With the average price for new vehicles increasing at a steady clip, those with limited funds might be feeling left out in the cold. Fortunately, there are still a few decent models to choose from that are reasonably well equipped and fairly priced.
That list includes the second-generation Chevrolet Trax, now in its sophomore year.
Compared with the original, the 2025 Trax, which originates from a General Motors factory in South Korea, is an engaging vehicle that bears some resemblance to the midsize Blazer and the subcompact Trailblazer. The Trax is arguably better looking than both. The roofline gently tapers to meet the slanted hatchback and intricately designed taillights. Black side mouldings give the Trax an air of ruggedness.
Compared with the Trailblazer, the Trax about five inches longer and has a two-inch advantage in distance between the front and rear wheels. That makes it the smallest utility vehicle in the lineup. The Trax also leads in cargo capacity behind the front and second row of seats.
Compared to the previous edition the Trax’s increased length has resulted in three inches of additional rear legroom, which is always appreciated in vehicles of this stature.
The interior is highlighted by a digital gauge display that nudges up against the eight-inch or optional 11-inch infotainment screen that’s canted toward the driver. Both are equipped with Apple CarPlay plus Android connectivity. The floor shifter’s shape and position are said to be ”ergonomically optimized” compared with the original.
The Trax uses a turbocharged 1.2-litre, three-cylinder engine with 137 horsepower and 162 pound-feet of torque. That’s a reduction from the previous model’s turbo 1.4-litre four-cylinder that made 155 horsepower and 177 pound-feet.
Despite the reduction in horsepower the engine performs in a lively manner in city traffic but does require patience when accelerating to highway speeds.
Unlike the previous generation, the new Trax is strictly front-wheel-drive. The reason, according to Chevrolet, is that about 70 per cent of buyers who purchased the original Trax selected front-wheel-drive versions.
As before, a six-speed automatic transmission is standard with all trims.
Fuel consumption is rated at 8.5 l/100 city, 7.6 l/100 km highway and 8.1 l/100 km combined.
Towing capacity is rated at 1,500 pounds (680 kilograms).
The base Trax LS starts at $27,900 including destination charges. It’s one of five trim levels that include the 1RS, LT, 2RS and Activ.
Along with the essential gear, the LS comes with several dynamic-safety technologies such as automatic emergency braking (including front pedestrian braking), forward-collision alert, lane-keeping assist with lane-departure warning and automatic high-beam headlight control.
Blind-zone and rear cross-traffic alert, and rear park assist are optional.
All upper trims include remote start plus heated front seats, steering wheel and outside mirrors. There are also seat covers that are unique for each trim.
The top-tier 2RS and Activ arrive well equipped with navigation, wireless phone charging, automatic climate control, power-adjustable driver’s seat and 18- or 19-inch wheels (17s are standard). Their exterior trim – black for the 2RS and titanium for the Activ – are also unique to each.
As compact utility vehicles go, the Chevrolet Trax should provide sufficient space and comfort to satisfy budget-constrained buyers. Add fuel economy into the mix and the Trax equals or bests similarly sized and priced competitors including the Nissan Kicks, Hyundai Venue and Kia Soul.
