![]() ![]() Like many of the smallest SUVs, the Trax is based on subcompact-car underpinnings, in this case the Chevy Sonic hatchback or sedan, including that car’s front struts and rear torsion-beam suspension. If you’re planning to pass at those speeds, you need to plan ahead carefully. The gears in the transmission are widely spaced, giving a high sixth gear for relaxed and fuel-efficient highway cruising, but the little turbo-4 lacks enough oomph to get up to highway speeds expeditiously. Peak torque is 148 pound-feet, available from a relatively low 1,850 rpm. The 138-horsepower 1.4-liter turbo-4 engine is mated to a 6-speed automatic transmission, but the Trax has neither a manual gearbox nor a more powerful engine available. We give it 4 out of 10 possible points, docking it one point for its slow acceleration (Read more about how we rate cars.) Its ride and handling are fairly typical for the segment, but it’s slow even in a group of small SUVs hardly known for zippy performance and blazing acceleration. The 2018 Chevrolet Trax remains unchanged mechanically in its fourth year, with a single powertrain and a choice of standard front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive as an option. The top-of-the-line Premier version adds contrast stitching on the instrument panel, more appealing two-tone upholstery, and patterned trim replacing more basic black plastic panels on parts of the console. Chevy has moved away from the twin-cockpit design and fitted a more traditional dashboard that flows horizontally, along with conventional instruments for the driver. Even the base black-clothing upholstery is accented with blue stitching, relieving the grimness. Inside, the Chevy Trax is straightforward if a little heavy on the black plastic. That LS base model, however, is remarkably plain, standing out not only for its lack of chrome trim and econocar black-plastic door mirrors, but also for its steel wheels hidden by silver plastic wheel covers. All but the base model get LED running lights and taillights. Now in its fourth model year, the Trax benefited from a styling update last year that brought the front end into line with newer Chevy models, sharpening the narrow upper grille between the swept-back headlights and making the lower opening larger. The Trax is straightforward and lacks any of the flair of competitors like the Jeep Renegade, Mazda CX-3, or Mini Cooper Countryman. While the Trax shares underpinnings and even its front doors with the more premium Buick Encore, you’d never know it the two vehicles have distinctly different styling. It doesn’t have a third window behind the rear door, and that skews the balance toward hatchback despite the tall stance. The basic shape of the 2018 Chevrolet Trax falls between a tall hatchback and a short SUV. Overall, we rate the styling of the Trax at an average 5 points out of 10. ![]() Its weak spot is performance-it’s slow-and fuel economy that’s not quite up to the standard of the best subcompact SUVs.īecause its styling isn’t all that distinctive, the Trax may be the invisible small SUV: we know Chevy sells quite a number of them, but competitors like the Honda HR-V and Mazda CX-3 simply stand out more for their style. The 2018 Trax’s ratings are average for design, and quality and comfort. Overall, we give the Trax 5.7 out of 10 available points, a respectable rating though lower than the top-rated competitors in the segment. With the Trax, Chevy offers a high-riding, straightforward, practical five-door vehicle with optional all-wheel drive but only a single powertrain. In the smallest crossover segment, most entries strive for stylistic flair, while Chevy takes the opposite tack. The Trax is offered in three trim levels: base LS, mid-level LT, and top-of-the-line Premier. You can think of the Trax either as a small SUV or a tall hatchback, and it makes up for a lack of flash with good value for money. The Equinox and Traverse crossovers sit above it in the lineup. The 2018 Chevrolet Trax is the smallest utility vehicle offered by Chevy. ![]()
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