2024 Chevrolet Trax Has Grown Into A Mature, Value-Packed SUV

The 2024 Chevrolet Trax is arguably the most interesting affordable crossover currently on sale. It’s also a significant leap forward in terms of general refinement and size versus its predecessor. Very much like the Hyundai Venue, or the Nissan Kicks, it’s further proof that the affordable vehicle segment no longer need to suck. As a matter of fact, I reckon that even if it wasn’t dirt cheap, the Trax would still be relevant. It’s just a damn cool little crossover.

2024 Chevrolet Trax Review: Blazer-Vibes At A Discount Price

I totally dig the way the 2024 Chevrolet Trax looks. It takes styling cues from the Chevrolet Blazer, an SUV I also like very much due to its styling. If you follow this blog, you’re well aware that I’m not a fan of sport utility vehicles. I only like them when they’re ridiculously quick off the line, or when they look sort of rad.I think it’s important to underline that the Trax is really all about proving to the world that cheap is no longer a synonym for a bad car. This subcompact crossover – which borders on compact SUV dimensions – not only looks the part, but also presents itself as a something modern, refined and well-equipped. Heck, even the paint quality is great. I’ve seen BMWs wearing more orange peel.For its second generation, the Trax is larger, wider and generally beefier than the model it replaces. As a matter of fact, it’s even larger than the Chevrolet Trailblazer, but priced below it. For reference, its wheelbase is almost six inches longer than the old model, while total length grows 11 inches. The new Trax also sits two inches wider than its predecessor.Things also change underneath the sheetmetal. The platform is all new (GM VSS-F), while the Trax is now only offered with front-wheel drive. The sole powertrain offered is a turbocharged 1.2-liter three-cylinder shared with the Trailblazer. Paired to a six-speed automatic transmission, this turbocharged engine is good for 137 horsepower and 162 lb-ft of torque. I know, that’s not a lot, but considering that the target audience for these things – typically young, low budget consumers – favor styling and cargo space over performance, it seems totally adequate on paper. I’ll get back to the way the Trax performs in a bit.Pricing is really where this thing truly shines. There are five trim levels to choose from, with the cheapest, an LS, kicking off at a bargain basement $24,530 before dealer fees. A top of the line ACTIV model will cost you no more than $31,030. My tester, a 2RS – essentially a visual package that gives you a racier look and larger, 19-inch wheels, but also more tech by way of an 11-inch infotainment screen (versus eight inches) and an eight-inch digital gauge cluster (versus an analog type), costs the same price.It’s the better buy versus an ACTIV, I reckon. Either way, they’re both highly superficial. If your goal is to save a few bucks on your car payments, then I suggest sticking with the 1RS model at $26,030. You’ll still get neat 18-inch wheels and rad styling inside and out.

Basically A Big, Soft Hatchback

No, the 2024 Chevrolet isn’t fast, nor is it particularly fun to drive. But it truly makes you feel like you’re getting a lot for your money. For instance, active noise cancelling makes this entry level SUV feel just as quiet as some premium offerings, while the interior design and color combinations are never boring, always reminding you that you’re driving something that’s thinking outside the box.Acceleration in a Trax is only fine. Punch the accelerator pedal and the puny engine puffs hard to get this the car up and going. That said, the amount of low-end torque that this three-pot generates is rather impressive. It also feels great to not be have to deal with the droning nature of a CVT. Although in this application, as unexpected as it may sound, a CVT would have probably made more sense in order to extract more power out of the already gutless powerplant. Nevertheless, transmission downshifts are always more fun. The Trax, when flogged hard, will execute them in a jiffy. Just don’t expect any speed. This thing is dead slow.On the handling front, I was rather surprised by the solid composure of the Trax’ chassis and its immediate steering feel. It’s no hot hatchback, but the way this thing handles is really fine considering what a Trax is trying to be. There’s a nice, refined composure in the way it negotiates a corner, while its suspension damping feels soft and all grown-up. The Trax is no longer the bouncy urban runabout it once was. It now feels like a large, inoffensive hatchback.Fuel efficiency, however, isn’t great. I mean, sure, an 8.5L/100 km average during winter is good for an SUV, but considering that there’s no all-wheel drive and that the engine is basically the same size as a sewing machine, those numbers aren’t really that impressive.Still on the theme of getting a lot for your money; it’s worth underlining how much passenger and cargo space you’ll get from this entry-level SUV. It has a spacious interior thanks to rear seat and head room that are considerably better than in its predecessor. I mean, I’ve felt more cramped in the back seat of a Mazda CX-5. Total cargo space (all seats folded flat) is also impressive at 1,531 liters. In case you haven’t been keeping track, that’s more than in a Mazda CX-30 (1,280 liters).General build quality in a Trax is good, while some hard plastics do reveal the low price tag. But it’s still above average. The onboard technology that this RS model offers was a pleasant touch, with a quick-to-react infotainment system (ironically faster than in the GMC Canyon), easily configurable wireless Android Auto (in my case), a Wi-Fi hotspot – which is always handy – and plenty of USB ports to connect your devices. Storage space is also ample, and I totally dig the optional digital gauge pod of the RS model. It adds to the Trax’ young and cool vibe.I like certain vehicles for different reasons. Sometimes it’s due to the way they drive. Sometimes it’s because of the way they look, or how make they me feel when I drive them. Some vehicles, like the 2024 Chevrolet Trax, seduce me simply because they’re clever products. They’re so honest in their execution that I’d have no problem recommending them to a member of my family. I’ll go as far as saying that this little Chevy is up there among the most impressive vehicles I’ve driven in a very long time.