The automotive landscape is ever-evolving, and in 2024, the Chevrolet Trax has undergone a significant transformation, defying expectations and challenging perceptions. Stepping into a rental agency, one might be surprised to hear the 2024 Chevy Trax classified as a full-size car. This reclassification, although initially jarring, speaks volumes about the growth and redesign of this once-small crossover.
Hertz, a major car rental company, has seemingly categorized the new Trax alongside vehicles previously considered larger, like the Chevrolet Malibu. This isn’t merely a case of mistaken identity; it’s a reflection of the Trax’s expanded interior volume and legroom, attributes that now rival those of sedans from a previous era. Gone are the days of the first-generation Trax, a vehicle often described as cramped and underwhelming. The 2024 model emerges as a completely different beast – longer, lower, wider, and significantly more appealing. Its newfound presence on American roads, particularly outside major urban centers, is a testament to its broadened appeal.
Seeking a reliable companion for a lengthy cross-country journey, the 2024 Chevy Trax LT, in its unassuming light grey metallic hue, presented itself as an intriguing option. With a history deeply rooted in driving and riding in General Motors vehicles, a personal connection and a sense of familiarity drew me to this updated offering from Chevrolet. GM’s budget-friendly vehicles have often delivered on essential needs: affordability, ease of maintenance, dependable powertrains, comfortable rides, and ample front legroom. The question was, could the 2024 Trax uphold this tradition while navigating the demands of a long road trip?
Slipping into the driver’s seat of the Trax LT, the initial impression was surprisingly upscale, especially considering its starting MSRP of just over $22,000. The interior design incorporates two-tone finishes with varied textures, faux leather seats accented with cloth inserts, a prominent 11-inch touchscreen complemented by a digital gauge cluster, and stylish jet nozzle air vents with blue highlights. These elements combine to create an environment that feels more premium than its price tag suggests. However, first impressions can be deceiving. The true test lies in long-term experience, and in the Trax, some minor flaws began to surface rather quickly.
One immediate drawback, common in many modern vehicles, is the absence of a traditional handbrake. The wide center console, while contributing to the interior’s aesthetics, encroaches on hip room and slightly complicates access to the gear shifter, particularly for taller drivers who prefer a set-back seating position. Buckling up became a minor exercise in elbow maneuvering. The glossy black “piano black” trim surrounding the shifter, while visually appealing, is a magnet for dust, and the console itself is constructed from hard, basic plastic. Similarly, the upper door panels share this less-than-premium material. While acknowledging the Trax’s budget-conscious positioning, certain aspects, like a side-hinged console lid and softer armrest materials, seem like easily achievable improvements that would significantly enhance user experience.
Despite these minor interior shortcomings, the 2024 Trax LT compensates with a generous array of standard features. Moving beyond the base model, the LT trim includes adaptive cruise control, lane keep assist with lane departure warning, forward collision alert, blind spot monitoring, an HD rearview camera with rear cross-traffic alert, and seamless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay integration. Single-zone climate control and air conditioning are also standard. Notably, a physical volume knob for the audio system is present, although its placement high on the dashboard requires a slight reach around the steering wheel and wiper stalk. This comprehensive feature set belies the Trax’s entry-level classification, offering a level of technology and convenience often found in higher-priced vehicles.
The true highlight of the 2024 Chevy Trax is its remarkable spaciousness. Even for a taller driver exceeding 6’4”, legroom is abundant, allowing for full leg extension without reaching the pedals even with the seat pushed far back. Rear seat passengers benefit immensely from this generous space. With the driver’s seat adjusted for maximum comfort, rear knee room remains ample. The flat rear floor further enhances passenger comfort, particularly for middle-seat occupants. While rear amenities are basic, limited to device charging ports and lacking features like a center armrest or map pockets, the sheer legroom is a significant advantage in this vehicle class. The cargo area behind the rear seats also proves surprisingly spacious, easily accommodating luggage and larger items, making the Trax a practical choice for longer trips or families.
Under the hood, the 2024 Trax houses a diminutive 1.2-liter turbocharged three-cylinder engine. Despite its small displacement, this engine performs admirably, effectively masking any perceived lack of power. While not a performance-oriented vehicle, the Trax offers sufficient acceleration, capable of producing a chirp from the tires under hard acceleration. At cruising speeds, the six-speed automatic transmission demonstrates responsiveness, readily downshifting with minimal throttle input, enhancing the vehicle’s overall driving feel. Fuel economy is another positive aspect. Rated at 28 mpg city, 32 mpg highway, and 30 mpg combined, real-world highway driving yielded 32 mpg, aligning with its EPA estimates and competitive within the subcompact crossover segment. While slightly less efficient than older compact sedans like the Chevrolet Cruze, which this vehicle arguably targets, the fuel economy is nonetheless respectable for its class and size. One can speculate about the potential fuel efficiency of the previous-generation Cruze’s 1.4-liter turbo four-cylinder engine in this application, but the current 1.2-liter proves to be a capable and efficient powerplant.
Driving the 2024 Trax evokes a sense of familiarity, particularly for those acquainted with General Motors vehicles. Recollections of a previous Chevrolet Cruze, specifically a 2018 model, frequently surfaced during the driving experience. Certain interior components, such as door switches and handles, bear a striking resemblance to those found in the Cruze, suggesting parts sharing and a common design language within the GM family. However, a notable improvement over the Cruze is in the steering. The Cruze suffered from an overly sensitive on-center feel, requiring constant minor corrections at highway speeds. The Trax thankfully eliminates this quirk, offering more stable and relaxed highway driving.
The overall ride quality of the Trax further reinforces this sense of GM familiarity. The suspension tuning feels distinctly “Standard GM,” prioritizing comfort and predictability. Despite a raised ground clearance of 7.3 inches, body roll in corners is well-controlled, and bumps are absorbed with a composure that belies its budget-friendly price point. No unwanted rattles or vibrations intruded into the cabin, although road noise, partially attributable to the all-season tires on the test vehicle, was noticeable. The suspension travel might be a key differentiator from smaller GM cars, offering a slightly more compliant and forgiving ride. While not designed for aggressive cornering, the Trax delivers a comfortable and composed driving experience suitable for everyday use and longer journeys.
In conclusion, the 2024 Chevy Trax undeniably fulfills GM’s promise of delivering well-equipped vehicles at an accessible price. It surpasses its competitors in visual appeal and perceived substance, offering a more mature and substantial design. Compared to front-wheel-drive rivals like the Nissan Kicks and Hyundai Venue, the Trax boasts superior rear seat legroom and cargo capacity, all while maintaining a competitive price point. The Trax undercuts the Kicks in base price and is only slightly more expensive than the smaller Venue, yet offers significantly more vehicle for the money. Furthermore, the Trax outshines both the Venue and Kicks in terms of power output, providing a more confident and capable driving experience. Its larger exterior dimensions further solidify its position as a leader in its segment, even overshadowing its own stablemate, the Trailblazer, in overall length. This substantial size contributes to a more commanding driving position and a greater sense of presence on the road.
For those considering a budget-friendly and practical SUV, the 2024 Chevy Trax presents a compelling option. Equipped with proper winter tires, it becomes a capable all-season vehicle in most climates. While minor cost-cutting measures are evident in some interior materials, the overall value proposition, spaciousness, feature set, and driving experience make the Trax a strong contender in the subcompact SUV segment. Its potential to challenge segment leaders like the Subaru Crosstrek will likely depend on long-term reliability, but based on initial impressions and value offered, the 2024 Chevy Trax is poised to make a significant impact on the market and demonstrates that Chevrolet still understands its core customer base and how to deliver appealing, affordable vehicles.
