2020 Chevy Trax Review

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.

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.

Is the Chevrolet Trax a Good Car?
The Chevy Trax is not a very good subcompact SUV. It has underwhelming engine power, dull handling, and an uncomfortable ride. Interior quality is nothing to write home about either, and seat comfort, cargo space, and fuel economy are merely adequate.

The pint-size Trax does, however, dole out easy driving maneuverability, and it features modern, intuitive infotainment technologies.

Should I Buy the Chevrolet Trax?
With its small size, tight turning radius, and muted acceleration, the Trax is best for those who don't need a lot of space and do most of their driving in the city. This Chevy has a good number of standard features and a starting price that is about average for the class, but there's little reason to buy the Trax over any number of class competitors.

The Honda HR-V, for example, has ample passenger and cargo room, along with a long list of optional active safety features. The Mazda CX-3 boasts athletic driving dynamics and a high-end interior.

This is my first SUV. I was a Chevy Cruze fan, but GM quit making the car and a couple other of their models like the other big car companies did. The Cruze was considered a compact, so insurance wise it was less expensive to drive VS a mid size. Anyway, the Trax basically "replaced" the Cruze. This vehicle drives very well and is quiet inside. Mileage so far is below the Cruze mileage, but I am still in the break in period. The Cruze averaged 32-35 MPG, and the Trax is around 28-29 MPG right now. I know there was more leg room (in the back seat) and trunk space in the Cruze. The Trax has a large rear door that lifts up enough so I do not have to duck to avoid hitting my head. I am 5'10" tall. When you lift up the rear deck platform, the spare is underneath that. Both rear seats and the front passenger seat fold down for extra storage space. The Trax is obviously higher off of the ground than the Cruze, so that has taken a little getting used to stepping up and stepping out of the car. The Trax is shorter (but higher) than the Cruze was, so that is why leg room in the rear seat is tighter in the Trax. The front passenger seat has an indentation in the back of the seat so a passenger in the rear behind that seat has a little more leg space. Overall a nice looking, quiet riding car with plenty of room up front. Also, there is NO storage console behind the shifter between the front seats to store stuff. Just a cup holder and pull down arm rest for the driver, so I miss that also which every regular, non SUV vehicle has. The pull down is very narrow, so my right arm does not rest well on that, but it is something I will have to get used to as time goes on with this SUV. I could have gone to a Chevy Malibu (mid size VS compact car) which is still being made, but the budget would not allow that. This is really NOT a family car, but plenty for me.