2024 Chevy Trax Masters Affordable SUV Travel

The 4th quarter of the year is not just a time when ghouls, garnishes, and perfectly-trimmed turkeys are on our minds at the Mid-Missouri Powerhouse! Many of the nation’s most esteemed auto publications are busy prepping their unique regimens of testing, so they can report back to consumers regarding models’ appeal and value. The Motor Trend crew were taming tracks and getting their tablets ready for their “2024 SUV of the Year” testing, where six traits that current drivers are looking for are thoroughly ranked. 

Eligible vehicles must be completely new or significantly revised, and they are rated on design, safety, efficiency, engineering excellence, all important value and driving performance of intended function. The 2024 Chevy Trax hit so many of the necessary benchmarks immediately while offering a very appealing SUV package at an entry-level price point that most automakers are beginning to flee. Many seasoned experts have wondered if the front-wheel-drive-only approach was going to render some categories as coming up short, but we were thrilled to find out that it was just the opposite.

The current generation is a bit longer than the slightly pricier Trailblazer SUV, with its very upright proportions also seeing drastic improvement and the reworking of a lower roof. At such an entry-level and inflation-friendly price point, one of the first questions we hear from people on our lot is what kind of powertrain resides ready for action under the hood. This is fitted with a 1.2-liter Turbo Inline-3 which cranks out 137 horsepower and 162 lb-ft of torque, paired with a six-speed automatic. The top-of-the-line Activ trim comes with 18-inch black wheels, a very cool black grill, and titanium-colored accents that complement the entire exterior nicely.

The Driver Confidence package offers the very modern and convenient Adaptive Cruise Control, and this crew loved their exterior dip of Cayenne Orange metallic paint. As they pulled away in their hue which was quite suitable for the Halloween week, they set off with the task of testing their Trax a bit off-road, which can punish even the fittest of vehicles. The steering was perfectly light and responsive, and they experienced minimal turbo lag when making the steep demand for all-out acceleration. The Trax’s affordability and excellent execution made it one of the first front-drive-only front-drive-only vehicles to advance all the way up the tier to the SUV of the Year finalist round. 

The clever packaging, cargo space, larger screen, fantastic value, and extra smooth driving experience add up for a massive success dominating the SUV of the Year criteria. The KBB.com team praised the Trax for its user-friendly tech, value pricing, and comfortably roomy interior. The suspension has surprised many with its sporty characteristic, with its stellar demeanor on quick turns and winding roads. It's an SUV with driving dynamics that are like a small sedan or hatchback, and the feature-rich touchscreen is aimed directly at the driver. 

The Trax also boasts best-in-class rear-seat legroom and 25.6 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seats. Customers find this level of curb appeal phenomenal for the price, and other features such as following-distance indicator and high-beam assist are excellent for the busy urban commuter. Ideal for a recent grad, newlyweds, or anyone shifting into a promising and all-new time of life, the Trax is excellent at excelling in everything needed while keeping the new sticker price at a reasonable notch.