The Chevrolet Trax arrived in 2015 as the automaker’s smallest SUV, and it has remained mostly unchanged throughout its first generation. But for 2024, Chevy has given the Trax a much-needed refresh. The second-generation Trax has larger overall proportions, attractive styling that shares much of the same design cues as the larger Blazer, a host of new features, and updated pricing that actually makes the small crossover more affordable.
Another update the Trax received is a new powertrain, a three-cylinder engine also fitted to Chevy’s other subcompact crossover, the Trailblazer. For those seeking a subcompact crossover with sharp looks, a generous list of features, an economical powertrain, and a low starting price, the Trax is now, by far, more compelling than ever.
2024 Chevrolet Trax
- Model
- 2024 Trax
- Engine:
- 1.2-Liter Turbo Inline-Three
- Power Output
- 137 HP
- Torque
- 162 LB.-FT.
- Range
- 30 Combined MPG
- Transmission
- 6-Speed Automatic
- Driveline
- FWD
- MSRP
- $21,495
- Affordable Pricing
- Stylish Looks
- Updated Technology
- No AWD
- Pedestrian Performance Figures
- Sportier-Looking Trims Don't Have Added Capability
2024 Chevrolet Trax Performance And Capability
As mentioned, the Trax now shares its powertrain with the Trailblazer. The 2024 Trax is fitted with a diminutive 1.2-liter turbocharged inline-three engine offering 137 horsepower at 5,000 rpm and up to 162 pound-feet of torque at 2,500 rpm. The inline-three pairs with a Hydra-Matic six-speed automatic transmission, a rather uncommon choice in the subcompact crossover segment in which many models are fitted with a continuously variable transmission (CVT).
Chevy hasn’t released performance figures for the Trax, but a Chevy engineer told MotorTrend its 0-60 mph time should be improved by about a full second despite the engine offering 18 less horsepower than the outgoing model. That still puts the Trax around a pedestrian mid-eight-second time. So, it’s unlikely to be thrilling, but at least it’s fairly economical. The Trax received an EPA rating of 28 City, 32 highway, and 30 combined mpg. That’s a bit above average for the subcompact crossover segment.
We haven’t yet had a chance to pilot the 2024 Trax, but Car and Driver said the updated model’s tuning provides a ride quality that balances comfort and poise, though they did note the Chevy’s steering is a letdown. The engine’s power is “meager,” the review said, but its torque is available low in the rev range to provide reasonable passing power. Though the transmission was “sluggish,” it still has its advantages over a CVT, it said.
GM hasn’t released any towing figures for the 2024 Trax, but those looking for a crossover that can haul a trailer will likely need to step up to at least the compact segment, anyway. The 2024 Trax sends its power exclusively to the front wheels, which is an update as AWD was previously offered. That puts the Trax behind the curve for those who want the stability of all-wheel drive or those who actually venture off the beaten paths a bit. That’s probably not many buyers in this segment, but obviously enough that plenty of Chevy’s rivals offer the feature.
Exterior Design
The 2024 Trax stands well apart from the previous generation and its rather dull and tall styling. The refreshed model rides into its second gen with all-new styling that makes it look like a mini-Blazer, and taking design inspiration from the attractive compact Chevy model was certainly an agreeable choice.
Chevy has stretched the wheelbase and overall length of the 2024 Trax while its overall height has been decreased by about four inches, allowing for its all-new low-slung look. The front fascia is more squared off with a significantly larger grille sporting Cadillac-esque running lights. The hood features indentations near its edges to further muscle up the front end, while in profile, strong character lines and squared-off rear fender flares give the little crossover a strong stance. Out back, the butch looks are furthered with updated taillights and a more aggressively styled liftgate.
