Styling is just as important as pricing when it comes to the lower end of an automaker’s lineup. There, buyers are shopping new and used models against each other.
That formula worked for Toyota when it revamped the RAV4 SUV using a front end inspired by the legendary 4Runner. And now, Chevrolet has done it too, first with the Blazer, which takes a lot of its style from the outgoing Camaro, and now with the Trax.
The new Trax is longer, lower and wider than the previous generation of the model, with horizontal lines that emphasize the vehicle’s width around the traditional Chevy bowtie logo. Like the Blazer the Trax also features new LED lighting elements including daytime lamps. It’s also lower than the previous model adding to the sporty look.
Like the rest of the Chevrolet lineup the 2025 Chevy Trax comes in less expensive LS and LT trims and two sportier RS lines. The LT and LS come with 17-inch wheels while the RS offers 18- and 19-inch options with machined faces. The new Activ trim tested here wears a monochromatic look including with chrome accents and a unique rear skid plate design.
The 2025 Trax comes with a 1.2-liter turbocharged inline three-cylinder engine. It delivers 137 horsepower (hp) and 162 pound-feet (lb-ft) of torque, and is paired with a six-speed automatic transmission sending power to the front wheels only. All-wheel drive is not available.
The 2025 Chevrolet Trax has an EPA-estimated fuel economy of 28 miles per gallon (mpg) in the city and 32 mpg on the highway.
For this application, a compact SUV, the efficient little three-cylinder is fine. The Trax isn’t annoyingly slow and passing maneuvers are safe, if not super quick. The six-speed does make the engine a little noisy in the cabin when revving high, but normally it’s far quieter than music or conversation. When the accelerator is put to the floor, it feels almost entertaining to drive.
General Motors
General Motors
But that is not the point of the Chevy Trax, the point is to get people comfortably to and from their daily events efficiently. And, for that, it is excellent. The handling is accurate and relatively quick and with a little bit of feedback, which was a surprise. The Trax is easy to place around a curve and keep it centered and the standard, non-regenerative brakes are progressive and confident.
It has a 6-inch longer wheelbase than the outgoing model, leading to more interior space in addition to the ride and handling benefits. However, compared to most of the vehicles on the road it’s still small, making it a cinch to move around and park in a crowded parking lot.
Inside, the 11-inch greater length and 2-inch greater width than the current model translates into more interior space and 3 extra inches of rear legroom, increasing comfort for rear-seat passengers. Cargo capacity goes up by 12 percent. As previously said, those rear seats are great for kids, though adults would fit, and the seatbelts are easy to latch.
The front seat area feels spacious as well with storage spaces all around and plenty of knee and shoulder room. Chevy says the interior was designed to have a lightweight feel, using sweeping lines and light to accentuate the added width.
General Motors
General Motors
LS and 1RS trims feature an 8-inch-diagonal infotainment touchscreen display, while LT, 2RS and ACTIV have an 11-inch touchscreen and an 8-inch driver information cluster. The central bigger screen in the Trax Activ features a physical volume knob to complement the physical climate controls below. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard and simple to connect wirelessly. Wireless phone charging is a new feature on LT, 2RS and Activ trims.
Interior color options included black and gray, the 2RS features red accents while the Activ can be had with yellow accents on the Evotex seats. Heated front seats, steering wheel and outside mirrors are standard on 1RS, 2RS and Activ and available on LT. A power sunroof is available too.
Overall, the package works exactly as expected where everything is within reach, and nothing takes more than a few button presses. The Evotex seats are comfortable and supportive over longer drive while charge ports will keep everyone’s devices ready to go. The Trax, like most Chevys, can be ordered with a 4G LTE Wi-Fi hotspot for surfing the web.
Standard safety features on the 2025 Trax include emergency braking, lane departure warning and keeping, automatic high beams and a following distance indicator, which shows how many seconds the driver is behind the car in front. A rearview is also standard; adaptive cruise, blind zone alert, rear cross traffic sensors and rear park assist are optional.
The Subaru Crosstrek ($24,995 with standard all-wheel drive) and Nissan Kicks ($21,830), along with the Honda HR-V ($25,400) will be competing with Chevy for buyers in this subcompact SUV segment. The 2025 Chevrolet Trax starts at $21,495 for the LS trim. This Activ is the most expensive at $24,995.
The Trax is the most aggressive looking out of the bunch while the Crosstrek is the only one the comes with all-wheel drive. The Kia Seltos was also new for 2024 with a starting price of $25,965, but it’s a bit smaller than the Trax.
All of these are exceptional bargains and probable entry points into their respective brands. If you are dealing with weather often, the Subaru and Honda with all-wheel drive are the best options. But even these front-wheel drive SUVs are decent in the snow, with a little tact and patience. Regardless, the Chevy Trax should be test driven and enjoyed before any purchases are made.
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