Starts at an affordable $21,495, the all-new entry-level 2024 Chevrolet Trax crossover is now the most attainable vehicle from the brand. Completely redesigned, it’s gotten larger, safer, far more stylish.
It’s longer now at 178-inches, 2-inches wider, 4-inches lower and sporting a 6-inch longer wheelbase at a total of 106-inches. Honestly it’s more like a car than an SUV – really reads more like a sport wagon in form and from behind the wheel though with a higher seating position that SUV buyers seem to love.
Styling is certainly sexier now, sporting a face and details that make it look a lot more like a scaled down Blazer and definitely part of the family with the other new Chevrolets recently unveiled. Its face, grille and headlamps are sharp and tidy. It’s stance and silhouette almost like a rear-wheel drive wagon.
The top-line Active trim grade we tested rang in at $26,935 including a few options and packages. It has LED headlamps standard across the board with wheel sizes ranging from 17-inches to 19-inches on the top models. Our Activ trim came with black 18-inch wheels. Trims start with LS, then 1RS, LT, 2RS and the top line ACTIV. Each level has specific trim finishes. Our Active had gloss black on the grill for instance and black chrome accents front and rear.
That same ethos of variety of colors and finishes by trim grade follows inside where a variety of interiors all benefit in space and comfort from the significant increase in size for the 2024 Chevrolet Trax.
Like the exterior, the new dash is very much similar in design to the latest new Chevrolets. Two color digital screens light up to keep the drive informed and entertained. Angled toward the driver, an 8-inch infotainment screen is standard on LS and 1RS, a larger 11-inch screen for LT, 2RS and ACTIV. All trims get LT and above get an 8-inch instrument cluster screen.
Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard. Available are a wireless phone charger and Wi-Fi Hotspot capability. Cruise control is standard equipment on all and Adaptive Cruise Control is available on upper trims. A rear view camera is standard.
Powering the 2024 Chevrolet Trax is a 1.2-liter turbocharged three cylinder engine with 137 horsepower and 162 pound-feet of torque. It comes only with a six-speed automatic transmission and only with front-wheel drive. We found that power was adequate though it is leisurely off the start before turbo boost spools in. Being a three cylinder engine also brings with it a different sound and feel than most engines, sometimes a little rough.
The six-speed transmission was a nice upgrade from the CVT that most of its competitors throw at you, though it can be a little clunky at slow speeds. The engine features auto start stop but its not so aggressive that it keeps you sweating when temperatures are up. It stays on when it’s hot so your AC doesn’t go warm on you. Fuel economy is rated at 28 city, 32 highway and 30 mpg combined. In our week we only achieved 26 mpg combined but in fairness the AC was on at all times due to our summer heat in Arizona.
Suspension is standard fare for low cost cars with a MacPherson struts at the front and a simple and basic torsion beam rear suspension. It works well and feels solid at speed on the highway. Around town it can be a little clunky and rough with irregular pavement though. At least brakes all around are standard four-wheel disc.
The 2024 Chevrolet Trax is built in South Korea and exhibits good quality, fit and finish. We find that it’s an interesting choice in the market given the basic entry point for most competing brands offers something entirely different.
