Skipping the 2023 model year entirely, the 2024 Chevrolet Trax roars back onto the subcompact SUV stage, totally redesigned inside and out. Longer and wider than the previous Trax, it provides more passenger and cargo space. Chevy stocks it with additional standard equipment and safety technology, too. Pricing starts at $20,400.
Powered by the turbocharged 3-cylinder engine from the current Trailblazer, the Trax should please buyers looking for an affordable, entry-level crossover with impressive passenger and cargo space. We like that Chevy includes its Safety Assist bundle of safety and driver-aid technologies on every Trax model.
Where the 2022 Trax only offered two trim levels, Chevy hiked the grade count to five for the 2024 version. Consequently, the Trax will appeal to a wider audience with varying budgets. Furthermore, several design cues are keyed to specific trims, with unique grilles, wheels, and cabin décor.
The Trax competes with subcompact SUVs like the Hyundai
HYMTF,
Kona, Nissan
NSANY,
Kicks, and Mazda
MZDAY,
CX-30.
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2024 Chevrolet Trax pricing
The 2024 Chevrolet Trax starts at $20,400. That positions it below the Chevy Trailblazer — also a subcompact SUV — which currently starts at $22,100. One of the interesting aspects of the 2024 Trax lineup is that only $3,500 separates the base LS from the top-of-the-line Activ model.
The Trax is on the more affordable side of subcompact SUVs alongside the Nissan Kicks, Hyundai Kona, and Mazda CX-30.
| Trax LS | $20,400 |
| Trax 1RS | $22,100 |
| Trax LT | $22,300 |
| Trax 2RS | $23,900 |
| Trax Activ | $23,900 |
These are the manufacturer’s suggested retail prices and don’t include the $1,095 factory delivery fee.
Before buying a Trax, check the Kelley Blue Book Fair Purchase Price to know what you should really pay. Resale value has not been a Trax strength, but the new version is significantly more competitive and we expect to see some improvement in that area.
What’s new for 2024?
Virtually everything about the redesigned 2024 Trax is new, from its longer wheelbase and additional interior space to many of the features on its standard content list. The engine is new to Trax, as is its Blazer-inspired styling. The available infotainment touchscreens are bigger, and your smartphone connectivity is through wireless Apple CarPlay or wireless Android Auto. The Chevy Safety Assist battery of safety and driver-assistance technologies is standard on every grade.
Driving the 2024 Chevrolet Trax
The new Chevy Trax is powered by a turbocharged 3-cylinder engine linked to a 6-speed automatic transmission. Despite being turbocharged, this is a pretty sleepy little engine.
The low-end power from a standstill is good enough for around-town driving, and it can eventually get up to highway speed, but we noticed a disappointing delay in power delivery when hitting the accelerator on on-ramps. What the Trax lacks in power, it makes up for in efficiency; it has a combined fuel economy rating of 30 mpg.
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The suspension is a little firm on rough roads, but it’s also sportier than we expected. The Trax is happy to take quick turns and stays stable on winding roads. This is an SUV with driving dynamics that reminded us of a small hatchback or sedan.
Plenty of space
The interior of the Chevy Trax has a pleasant layout, and the tech features are easy to use. A feature-rich touchscreen is aimed at the driver, and you still get easy-to-use knobs and buttons for the HVAC controls.
The front seats of this Chevy have plenty of room, and they’re comfortable even on long drives. We thought the seat fabric on the base LS trim was a little low-rent, but luckily, it doesn’t cost much to get nicer seats. Even the top trims start at under $24k.
The Trax boasts best-in-class rear-seat legroom, which gives the Trax real credibility as a small family SUV. We found the rear legroom and headroom generous, even for adults. One small gripe; you can’t get rear-seat air vents.
The Trax has 25.6 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seats, ranking it among the roomiest in its class. Naturally, you get more cargo room when you fold down the rear seats.
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Lower, wider, better
We’ve already established that the 2024 Chevy Trax is longer and wider than the previous generation. Both contribute to the boost in interior space. “Track width” refers to the distance between the wheels on each axle. Those numbers are up as well, resulting in a Trax that appears more hunkered down and planted. Reinforcing the look is a significant 5- to 6-inch loss in height (depending on wheel size) from 2022.
To say designers paid homage to the larger Blazer when penning the lines of the 2024 Trax would be an understatement. We wouldn’t be surprised to learn the stylists used a checklist of the Blazer styling cues when designing the newest Trax. With size being your only clue, the resemblance is uncanny from the front.
All in all, the reinvigorated Trax has serious curb appeal.
Our favorite features and tech
Chevy Safety Assist
Standard on every new Trax, this bundle of technologies includes forward collision warning with automatic emergency braking and pedestrian detection. Other technologies are lane-keeping assist, lane-departure warning, high-beam assist, and following-distance indicator.
Bigger touchscreens
Chevy boosted the size of the standard touchscreen in the LS and 1RS to an 8-inch display, while the upper trims feature an 11-inch screen.
Driver information display
This 8-inch programmable display provides a host of information about the vehicle and its various systems.
Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
Whether your smartphone operating system is Android or Apple’s
AAPL,
iOS, it will interface with the Trax infotainment system without cables.
Disc brakes
Chevy dumped the rear drum brakes of the outgoing model in favor of 4-wheel disc brakes on all trim levels.
LED headlights
Every Trax model arrives with LED headlights that illuminate a longer, wider area than halogen lamps. Moreover, they are more easily seen by approaching drivers.
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Engine and transmission
The turbo engine in the Trax gets good fuel economy and delivers adequate performance. Front-wheel drive is standard, and unlike the Chevy Trailblazer, all-wheel drive is not an option.
1.2-liter turbocharged 3-cylinder
137 horsepower @ 5,000 rpm
162 lb-ft of torque @ 2,500 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 28/32 mpg
3-year/36,000-mile warranty
The 2024 Trax is covered by Chevy’s 3-year/36,000-mile basic warranty and 5-year/60,000-mile powertrain warranty. This level of warranty protection, which also includes 24/7 roadside assistance, is typical for the segment.
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This story originally ran on KBB.com.
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