Overview

What's New for 2021

Chevrolet makes the buying process a breeze, with two trim levels: LS and LT. Front-wheel drive is standard on both trims, and all-wheel-drive is available for a reasonable $620.

The LS has an estimated starting price of $21,500. Key details include a backup camera, automatic headlights, cloth upholstery, split-folding rear seatbacks, keyless entry/ignition, air conditioning, a six-speaker audio system, Bluetooth, satellite radio, a 7.0-inch touchscreen, a WiFi hotspot, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto.

Selecting the LT adds several desirable features for about $23,500. It adds alloy wheels, heated mirrors, body-color accents, partial-leatherette upholstery, remote engine start, cruise control, and a household-style power outlet.

Buyers can add a few options to the Trax LS, like all-weather floor mats, cruise control, a cargo mat, and tinted windows. LT buyers get more options. The available Redline Edition adds sporty black body accents and matching 18-inch wheels with red accent stripes; Sport and Midnight Editions are also available. A Premium Seat Package adds full-leatherette upholstery and heated front seats, while the Driver Confidence Package adds blind-spot monitoring, parking sensors, and rear cross-traffic alert.

Powering Chevrolet's smallest SUV is a 1.4-liter turbo four-cylinder engine, producing 155 horsepower and 177 lb-ft of torque. It runs on regular unleaded gas and offers good fuel economy, at around 32 mpg on the highway and 24 mpg around town. Some small SUVs are more efficient and more potent.

The Trax has acceptable acceleration for getting up to highway speeds, though it can't be called sporty. Likewise, the handling is secure and agile for getting in and out of tight parking spots. Some competitors are more engaging and fun to drive. The Hydra-Matic six-speed automatic transmission has quick gear changes, sending power to a front- or all-wheel-drive system. Front disc/rear drum brakes come standard, while the AWD model gets four-wheel discs.

The Trax has one of the more welcoming and user-friendly interiors in the subcompact class. Its tall seats are comfortable and provide a good view out the windshield, and the cascading instrument panel looks modern, with large controls and Chevrolet's straightforward touchscreen menus. Standard apps allow for seamless Apple or Android smartphone integration and virtually endless road-trip playlists. Some competitors include automatic climate control and advanced driver-assistance systems.

The front-row has plenty of space for tall adults to relax during long drives. Those in the back don't have quite as much space, but limited rear legroom is expected in a vehicle this size. The Trax provides 18.7 cubic feet of cargo space behind the seats, which is less than top rivals. You can fold down the rear seats to expand the cargo area to an impressive 48.4 cubic feet. You can fold down the front passenger seat as well, allowing the Trax to transport items up to eight-feet-long.

Chevrolet's decision to discontinue the top-level Premier trim means leatherette upholstery and heated front seats are no longer standard on a Trax trim. LT shoppers can add those as optional extras.

The cabin remains quiet at highway speeds, though some road imperfections can permeate.