2024 Chevrolet Trax Review: A Once-Dreary SUV Now More Attractive and Even Cheaper
The 2024 Chevy Trax is in the right place at the right time. Americans can’t get enough crossover SUVs. The new Trax is even more timely, given how affordable it is against the others in its segment. Starting at only $21,495, the 2024 Chevrolet Trax is one of the most affordable cars on the market and, thanks to a facelift, is also an attractive SUV. After spending a week with the new Trax in New York City, it’s a hard model to argue with.
Is the 2024 Chevrolet Trax out yet?
The last model was the 2022 Trax which has sold out across the country. According to GM Authority, GM decided to skip the 2023 model year and is selling the 2022 version until they are sold out. Now the 2024 is in production and available as of Spring 2023.
How much does the 2024 Chevy Trax cost?
MSRP on the 2024 Chevy Trax starts at $21,495 for the base LS trim and goes up to $24,995 for the ACTIV trim. The Trax doesn’t offer a wide range of fancy trims with many bells and whistles. And despite an RS trim (the one I tested), there really aren’t any performance options or anything that separates the RS from the others other than some special badging and other aesthetic features.
The Chevy Trax is playing its role beautifully, considering its price point. Sure, the 137-hp 1.2-liter three-banger is sluggish and raspy. But why does a crossover need to be fast anyway? The 2024 model grew in size and remained one of the cheapest cars on the market.
What’s new for the 2024 Chevy Trax?
The new Trax is returning refreshed and nearly all new, inside and out. The main update for the Trax is its growth spurt. The interior has more room now, thanks to GM stretching the 2024 Trax wheelbase. This means more rear legroom and cargo space.
Again, the new trims aren’t overly diverse, but there are now five trim levels as opposed to only two with the 2022 Chevy Trax model. Also new is the slower 137-hp three-cylinder. This is the same engine as the Chevrolet Trailblazer.
Lastly, the 2024 Trax offers more standard features than the 2022 Trax despite being cheaper than the previous model.
2024 Chevy Trax review
The 2024 Chevy Trax knows exactly what it is. This is one of the cheapest crossover SUVs on the market. The only cheaper models are the Kia Soul and the Hyundai Venue. The interior was plenty roomy. Although it wasn’t a luxurious interior, there was quality and thoughtful design throughout.
Its cheapness is felt but more like a tickle in your throat – it’s there but it’s not ruining your day. The 2024 Trax hides its cheaper build well. The seats are comfortable, the road noise is subtle, and the ride, while a touch stiff at times, is still pretty decent, considering the price point.
I’m not sure that I would say there is plenty to like about this affordable crossover, but there certainly isn’t much to dislike, either.
After a week with the new Trax, I almost came to like the breathy little crossover. In the current market, our standards probably deserve a little tweaking. There are plenty of models on the market that cost twice as much as the Trax and offer precious little more than it does.
I tested the RS trim which, considering the once-performance trim doesn’t offer a single performance enhancement, doesn’t make much sense to me. However, the LT trim sits right in the middle of the pack, starting just under $24,000. This trim comes with a bigger 11-inch screen and remote start. The LT trim also offers optional heated seats and a steering wheel. Also, the LT trim comes with wireless Apple CarPlay and Andriod Auto as standard.
How did the Trax RS drive?
The new Trax has a slick-looking new body. At first glance – between the looks and the RS badging – you might assume that the Trax can move. It cannot. Again, given the price point, this is completely fine. Just don’t be fooled by the cool new looks.
While the new Trax is about as sporty as an old work boot, the crossover is surprisingly enjoyable to drive. Everything feels tight and decisive. While not exactly sharp the cornering might have a touch of something that might resemble pointy, at least. That said, I felt like there was a little more wiggle in the steering wheel than I preferred. The braking is decisive and clean.
Is the Chevy Trax worth it?
Again, in the words of Wu-Tang Clan, “Cash Rules Everything Around Me.” The market is in dire straights. New and used SUVs are coming off an all-time high, but that doesn’t mean they are affordable yet. So any time we get to drive something that is affordable and decent to drive, we take note. The 2024 Chevy Trax is a massive improvement over the 2022 Chevrolet Trax. Chevy took the year off and came back stronger and cheaper. So is the cheap crossover worth it? There’s no question about it; the 2024 Chevy Trax should be on your list.
