2026 chevrolet trax lt review its low cost but is it cheapHost Robin Warner takes an in-depth look the 2026 Chevrolet Trax.Views on Vehicles focuses on new car reviews and news, presented by Robin Warner, a perennial car nut. The reason for the channel's focus becomes crystal clear when you look at Warner's experience. He spent five years of his adult life as an engineer: four years in traction and stability control calibration, and little over a year in vehicle dynamics. He also spent 15 years of his adult life as an editor at various magazines, including stints at Car and Driver, Road & Track, and Autoweek.AdvertisementAdvertisementThe TTAC Creators Series tells stories and amplifies creators from all corners of the car world, including culture, dealerships, collections, modified builds and more.An AI-summarized transcript edited by a staffer is below.[Image: YouTube screenshot]Become a TTAC insider. Get the latest news, features, TTAC takes, and everything else that gets to the truth about cars first by subscribing to our newsletter.SummaryOverview and PricingThe second-generation Trax debuted for 2024 and has changed very little since then, aside from new colors. The reviewer emphasizes that it remains one of the least expensive new cars available. The base Trax LS starts at $23,495, while the tested LT, equipped with several option packages, comes to $27,975. The LT sits in the middle of the lineup.AdvertisementAdvertisementExterior and InteriorThe reviewer is impressed by the Trax's styling, particularly with the Midnight Edition package. It adds numerous gloss-black elements, including 17-inch wheels, mirror caps, grille accents, badging, and Chevrolet bow ties. The Cypress Gray paint and relatively long wheelbase with short overhangs give the Trax a more substantial appearance than its price suggests. Practicality is another strength. The Trax offers 26 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seats and 54 cubic feet with them folded. The reviewer also appreciates the inclusion of a space-saver spare tire. Rear-seat space is surprisingly generous for a vehicle of this size, with good knee and headroom for a 5-foot-11 passenger. The LT's cabin features an 8-inch digital instrument cluster and 11-inch center touchscreen, along with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Higher trims also get automatic climate control. The tested vehicle has heated seats, a heated steering wheel, heated mirrors, keyless entry, a sunroof, and wireless smartphone charging. AdvertisementAdvertisementPowertrain and PerformanceEvery Trax uses the same 1.2-liter turbocharged three-cylinder engine, producing 137 horsepower and 162 lb-ft of torque, paired with a six-speed automatic transmission and front-wheel drive. Fuel economy is rated at 28 mpg city, 32 highway, and 30 combined. There is no all-wheel-drive option. The reviewer initially expected the three-cylinder engine to feel rough and underpowered but comes away pleasantly surprised. It is reasonably quiet and refined under normal driving, while acceleration is adequate rather than exciting. The Trax isn't fast, but its low weight means the modest power output is sufficient for everyday driving. An acceleration test reinforces that conclusion. There is some wheelspin and the transmission shifts aren't especially quick, but the reviewer considers the performance respectable given the engine's small size and the Trax's low price.AdvertisementAdvertisementChassis and RideThe Trax uses a MacPherson-strut-style front suspension and an inexpensive torsion-beam rear suspension. This is where the vehicle's budget-car compromises become more apparent. The ride is generally comfortable, but the rear can become jittery, while the steering feels numb around center and somewhat uneven. There's also considerable body roll during harder cornering. The reviewer ultimately considers the chassis acceptable for normal commuting, particularly given the Trax's sub-$25,000 starting price.Highway Driving and TechnologyOn the highway, the Trax proves to be a competent cruiser. The optional Driver Confidence Package adds adaptive cruise control and additional driver-assistance features. The reviewer likes that the system allows drivers to switch between conventional cruise control and adaptive cruise control.AdvertisementAdvertisementLane-departure assistance is available, although it isn't true lane centering. At 78 mph, the three-cylinder runs around 2,500 rpm and produces some engine noise, but road and wind noise are reasonably controlled. Overall, the Trax performs better on the highway than the reviewer expected. Overall VerdictThe reviewer entered the test with low expectations but came away impressed. The Trax's biggest advantages are its combination of low price, attractive styling, useful interior space, solid technology, and adequate performance. Its primary shortcomings are mediocre fuel economy, basic chassis hardware, body roll, and unremarkable steering feel.The central takeaway is that the Trax doesn't need to be exceptional to be successful. At a starting price of $23,495, and with the well-equipped test vehicle still under $28,000, it provides most of what buyers need without the financial burden associated with many new vehicles. The reviewer concludes that despite its 30-mpg combined rating, its low purchase price makes it one of the more affordable cars to own overall. AdvertisementAdvertisementBottom line: The 2026 Chevrolet Trax isn't particularly quick, sophisticated, or dynamically impressive, but it delivers style, space, technology, comfort, and value at a remarkably low price - and that makes it considerably better than the reviewer initially expected.
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