There is only one engine and transmission choice available for the 2015 Trax, but Chevrolet has chosen the drivetrain wisely. The Trax utilizes an extremely fuel efficient 1.4L 4-cylinder turbocharged engine. Despite its diminutive displacement, this engine makes 138 hp, plenty to pull the relatively light Trax along at a brisk pace when coupled to the standard 6-speed automatic transmission. With an EPA rating of 26 mpg in the city and 34 mpg on the highway, the Trax burns fuel more like a compact car than an SUV.
Buyers are offered a choice of three different trim levels as well as the option of front or all-wheel drive, which costs $1500 extra and is available across all trims. The LS trim is relatively basic, the LT trim occupies the midlevel, while the high end LTZ trim offers plenty of luxurious touches.
Buyers will likely be surprised by many of the features that come standard on the base LS, ensuring that even the most basic Trax to leave the Chevrolet factory is a competent and highly usable vehicle. Standard features include an infotainment system with a built in 7-inch touchscreen, built in Wi-Fi hotspot technology, a rearview camera, power windows and door locks, Bluetooth audio streaming and a USB port with MP3 playback abilities. Drivers and passengers can also upload photos or videos via the USB port to be displayed on that big 7-inch screen.
The LT trim looks a little more aggressive with several cosmetic enhancements, including 16-inch alloy wheels, some additional exterior chrome trim, tinted rear windows, roof rails and a painted lower skid plate applique. Other enhancements that come with the LT trim include heated exterior mirrors, cruise control, SiriusXM satellite radio and nicer cloth upholstery on the seats.
The LTZ trim comes with 18-inch wheels, front fog lamps, even more exterior chrome, including chrome door handles, a 6-way power adjustable driver's seat, heated front seats, leatherette seating surfaces, a leather wrapped steering wheel, an auto-dimming rearview mirror, a Bose premium sound system and rear park assist.
Safety features across the lineup include 10 airbags, power assisted ABS, traction control and StabiliTrak electronic stability control. Rear park assist is standard on LTZ trims and available on LT trims, but all trim levels have a rear-view camera.
Compact Footprint
Decent Ground Clearance
High Levels Of Standard Technology
Versatile Interior
Available All-wheel Drive
Fuel Efficiency
The Chevrolet Trax is an all new vehicle for 2015, making its debut as Chevrolet's entrance into the compact SUV market. Slotting in below the Traverse, the Trax is a compact 5-passenger SUV, ideal for the city, but versatile enough for quick trips to the countryside. With decent ground clearance and available all-wheel drive, the Trax won't stumble over its self the moment the road gets a bumpy and unpaved, but it's also small enough to fit into tight parking spots and to make its way down narrow streets.
The Chevrolet Trax competes with other small SUVs such as the Toyota RAV4, the Honda CR-V and the Ford Escape. Setting the Trax apart from many of its competitors, are its turbocharged engine and its high levels of interior equipment, including a standard 7-inch color touch screen. With a base price of around $21,000, the Chevrolet Trax is an excellent addition to the small SUV segment.
