Bigger is better for the redesigned 2024 Chevrolet Trax, but buyers will have to take the good with some bad
The 2024 Chevrolet Trax is a small, front-wheel-drive SUV crossover with a 137-hp turbocharged three-cylinder engine and six-speed automatic transmission. Starting prices range from $21,495 to $26,685. (Photography courtesy of Chevrolet or as credited)
Table of Contents
Trax Backgrounder
2024 Trax Pricing and Model Line
Safety Features
Trax Updates for 2025
Which 2024 Trax To Buy?
Performance and Powertrain
Ride and Handling
Interior Function
Why Buy the 2024 Trax?
Specifications
BY MARK MAYNARD
Making my rounds at the 2024 San Diego International Auto Show, two vehicles caught my eye, and both were Chevrolets: the 2024 Trailblazer and 2024 Trax. These small SUV crossovers have been re-engineered and redesigned, with particular attention to exterior styling. They are both built in South Korea by GM.
I spoke with a sizeable retirement-age showgoer sitting in the Cacti Green Trax Activ at the show. They felt comfortable behind the wheel but pointed to the nearby Trailblazer and preferred its interior space. They were shopping for a small SUV with four-wheel drive, which is available on the Trailblazer, but Trax is front-wheel drive only for all trim levels.
For 2024, Chevrolet has repositioned the Trax and Trailblazer, which share a vehicle architecture.
Trax is available only in front-wheel drive and has one powertrain, a 137-hp 1.2-liter three-cylinder engine and a six-speed automatic transmission.
The 2024 Trailblazer is available in front- or all-wheel drive and has a choice of two turbocharged three-cylinder engines, either the base 1.2-liter or the 155-hp 1.3-liter. A nine-speed automatic transmission is standard.
Trailblazer pricing starts at $24,395 for front-drive and rises to $30,390 for the topline AWD models. Lower trim models can be optioned with AWD for $2,000.
Trax is the more economical choice, with starting prices ranging from $21,495 to $26,685.
Today’s tester is the 2024 Trax Activ, and I hope to circle back to assess the new Trailblazer.
Trax interior design is clean and contemporary.
Chevrolet Trax Backgrounder
When the Chevrolet Trax made its U.S. debut in 2015, it was among the smallest CUV offerings and shared an architecture with the Buick Encore (now the Buick Envista). Nine years later, the burgeoning segment of subcompact SUV crossovers has grown to at least nine models. The Honda HR-V, Hyundai Kona, Jeep Compass, Kia Seltos, Mazda CX-30, Nissan Kicks, Toyota Corolla Cross, and VW Taos are among them.
The previous generation 2022 Trax (there was no 2023 model) had a 155-hp turbocharged 1.4-liter four-cylinder engine and six-speed automatic. It also had a slightly larger 14-gallon gas tank and the option for all-wheel drive.
Now in its second generation in North America, the 2024 Trax sheds its stubby and pinched body shape for a confident and contemporary stance. Compared to its predecessor, the new Trax is 11 inches longer, has a 3.5-inch lower roofline, and is 1.8 inches wider. Its wheelbase grew by 5.7 inches to 106.3 from 100.6 inches.
2024 Trax Pricing and Model Line
The 2024 Chevrolet Trax is sold in five trim levels with starting prices of $21,495 to $26,685, including the $1,095 freight charge from Changwon, Korea. Today’s tester is the topline Activ, which costs $26,685 with the Sunroof package ($895) and Driver Convenience package ($795).
The Sunroof package also packs wireless charging, an odd pairing for no meaningful reason except to upsell. Wireless charging is not offered as a standalone option.
Adding the Driver Confidence package ($795) is a smart choice for its safety technologies of rear cross-traffic alert, lane change alert with side blind-zone alert, rear park assist, and adaptive cruise control.
Adaptive Cruise Control does not allow Level-2 hands-on-the-wheel semi-autonomous driving, but its technologies add watchful eyes. Adaptive Cruise features a driver-selected “following gap” of one to four cars, and helpful in heavy commuting traffic. If a vehicle is detected in the driver’s lane, the system can maintain the set gap between the Trax and the car ahead. I set the gap spacing at one car length to dissuade other drivers from diving in front. While driving with the girlfriend, I set the space at four cars
There are eight paint colors for 2024, and only Cayenne Orange Metallic is optional at $395.
Design Separators
- The 2024 Chevrolet Trax LT features black seats with Sky Cool Gray accents;
- 2RS has red accents on the seats, a wrapped flat-bottom steering wheel, and black bowtie emblems;
- ACTIV has a monochromatic look with black fender surrounds and sill guards, black bowtie emblems, and a prominent treatment to the lower rear fascia and skid plate. The interior has titanium chrome accents and Evotex seats with yellow accents.
