
That’s one sign of cost-cutting on lower-end models.Ĭargo space expands from 18.7 cubic feet with rear seatbacks up, to 48.4 cubic feet with them folded. The simplicity and trim in a Trax exude an almost sporty tone, though impaired by abundant hard black plastics. The standard 3.5-inch monochrome display screen holds a digital speedometer. The instrument cluster itself is almost identical to the one in the Chevrolet Sonic. Inside, Trax adapts Chevrolet’s twin cockpit styling theme to a more practical, upright layout, while exhibiting a similar motorcycle influence. Roof rails are absent, too, which ironically results in a cleaner appearance. The base Trax LS has black door-mirror pedestals and lacks chrome beltline strips, signaling its low-budget nature. Regardless, we think the Trax’s slightly squarish body lines come off better than the Buick’s collection of curvaceous swoops and metallic frills. The end result is inoffensive, but unseasoned. Except for front doors, the two share nothing.Ĭhevrolet appears to have taken the safe route, compared with the look of a Jeep Renegade, MINI Countryman, or Nissan Juke. On the whole, Trax appears far less distinguished than Buick’s Encore. Exterior FeaturesĮven though Trax designers borrowed styling cues from Chevy trucks, placing them on a tall hatchback-style body, the general effect is generic. Trax LTZ rides on 18-inch alloy wheels and includes heated leatherette-trimmed front seats, a power driver’s seat, auto-dimming mirror, foglamps, rear park assist, and a Bose seven-speaker sound system. Trax LT gets 16-inch alloy wheels, deluxe cloth upholstery, remote start, roof rails, and heated power-adjustable mirrors. MyLink entertainment comes with a 7-inch color touchscreen.

Standard features include air conditioning keyless entry power windows, locks, and mirrors and a tilt/telescopic steering column OnStar 4G LTE connectivity includes a wi-fi hotspot. Trax LS has 16-inch steel wheels and plastic wheel covers. Front-wheel drive is standard, all-wheel drive is optional. The 2016 Chevrolet Trax comes in three trim levels: LS, LT, LTZ. Trax was deemed Good by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, its highest compliment.

Crash-test scores have been excellent, led by a five-star overall rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).
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Both the driver and front passenger get knee airbags, and all four outboard seating positions are fitted with side thorax airbags. Safety features include a rearview camera and 10 airbags, but Trax lacks any modern active-safety systems. That’s something of an illusion, as the Trax is hardly ready for wilderness trekking, even with all-wheel drive.ĭespite its official five-passenger capacity, Trax, like many smaller vehicles, seats no more than four adults comfortably.Ĭontrolled handling and a comfortable ride are appealing, and responsive electric power steering yields good maneuverability, but there’s nothing particularly sporty about a Trax. Lower body elements look like rubber, hinting at inherent ruggedness. It’s like a tall five-door hatchback, with an arched roofline, tall hood, and attractively sculpted bodysides that don’t convey a slab-sided look. This translates to comparatively swift takeoffs, while a deep overdrive sixth gear promises relaxed, thrifty cruising on the open road.ĭespite having the footprint of a subcompact car, the Trax measures 66 inches tall. The 6-speed automatic transmission has a broad range of ratios. And speaking of ho-hum, the styling is bland.īeneath the hood, a 1.4-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine makes 138 horsepower and 148 pound-feet of torque.

Except for some new colors, nothing has changed for 2016.Īs expected, fuel economy is a prominent benefit, while acceleration falls on the ho-hum side. Trax was introduced for 2015 as Chevrolet’s second smallest model, while Canadian dealers had the Trax for two years before its U.S. Both models are built upon the architecture of the Chevrolet Sonic sedan. The Chevrolet Trax is basically a fewer-frills version of the Buick Encore. The Chevrolet Trax is a five-passenger hatchback with a spacious and versatile interior.
