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2026 Chevy Trax: An Affordable Compact SUV For All Drivers

The new Chevy Trax establishes itself as a standout option in the compact SUV segment. With its sleek design, efficient performance, and impressive array of features, this compact SUV delivers substantial value. The latest iteration represents a dramatic improvement over its predecessors, offering a stylish exterior, a well-appointed interior, and technology that rivals that of vehicles in higher price segments.

2026 Green Chevrolet Trax
2026 Green Chevrolet Trax

Modern Design That Turns Heads

The Trax presents a confident and contemporary exterior design that belies its compact dimensions. At 4,536 mm long and 1,824 mm wide, the Trax strikes a perfect balance between city-friendly maneuverability and interior spaciousness.

Key exterior design elements include:

  • Bold front fascia with distinctive LED signature lighting
  • Clean, sculpted body lines that convey a sense of motion
  • Model-specific grille designs across the trim lineup
  • Available 18-inch and 19-inch wheel options, depending on trim
  • Ground clearance of 185 mm (7.2 inches) for urban confidence
  • Unique design elements for each trim, from sporty RS to adventure-ready ACTIV

The Trax ACTIV stands out with its 18-inch black-painted aluminum wheels, black grille with titanium chrome accents, and distinctive ACTIV badging. For those who prefer a sportier appearance, the 2RS offers 19-inch machined two-tone wheels, RS-specific badging, black bowtie emblems, and unique styling elements.

Performance That Balances Power and Efficiency

Under the hood, the Trax features a turbocharged 1.2L ECOTEC engine that delivers surprising performance from its compact size:

  • 137 horsepower at 5000 rpm
  • 162 lb-ft of torque at 2500 rpm
  • Six-speed automatic transmission
  • Front-wheel drive configuration
  • Fuel efficiency ratings of 8.5 L/100 km city, 7.6 L/100 km highway, and 8.1 L/100 km combined
  • 50 L fuel tank capacity

The turbocharged engine delivers responsive acceleration and confident passing power, while the six-speed automatic transmission delivers smooth, seamless shifts that enhance the driving experience. Unlike some competitors that use continuously variable transmissions (CVTs), the Trax traditional automatic offers a more engaging driving experience.

Interior Comfort and Versatility

Step inside the Trax and find a cabin that punches above its weight class with thoughtful design and quality materials:

  • Seating for five adults with generous headroom and legroom
  • 60/40 split-folding rear seats for flexible cargo arrangements
  • 724 L of cargo space behind the rear seats
  • 1,531 L of maximum cargo space with the rear seats folded
  • Unique interior accent packages based on trim level
  • Available heated front seats across all trim levels
  • Steering wheel that adjusts for both reach and rake

The Trax interior is centered around a distinctive dashboard design that houses its large infotainment screen. The RS models feature sporty red interior accents, while the ACTIV trim includes unique interior materials and finishes designed to complement its adventure-ready exterior.

Advanced Technology and Connectivity

The Trax comes equipped with an impressive suite of technology features:

  • Available 11-inch diagonal infotainment touchscreen
  • Available 8-inch diagonal digital driver information center
  • Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility
  • Available wireless charging pad for compatible smartphones
  • Multiple USB ports throughout the cabin
  • Available Wi-Fi hotspot capability
  • Bluetooth connectivity for hands-free calling and audio streaming
  • Available premium audio system with expanded speaker count on higher trims

The infotainment system features an intuitive interface that provides easy access to navigation, entertainment, and vehicle settings. Higher trim levels offer more connectivity options, including additional USB ports and enhanced audio performance.

Comprehensive Safety Features

Safety is prioritized in the Trax with Chevy Safety Assist, a standard package of six advanced safety and driver assistance features:

  • Forward Collision Alert with Automatic Emergency Braking
  • Front Pedestrian Braking
  • Lane Keep Assist with Lane Departure Warning
  • Following Distance Indicator
  • IntelliBeam High Beam Assist
  • Standard HD Rear Vision Camera

Additional available safety features include:

  • Rear Park Assist
  • Adaptive Cruise Control
  • Rear Cross Traffic Alert
  • Lane Change Alert with Side Blind Zone Alert
  • Teen Driver Technology for new drivers

The standard safety package brings exceptional peace of mind, particularly for a vehicle in the compact SUV segment. The high-definition rear-view camera provides clear visibility when reversing, while the suite of active safety features continuously works to help prevent potential collisions.

Trim Levels and Options

The Chevy Trax is available in four distinct trim levels, each with its own character and feature set:

1RS Trim

The entry-level 1RS trim includes:

  • 18-inch wheels
  • LED headlights
  • Chevy Safety Assist package
  • 8-inch diagonal driver information center
  • Cloth seating surfaces
  • Manual key entry

LT Trim

The LT trim builds on the 1RS with:

  • Remote start capability
  • Heated front seats
  • Additional USB ports
  • Available Midnight Edition package with blacked-out styling elements
  • Enhanced infotainment options

2RS Trim

The sport-oriented 2RS includes:

  • 19-inch machined two-tone wheels
  • Distinctive RS styling elements
  • Black bowtie emblems
  • Red interior accent stitching
  • Sport-inspired interior details

ACTIV Trim

The adventure-focused ACTIV features:

  • 18-inch black-painted aluminum wheels
  • Unique exterior styling with titanium chrome accents
  • ACTIV-specific interior appointments
  • Special badging and exterior details
  • Distinctive colour options

The Trax introduces two new paintcolourss: White Sands and Apex Red, replacing the previous Crimson Metallic and Nitro Yellow options.

Everyday Practicality

The Trax combines style and performance with practical features that enhance daily use:

  • Towing capacity of 463 kg (1,021 lbs) for light hauling needs
  • Spacious interior with comfortable seating for five
  • Available keyless entry and push-button start on higher trims
  • Numerous storage compartments throughout the cabin
  • Steering wheel-mounted controls for audio and phone
  • Available heated steering wheel for cold-weather comfort
  • Standard spare tire for added peace of mind

The combination of compact exterior dimensions and flexible interior space makes the Trax an ideal choice for urban dwellers who occasionally need extra cargo capacity for weekend adventures.

How the Trax Compares to Competitors

In the competitive compact SUV segment, the Trax holds its own against key rivals like the Nissan Kicks, Hyundai Kona, and front-wheel drive versions of the Toyota Corolla Cross. While Consumer Reports gives the Trax middle-of-the-pack scores for predicted reliability (46 out of 100), its combination of style, features, and value proposition makes it a compelling option.

The Trax stands out with:

  • More standard active safety features than many competitors
  • Turbocharged engine that outperforms some naturally aspirated alternatives
  • Generous cargo capacity for its exterior footprint
  • Traditional automatic transmission rather than a CVT
  • Distinctive styling that sets it apart in a crowded segment

2026 Chevy Trax: The Affordable Compact SUV Choice

The Chevy Trax represents exceptional value in the compact SUV segment. It delivers the elevated driving position and flexible cargo space SUV buyers want, while maintaining the efficiency and maneuverability of a smaller vehicle. With its comprehensive safety features, modern technology, and attractive styling, the Trax makes a compelling case as an affordable entry point to SUV ownership.

Whether you’re a first-time car buyer, a city dweller looking for practical transportation, or someone who simply appreciates good value, the Chevy Trax deserves a place on your shopping list. Its balance of style, technology, efficiency, and versatility makes it a standout choice in the competitive compact SUV segment.

Disclaimer: Content contained in this post is for informational purposes only and may include features and options from US or international models. Please contact the dealership for more information or to confirm vehicle, feature availability.

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