Check 2024 Chevrolet Trax pricing here.
Find special lease or pricing offers here.
The Trax 2RS has red accents on the seats.
2024 Trax Safety Features
In addition to six air bags, there is a big group of advanced safety technologies in the standard Chevrolet Safety Assist:
- Automatic Emergency Braking
- Forward Collision Alert
- Front Pedestrian Braking
- Following Distance Indicator
- Lane Keep Assist with Lane Departure Warning
- IntelliBeam auto high beams
- 3 years of OnStar remote access.
Of special interest is Front Pedestrian Braking, particularly for nighttime and low-visibility driving. At speeds between 5 and 50 mph, front pedestrian braking will alert the driver and can automatically provide hard emergency braking or enhance the driver’s hard braking.
LT, 2RS, and Activ have an 11-inch color display screen for infotainment and rear camera views. The screen is easy to read and is canted slightly toward the driver.
18-inch alloy gloss black wheels and Goodyear Assurance Finesse tires.
Which 2024 Chevrolet Trax to Buy?
Dollars matter when choosing an economy car, and Trax pricing is attractive. The price walk from base LS to topline Activ is just $3,500, which leaves room for indulgence.
Trax LS
Basic transportation with essential convenience features and solid safety technologies in the Chevrolet Safety Assist. The LS also has 17-inch steel wheels with wheel covers, wireless Apple CarPlay and wireless Android Auto capability, an 8-inch color touchscreen, a rearview camera, cruise control, electric parking brake, four-speaker audio system, remote keyless locking, power windows and locks, two non-charging USB ports (Type A and C), and a six-way manual driver seat.
Trax 1RS
Moving up a rung takes just $1,700 and builds on the LS content with a few more style features and conveniences. The 1RS adds the LS convenience package of remote start, heated front seats, carpeted rear floor mats, body-color heated power outside mirrors, and 17-inch silver-painted aluminum wheels. Other extras include a heated steering wheel with an attractive perforated leather wrap.
2RS
At $26,090, a step of $1,800, adds an 11-inch infotainment screen, a six-speaker audio system, 8-inch color driver-info gauge, two charging USB ports, a roller-style cargo cover, a front passenger seatback pocket, two key fobs, and Evotex seat upholstery.
LT
For another $200, the LT is the grown-up’s choice, but it is not possible to have the power eight-way driver seat — available only on the Trax Activ. The LT’s 17-inch alloy wheels with gray-painted slots will be less prone to curb rash than the solid black Activ and RS2 wheels, and the 17-inch tires will cost less to replace than 18s. I’d add the LT convenience package, $595, for its keyless entry (press the chiclet in the front door handles to unlock or lock), heated front seats, a heated and wrapped steering wheel, and heated body-color power outside mirrors. For $195, the Premium floor mats are more attractive and might be more durable than the standard mats. If you can find an LT on a dealership lot with these features, it should cost around $24,185.
Trax Updates for 2025
Before you decide which 2024 Trax you prefer, some updates are planned for the 2025 model year.
The 2024 Trax went on sale about a year ago, in the second quarter of 2023. In a testament to the growth of choices in this CUV segment, Chevrolet will make some important updates and changes for the 2025 model year, according to a report on GMAuthority.com https://gmauthority.com/blog/2024/02/here-is-2025-chevy-trax-pricing-with-options-and-packages/.
Among the 2025 updates will be new standard technologies and a new E85-compatible engine. Two new optional paint colors will be added, and Cayenne Orange Metallic was dropped. The new Marina Blue Metallic and Nitro Yellow Metallic are $395 each.
Here is the 2025 Trax MSRP breakdown by trim level:
- Trax 1LS starting price stays the same at $21,495;
- 1RS is up by $200 at $23,395;
- 1LT is up by $200 at $23,595;
- 2RS is up by $400 at $25,395;
- Activ is up by $400 at $25,395.
Most factory package prices stayed the same, but some options and accessories had modest increases of $20 to $50.
Trax Performance and Powertrain
Don’t dismiss this 1.2-liter three-cylinder engine — its turbo force is deceiving. Trax is a lightweight at 3,042 pounds and makes the most of its 162 lb.-ft. of torque at 2,500 rpm. Initial acceleration is slow until the turbo catches its breath, then there is eager pull.
The six-speed rolls smoothly through shifts, timed to maximize available power. There is no Sport mode — and there were times when I wanted more kick — but 137-hp will be good enough for most buyers seeking an economical car.
