All-new 2024 Chevy Trax: Bigger, Better – and Cheaper!

Just as we were saying good-bye to the Chevrolet Trax in 2022 as it was being discontinued, it’s back again for the 2024 model year. But this time it’s all-new, bigger, better, and believe it or not, even cheaper than the last Trax.

The all-new 2024 Chevrolet Trax is a huge improvement over the first-generation Trax. First, it is significantly bigger than its predecessor in almost every dimension. Length, width and wheelbase are increased from the model it replaces. Only the height has decreased, the result of the new Trax having a slightly lower ride height and a more sloped roofline. And while the new Trax is larger – it’s also cheaper, coming in with a base price of $21,495 – which is $1400 less than the base price of the 2022 Trax (there was no 2023 Trax). This makes the Trax the lowest priced vehicle GM sells in the U.S.

While the new Trax is larger, it remains the smallest SUV in the Chevrolet lineup, coming in right under the Chevrolet Trailblazer (although the two are very similar in size). The Trax competes with the likes of the Honda HR-V, Mazda CX-30, Nissan Kicks, and Hyundai Venue.

Chevrolet did a great job with the exterior styling of the new Trax. It easily fits in the Chevy lineup with its proportioned body and all but the base LS trim gets nicely done wheels that really set the image of the Trax.

Inside, things get even better. The larger exterior translates to a roomy interior. Up front, the wide seats make long distance drives bearable, and in back, there is plenty of legroom. Even the middle rear seat is habitable thanks to a flat floor. Storage space has significantly increased compared to the old Trax. With the new one, there is 25.6 cubic feet of cargo behind the rear seat, which increases to 54.1 cubic feet when the rear seat is folded, an improvement from the old Trax which was 18.7 and 48 respectively.

There is only one powertrain available in the Trax, and it’s a little one. Coming in at 1.2 liters and using just 3 cylinders and a turbocharger, it makes 137 horsepower and 162 lb-ft of torque. The last Trax used a 1.4 turbocharged four-cylinder making the same horsepower but 14 lb-ft less torque. The little engine is paired with a six-speed automatic transmission and powers the front wheels. All-wheel drive is not available.

The new Trax is available in five trim levels. Base is the LS with steel wheels and an 8-inch infotainment system. Both wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are included, along with a WiFi hotspot. Move up to the 1RS and the Trax is fitted with nicer 18-inch alloy wheels, sportier front and rear facias and a heated flat-bottom steering wheel. The LT gets an automatic climate control system, larger 11-inch infotainment system, digital instrument cluster and push-button start. Two trim levels share the top role – the 2RS and the Activ. The 2RS gets larger 19-inch alloy wheels, while the Activ stays with 18-inch alloy wheels but gets a power driver’s seat. The tester arrived as a 2RS and carries with it a price tag of $27,080.

There is no getting around that the Trax is an economy car – and it drives like one. The suspension is set so that the ride is soft and comfortable, even on rough roads, while the handling is tuned to offer just enough damping to keep body roll in check when pushed. Basically, it handles nicely, just don’t push it. The engine, while small, has plenty of torque that comes on low in the rev range – making the Trax feel plenty powerful. Turbo lag is minimal and the transmission, which thankfully still uses gears and is not a CVT, handles its job effortlessly. Being the economy car that it is, the Trax is rated at 30 mpg in combined driving (28 city / 32 highway). Going with the 2RS, the Trax looks sportier than the other Traxs, but unfortunately doesn’t gain any performance benefits.

It’s hard to find fault with the new Trax as it has good looks, a nice interior and decent fuel economy. But it’s best feature may be in terms of value. With today’s new car market having an average price of more than $48,000, the Trax starts at half that – and that low price will most likely be the Trax’s top selling point.
– Christopher A. Randazzo

By The Numbers:

2024 Chevrolet Trax 2RS

Base Price: $24,995.00
Price as Tested: $27,080.00
Layout: front-engine / front-wheel drive
Engine: 1.2 liter turbocharged three-cylinder
Transmission: 6-speed automatic
Horsepower: 137 hp
Torque: 162 lb/ft
EPA Fuel Economy: 28 city / 32 highway mpg

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