- The Trax Grows Up Outside
- More Space, Standard Features Inside
- Less Under the Hood
- Elevated Tech and Safety
- Trims, Pricing and Release Date
- Versus the Competition
Looks like: A smaller Blazer
Competes with: Honda HR-V, Hyundai Kona, Kia Soul
Powertrains: 137-horsepower, turbocharged 1.2-liter three-cylinder engine; six-speed automatic transmission; front-wheel drive
Hits dealerships: Spring 2023
The current Chevrolet Trax already lands toward the top of the most affordable SUVs list, but the redesigned 2024 Trax will arrive carrying an even lower starting price. The subcompact SUV promises more space inside, upgraded tech and safety features, and more trims to choose from. While the redesign appears to boost the vehicle’s value for budget-conscious shoppers, there are some caveats: A new engine under the hood brings a substantial dip in power, and all-wheel drive is no longer optional.
The Trax Grows Up Outside
The 2024 Trax now sits 4 inches lower, grows 2 inches wider and stretches its wheelbase by 6 inches from the outgoing model. In addition to its new dimensions, the subcompact SUV also borrows some exterior cues from the mid-size Blazer, according to Chevy, in a facelift with a redesigned grille, more chiseled hood, slimmer LED headlights and new LED running lights.
The SUV’s current LS and LT trims will be joined by three new variants: 1RS, 2RS and Activ. Each of the Trax’s five trims feature distinct exterior elements: The LS gets 17-inch steel wheels; the LT rides on 17-inch machined-aluminum wheels; the sportier RS adds a trim-specific grille with RS badge, plus 18-inch aluminum wheels for the 1RS and 19 inchers for the 2RS; and the range-topping Activ gets a monochromatic look with titanium chrome and a more aggressive rear skid plate that rides on black 18-inch wheels.
More Space, Standard Features Inside
2023 Chevrolet Trax | Manufacturer image
The Trax’s 11-inch increase in length results in more room for occupants and their gear, says Chevy. The brand estimates a 3-inch increase in rear legroom and 12% more cargo capacity than the outgoing model’s 48.4 cubic feet of space with the rear seats folded (note that automakers’ cargo measurements differ from Cars.com independent cargo testing). Chevrolet says the Trax also now offers a more open, airy interior thanks to a redesigned center console and a lower instrument panel for improved visibility.
The SUV’s accents and features inside are also trim-dependent; The LT gets black seats with gray accents; the 2RS gets red accents and a flat-bottom steering wheel; and the Activ gets yellow accents inside. Heated seats and mirrors and remote start are available for the base LS, while higher trims come standard with those features plus a heated steering wheel. Standard automatic climate control, push-button start and added USB ports for the rear seat come standard in the LT, 2RS and Activ.
Less Under the Hood
The 2024 Trax is powered by a turbocharged 1.2-liter three-cylinder engine it shares with the larger Trailblazer and related Buick Encore GX. The new engine replaces the outgoing model’s 155-hp 1.4-liter, resulting in a drop in power to 137 hp — but while horsepower is notably reduced, Chevrolet says the SUV’s longer wheelbase and wider track help improve performance with a more composed ride and handling. The three-cylinder is mated to a standard six-speed automatic transmission that returns unchanged, but Chevy is dropping the option of AWD for the redesign, leaving front-wheel drive standard across all trims.
The brand did not immediately provide fuel economy estimates for the new Trax, but it’s likely shoppers will see an improvement. The outgoing model gets a maximum EPA-rated 24/32/27 mpg city/highway/combined, while the 2022 Trailblazer that shares the new Trax’s engine gets up to 29/33/31 mpg.
Elevated Tech and Safety
The 2024 Trax’s updated technology grows along with the SUV’s dimensions. An 8-inch center touchscreen replaces the outgoing model’s 7-inch display as the standard option on the base LS and 1RS, while a new larger 11-inch screen is standard for higher trims. The 2024 Trax gains standard wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity, and wireless charging is available on LT and higher trims.
2023 Chevrolet Trax | Manufacturer image
The outgoing model’s bare-bones safety tech included a standard rear camera; to that, the new Trax adds standard Chevy Safety Assist, which includes automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection, lane departure steering assist with lane departure warning, forward collision alert, automatic high beams and a following distance indicator. Additional optional safety features include lane change alert with blind spot monitor, rear cross-traffic alert and rear park assist. Adaptive cruise control is new for the Trax and also will be offered on select trims, though Chevrolet didn’t specify which.
Trims, Pricing and Release Date
2023 Chevrolet Trax | Manufacturer image
The 2024 Trax is expected to arrive in the spring of 2023 with a starting price lower than the current 2022 model’s entry cost of $22,895 (all prices include destination). Below are the starting prices for each trim:
- LS: $21,495
- 1RS: $23,195
- LT: $23,395
- 2RS: $24,995
- Activ: $24,995
Versus the Competition
Among the Trax’s subcompact rivals, the FWD-only 2023 Kia Soul and 2022 Hyundai Venue currently carry lower starting prices of $21,085 and $20,295, respectively. Meanwhile, comparable SUVs with available AWD including the redesigned 2023 Honda HR-V and 2023 Hyundai Kona come with higher starting prices: $24,895 for the HR-V and $23,285 for the Kona. Shoppers who can overlook the Trax’s reduced power and lack of AWD will find the SUV bucks the trend of rising new-car prices while offering more standard features.
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Keyword: 2024 Chevrolet Trax: Burgeoning Space, Tech; Shrinking Price, HP