2024 Chevy Trax SUVOTY Review: Isn’t It Missing Something?

This review was conducted as part of our 2024 SUV of the Year (SUVOTY) testing, where each vehicle is evaluated on our six key criteria: efficiency, design, safety, engineering excellence, value, and performance of intended function. Eligible vehicles must be all-new or significantly revised.

The handsome 2024 Chevrolet Trax gets a lot right, offering a smart SUV-shaped package at an entry-level price point most automakers are seemingly abandoning, making this one of the most affordable new vehicles on the market, period. But there's one glaring asterisk: Every version is front-drive only; AWD isn't an option. Are you going to suffer for that hangup?

Let's start with the positives, of which there are many. The Trax grows compared to its previous generation, stretching longer than the more expensive Trailblazer SUV (which does offer all-wheel drive). Its formerly upright proportions are improved with a lower roof, too. Under its longer hood, Chevy fits a 1.2-liter turbo I-3 good for 137 hp and 162 lb-ft linked to a six-speed automatic. Efficiency is merely OK despite the small displacement and low power.

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We tested the top-of-the-line Activ trim model, which comes with 18-inch black wheels, a black grille, and titanium- colored accents—and carries a $24,995 MSRP. Our as-tested price went up to $27,080 with the optional sunroof, Cayenne Orange metallic paint, and Driver Confidence package, which includes adaptive cruise control. Keep in mind, the average price of a new car in America is approaching $50,000.

Which brings us back to that asterisk. You might think the "Activ" name means it's more rugged or practical in some way, but no. It's effectively just a trim level with a monochrome appearance pack. Every Trax rides at basically the same height, and none is available with off-road hardware.

Nonetheless, the front-drive Trax acquitted itself well in our off-road testing. It kept up over sandy dunes and rough and bumpy roads, and it cleared all our obstacles while only hesitating on the frame twister, which means the decision to lift thiscar—just admit it—and sell it as a crossover instead of, say, a sedan to help fill the gap left by the discontinued Cruze unlocked at least some soft-road capability. Its traction control is one of the few systems sampled at this year's competition that lets you get enjoyably loose on softer surfaces, which is a delight.

On-road, the Trax surprises, with judges calling it "remarkably supple" for an entry-level car and noting its suspension setup muffles harsh surface impacts at the expense of perhaps a little more body roll than warranted on a winding road. The steering is light and quick, making the Trax feel agile, though the transmission does struggle to decide on a gear, sometimes causing a surging power effect when applying the throttle from a stop. Some turbo lag is detectable when asking for full acceleration, as well, but once it gets going, it feels quicker than a base Subaru Crosstrek.

So compelling is the Trax's affordability and execution that it is one of the first front-drive-only vehicles to ever advance to the SUV of the Year finalist round. That's quite the accomplishment, but it's no surprise: The Chevy's clever packaging, cargo space, bigger screen, fantastic value, and smooth driving experience reveal a lot of success against our Of The Year criteria.

More 2024 SUV of the YearIntroduction|Criteria Explained

Finalists|Contenders

Behind the Scenes

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