We have recently seen a few articles circulating while on
duty here at the Mid-Missouri Powerhouse reporting on the lack of budget-friendly
crossovers on the market, and that there are so few left you can count them on
one hand! The 2024 Chevy Trax has been completely redesigned from the
wheels up, and full-on enjoys the honor of being the most affordable bow-tie
model out there. The front end offers up a sportier and sleek look, and the
wheelbase is slightly longer like its close relative in the form of the
Trailblazer.
The various trim levels are lined up and poised for action
depending on your preference, with the base LS, 1RS, LT, 2RS, and Active models
athletically flexed and at your service! You can properly celebrate summer’s
arrival with a power sunroof on the 1RS model and up, and each model comes with
the 1.2-liter turbocharged 3-cylinder that cranks out 137 horsepower and 162 lb.-ft
of torque. Even with the lofty goal of assuring an inexpensive vehicle offers
up the tech and safety goods consumers are hungry for, the interior provides a
roomy and contemporary style.
The Activ and 2Rs trims are equipped with the new 8-inch
instrument screen, and 11-inch infotainment touchscreen. The climate controls
are not incorporated directly into the touchscreen and are easily accessible
buttons and knobs directly below it. The LT and 1RS models come with analog
gauges and an 8-inch touchscreen along with a 3.5-inch driver info display. Apple
CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity is standard across all models, along with
go-anywhere Wi-Fi capability. The Trax’s current model boosted its exterior
dimensions up a notch to add more legroom for rear passengers, with the rear
seats offering better headroom than many other crossovers in the segment.
The Nissan Kicks and Hyundai Venue are two of the
competitors the Trax must closely keep its eyes on during the fierce battle for
attention among those in its category, with its road manners and price point allowing
for a solid breed of market dominance. Each model comes with an expertly
equipped tool to make each ride more peaceful: the noise cancelling feature pairs
with an already-smooth engine to offer a hushed ride. Features such as a
“sport” driving mode have been bypassed in the name of frugality, but
suspension and cabin comfort are up to par just as they are on much pricier
models.
The Driving.Ca auto review team was immediately
pleased with the six-speed automatic, which is much more engaging than the
industry’s typical offering of typical CVT. They also rated the transmission
performance as “excellent”, with ratios excellently paired to the powertrain’s
power delivery. The engine proved to be adequately torque-rich directly off the
line, while easily conquering even steep grades for punchy acceleration. Also
scoring high points for its great comfort factor, fuel efficiency, and
practicality, the Trax’s two lowest trims still offer up heated front seats,
USB and USB-C ports, and available rear park assist.
The 2RS, Activ, and LT trims offer wireless charging, a
digital dash, adaptive cruise, and heated steering wheel. Successfully
combining the practicality of a compact car and the utility of an SUV, the
prominent grille and slim LED daytime running lights drew a healthy dose of
influence from the sporty and quite popular reincarnation of the Blazer, and
the new model rolls with a four-inch lower roofline and inch higher ground
clearance. The Trax’s standard safety features include lane-keeping assistance,
lane departure warning, and automatic high-beam headlights.
