Chevrolet Trax Test Drive.
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The Chevrolet Trax is a very attractive small Hatchback/Crossover type. It’s not really an SUV since it doesn’t offer an AWD option but competes against a wide range of vehicles. From a Honda Civic hatchback or HR-V to even small SUVs that people get with FWD.
I think it looks great, especially in the Activ trim I drove for a week. And the fantastic Cactus green color helps a lot. Unfortunately, my test car had the ghastly black wheels kids seem to like so much these days, for some mysterious reason…
Things look great inside too. The dashboard is very attractive and the whole thing feels like a more expensive car than it actually is, at around $27,000 loaded. Which is the base price of a Honda Civic hatchback. The seats look and feel great.
The sound system is pretty basic but it also sounds pretty good. Carplay and Sirius Radio are also still here.
There are also very nice design details here and there. Like the air vents which manage to look both upscale and original. And you can see Chevrolet put some effort into the door panel design as well. These are nice and pleasant surprises in such an inexpensive car.
The cargo area is also very roomy, and the rear seat has plenty of room for passengers.
The 2.2 Liter Turbo engine might only produce 137HP, but it never feels slow. Especially around town where it picks up speed quickly. It is almost always smooth and very quiet once you get going. And the transmission never minds downshifting when you need it.
The steering is surprisingly light and has that weird video game feel to it. However, just like Mexican Sterno south of the border, you get used to it after a couple of days.
The ride is very smooth and the whole thing is also really quiet. This is a small crossover that is also a pleasure to take on longer trips.
The Trax Activ is rated at 28/32MPG. The best I got around town was around 25/26MPG. But I easily beat the FWY rating with almost 40MPG. These aren’t Hybrid numbers but not bad at all for such a roomy vehicle. And very similar to what I got with a Honda HR-V.
Comparing the Trax to the HR-V, the Honda does feel more solid and a bit more upscale. But not as stylish at all. The HR-V also feels much slower than the small Chevrolet. I also think the Trax is a better choice than the more Expensive Chevrolet Trailblazer. Unless you absolutely must have AWD. (Which would really be standard on the Trailblazer)
I think the Chevrolet Trax is a great choice no matter what. In my opinion, the cool Activ trim is the most attractive, but the $20,400 starting price of the base model is a compelling deal in today’s market.
I’ve liked the ones I’ve seen and its gotten good driving reviews. A couple comments – the 1.2L turbo 3cyl engine tends to need to be pushed to get the power out of it, and that means what you’ve seen. You’ll probably get lower than rated mileage. Also, in terms of the HRV, that engine is a 2.0L NA 4cyl, and should be more reliable over time, though its doesn’t use its similar hp figures to the same effect. What I’d be watching is where this is made may affect its price shortly if Trump gets his way. It’s assembled in South Korea, and will probably get hit with the Trump Tax, pushing that low starting price up about $4k. Still, I think its a great deal for the price.