2025 Chevrolet Trax Expert Review
Reviewed by Alex Leanse
Once a dowdy bubble of a subcompact SUV, the Chevrolet Trax was reinvented for 2024 bearing sharp design and modern features that belie its low, low starting price. The Trax serves as the entry-level anchor of Chevrolet’s expansive SUV lineup, yet it shows a clear family resemblance in how it looks and drives. Although arguably more of a tall hatchback than a true SUV, the Trax will still suit the needs of many drivers with its affordability and versatility. Rivals to the 2025 Chevrolet Trax include the Nissan Kicks, Kia Soul, and Subaru Crosstrek.
What’s New
- Expressive Marina Blue Metallic and subtle Cypress Gray paint colors introduced
- Engine now compatible with E85 fuel
What We Think
Buying a super-cheap car can be a sentence to dreary driving, but not with the Chevrolet Trax. Starting at slightly more than $21,000 and topping out below $30,000 with every option equipped, the Trax is a tremendous value—that happens to look good and drive nicely, too.
Don’t get too excited about how the Trax drives. It’s hardly fun and certainly not quick, with laggy responses from its tiny three-cylinder engine. Nor is that engine particularly fuel-efficient, despite its small size. Furthermore, some might take issue with the fact that AWD isn’t available. Even so, the Trax shows an impressive level of refinement in its supple ride, reasonably quiet cabin, and accurate steering.
The cabin provides a good amount of space, although it’d be nice if the back seats had more support. Available big-screen tech does a decent job of distracting from the price-appropriate materials, which at least are styled in an attractive way. The base model grabs headlines with its low price but is light on content—spend a little more on a mid- or high-end trim, and the Trax shows how it’s worth the money.
Performance and MPGs
Every 2025 Chevrolet Trax features a turbocharged 1.2-liter I-3 that makes 137 hp and 162 lb-ft of torque. It’s backed by a six-speed automatic transmission with FWD; AWD is not available in the Trax. This combination gets the Trax from 0 to 60 mph in 8.6 seconds. Fuel economy is rated at 28/31–32 mpg city/highway depending on configuration.
For 2025, the I-3 engine gains the ability to run on E85 fuel. Although E85 is typically less expensive than gasoline, it also causes reduced fuel efficiency. The 2025 Trax is rated at just 21/24 mpg when running on E85.
Is Trailblazer Better Than Trax?
Chevrolet builds the Trax and the Trailblazer, both subcompact SUVs that are rather close in size and price. Although the Trailblazer is more expensive than the Trax, it’s a bit smaller in size. However, the Trailblazer can be equipped with a more powerful I-3 engine, and—crucial for some SUV shoppers—available AWD. Good looks and low pricing give the Trax a certain appeal, but don’t choose it without familiarizing yourself with what the Chevrolet Trailblazer has to offer.
Safety and Driver Assist Features
The Chevy Safety Assist suite is standard on all Trax models. It includes basic driver aids such as front automatic emergency braking, lane keep assist, lane departure warning, and automatic high-beams. Higher-end models can be equipped with the Driver Confidence package, which adds blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and adaptive cruise control.
Cargo Space and Interior Room
Passengers have a good amount of space in the Trax, although the seats don’t have as much leg support as we’d like. Cargo space is comparable to its rivals, but not necessarily greater.
Technology
An 8.0-inch infotainment touchscreen comes equipped in entry-level Trax trims, which is upgraded to an 11.0-inch touchscreen in higher-end versions. Regardless, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are included. Trax models with the smaller touchscreen rock conventional analog gauges, while those with the larger touchscreen gain a modern digital gauge display measuring 8.0 inches. Two front-row USB ports are standard in all Trax models, and two more are added to the second row in higher-end trims; a wireless charging pad is available as an option. Audio systems with four or six speakers are equipped depending on trim.
Which Trax Trim Level Is Best?
Skip the Trax LS trim—its bargain-basement price of $21,495 is appealing, but it’s accordingly light on standard equipment. Spend a little more and step up to the Trax LT trim at $23,595. It gains some relatively premium features, such as 17-inch alloy wheels, upgraded LED headlights, and snazzy silver exterior trim. Inside, it gets niceties including keyless push-button start, the larger digital displays, and a six-speaker audio system. The sport-inspired 2RS and rugged-styled Activ trims look cool, but they don’t add so many features (like heated front seats and steering wheel, seatback pockets, and keyless entry) that it’s necessarily worth the extra outlay; both cost $25,395.
