2020 Chevy Trax Review

　　

2020 Chevrolet Trax Review

byCameron RogersManager, News

　　Cameron Rogers has worked in the automotive industry since 2013. He has tested and reviewed hundreds of vehicles over the course of his career. Today, he leads the news team in developing cutting-edge news articles, opinion pieces and sneak peeks at upcoming vehicles. Favorite cars that he's driven during his tenure at zzdcar include the 991-era Porsche 911 Turbo S, Rolls-Royce Ghost and several generations of Honda Odyssey (really).

　　While compact crossovers are the go-to choice for many new shoppers, their smaller, less expensive siblings haven't enjoyed the same success. While subcompact SUVs are perfectly suited for one or two people, they don't have the passenger space or cargo capacity that shoppers look for when upgrading from a sedan or hatchback. Some small SUVs have other strengths — expressive styling or fun-to-drive dynamics, for example — to make up for the lack of room. This is not the case, however, with the 2020 Chevrolet Trax. Though an acceptable choice overall, the Trax doesn't offer anything unique compared to similarly priced crossovers and cars.

　　

Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2020 Chevrolet Trax LS 4dr SUV (1.4L 4cyl Turbo 6A) and comparison vehicles are based on 15,000 miles per year (with a mix of 55% city and 45% highway driving) and energy estimates of $3.04 per gallon for regular unleaded in North Dakota.

Monthly estimates based on costs in North Dakota

　　$135/mo  for Trax LS

　　Trax LS

　　LS 4dr SUV (1.4L 4cyl Turbo 6A) (Most Popular) - $21,300 MSRPLS 4dr SUV AWD (1.4L 4cyl Turbo 6A) - $22,800 MSRPLT 4dr SUV (1.4L 4cyl Turbo 6A) - $23,200 MSRPLT 4dr SUV AWD (1.4L 4cyl Turbo 6A) - $24,700 MSRPPremier 4dr SUV (1.4L 4cyl Turbo 6A) - $27,600 MSRPPremier 4dr SUV AWD (1.4L 4cyl Turbo 6A) - $29,100 MSRP

　　vs

　　$166/mo

　　Avg. Compact SUV

　　The Trax has a few redeeming qualities. It is easy to get into, generally affordable, and the tall ride height and large windows give drivers the expansive outward view preferred by SUV owners. Unfortunately, the benefits are vastly outweighed by its drawbacks. Passenger comfort is hampered by a harsh ride quality and narrow, unsupportive seats. The rear seat is a little claustrophobic, and there's less cargo room than in a Volkswagen Golf hatchback. And while most entries in the class have modestly powered engines, the Trax's turbocharged 1.4-liter four-cylinder fails to live up to even those low expectations. There are a number of desirable small crossovers, and we suggest driving any of them before settling on the Chevrolet Trax.

　　

Which Trax does zzdcar recommend?

The base LS is priced competitively and comes with enough features that it doesn't feel like a penalty box. If you have a little extra in your budget, however, we recommend upgrading to the LT. It has some useful convenience features, such as upgraded headlights and a cargo cover. It's also more versatile, with several packages that add options such as keyless entry and advanced driving aids.

　　

2020 Chevrolet Trax models

The 2020 Chevrolet Trax is a subcompact SUV sold in three trim levels: LS, LT and Premier. The base LS trim has enough standard equipment not to feel stripped down, but the LT adds more practical features and has access to several option packages. The Premier trim not only gets interior upgrades, but it also has added active safety features.

　　All three trims are powered by a turbocharged 1.4-liter four-cylinder engine (138 horsepower, 148 lb-ft of torque). Also standard is a six-speed automatic transmission and front-wheel drive. All-wheel drive is optional. Front-wheel-drive models have front disc brakes and drum brakes in the rear, and all-wheel-drive models get disc brakes at all four corners.

　　The base Trax LS comes with 16-inch alloy wheels, automatic headlights, manual-folding side mirrors, and a rearview camera. Inside, you'll find a 60/40-split folding rear seat, driver's seat power lumbar adjustment, OnStar communications (with a 4G LTE connection and a Wi-Fi hotspot), a 7-inch touchscreen, and a six-speaker sound system with two USB ports and Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration. As its name suggests, the optional Tint and Cruise package adds tinted windows and cruise control.

　　That package is included on the LT, along with roof rails, upgraded headlights, LED daytime running lights, heated mirrors, remote vehicle start, upgraded cloth upholstery, satellite radio, a household-style 110-volt outlet, a cargo cover, and a storage drawer under the passenger seat.

　　Four major packages are offered for the Trax LT. The LT Convenience package adds premium cloth upholstery with faux leather inserts, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, keyless ignition and entry, and a six-way power-adjustable driver's seat. The Driver Confidence package includes blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert and rear parking sensors. Opting for the Sun and Sound package gets you a seven-speaker Bose stereo system and a sunroof.

　　Another option for the Trax LT is the Redline Edition, an appearance package that adds black body accents and 18-inch alloy wheels painted black with red accent stripes.

　　The top-tier Premier trim comes with all of the LT's packages (aside from the Redline Edition), as well as 18-inch wheels, foglights, faux leather upholstery, an auto-dimming mirror and heated front seats. It's also the only trim that gets forward collision and lane departure warning systems.

　　

2020 Trax Highlights

Trim: LSLTPremierLS

　　

Base MSRP	$21,300
Engine Type	Gas
Combined MPG	28 MPG
Cost to Drive	$135/month
Seating	5 seats
Cargo Capacity All Seats In Place	18.7 cu.ft.
Drivetrain	front wheel drive
Warranty	3 years / 36,000 miles