The Chevrolet Trax is a subcompact crossover SUV that offers a tall ride height, roominess, and lots of visibility. It competes in a segment that includes the Mazda CX-3, the Honda HR-V, and the Jeep Renegade. The Chevrolet Trax sits as the smallest SUV in the Chevy lineup, with the compact SUV Equinox and the recently resurrected midsize Blazer as its bigger siblings.

The base trim level on the Trax is the LS, which has a starting price of $21,300. If you’re considering this competitively-priced little SUV at this trim level, what features come standard? Let’s take a look at what the base model Chevy Trax offers.

How powerful is the Chevrolet Trax?

Chevy has equipped the versatile Trax with its ECOTEC 1.4-liter four-cylinder turbocharged engine that’s paired with a six-speed automatic transmission. It produces 138 hp and 148 lb-ft of torque. This is the only engine available on the five-seater.

Front-wheel drive is standard. For $1,500 more, buyers can choose an all-wheel-drive option. The FWD version’s fuel economy is 26 mpg city and 31 mpg highway. The Trax’s AWD model yields 24 mpg city and 39 mpg highway.

The appearance of the Chevrolet Trax

Sharing some of the bold stylings of its larger SUV siblings, the base model Chevy Trax also sports 16-inch painted aluminum wheels, halogen reflector headlights, and sculpted taillights. Its door handles, power outside mirrors, and liftgate applique all match the SUV’s body color.

The Trax also is equipped with 16-inch all-season Blackwall tires and a 16-inch steel spare wheel. Its windows and windshield are protected with a solar-absorbing material. It also has front and rear intermittent wipers and a rear window defogger.

As you’d expect for an affordably-priced subcompact SUV, the Chevrolet Trax’s interior, while roomy, is fairly basic. It has front bucket seats, a four-way manually adjustable driver’s seat, and a flat-folding front passenger seatback. The 60/40 split-folding rear bench seat, cloth seats, and front and rear carpeted floor mats all come standard. 

Buyers of the base model will also get a manual tilt and telescoping steering wheel with mounted controls, power steering, and single-zone manual climate control with a rear heat duct. Power door locks and windows are also standard.

At the rear of the Trax, the cargo area maxes out at 48.4 cubic feet, and there are four tie-downs here. There’s extra space for storing items underneath the floor in this area as well as an interior cargo shade. The Trax also comes with a mechanical jack, tools, and a compact spare tire.

Infotainment and connectivity

The Chevy Trax balances what it lacks in interior comforts with enough tech features to keep its occupants informed and connected. Chevrolet’s Infotainment 3 system is a standard feature on the Trax. It includes a user-friendly 7-inch color touchscreen, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility, Bluetooth audio streaming for two smartphones, and voice command pass-through. A six-speaker sound system is also installed in the Trax.

Connectivity tech includes 4G LTE Wi-Fi hotspot capability, a 12-volt power outlet, and a dual USB port with a single auxiliary input jack. The Chevrolet Trax also has Connected Access capability, which makes services such as connected navigation, emergency services, roadside assistance, and OnStar available. 

Another feature that keeps drivers updated is the Trax’s 3.5-inch Driver Information Center. It provides digital readouts of vehicle speed, fuel range, fuel economy, tire pressure, and other driving-related data. An eight-point digital compass is also standard on this Chevy SUV.

Safety and security features

The Chevrolet Trax has received a five-star rating from NHTSA, and nearly all of IIHS’s evaluations of it have been rated as good.

Features that help to make the Chevy Trax safe are 10 airbags, a rearview camera, front head restraints, three-point seat belts, and seat belt pretensioners for the driver and front passenger. A LATCH child seat system, rear child security door locks, and anti-pinch power windows also come standard. Other safety features include daytime running lights, four-wheel antilock front disc, and rear drum brakes, stability control, and traction control.

Security features on the Trax are remote keyless entry, two foldable keys, and a theft-deterrent alarm system.

The 2020 Chevrolet Trax may not offer as many standard features as its corporate cousin the Buick Encore. And it may not be equipped with as many interior comforts as its rival the Kia Soul. But its standard infotainment and safety features add plenty of value to this sporty subcompact SUV.