Lately here at the Mid-Missouri Powerhouse, we’ve seen a shift in the auto industry. Many brands are phasing out their most affordable models to focus on higher-profit SUVs. Chevy was no exception—in just a few years, the Cruze, Spark, and Sonic quietly left the lineup. That left a big gap in the market for folks looking for an affordable, no-nonsense new car.
Enter the 2025 Chevrolet Trax—and let us tell you, it’s been a hit for good reason.
A Smart Choice for Budget-Conscious Buyers
The 2025 Chevrolet Trax delivers impressive value while packing in plenty of must-have features. Even the base LS trim is well-equipped with smart tech and safety essentials, including an 8-inch touchscreen, wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, automatic emergency braking, lane-keeping assist, and a built-in Wi-Fi hotspot.
Looking for more comfort and convenience? You can opt for available upgrades like blind-spot monitoring, heated seats, and alloy wheels. Higher trims offer even more premium features, including an 11-inch touchscreen, leatherette seating, a sunroof, adaptive cruise control, and bold 19-inch wheels. Our test model, the sporty 2RS, came packed with style and advanced tech—proving you don't have to sacrifice sophistication for practicality.
Built Like a Hatchback, Styled Like a Crossover
While Chevy calls it a subcompact SUV, the Trax feels more like a sporty hatchback with extra versatility. Think of it as a roomier, better-equipped alternative to a Honda Civic—but at a lower price.
Chevy nailed the design, too. The new Trax sits longer and wider than its sibling, the Trailblazer, but with a lower roofline for a sleeker profile. Bright colors, sharp lines, and slim LED headlights give it a bold, confident look—a major step up from earlier versions.
No-Nonsense Interior with Modern Tech
Inside, the Trax keeps things simple yet up-to-date. The dashboard has a clean, driver-focused layout, with either analog or digital gauges depending on the trim. Buttons and knobs are easy to reach, and the infotainment system is straightforward and user-friendly. We especially appreciate that Chevy kept physical controls for things like the headlights—no fumbling through touchscreen menus here.
The cabin feels thoughtfully designed, with comfort and functionality taking center stage. It’s a space that’s easy to enjoy day to day, with everything where you need it. For those who want a little extra flair, upper trims add perks like heated seats, a heated steering wheel, and eye-catching trim accents.
Surprisingly Spacious Back Seat
One of the biggest surprises? The rear-seat room. Thanks to its extended wheelbase, the Trax offers plenty of legroom for adult passengers in the back. While the seats are nothing fancy, and the armrests could be softer, there’s ample room for four adults—or five in a pinch.
Need something family-friendly but compact? The Trax is a great fit for young families or commuters needing extra space without a full-size SUV.
Room for Gear, Groceries, and Weekend Getaways
You’ll also be impressed by the cargo capacity. With 25.6 cubic feet behind the rear seats and 54.1 cubic feet with them folded down, the Trax is a practical hauler. Its low roofline may limit the height of items you can fit, but the flat load floor means you can spread things out easily.
Peppy Performance in a Small Package
Under the hood, every Chevy Trax packs a 1.2-liter turbocharged 3-cylinder engine making 137 horsepower and 162 lb-ft of torque. It’s paired with a 6-speed automatic, which feels more natural to many drivers than the CVTs found in other budget cars.
The result? Smooth, confident acceleration—especially around town. And thanks to its lower ride height and lightweight, the 2025 Trax drives more like a nimble sedan than a traditional SUV. It’s fun to toss around in corners, and it soaks up city bumps well.
Efficient Where It Counts
Fuel economy is another strong point. The 2025 Chevy Trax is EPA-rated at 28 mpg city / 32 mpg highway / 30 mpg combined on regular gas. That’s solid for a crossover, and in our real-world driving around St. Louis, we managed 32 mpg—impressive for a vehicle this roomy and capable.
How It Stacks Up
The Trax isn’t without competition. The Kia Soul, Hyundai Venue, and Nissan Kicks all bring something to the table. The Kicks now offers all-wheel drive, and the Venue is ultra-compact for city dwellers.
But the Trax beats them all on value, style, and interior space—and it simply feels more refined and composed on the road.
Bottom Line: More Than You’d Expect for the Price
The 2025 Chevy Trax proves you don’t need to spend a fortune to get a solid, good-looking, and well-equipped vehicle. Whether you're a first-time buyer, downsizing, or just want a smart city car with real versatility, the Trax delivers.
At the Mid-MO Powerhouse, we love when a vehicle surprises you—in all the right ways. The 2025 Trax is roomy, tech-savvy, and city-smart, making it an easy pick for drivers who want more from their daily ride.