at all trims by a 1.2-liter turbocharged three-cylinder engine and 6-speed automatic transmission. This engine delivers 137 horsepower to the front wheels, which is the only layout offered. This powertrain is good for 28 city/32 hwy mpg.
The handling is carlike, giving drivers a much more agile SUV than most of the other subcompact crossovers in the market.
Check out the cabin
The new Trax has a smartly designed cabin with controls where you need them. The driver-acing infotainment screen and climate controls make it easy to adjust things on the road without taking your attention away from your drive. Most of the materials aren’t top-notch, but when you’re looking for an affordable SUV at the lower end of the price range, you can’t expect to find high-end materials. The driving position feels lower than it did in the previous Trax, making this SUV feel much more like a car.
The lower trims, LS and 1RS, have an 8.0-inch infotainment system as part of the standard equipment. This is a larger unit than was found in the previous Trax. From the LT trim on up, the infotainment screen is an 11.0-inc unit. In addition to the connectivity features mentioned, the new Trax can be had with a wireless phone charger and a Wi-Fi hotspot.
Is the new Chevy Trax right for you?
This new generation 2024 Chevy Trax is larger than before, but it loses power compared to the previous model. You’ll find a new driving position, improved safety and connectivity features, and better passenger and cargo room. The price of this new model is a little lower than the outgoing 2022 version. If you can get past the lowered power and smaller powertrain, the new Trax could be the right subcompact crossover for you to drive and enjoy every day.
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