2015 Chevrolet Trax
August 2015
Jim Prueter
General Motors launched the mini-subcompact SUV category when it introduced the Buick Encore in 2013. It quickly became a best-seller for Buick and saw a whopping 55 percent sales increase last year.
Now, GM is hoping for the same success with Chevrolet Trax in this mini-subcompact SUV category that is absolutely booming, with expected sales of 2 million units within the next few years. Originally built for Europe and currently sold in Mexico and Canada, Trax is the smallest of Chevrolet’s utility vehicles.
The car’s exterior looks are appealing, and the diminutive size and agile handling make it easy to navigate the city and beyond, adding ample cargo room, excellent gas mileage, and affordable pricing.
Trax is a four-door, five-passenger crossover available with front-wheel or all-wheel drive. It mainly competes with the new Jeep Renegade, Honda HR-V, Fiat 500X, and Mazda CX-3.
Trax is available in three trim levels: LS, LT, and the top-level LTZ. All are powered by GM’s ubiquitous 1.4-liter, turbocharged, 138-horsepower 4-cylinder engine and 6-speed manual transmission.
I drove a well-equipped LTZ and here are my observations: It’s really small, a mere 168.5 inches long. The drive is average with acceptable steering, cornering, and ride comfort. Nothing about the interior says stylish; in fact, it soundly smacks of “rental car,” with hard plastic surfaces throughout. Exterior styling is solidly Chevrolet — traditional and rounded.
When it comes to safety, Trax comes with 10 standard airbags, including knee protection, and a rearview camera. It received the highest possible 5-Star safety rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) for overall crash test ratings, and has not been crash tested by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS).
Overall, Trax is an OK vehicle that’s packed with value and practicality, and should please frugal and sensible buyers who love the diminutive size.
Now, GM is hoping for the same success with Chevrolet Trax in this mini-subcompact SUV category that is absolutely booming, with expected sales of 2 million units within the next few years. Originally built for Europe and currently sold in Mexico and Canada, Trax is the smallest of Chevrolet’s utility vehicles.
The car’s exterior looks are appealing, and the diminutive size and agile handling make it easy to navigate the city and beyond, adding ample cargo room, excellent gas mileage, and affordable pricing.
Trax is a four-door, five-passenger crossover available with front-wheel or all-wheel drive. It mainly competes with the new Jeep Renegade, Honda HR-V, Fiat 500X, and Mazda CX-3.
Trax is available in three trim levels: LS, LT, and the top-level LTZ. All are powered by GM’s ubiquitous 1.4-liter, turbocharged, 138-horsepower 4-cylinder engine and 6-speed manual transmission.
I drove a well-equipped LTZ and here are my observations: It’s really small, a mere 168.5 inches long. The drive is average with acceptable steering, cornering, and ride comfort. Nothing about the interior says stylish; in fact, it soundly smacks of “rental car,” with hard plastic surfaces throughout. Exterior styling is solidly Chevrolet — traditional and rounded.
When it comes to safety, Trax comes with 10 standard airbags, including knee protection, and a rearview camera. It received the highest possible 5-Star safety rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) for overall crash test ratings, and has not been crash tested by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS).
Overall, Trax is an OK vehicle that’s packed with value and practicality, and should please frugal and sensible buyers who love the diminutive size.
JIM PRUETER, an automotive writer based in Phoenix, has provided reviews and advice about cars for more than 20 years.
Details
Fuel Economy
- 16 MPG City
- 34 MPG Highway
The Good
- Affordable with good value for the money
- Standard 4G LTE connectivity
- Excellent crash test results
The Bad
- Cheap “rent-a-car” interior
- Coarse, noisy engine
- Very narrow inside
Vehicle Type:
Crossover
Base Price:
$20,120
As Tested:
$27,325