The 2019 Chevrolet Trax is one of many offerings available in the subcompact-crossover segment, and it goes up against competent rivals like theMazda CX-3,Ford Escape, and the Kia Soul. It wades into battle with only one engine option – a 1.4-liter four-cylinder turbo making 138 horsepower. In this segment, competition is fierce, and many of the little Chevy's rivals have been putting out quality offerings for some time now, refining them for what the consumer wants. However, the Trax goes all in, armed with an impressive arsenal of standard features - a point which is always a big positive for buyers. With plenty of standard infotainment features, including a touchscreen system with Wi-Fi, potential buyers won't be forking out anything extra here; but, most won't be overly impressed either, as the cabin is rather plasticky and bland. Much needed driver-assistance options are also few and far between. Prices range from $21,300 - $29,100 - but does the Trax leave enough of a trail to stand out in this segment?
Changes for the new model are notable only in their absence. All that separates the new model from the outgoing one are some new color options – Satin Steel Metallic, Pacific Blue Metallic, and Dark Copper Metallic.
The 2019 Trax LS starts at $21,300 before tax, licensing, registration, incentives, and the destination charge of $995. The mid-range LT comes in at $23,200, while top-tier Premier starts at $27,600. A fully loaded Premier package with all the bells and whistles comes in just below the $30,000 mark. All-wheel-drive on any of the trims in the Trax's range will set you back an extra $1,500.
年代ee trim levels and configurations:
Trim | Engine | Transmission | Drivetrain | Price (MSRP) |
---|---|---|---|---|
LS |
1.4L Turbo Inline-4 Gas |
6-Speed Automatic |
Front-Wheel Drive
All-Wheel Drive |
$21,300 |
LT |
1.4L Turbo Inline-4 Gas |
6-Speed Automatic |
Front-Wheel Drive
All-Wheel Drive |
$23,200 |
Premier |
1.4L Turbo Inline-4 Gas |
6-Speed Automatic |
Front-Wheel Drive
All-Wheel Drive |
$27,600 |
The brakes and chassis on the Chevrolet Trax are among its strong points – the rotors are larger than those of most of its competitors and allow you to make the most of your momentum when you finally get up to speed, inspiring confidence and allowing you to brake later. Due in part to its independent front suspension, the Trax starts to come alive in the corners. Its steering is quick, albeit a little dead in terms of feel, and the ride is stable, but some bumps may feel a little choppy; despite its height, the Trax never feels like it is top-heavy. Although some others in its class can be more fun to drive, the agile Chev competently holds its own here.
While it's not the most uncomfortable drive, the road noise coupled with the rough harmonics from under the hood make it a less than enjoyable road-trip companion over longer distances. That being said, combined with its stopping power and its relative agility in the bends, the Trax is not entirely unenjoyable. However, if you're shopping in this segment, handling dynamics are likely to play less of a role as a deciding factor than things like daily usability and ergonomics.
年代o, is the 2019 Chevrolet Trax worth a test drive? Is it worth spending around 25 grand on? Well, yes and no. In isolation, the Trax represents very good value as a competent all-rounder. However, when considering its asthmatic engine, relatively poor fuel economy, and slightly hefty price for certain options that are crucial safety features, its positive characteristics - such as a user-friendly infotainment system and decent handling - are outweighed heavily.
If you want space and outstanding all-weather capability, the Subaru Crosstrek is better equipped. If you prefer a more engaging drive, theKia Nirois more fun. If you want a more competent freeway cruiser with good gas mileage, the CX-3 from Mazda is likely more up your alley. Essentially, while the Trax is decent in a few ways, it's not brilliant in any, and unless a user-friendly infotainment system is your only criterion, there are certainly better options out there.
If you have your heart set on a Chevrolet Trax, the LT is the one to go for. The LS is too cheap and basic and does not allow for any additional extras - which leaves it devoid of any advanced driver aids. And, the Premier costs too much for what you get, to be honest. The LT is the most well-rounded variant, has the necessary items available as add-ons, and is comfortable enough without costing too much, too.
We'd recommend the LT paired with the Convenience Package and the Driver Confidence package, keeping costs around $25,000. This gives you access to all the safety equipment available on the Trax, as well as amenities like heated seats and power adjustment for the driver, without compromising on the purpose of a vehicle like this – to be usable every day, in every way. Skip on the all-wheel-drive system though, unless you live in an area fraught with challenging and slippery roadways.
Competitor | Horsepower | MPG | Price (MSRP) |
---|---|---|---|
Chevrolet Trax | 137 hp | 28/32 mpg | $20,400 |
Ford EcoSport | 166 hp | 23/29 mpg | $22,040 |
Ford Escape | 180 hp | TBC | $28,000 |
看着样式的演变,雪佛兰Trax certainly has come a long way in terms of looking more like the "hip" city vehicle it aims to be. Although the Ford EcoSport has been around for a while now, its styling is still relatively fresh and holds its own. In terms of interior space, the margins are very narrow here, with the EcoSport winning on legroom but losing on headroom. The EcoSport also comes out on top when comparing cargo space, with 20.9 cubic feet available before folding down any seats, in comparison to the 18.7 available on the Trax. The EcoSport and Trax are both quite on par in terms of convenience features and infotainment, with both offering excellent standard elements like satellite radio, heated seats, and a leather steering wheel, although the Trax offers this up only in the Premier edition. Despite a much smaller 1.0-liter turbo three-cylinder, the EcoSport manages to outdo the Trax with vastly better mpg scores, although it does suffer from about 15 horsepower less at entry point to the range. The EcoSport has the benefit of offering a 2.0-liter powertrain on its SES trim, for those who want a little more oomph. Where the EcoSport truly shines is when tallying up how much it affects your wallet. Starting at $19,995, it's $1,305 cheaper than the base Trax, yet offers just that much more. Overall, the EcoSport is the more economical option, the better-equipped vehicle, and has more potential to avoid causing buyer's remorse.
Although a considerably smaller vehicle, the Trax is generally bought by people who want similar things to buyers of the Ford Escape. Naturally, due to its greater size and heft, the Ford Escape is much more cavernous, allowing bigger loads to be carried about; but, it is also less economical on gas due to its size and 2.0-liter or 2.5-liter engine options. With a starting price of $24,105, the Ford Escape is also less thrifty a purchase than the Trax, but that extra money spent on a bulkier car gets you approximately three inches more legroom in the front and nearly two inches in the back. Space is also much greater when it comes to the cargo area, as the Trax only has 18.7 cubic feet of volume in the back, while the Escape is almost double that at 34 cubic feet. With the seats folded, those numbers increase to 48.4 cubic feet in the Trax and 68 in the Escape.
With at least 400 pounds of body weights more than the Trax to get moving, despite having more powerful engine options, the Ford Escape offers almost identical performance to that of the Trax. The infotainment system here is also less impressive, with the screen measuring under five-inches in base form while it also has one less USB port than the Chevy. If you need much more space, the Escape is worth considering, but with better gas mileage, tech options, and a much lower price, the Trax is certainly a smarter financial buy.
The most popular competitors of 2019 Chevrolet Trax: