Chevrolet Trax: Affordable Crossover for a Big City

The Trax is an ultra-small crossover that was redesigned in 2024 and has already earned recognition from the US motorists. The new model combines a modern appearance, high functionality, and reliability, as well as an attractive price. Today, the Indy Auto Man dealership auto experts prepared an overview of the main characteristics and advantages of the new Chevrolet Trax 2024.

Is the New Chevrolet Trax a Good Car?

The 2024 Chevrolet Trax is good for its class, even though the upgraded version lost an AWD. The crossover has a powerful engine that provides excellent dynamics and efficiency. The basic configuration includes a 1.5-liter gasoline motor developing 150 horsepower. The car is also available with a 1.6-liter diesel.

Externally, the new Chevrolet Trax attracts attention with its elegant design. The crossover received new LED headlights and smooth curves, making it more dynamic.

The 2024 Trax has a comfortable and functional interior. The car is equipped with modern technologies, including a 10-inch touch display and support for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. 

Safety and Technology

One of the main safety features in the 2024 Trax is the ESC (Electronic Stability Control) stabilization system, which automatically corrects the vehicle's trajectory during sudden maneuvers or on slippery roads. This helps the driver maintain control and prevent potential accidents.

2024 Chevrolet Trax vs. 2023 Jeep Compass: Same Size, Different Nature

The 2023 Jeep Compass and 2024 Chevrolet Trax are two compact crossovers similar in size, but nearly every other aspect of the comparison, from powertrain to price, highlights just how different they are.

2023 Jeep Compass: If You Need Better Cross-Country Ability

Under the hood, the Jeep Compas has a new turbocharged 2.0-liter inline-four engine that produces 200 horsepower and 300 pound-feet of torque, which is sent to all four wheels through an eight-speed automatic transmission regardless of trim level. The Compass accelerates to 60 mph in 7.5 seconds, while the Trax requires 8.8 seconds. 

If you don't like the Trax's silhouette, the Jeep crossover's more upright shape provides a nicer contrast. The Compass's roof provides a feeling of spaciousness for tall passengers, and the cabin is pleasant in every way, with clever use of warmer fabrics instead of the usual cheap black plastics. The second row can boast air vents and power outlets, which don't always come in this price range. However, all-wheel drive equipment and a host of interior features can add extra weight. Even though the Compass has a shorter wheelbase and overall length than the Trax, the Compass is 500 pounds heavier than the Chevy.

2024 Chevrolet Trax: Stylish City Dweller

Even though the new Trax is lower, longer, and wider than the previous generation, this front-wheel drive vehicle aims to maximize fuel economy by downsizing its engine and - extremely rare in its industry - lowering its price tag. That's what puts this city car at the top of the utility mountain that Jeep's crossover can't conquer, even if the Compass leaves the Trax in the dust on the way up.

The Trax doesn't feel particularly enthusiastic about driving, but it is one of the best SUVs for gas mileage. Its turbocharged 1.2-liter three-cylinder engine produces a measly 137 horsepower and 220 pound-feet of torque, both rushing forward through a six-speed automatic transmission. Some drivers call the six-speed automatic slow-shifting, which shows in the 9.5-second 0-62 mph time. Overtaking is also not much better: the car takes 6.4 seconds to accelerate from 50 to 70 miles per hour.

Most of the Trax's problems are dwarfed by its price. The Active trim adds a ton of great equipment to all this, including an 11-inch central touchscreen, keyless entry and start, and a heated steering wheel. Even a car with a panoramic roof, wireless charging, and the Driver Confidence package, which includes blind-spot monitoring and adaptive cruise control, still costs less than the basic version of the Compass. Moreover, the Trax deserves some credit for its quiet operation around town.

Chevrolet Trax, aka Buick Encore: Pitfalls When Choosing a Small Crossover

The Chevy Trax is technically close to the Buick Encore model. At the same time, it is still impossible to say that this is the same car with different emblems - there are tangible differences between the crossovers. For example, the Chevrolet Trax has a more modest interior compared to the Encore. However, from the point of view of reliability or maintainability, this does not make a difference: both models are based on the Gamma II platform, developed by engineers of the South Korean division of GM DAT, and are unified with other models of the GM concern. 

The engine is considered reliable, but the systems servicing it may suffer from certain malfunctions. Most often, owners complain about problems with the ignition system, failures of the generator, and cooling system fans.

The GM 6T40 gearbox is not famous for its particular endurance. Its early versions were considered problematic, but by the time the updated Trax entered the market, numerous upgrades had helped improve the weak points (short-lived valve body and torque converter, overheating problems). But if you buy a used Trax, it is still better to give preference to models released no earlier than 2014, carefully test the selected option before purchasing, and during operation, avoid heavy loads on the box, prevent it from overheating, and change the oil and filter at least every 30 thousand miles.

But you don’t have to worry about the all-wheel drive transmission: the electronically controlled Borg Warner multi-plate clutch is quite reliable. But you won't have big chances to load it: with its ground clearance of 6.2 in and low-hanging bumper, the Trax is not even accustomed to light off-road conditions. The situation is better in the updated 2024 version - 7.3 inches, but it is still not the vehicle for hard off-road. Perhaps this is for the better: the easier life is for the transmission and chassis. 

The suspension is structurally simple: in the front, there are McPherson struts; in the rear, there is a semi-independent suspension with a beam, and on all-wheel-drive versions too. The mileage of the parts is average; only the ball joints and wheel bearings are not durable enough.

Chevy Trax Pros and Cons: Is It Worth Buying?

As for the strengths and weaknesses of the Chevy model itself, it is worth understanding that the Trax plays in the same league as the Nissan Juke and Ford EcoSport. This means that, from a small crossover, you should not expect a spacious interior or a roomy trunk as on larger models.

If you don't have high expectations for spaciousness and off-road capability, the Trax won't disappoint. Take it for a test drive to better understand whether this is your model. 

At Indy Auto Man, you can find used Chevy Trax for sale in Indianapolis. But if you are looking for the updated 2024 Trax model, leave your request, and we will let you know if it appears in our inventory - we have new arrivals every week!