But now I have to rethink that answer because the 2024 Chevrolet Trax is great. With a stylish exterior, upgraded cabin, new powertrain, and some necessary safety upgrades, the new Trax becomes a truly attractive – and affordable – subcompact.
Short Specifications for the 2024 Chevrolet Trax Active
1.2 Liter Turbocharged Three-Cylinder Engine
Output 137 Horsepower / 162 Pound-Feet
Fuel Economy 28 City / 32 Highway / 32 Combined MPG
As Tested Price $26,935
Current Sale Date
The previous Trax was just a generic blob of nothing, but the current model looks very stylish. The sleek front fascia is highlighted by a large lower grille (exclusive to the Activ trim) and a slim upper grille that combines nicely with LED accent lights at each corner of the bumper. The headlights are located lower on the bumper on either side of the grille. This Activ model adds exclusive 18-inch black wheels, and the optional Nitro Yellow paint ($395) is one of the best colors Chevy has to offer anywhere.
The interior is eons better than before. Faux black leather is the only material and color option on this Activ model, but it looks good and feels durable. There are soft-touch points throughout the cabin with some nice textured hard plastic areas that don't feel too cheap. Yellow accents lining the A/C vents and dash add a nice pop of color.
There's nothing particularly convenient about the Trax. The ride is supple and not too stiff, the seats are nicely shaped but not too soft, and like most economical SUVs, there's a lot of noise from the outside that filters through the inside.
It's also not the roomiest subcompact SUV, but it has enough cargo space for its class and decent legroom. Meanwhile, its 25.6 cubic feet behind the second row is second only to the Kia Seltos, while its 54.1 cubic feet behind the first row is third only to the Kia and Honda HR-V.
Analog gauges and an 8.0-inch touchscreen are standard on the Trax LS and 1RS, but the LT, 2RS, and Activ trims add a larger and much nicer 11.0-inch touchscreen with a fully digital 8.0-inch instrument cluster without cost. The center screen is clean, well-organized, and super clear, making it easy to use on the move, while the digital instrument cluster mimics the center touchscreen with excellent graphics and easy configuration. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto come standard, and wireless phone charging is included in the $895 Sunroof package.
Like most subcompact SUVs, performance isn't the Trax's top priority. But the standard 1.2-liter turbocharged three-cylinder engine offers 137 horsepower and 162 pound-feet of torque, which provides a decent low-end boost and impressive oomph at higher speeds for highway passing. The six-speed automatic is mediocre in most use cases but can be a little sluggish when you use it. As for the suspension, there's a bit of body roll in corners but the Trax feels pretty good. The only big downside here is that the 2024 Trax doesn't offer all-wheel drive, even on the "rugged" Activ model, whereas several other subcompacts do.
Every Trax is equipped with many active safety features out of the box. Forward collision warning with automatic emergency braking, a high-definition rearview camera, lane departure warning, and lane keeping assist all come standard. But if you want the best stuff, Chevy adds on things like blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, lane change alert, and adaptive cruise control on LT models and up. At least everything works fine when enabled; The Trax keeps its composure on the trail and applies subtle braking and throttle inputs as needed.
The new Trax is an incredible value, no matter how you slice it. The base model starts at $21,495 for 2024 including a $1,095 destination charge, while the top-trim Activ model tested here costs $24,995. But even with the options, Trax is relatively inexpensive.
Options like a sunroof (with wireless charging) add $895, adaptive cruise an extra $650, and nice Nitro Yellow paint costs $350. Overall, the Trax tested here is priced at $26,935, which makes it an affordable choice when other competitive subcompacts can top $30,000 with options.
2024 Chevrolet Trax Active
1.2 Liter Turbocharged Three Cylinder ENGINE
OUTPUT 137 Horsepower / 162 Pound-Feet
Six-Speed Automatic TRANSMISSION
DRIVE TYPE Front Wheel Drive
EFFICIENCY 28 City / 32 Highway / 30 Combined
WEIGHT 4,145 Pounds
SEATING CAPACITY 5
CARGO VOLUME 25.6 / 54.1 Cubic Feet
BASE PRICE $20,400 + $1,095 Destination
BASE PRICE CUT $24,995
TESTED PRICE $26,935