Fuel economy, however, might not be up to expectations for a small vehicle. However, Chevy Trax mileage ratings are comparable or a mpg better than its front-wheel-drive competition. Official Trax mileage estimates are 28 mpg city, 32 highway, and 30 mpg combined, using the recommended 87 octane fuel. With cruise-controlled highway driving, an owner might see up to 31.6 mpg. Fill the 13.2-gallon tank and expect nearly 400 miles of range.
For buyers of the Trax in cold climates, the Active Aero Shutters option ($125) might be a good idea. Chevrolet says this feature is a common option in Canada and some of the northern parts of the U.S. “The [shutter system] is placed ahead of the air-to-air charge air cooler in front of the radiator. The shutters close automatically under certain conditions when temperatures are extremely low during extended highway driving. Closing the shutters prevents water condensation in blow-by gasses from freezing into ice inside the charge air cooler. Ice in the charge air cooler can restrict airflow into the engine and result in temporary loss of performance until the ice melts.”
1.2 liters of three-cylinder turbo power. (Mark Maynard)
Ride and Handling
Trax would not be my choice as a distance commuter. The ride can be rough, and the cabin noisy. And even with active noise cancellation (through the audio system), there still is noticeable highway wind noise and probably tire noise.
The suspension engineering of the Trax chassis components needed more budget. I don’t expect luxury damping from a $21,000 crossover, but something is lacking in this setup. The Trax tools delicately along smooth streets, but rough patches and not-huge potholes bring on bang-hard jolts, with steering column judder. (I have not experienced steering judder in any vehicle since testing a 1994 Chevy Cavalier sedan.)
I blame the rear torsion beam suspension, which Chevy calls a Compound Crank. It is a functional setup for front-drive vehicles, especially wagons or small crossover SUVs, because it is lightweight and lost cost, compared to a multilink. And the torsion beam elements lie flat, preserving cargo capacity. The engineers tried to blunt the bumps with twin-tube shock absorbers, but more should be done. Not all rear torsion beam suspensions (also called twist beam) are this harsh. Would a rear stabilizer bar make a difference?
Standard tires for the Trax Activ are 18-inch all-season Goodyear Assurance Finesse, 225/55. The tires have a fairly hard treadwear rating (UTQG) of 540, translating to an estimated lifecycle of 65,000 miles or about six years. The hardness of the tire might contribute to the interior noise. A compact spare is included.
Four-wheel disc braking can give slam-stopping action when needed. All Trax models have an electric parking brake, which is smart to clean up foot space rather than using a foot-pumper brake.
Trax Interior Function
What the Chevy engineers might have saved on the suspension went toward the interior.
The digital black-background driver gauge array. (Mark Maynard)
With its larger body, the Trax interior has good shoulder room (55.7 inches) and tall headroom of 39.6 inches. The front bucket seats, with Evotex upholstery, have good grip without restrictive side or bottom bolsters. And the Evotex breathes, which is essential in hot weather. BUT, Trax has the Chevrolet droop-seat syndrome. Chevy’s seat structure for its less expensive models seems to “relax” (sag) after setting a position. After 20 minutes into the drive, I have to readjust the seat height and rearview mirror. Activ’s eight-way power driver seat is easy to adjust and has two-way power lumbar.
Trax interior materials do not look cheap and appear well put together. There is a light gray woven headliner and basic black plastic from the window sills to the floor. Color pops, metallic trim elements, and turbine-look gimbal-style air vents present a self-assured style and neatly break up the black.
A low instrument panel enhances outward visibility and contributes to the feeling of airiness. Sightlines are unrestricted across the hood or out the back glass, though the opening appears smallish in the rearview mirror.
The driver gauge array is distinctive, with a black digital screen. The large center speedometer readout focuses the driver’s attention. Another tidbit of useful info is the Following Distance Indicator. In the upper right corner of the gauge array, a digital readout shows the distance to the vehicle ahead in seconds. Seeing in seconds is valuable awareness of how close not to follow and still be able to stop in an emergency.
Sporty front seats with Evotex upholstery.
Back Seat and Cargo Space
There is actual adult head and leg room in the back seat. The three-position bench has acceptable thigh support, and the seatback is contoured for uncommon comfort not usually found in any subcompact vehicle. The flat floor allows decent center seat footroom, and the window seats have open foot space under the front seats.
There are grab handles above each door and a dome light. But there are no back-seat cup holders and no center armrest.
Cargo space is ample, with a max of 25.6 cubic feet behind the back seat (stacked to the headliner). Fold the 60/40 seatbacks for up to 54.1 cubic feet and about 5 ½ feet in length. A stiff cargo cover is included with the Activ.
