![]() ![]() ![]() There’s always the chance that this vehicle isn’t a U.S. It’s tough to get a great read on the overall footprint of the vehicle, but it looks closer to an Equinox than a Trailblazer with its relatively long overhangs and a healthy wheelbase. This car’s shape also puts it into the crossover coupe category with its heavily-sloped rear window and sleek shape. It looks like it would fit within the growing segment of “ midcompact SUVs," the name we've coined to identify the growing number of SUVs whose dimensions are clearly in between the subcompact and compact segments. What we’re looking at here is what appears to be a Chevy SUV that would theoretically slot in between the current compact Equinox and subcompact Trailblazer (admittedly, that's a little bit bigger than normal for the segment). Fuel economy is rated at 30 mpg combined, which is not as good as compact cars like the Honda Civic but about on par for a crossover this size.Chevrolet’s crossover SUV lineup could be expanding if these spy shots are any indication. That said, we'd still take it over a CVT any day. The only real issue is the sluggish transmission, which doesn't downshift as promptly as we'd like. The three-cylinder has a distinctive warble, and turbo lag is minimal. Its 137 horsepower is meager, but the 162 pound-feet of torque comes on low in the rev range, and the Trax has enough power to get out of its own way. The only powertrain is a turbocharged 1.2-liter inline-three with a six-speed automatic transmission. If you think the RS trim offers any sort of dynamic upgrade, think again, as it's mechanically identical to the others save for 18-inch (1RS) or 19-inch wheels (2RS). The steering's lack of on-center feel is a letdown, though, and we would've preferred a quicker ratio for a small, relatively lightweight vehicle (3000-ish pounds, according to Chevy). The ride and handling balance is tuned appropriately-softly sprung enough to be comfortable on rougher roads while still offering enough damping to keep body roll in check when pushed. The 2024 Trax drives like an economy car, too, which isn't a bad thing. The driving position is low and carlike, a welcome change from the chairlike seating arrangements in many of the Trax's taller competitors, including Chevy's own Trailblazer.Ĭhevrolet Driving Experience Fits the Bill The plastics are hard and scratchy, but the crucial areas-the dashtop, the door panels, and the upholstery-at least have some interesting textures to keep them from looking too bargain-basement. We're not too down on the Trax's cheap-feeling interior materials given the low price point. Analog gauges and an 8.0-inch touchscreen are standard, but the optional digital gauge cluster and 11.0-inch central screen give the Trax a good amount of display real estate for a vehicle in this class. ![]() This could be a popular choice for Uber drivers. Chevrolet also managed to package a flat floor in the rear, making the middle seat habitable for shorter trips. ![]() The Trax's stretched-out shape also pays dividends inside, as rear legroom and cargo space are significantly increased thanks to the drastically longer wheelbase and wider track. Several bright paint colors are available too. The base LS model looks pedestrian with its hubcaps and lack of bright trim, but the LT, RS, and Activ trim levels are relatively stylish thanks to nice wheels, interestingly shaped headlights and taillights, and distinctive grille trim up front. Significantly longer, lower, and wider than the old, awkwardly tall Trax, the nicely proportioned new model has an almost wagonoid look about it. Measured by that yardstick, the new Trax looks like a success. This is the new face of basic transportation. They all start in the low-$20,000 range and come standard with front-wheel drive and Apple CarPlay. This category of cheapo-utes, which also includes the Kia Soul and Hyundai Venue, prioritizes interior space and feature content over typical SUV traits such as optional all-wheel drive and rugged styling (if you want those things, Chevy will happily sell you a Trailblazer). This reimagining of the Trax from a middling subcompact crossover into a value-focused price leader is similar to what Nissan did a few years ago when it replaced the Juke with the Kicks. ![]()
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