2024 Chevrolet Trax

The compact utility segment is a fierce arena, with automakers routinely trying to “one-up” their competition by offering more features and style… all at an affordable price point. The Chevrolet Trax is all-new for 2024, and it’s taking aim at all three.

And while we normally save price for the end, I think it’s worth noting right off the bat. For 2024, the Trax will start at $21,495 with delivery. That is for the base LS trim; but even stepping up to the top-level 2RS or ACTIV will cost consumers $24,995. Not a bad proposition. There are two other trims, the 1RS and LT, ranking in at $23,195 and $23,395.

Of course, each of these offers different standard equipment and style, but let’s start with the basics found across the board. This new generation Trax has grown 11-inches longer for more interior space, including 3-extra-inches of rear legroom. Cargo space is rated at 25.6 cubic-feet seats-up and 54.1 seats-down. Giving it a sportier look and feel is a 2-inch wider stance and 4-inch shorter height.

Inside it’s a similar story; an edgier design housing modern amenities, like smartphone projection on the center display. Stepping up to the LT or above grants an 11-inch touchscreen, an upgrade over the base 8-inch unit. LT and up also receive the 8-inch Driver Information Center over the standard analog gauges. All models come standard with Chevy Safety Assist and a Teen Driver system.

“If you Google search the 2024 Chevrolet Trax, you’ll see something along the lines of ‘compact utility, affordable crossover;’ and that’s exactly what the new Trax is all about. I know that sounds like I’m kind of oversimplifying it, but that’s really what this is. Case in point, I’m in the ACTIV trim. This is the top-level you can get, so you get, like, a heated steering wheel, you get bigger screens and you get, like, leatherette seats, among some other features. And yet, despite some of the extra niceties, you’re still only starting at 25-grand– it’s $24,995, I think, to be exact; but, you know, 25-grand. That’s a really attractive price, and speaking of attractive… this new Trax, well, it’s very attractive. This redesign, in my opinion– I know this stuff is subjective; but, it looks phenomenal. So, you have an attractive looking vehicle that has a lot of great features in the top-trim, but even if you start at the lower trims– the entry-level models– you’re still getting a lot of the good stuff that I think buyers for this segment, at this price point, really want. So, like, smartphone integration, certain safety features and so on.”

Alright, so far so good. But how does it feel to drive? Well, the short answer: Good. This is thanks to both engine and transmission.

Powering the Trax is a standard 1.2-liter turbocharged inline-3, paired up to a six-speed automatic. It’s good for 137 horsepower and 162 lb-ft of torque sent to the front wheels. Hitting peak torque around 2,500 RPM meant that tighter roads were a little more fun to drive and getting onto the freeway wasn’t much of a chore.

“Now, for those of you who may be concerned about some of the powertrain figures there, ‘cause I know, like, 3-cylinder may not sound the most attractive to some buyers. Um, but for what this vehicle is meant to be, just a compact commuter that gets you from point-A to point-B and offers, again, a healthy amount of standard features, this three-cylinder’s doing great. I’m cruising around Asheville right now and I’m not having any problems. I could keep up with traffic on the freeway; yet, back here on some of these roads, uh, it’s perfect. It’s quiet, it’s smooth and, yeah, it feels great.”

Believe it or not, 2024 model year vehicles are already starting to show up at dealers, and this all-new Trax is no exception, arriving this spring.

For a compact utility, there’s a whole lot to the 2024 Chevrolet Trax. So much so that, well, we’ll have to get one in for a full Road Test, coming soon. In the meantime, drive safe and stay tuned to MotorWeek.