The automotive landscape is ever-shifting, and sometimes, perceptions need a serious recalibration. In 2024, the Chevrolet Trax, a vehicle once considered a subcompact runabout, is now being classified as a full-size car by rental agencies. This might raise eyebrows, especially for those familiar with the Trax of yesteryear. But does this upsized designation hold water, and more importantly, does the redesigned 2024 Trax deliver as a compelling budget-friendly SUV? As a content creator for keyfobx.com and an auto repair specialist, I’ve delved into the details to bring you an in-depth review of the 2024 Chevrolet Trax.
The previous generation Trax was, to put it kindly, underwhelming. It was small, somewhat awkwardly styled, and lacked the refinement many drivers sought. However, Chevrolet has clearly listened to feedback and reimagined the Trax for the 2024 model year. The result is a vehicle that’s not just bigger, but significantly better in almost every way. Traveling across the country recently, I had the opportunity to spend considerable time with the new Trax, putting it through its paces and evaluating its strengths and weaknesses. My aim is to provide a practical, expert perspective, focusing on what matters most to car owners: reliability, functionality, and overall value.
Design and Interior: A Step Up in Style and Comfort
First impressions matter, and the 2024 Trax makes a strong one. Gone is the stubby, boxy aesthetic of the previous generation. The new Trax boasts a longer, lower, and wider stance, giving it a more planted and mature appearance. While subjective, it’s safe to say the 2024 model is a far more attractive vehicle, aligning with current design trends in the SUV segment.
Stepping inside the LT trim, the interior is surprisingly well-appointed for its price point. The two-tone dash and door panels, featuring varying textures, create a visually appealing and less budget-feeling environment. Faux leather seating with cloth inserts adds a touch of class, and the broad 11-inch touchscreen display, coupled with a digital gauge cluster, brings a modern tech-forward vibe to the cabin. The jet nozzle air vents with blue accents are a subtle but appreciated design flourish.
However, delving deeper reveals some cost-saving measures. The center console, while aesthetically pleasing with its piano black trim around the shifter, is constructed from hard, pebbled plastic. The door armrests are also notably hard, a common area where budget cars cut corners. While these material choices are understandable given the Trax’s competitive price, they are points to consider in terms of long-term comfort and feel. A side-hinged console lid and softer armrest materials would elevate the interior experience further.
Despite these minor drawbacks, the Trax LT comes equipped with a generous list of standard features. Adaptive cruise control, lane keep assist with lane departure warning, forward collision alert, blind spot monitoring, HD backup camera with rear cross-traffic alert, and wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay are all included. This level of technology and safety features is impressive for a vehicle in this price range. Even the base LS trim, starting at an enticingly low MSRP, offers a respectable level of equipment.
Performance and Driving Experience: Punchy Three-Cylinder Surprises
Under the hood, the 2024 Trax is powered by a diminutive 1.2-liter turbocharged three-cylinder engine. On paper, this might seem underpowered, but in practice, it’s surprisingly capable. Producing 137 horsepower and 162 lb-ft of torque, the engine provides adequate acceleration for city and highway driving. While not a sports car, the Trax can confidently merge onto highways and maintain cruising speeds without feeling strained.
The six-speed automatic transmission is well-matched to the engine, offering smooth and timely shifts. It’s eager to downshift when needed, enhancing responsiveness for passing maneuvers. Fuel economy is another strong point, with the Trax achieving an EPA-rated 32 mpg on the highway. During my highway-heavy road trip, I observed fuel consumption in line with this rating, making it a fuel-efficient option for daily commutes and longer journeys.
The ride quality is tuned for comfort, absorbing bumps and road imperfections effectively. While the Trax isn’t designed for aggressive cornering, it handles competently in everyday driving situations. The steering is light and responsive, making it easy to maneuver in parking lots and urban environments. Road noise is present, particularly with the all-season tires, but it’s not excessive for this vehicle class. Overall, the driving experience is comfortable and confidence-inspiring, suitable for a wide range of drivers.
Practicality and Space: Room Where It Counts
One of the most significant improvements in the 2024 Trax is its increased size and interior space. As mentioned earlier, rental agencies are even classifying it as full-size, and while that might be a stretch, the Trax is undeniably spacious for its segment. Front legroom is generous, even for taller drivers. Rear passengers benefit from ample legroom and a flat floor, making it comfortable for adults to sit in the back.
Cargo space is also commendable for a subcompact SUV. It offers more cargo volume than competitors like the Nissan Kicks and Hyundai Venue, making it practical for hauling luggage, groceries, or weekend gear. While it lacks some rear-seat amenities like a center armrest or map pockets, the focus is clearly on maximizing passenger and cargo room, which it achieves effectively.
Compared to rivals, the Trax stands out in terms of size and power. It’s larger and more powerful than both the Nissan Kicks and Hyundai Venue, yet priced competitively. This combination of space, performance, and value makes it a compelling option in the budget SUV segment. Even compared to its stablemate, the Chevrolet Trailblazer, the Trax offers more rear legroom and cargo space, despite being positioned below it in the Chevrolet lineup.
Value and Verdict: A Strong Contender in the Budget SUV Arena
The 2024 Chevrolet Trax represents a significant leap forward from its predecessor. It’s a well-rounded subcompact SUV that offers a surprising amount of value for its price. With its attractive design, comfortable and tech-forward interior, peppy three-cylinder engine, and generous space, the Trax addresses many of the shortcomings of the previous generation.
Pros:
- Attractive Design: A significant improvement over the previous generation, with a more modern and appealing aesthetic.
- Spacious Interior: Generous passenger and cargo space for the subcompact segment.
- Value for Money: Competitive pricing with a strong list of standard features, especially in the LT trim.
- Fuel Efficiency: Achieves respectable fuel economy, particularly on the highway.
- User-Friendly Technology: Standard 11-inch touchscreen with wireless smartphone integration.
Cons:
- Hard Interior Plastics: Some cost-cutting is evident in the use of hard plastics in certain areas of the interior.
- Basic Armrest Comfort: Door armrests are notably hard and could be more comfortable.
- Three-Cylinder Engine NVH: While capable, the three-cylinder engine may exhibit some characteristic vibrations and noise under hard acceleration.
Overall:
The 2024 Chevrolet Trax is a compelling option for budget-conscious buyers seeking a practical and well-equipped subcompact SUV. It surpasses expectations in several key areas, offering a level of style, space, and features that are rare at its price point. While it’s not without minor compromises, the Trax delivers a strong overall package and deserves serious consideration for anyone in the market for an affordable and versatile SUV. Chevrolet seems to be rediscovering its roots, offering value-oriented vehicles that resonate with a broad range of buyers, and the 2024 Trax is a prime example of this resurgence.