There are some variations to the look of the Trax dependent on trim. The LS and LT models ride on 17-inch wheels, while the RS, the sportiest looking of the bunch, gets either 18- or 19-inch wheels with a unique grille, unique exterior accents, and RS badging. The Active aims to look the part of a lifestyle vehicle with titanium chrome accents, black 18-inch wheels, and a “rear skid plate motif.” It should be noted that while the RS looks more athletic and the Active appears more all-terrain-ready, neither model has any added capabilities.
Interior Quality And Technology
The dash now sports a textured pattern that sweeps across the dash, and the signature round vents from models like the Camaro and Blazer have been fitted to each flank. The Trax still sports traditional switchgear on the center stack and a traditional gear lever adjacent to two vertically oriented cupholders. The Car And Driver also noted much of the materials in the cabin have a cheap feel, but given its pricing, that was understandable. It did commend the Trax’s low dash and driving position, which makes it feel “carlike.”
The Trax has taken a leap forward in the technology front for 2024. The seven-inch touchscreen that was fitted to all prior models has been swapped out for an eight-inch touchscreen as standard that is angled toward the driver. The LT, 2RS, and Active models sport an 11.0-inch touchscreen, which is quite large for the subcompact segment, with an eight-inch digital gauge cluster. The Trax also now offers wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity while wireless charging is a newly available feature on certain trims. A built-in Wi-Fi hotspot is also offered.
With its larger overall dimensions, the Trax is now more spacious with more passengers, and it has received new styling to match the updates to its exterior. Overall, the Trax is 11.0 inches longer and two inches wider, which equates to three additional inches of legroom for rear passengers. Cargo space has been increased to 25.6 cubic feet, which is generous for the subcompact segment and about 12 percent for storage space than the outgoing model.
2024 Chevrolet Trax Pricing And Availability
The 2024 Chevrolet Trax is set to go on sale this spring with a starting MSRP of $21,495 (including destination) for the base LS and rising to $24,995 for either the 2RS or Active trims. In all, five trims are offered, an increase over just two that were available in the previous model. In addition to the previously mentioned features, the LS Convenience package for base models includes remote start, heated front seats, and heated, power-adjustable mirrors.
The 1RS includes a heated steering wheel, while the LT includes the 11.0-inch touchscreen and digital gauge cluster, automatic climate control, and a six-speaker sound system. The Active and 2RS have the same price but slightly different features. Both models are fitted with keyless entry, heated front seats, and steering wheel, while the Active has a power adjustable driver’s seat and 18-inch wheels with the 2RS riding on 19-inch wheels. A sunroof and wireless charging are stand-alone options offered on all but the base LS model.
Safety
The Trax’s standard safety equipment includes forward collision mitigation with automatic emergency braking, lane-keep system, lane departure warning, and automatic high beams. The Driver Confidence Package adds blind-spot warning, rear cross-traffic warning, and adaptive cruise control. As of this writing, the NHTSA has not yet released its overall safety rating for the 2024 Trax.
Main Competition
The Trax desperately needed its update to remain viable in the ultra-competitive subcompact crossover class where it competes with standouts like the Mazda CX-30, Kia Seltos, Honda HR-V, and Hyundai Kona. Against its competition, the 2024 Trax is now certainly among the most attractive inside and out, and perhaps more importantly, its base MSRP of $21,495 makes it one of the most affordable options in the segment. For 2023 model pricing, the Trax is only beaten on price by the Kia Soul, Nissan Kicks, and Hyundai Venue.
One particular downside is no availability of all-wheel drive. The CX-30, Kona, Kia Seltos, HR-V, Volkswagen Taos, Subaru Crosstrek, and Toyota Corolla Cross all either come standard with AWD or offer it as an option The Trax is unlikely to be the sportiest entry in the segment, especially compared to the fun-to-drive Kona and CX-30, but it is still efficient, and with a host of new tech, its updated looks, and low price, the Trax will certainly be worthy of consideration for those seeking a compact commuter. The prior Trax was easily outmatched by much of its competition in its first generation. Now, the little Chevy is a much more potent player in the segment.