In an automotive landscape that’s constantly shifting, the 2024 Chevrolet Trax emerges as a vehicle that challenges perceptions. Imagine being told that the Chevy Trax, once considered a subcompact, is now classified as a full-size car. This might sound like automotive industry hyperbole, but after spending time with the redesigned Trax, it starts to make sense. My initial encounter with this surprising classification came from a Hertz rental agent, sparking a curiosity to delve deeper into what makes this new generation Trax so different.
The original Trax, a somewhat awkward and diminutive vehicle, is almost unrecognizable in this 2024 iteration. Chevrolet has seemingly listened to consumer demands and transformed the Trax into a longer, wider, and significantly more attractive crossover. This new model is clearly resonating with buyers, particularly outside major city centers, where its blend of practicality and affordability is highly appealing. To truly understand its appeal, I decided to take the 2024 Chevy Trax LT on a lengthy road trip, a 930-mile journey to the coast, to see if it could live up to the hype and expectations.
As someone with a long history of driving and owning General Motors vehicles, from childhood backseat experiences to current ownership, I felt uniquely positioned to evaluate the new Trax. There’s a certain familiarity and understanding that comes with years of experiencing Chevrolet’s offerings, especially their value-oriented models. These vehicles, while not always flashy, often deliver on core needs: affordability, reasonable reliability, and surprising practicality. Stepping into the Trax for this extended test, I was eager to see if this new model upheld those GM virtues while offering something more.
Settling into the driver’s seat of the Trax LT, the first impression was surprisingly positive, especially considering its starting MSRP of just over $20,000 for the base LS model and around $22,300 for the LT trim. The interior design is a step above what one might expect at this price point. The two-tone dash and door panels, incorporating different textures, along with faux leather seating featuring cloth inserts, create a sense of style. The expansive 11-inch touchscreen paired with a digital gauge cluster, flanked by jet nozzle-style air vents with blue accents, contributes to a modern and inviting cabin. However, first impressions can be deceiving, so the real test would be how these elements held up over a longer period.
rental review 2024 chevrolet trax lt
Almost immediately, some minor ergonomic quirks became apparent. The absence of a traditional handbrake has led to a wider center console, which, while providing storage, also intrudes on hip room and can make accessing the shifter slightly awkward, especially for taller drivers who sit further back. Buckling up the seatbelt became a minor elbow-banging exercise against this console. While the piano black trim around the shifter adds a touch of superficial elegance, the console itself, like the upper door panels, is constructed from hard, budget-grade plastic. A hinged console lid and softer door armrests would have been welcome improvements, especially considering the otherwise well-equipped nature of the Trax LT. The armrests, in particular, are notably hard, a clear reminder of cost-saving measures.
Despite these minor shortcomings, the Trax LT is far from sparsely equipped. It includes a generous array of standard features, such as adaptive cruise control, lane keep assist with lane departure warning, forward collision alert, blind spot monitoring, an HD backup camera with rear cross-traffic alert, and wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. Single-zone climate control and air conditioning are also standard. Notably, Chevrolet has included a physical volume knob for the audio system, a welcome feature in an era of touch-sensitive controls, though its placement high on the dash requires a bit of a reach around the steering wheel and wiper stalk.
The most significant and genuinely impressive aspect of the 2024 Chevy Trax is its interior space. At 6’4″, I could fully extend my legs with the driver’s seat in its rearmost position without touching the pedals. Even with the driver’s seat adjusted for my legroom, rear passenger space remained surprisingly generous. Rear seat legroom is excellent for this vehicle class, and the flat floor enhances passenger comfort. While rear amenities are basic, limited to device plug-ins and lacking features like a center armrest or map pockets, the focus is clearly on maximizing usable space. The cargo area behind the rear seats is also substantial, easily accommodating luggage and more, making it practical for road trips and everyday needs.
rental review 2024 chevrolet trax lt
Under the hood, the Trax is powered by a diminutive 1.2-liter turbocharged three-cylinder engine. While displacement might seem lacking, its performance is surprisingly adequate. Off the line, it’s capable of chirping the tires, and at highway speeds, the six-speed automatic transmission is responsive, readily downshifting to provide passing power with minimal throttle input. Fuel economy is respectable, with EPA ratings of 28 mpg city, 32 mpg highway, and 30 mpg combined. My highway-heavy trip yielded 32 mpg, aligning with the highway estimate and competitive with other subcompact crossovers. However, it does fall short of the fuel efficiency achieved by the previous generation Chevrolet Cruze, a vehicle that many Trax buyers might be cross-shopping. One can’t help but wonder what the older 1.4-liter turbo four-cylinder from the Cruze could have delivered in this application.
Driving the Trax evoked memories of the 2018 Chevrolet Cruze I own. Familiar GM switchgear and door handles are noticeable, creating a sense of shared DNA. However, a significant improvement over the Cruze is the steering. The Cruze’s overly sensitive on-center steering dead zone, requiring constant minor corrections at highway speeds, is absent in the Trax. The Trax’s steering feels more stable and planted.
The overall ride quality is also reminiscent of “Standard GM” tuning. Despite a generous 7.3 inches of ground clearance, body roll in corners is well-controlled, and the suspension absorbs bumps and road imperfections with surprising composure for a vehicle in this price bracket. There were no noticeable rattles or vibrations, although road noise, partly due to the all-season tires, was ever-present. The suspension tuning prioritizes comfort and everyday drivability over sporty handling, which is appropriate for the Trax’s intended purpose. This isn’t a vehicle designed for aggressive corner carving, but for comfortable and practical transportation.
Does the 2024 Chevy Trax deliver on the promise of value and content at an affordable price? The answer is a resounding yes. It not only offers a compelling package but also looks more stylish and substantial than many of its competitors. Compared to front-wheel-drive rivals like the Nissan Kicks and Hyundai Venue, the Trax provides significantly more rear seat legroom and cargo space. Despite its larger dimensions and added space, the base Trax is priced competitively, only slightly more than the Venue and less than the Kicks. Furthermore, the Trax outpowers both the Venue and Kicks, offering 137 horsepower and 162 lb-ft of torque, compared to their significantly less powerful engines. The Trax also boasts a larger overall footprint, dwarfing both competitors in length, adding to its more substantial road presence. The flat, long hood also provides a commanding view from the driver’s seat, enhancing the feeling of driving a larger vehicle.
rental review 2024 chevrolet trax lt
Could I personally live with a Chevy Trax? For everyday commuting and practical needs, absolutely. With the addition of winter tires, it would be a capable all-season vehicle in most climates, although the effectiveness of the large driver-side wiper in heavy snow remains a question. The 2024 Chevy Trax is poised to continue its strong sales momentum in the subcompact SUV segment, potentially challenging established rivals like the Subaru Crosstrek. Unless significant long-term reliability issues emerge, the Trax offers a compelling combination of space, features, and value that is hard to ignore.
While General Motors’ broader product strategy might be debated, the 2024 Chevy Trax is a clear success. It demonstrates that Chevrolet understands its core customer base and can still deliver vehicles that resonate with their needs and budgets. The Trax could serve as a blueprint for GM, highlighting a path forward by focusing on value, practicality, and delivering more than expected in key segments.
