A seriously smart buy The new Trax is positioned as a value-driven and utilitarian crossover

Was the first-generation Chevrolet Trax a car ahead of its time? Possibly. It launched for the 2013 model year at a time when subcompact crossovers weren’t nearly as widespread or sought out. And by the time it retired after 2022, newer competitors were outpacing it both on power and overall value.

Now, the second-generation 2024 Chevrolet Trax is here, and by all measures it’s a completely new vehicle. It’s 27.9 millimetres (11 inches) longer than the outgoing version, 51mm (two inches) wider, and has 76mm (three inches) more rear legroom. Total cargo space is up by 161 litres to a total of 1,532 litres behind the first-row seats (or 725 litres when the second-row seatbacks are upright).

On paper, the powertrain configuration isn’t quite as impressive. The only available engine is a 1.2litre three-cylinder, down a cylinder and lower in displacement versus the old Trax. But this powerplant has a lot going for it. It’s turbocharged, as was the previous Trax’s 1.4-litre, four-cylinder, and horsepower in the new engine is down one point at 137hp. But torque is what really matters, and that’s up by 14lbs-ft to a total of 162lbs-ft. The latter is also available across a wide band, with 90 per cent of it being accessible from 1,700 to 4,800rpm.

Six-speed automatic Chevy could have gone with a continuously variable transmission, and no one would have batted an eye. Instead, the engineers stuck with the six-speed automatic. This is helpful in situations like the one where we found ourselves, testing the 2024 Trax on the rolling hills of the Charlevoix region of Quebec. It was brave of Chevrolet to offer up the Trax in this environment, but the risk paid off. We saw for ourselves that between the added torque and the downshift control a stepped gearbox provides, the new Trax handles challenging environments like this one just fine, even when loaded with passengers and cargo. There are a couple of caveats to note, though. While the new Trax’s fuel consumption is rated at 7.9 litres per 100kms combined –which is better than the 8.4

L/100km combined in the previous generation with front-wheel drive –that’s higher than competitors that do come with a CVT. Given our observations in challenging terrain, many drivers will consider that a fair trade.

And unlike the old Trax, the new Trax has no all-wheel drive option. Chevrolet says this is by design and the new Trax platform was never intended to support it, a statement backed up by the lack of drivetrain channel in the second row. Buyers who are looking for an all-wheel drive subcompact SUV will be served by the Chevy Trailblazer, the brand says. From the start, the new Trax is positioned as a value-driven and utilitarian crossover, while the Trailblazer is the right fit for buyers looking for something further upmarket.

1. The 2024 Chevrolet Trax has 76mm more rear legroom, and the total cargo space is up by 161 litres for a total of 1,532 litres behind the first-row seats.

2. All trims include heated front seats, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto functionality, and a subscription-based Wi-Fi hotspot, equipped on either an eight-inch screen (LS and 1RS) or an 11.4-inch screen (LT, 2RS, and Activ).

Value is an apt descriptor. The 2024 Trax starts at $24,498 for the LS grade, and that’s including freight and PDI plus dealer fees. The 1RS is an entrylevel sport-oriented option, priced at $25,998 with fees. The LT starts at $28,698. At the top of the ladder, two trims share the spotlight, each priced at $30,798. Activ is a more premium offering with eight-way power driver seats with lumbar support, 18-inch black alloy wheels, and an acid yellow and black interior colour scheme. On the sportier side, the 2RS trim has a flat-bottomed steering wheel, 19-inch black alloy wheels, and red interior accents.

The tech up front

All trims include heated front seats, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto functionality, and a subscription-based Wi-Fi hotspot, equipped on either an eight-inch screen (LS and 1RS) or an 11.4-inch screen (LT, 2RS, and Activ). Key safety features are also standard, including automatic emergency braking, forward collision avoidance assist with front pedestrian braking, lane keep assist, lane departure warning, rear seat reminder, and automatic high beams. Blind spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert is available or included on all grades.

Chevrolet has identified four value-motivated buyers that are likely to be attracted to the Trax: first-time buyers, empty nesters, sedan defectors, and used-car shoppers who might be enticed by a similar price and a new vehicle warranty. They can add fleet managers to that list, too. This is a well-packaged and economical subcompact SUV that’s powerful and spacious enough for four adults on weekend trips. Not only does it no longer feel like driving in a penalty box, but it’s also actually decently powerful and feature packed. For urban applications where front-wheel drive and a small profile will meet a fleet’s needs, the 2024 Chevrolet Trax is a seriously smart buy. FM/SP

Price (incl. freight and PDI): Starts at $45,955; tested at $31,293

Engine: 1.2-litre turbocharged three-cylinder

Power: 137hp, 162lbs-ft of torque

Transmission: 6-speed automatic Rated Fuel Economy (L/100km): 8.3 city/7.4 hwy/7.9 combined

Observed Combined Fuel Economy (L/100km): First drive test did not produce relevant results