2024 Chevrolet Trax: good news GM

What is it Chevroletsprint, Aveoand A spark of this world are similar? These are all models that, more than forty years ago, have played the role of entry-level car for the bow brand. This is a list made up entirely of cars, but these days, this design is considered “traditional” by car experts. Chevrolet’s new entry way in 2024 is therefore called TraxThe manufacturer revised its game plan a year ago after ten years with the old model.

Let’s start with the bad news about this second generation Trax. Compared to the Spark LS with a manual transmission, which retails for $10,398 in 2022 (before tax and prep costs), the 2024 Trax commands twice as much! In fact, the MSRP for the LS version of the 2024 Trax is $21,699. So you have to plan a very big budget to reach the first level in Chevrolet. Inflation over the past three years hasn’t just affected your grocery bill or mortgage interest rate, unfortunately.

However, let’s point out that the Trax’s form factor makes it twice as important as the smaller chip it replaces. In fact, it is more space than its competitors in the same category Hyundai location,, Nissan Kicks and Kia Soulobservation from one of the comparative matches of Car Guide 2024.

Buick Envista for young people

While the Buick and Chevrolet brands obviously don’t have the same ambitions, one fact remains: some models sold by both parties share several features. As for the Chevrolet Trax, despite its sharp edges, it is a very close cousin of theEnvista Buick.

Both models use a 1.2-litre turbocharged 3-cylinder engine and both also benefit from a six-speed automatic gearbox. The strongest can point to the fact that this unit has only six gears, the minimum acceptable in 2024. But, facing the CVT option is still locked on board two-wheel variants of Chevrolet Trailblazerthis is a clear improvement.

A unit of 137 horsepower and 162 lb-ft is installed in two entry-level crossovers, and yet, this road test of a few days where the grip was there – so far, Mother Nature has remained kind to Quebec drivers – revealed the technique . very different from the one used at Buick.

Indeed, despite the same engine under the hood, the Envista takes a more driving style than the Trax. Perhaps this has something to do with the less stiff suspension settings or even the superior soundproofing inside the Buick crossover. Note that this Watts link rear suspension (optional on the ST version and automatic on the Avenir version) is exclusive to the Envista, a detail that can stabilize the car in turns.

In short, what you have to remember is that the Trax, especially with its 19-inch rims specific to this production 2RS, is drier on rough pavement than its cousin from Buick. However, this perceived durability is a boon to the Trax’s playful side. Let’s just say I’m with my colleagues on this comparison: the Trax is the sporty choice in terms of character. Chevrolet’s crossover comes with a more communicative steering column (thanks to larger 19-inch shoes), a shoe that says more about the surface under the car and dimensions that are suitable for driving a car with more links.

The only side of this Fountain Blue car is between the two front wheels. The 3 cylinder, without being bad for the ear, seems to complain when you use it a lot. In fact, it’s almost recommended that you drive the Trax as if it had a CVT. Being gentle with the right pedal in town, the gear changes are smooth and the engine speed can be maintained at an acceptable level. At 30 or 40 km / h, the third gear of the automatic transmission is often the boss’s choice, which reduces the engine revolutions to a minimum.

This, entry-level interior?

Compared to other model offerings, the Trax 2RS is definitely more appealing to the eye. The interior looks straight out of a car that would command $10,000 more to buy. The two screens, the leather-wrapped compressed steering wheel, the Evotex imitation leather interior and the charging pad for smart devices no doubt have something to do with it. And let’s not forget the red stitching that adds as much life to the gray shell as possible.

Admittedly, the Trax’s infotainment system seems inferior compared to that of its big brother, the Suburban. But beyond these technical details, the atmosphere inside the crossover is not as disappointing as we expected.

On the other hand, there is a lot of hard plastic, the seats are not very comfortable and the rear visibility is limited. Add to this the poor soundproofing, the lack of storage under the trunk floor, the discomfort of the rear seat and the vibration-sensitive passenger compartment of the 3-cylinder and we have a good understanding of the Trax’s position in the manufacturer’s organization chart.

He is greedy, little

The mere mention of the presence of such a small engine tucked under the hood should be enough to guarantee the model’s gas mileage. In fact, the turbocharged 3-cylinder has an average consumption estimated at 7.9 L/100 km according to Natural Resources Canada calculations.

Taking into account that the little one works hard when accelerating – and these accumulate in the city – the average easily rises to more than 8.5 L / 100 km, without overdoing it on the right pedal. This is the main disappointment about the Trax.

The last word

There is no need to look back: the small car as we know it is threatened with extinction more than ever. If it’s too late for the subcategory, there’s at least a glimmer of hope with utility vehicles like the 2024 Chevrolet Trax.

Want an example? Take it Subaru Impreza which, once raised, turns into Subaru Crosstrek. The two cars share a trunk that offers 578 liters of cargo space. Well, on board the Trax, the number of liters available in the back is 725 liters.

In the cabin, it does not feel more cramped than in a compact, although the absence of a drive shaft gives the Trax a flat floor in the second row. Furthermore, the Trax drives more like a car, despite its “tough car” appearance.

Regardless, the 2024 Chevrolet Trax’s strong point is its price. It’s nice to see a price below $30,000 (for cheaper versions) in a market where the average purchase price has risen to $66,288 in 2023 in Quebec. Even this Trax 2RS, at $28,199 before applicable taxes and fees, looks like a steal compared to the average price. Finally, the good news GM can be Trax.

See also: Cheap SUVs and crossovers in 2024