With the 60/40 back seat folded, the cargo area has about 5 ½ feet in length. (Mark Maynard)
A temporary spare is standard equipment. (Mark Maynard)
Why Buy the 2024 Chevrolet Trax?
Despite what I consider a harsh suspension, the new Trax is very likable with accommodating interior design and plentiful cargo space.
A new Trax will be salvation for the young family getting out of a tired, hand-me-down Camry. Trax has easy access to the wide-opening back doors to buckle up a child seat, with cargo space to throw in a stroller, or two. A Trax 1RS, starting at $23,195, has some style in its 18-inch wheels and red interior accents. Add the Driver Confidence package of rear-park assist ($395, including rear-cross-traffic alert and lane-change and side blind-zone alerts), the hard cargo cover ($250), and Premium floor mats to replace the lightweight cheapie standard mats, and the MSRP goes to $24,035.
For buyers on fixed incomes, such as the retiree I spoke with at the auto show, the new Trax is now roomy enough to enjoy for many years. It is a handy runabout with elbow room, good sight lines, and light steering for easy parking. A Trax LT is a thrifty but accommodating choice. Add upgrades for the Convenience package ($595), the Interior protection package of premium winter-summer floor mats and cargo liner ($515), and a $150 cargo liner, and the MSRP is affordable at $25,300. But a power driver seat is unavailable on this trim, which would mean opting for the Activ.
No matter which Trax a buyer takes home — 2024 or 2025 — they will have to take the good with some bad.
Trax Activ has a prominent treatment to the lower rear fascia and skid plate.
2024 Chevrolet Trax Activ Specifications
Body style: subcompact 5-seat, 5-door front-wheel-drive crossover SUV
Engine: 137-hp, direct-injected and turbocharged 1.2-liter 3-cylinder; 162 lb.-ft. torque at 2,500 rpm
Transmission: Hydra-Matic 6T40 six-speed automatic
Fuel economy: 28/32/30 mpg city/hwy/combined; 87 octane recommended
BY THE NUMBERS
Fuel tank: 13.2 gallons
Cargo space: 25.6-54.1 cubic feet
Front head/leg room: 39.6/41.9 inches
Rear head/leg room: 38.1/38.7 inches
Length/wheelbase: 178.6/106.3 inches
Width/height: 71.7*/ 61.4 *does not include side mirrors
Curb weight: 3,042 pounds
Turning circle: 38.2 feet w/18-inch wheels; 37.5 ft. w/17-inch wheels
FEATURES
Trax Activ standard equipment includes: Keyless locking and push-button ignition, full Evotex seat upholstery with yellow accents, 6-speaker audio system, 11-inch-diagonal infotainment color touchscreen, 8-inch driver information screen, wireless Apple CarPlay or Android Auto connectivity, automatic headlight control (on/off), heated front seats, 8-way power driver seat with 2-way power lumbar, 4-way manual front passenger seat, heated steering wheel.
Activ exterior features: 18-inch alloy gloss black wheels, high-gloss black side mirror caps, LED headlights and running lights, rear spoiler, lower bodyside black moldings
Safety features include: 6 airbags, Stabilitrak traction-control system, 4-wheel disc brakes;
Chevrolet Safety Assist provides:
- Automatic Emergency Braking;
- Forward Collision Alert;
- Front Pedestrian Braking;
- Following Distance Indicator;
- Lane Keep Assist with Lane Departure Warning;
- IntelliBeam automatic high beam dimming
CHASSIS COMPONENTS
Brakes: 4-wheel discs; 11.8 inches front rotors; 11.3 inches rear.
Steering: Column-mounted electric power-assisted rack-and-pinion
Tires-wheels: 18-inch aluminum (1RS and Activ) Goodyear Assurance Finesse all-season 225/55
Suspension: Front, MacPherson struts with coil-over spring; direct-acting stabilizer bar; Rear, Compound Crank (torsion beam); coil springs with twin-tube shock absorbers
PRICING
Trax Activ base price: $24,995, including $1,095 freight charge; price as tested $25,590
Options on test vehicle: Sunroof package $895, adds power sliding sunroof with manual sunshade and wireless charging; Driver Confidence Package $795, adds rear cross-traffic alert, lane change alert with side blind-zone alert, adaptive cruise control, rear park assist
Where assembled: Changwon, Korea
Warranties: 3-years/36,000-miles bumper to bumper with a free first scheduled maintenance; 5-years/60,000-miles powertrain, including roadside assistance and courtesy transportation
