After just two-years on the market, a significantly redesigned 2017 Chevrolet Trax compact crossover sport utility has been revealed at the Chicago Auto Show with new styling inside and out, and some important new tech features.
Just introduced in North America as a 2015 model, the 2017 Chevrolet Trax receives a healthy update to keep its strong sale momentum going. In just over a year of sales it become the second-best selling compact SUV in America and Chevrolet obviously plans to keep it going.
To start with it gets an all-new face that reflects contemporary Chevrolet styling DNA that we’ve come to see in the all-new new Malibu and Cruze sedans, and the Chevrolet Volt. This means a bolder dual port grille, a dressier front fascia, and new headlights which are available in HID.
At the rear the 2017 Trax looks much the same as before but gets a new rear bumper fascia with larger brake lights and markers, available in LED on top trim grades. New wheel designs include a more premium 18-inch alloy on Premier trim grades.
All-in, Trax was one of the last to have GM’s old global rental grade styling, and now it’s fresh like the rest. And this upgrade in style carries through to the interior where an all-new dash with a more premium feel is found.
The instrument panel now has Chevrolet’s dual cockpit layout with a softer and more symmetrical look. Ahead of the driver is a larger instrument cluster with both an analog speedometer and tachometer with digital display driver information center standard.
Technologies now include a new 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Chevrolets MyLink suite of capabilities. Most importantly it can support Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity and can be had with 4G LTE and a Wi-Fi hotspot.
And like most new models this year, a host of active safety features and driver aids are available including blind-spot, rear cross traffic, and forward collision alert along with lane departure warning. These items along with its good ratings in IIHS crash testing could enable it to earn a Top Safety Pick rating.
Power for the 2017 Chevrolet Trax remains the same as previous models, which remain unique in class. Its 1.4-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine comes with a six-speed automatic transmission and is good for 148 horsepower. It comes in both front-wheel and all-wheel drive.
Built in South Korea, the 2017 Chevrolet Trax will arrive this fall to compete in the growing compact SUV class. Pricing of course will come sooner to that time, but expect it to be very close to its current starting price of $20,300.
