From stubby to sleek
2024 Chevrolet Trax is larger and actually attractive
When it comes to utility vehicles, Chevrolet has one of the most fulsome assortments on the market. They range from the king-size Suburban down to the tiny entry-level Trax that joined the lineup for 2015. That model was canceled after 2022, but a second-generation Trax arrives this spring. Compared with the original, the 2024 Trax, which originates from a General Motors’ factory in South Korea, is an engaging work of art that bears some resemblance to the midsize Blazer and the subcompact Trailblazer. The Trax is arguably better looking than both. The roofline gently tapers to meet the slanted hatchback and intricately designed taillights. Black side moldings give the Trax an air of ruggedness. Compared with the Trailblazer, the Trax is more than 4 inches longer and has a 3-inch advantage in distance between the front and rear wheels. That’s right, the Trailblazer is the smallest utility vehicle in the lineup. The Trax also leads in cargo capacity behind the front and second row of seats, however, it’s about equal to the retired Trax, which had a taller roof. An up-to-date interior is highlighted by a digital gauge display that nudges up against the eight- or optional 11-inch infotainment screen that’s canted toward the driver. Both are equipped with Apple Carplay plus Android connectivity. The floor shifter has been retained, but its shape and position are said to be “ergonomically optimized,” compared with the original. The Trax’s increased length has resulted in 3 inches of additional rear legroom, which is always appreciated in vehicles of this stature. For 2024, the Trax runs with a turbocharged 1.2-liter three-cylinder engine that puts out 137 horsepower and 162 pound-feet of torque. The 2022 Trax’s turbo 1.4-liter four-cylinder made 155 horsepower and 177 pound-feet. The new Trax engine is also standard equipment for front-wheeldrive Trailblazers. A 155-horsepower turbocharged 1.3-liter three-cylinder, which is matched with all-wheel drive, is a Trailblazer option. There is no optional engine for the Trax. Unlike the previous generation, the new Trax is strictly front-wheel drive. The reason, according to Chevrolet, is that about 70 percent of buyers who purchased the original Trax chose front-wheel-drive versions. Still, saying goodbye to 30 percent appears to be questionable. As before, a six-speed automatic transmission is standard with all trims. Fuel economy hasn’t been determined, but it’s likely to be about the same as the base Trailblazer’s ratings of 29 mpg in the city, 33 on the highway and 31 combined. Likewise, the towing capacity is unknown, but it likely won’t exceed the Trailblazer’s 1,000-pound maximum. The base Trax LS starts at $21,500 including destination charges. It’s
one of five trim levels that include the 1RS, LT, 2RS and Activ. Along with the essential gear, the LS comes with several dynamic-safety technologies such as automatic emergency braking (including front pedestrian braking), forward-collision alert, lane-keeping assist with lane-departure warning and automatic high-beam headlight control. Blind-zone and rear cross-traffic alert, and rear park assist are optional. All higher trims include remote start, heated front seats, heated steering wheel and outside mirrors. There are also seat covers that are unique for each trim. The top-tier 2RS and Activ, which each list for $25,000, naturally arrive well equipped with navigation, wireless phone charging, automatic climate control, power-adjustable driver’s seat and 18- or 19-inch wheels (17s are standard). Their exterior trim — black for the 2RS and “titanium” for the Activ — are also unique to each. The affordably priced Chevrolet Trax is not without some competition, which includes other frontwheel-drive-only subcompact utilities such as the Nissan Kicks, the Hyundai Venue and the Kia Niro. All three practical urban runners offer purchase and leasing affordability, along with inherently keeping fuel costs in check.