I once worked with a colleague who had spent time in the executive ranks of GM Korea, where some of the automaker’s least-expensive vehicles were manufactured for the U.S. market. A rising star at GM at the time, he had been on hand at GM Korea when the first Chevrolet Trax was being developed alongside its identical cousins, the Buick Encore and Opel Mokka.
While GM Korea was set to build the vehicle, an Opel executive was in charge of its development. As my colleague told the story, this German executive was determined that no Chevrolet would outshine an Opel. Perhaps coincidentally, then, the final form of the Trax was, shall we say, wanting in comparison to the Opel. As this executive didn’t regard Buick as a rival, my colleague explained, it received fittings appropriate to its segment.
Take that version of events or leave it; what is indisputable is that all three vehicles were built by the same company, and their designs were emasculating, resembling innocuous warts with alloy wheels. These cars had presence for all the wrong reasons. If that sounds overly harsh, I am pleased to say that all these deficiencies have been resolved for the second-generation 2024 Chevrolet Trax, which boasts a truly impressive redesign.
With a price starting at $21,495, this is now the least-expensive Chevrolet you can buy, and it's among the least expensive diminutive SUVs on the market. Yet you couldn’t tell that by looking at it.
The new Trax boasts an additional 11 inches in length and 2 inches in width compared to the 2023 model, and it doesn’t look as if you settled for the bargain basement. In fact, it’s far better looking than its pricier sibling, the Chevrolet Trailblazer, with which it shares many underpinnings. The Trax has a youthful, athletic vibe that’s instantly appealing, despite having a half-inch lower ride height.
Actually, the Trax outshines it costlier sibling in more than just looks.
After all, the Trax’s EPA passenger volume is identical to the Trailblazer’s, as is its cargo volume — at least with the second-row seats up. Fold them, and the Trailblazer has an additional 4 cubic feet due to its taller roof. But the Trax’s lower appearance enhances its looks. Besides, who will miss four cubic feet? This is one very spacious small SUV for its overall footprint.
Open the door and find out for yourself. The driving position is nearly carlike. But as the miles roll by, you’ll find the short seat cushions are spongy and flat. The seatbacks have some side-bolstering, but it’s minimal, so larger, corn-fed Americans will find them acceptably comfortable. Legroom is better than you’d expect, while the cargo bay is surprisingly spacious. GM designers made the best of interior ambiance, although it’s about what you’d expect for the price. Yet there are artistic touches that liven up this otherwise straightforward cabin design.
Power comes courtesy of a pocket-sized 1.2-liter turbocharged three-cylinder engine that produces 137 horsepower and 162 pound-feet of torque. The same engine can also be found in the Trailblazer, but here it’s mated to a six-speed automatic transmission rather than the a continuously variable transmission found in the Trailblazer. Most likely, this was done for reasons of cost, but it turns out to be an advantage. Front-wheel drive is standard; all-wheel drive is not offered, so this is slightly less off-road worthy than the Trailblazer.
And you won’t win the local stoplight Grand Prix. But there’s enough muscle down low in the rev range to provide sufficient, even sprightly, power when poking around town. The six-speed automatic is far better behaved than the Trailblazer’s CVT transmission, proving to be a superior dance partner. The Trax’s suspension provides enough compliance to deliver a good ride without excessive body lean. It’s behavior is not engaging, but few cars are in this range. Yes, pedal response is soggy, as is typical of economy cars. Road and tire noise are moderate around town, growing prominent at highway speed.
When it comes to tech performance, the Trax comes with Apple Car Play and Android Auto, and the requisite plugs and chargers, depending on trim level.
The 2024 Chevrolet Trax proves to be a feature-rich vehicle with good looks, decent performance and good space for its size. While it lacks the Trailblazer’s all-wheel drive, front-wheel drive provides nearly as much traction without the added expense. And the Trailblazer is more expensive, while sharing much of the Trax’s componentry. Why would you pay more for the Trailblazer?
This is all the car you need and extremely good value. It’s a bargain; grab it while you can.
2024 Chevrolet Trax
Base price: $21,495-$24,995
Engine: 1.2-liter turbocharged three-cylinder
Horsepower/Torque: 137/162 pound-feet
EPA fuel economy (combined city/highway): 30 mpg
Observed fuel economy: 28 mpg
Length/Width/Height: 173.5/71.2/65.2 inches
Ground clearance: 7.3 inches
Cargo capacity: 25.6-54.1 cubic feet
Towing capacity: Not rated
