Chevrolet Trax (2025)

Russ Heaps from Kelley Blue Book praises the 2025 Chevrolet Trax as an affordable, stylish subcompact SUV that impresses with its spacious interior, advanced technology, and strong value proposition. Despite its modest 1.2-liter turbocharged 3-cylinder engine and front-wheel-drive limitation, the Trax delivers responsive handling and competitive fuel economy, making it satisfying to drive in everyday scenarios. The review highlights standout features such as a large 11-inch infotainment touchscreen, generous rear legroom comparable to midsize cars, and a comprehensive suite of standard safety technologies. While the base trim’s seat materials and lack of rear air vents or cupholders draw some criticism, higher trims address these concerns affordably. The Trax’s crash test results are mixed, with room for improvement in safety ratings. Overall, Heaps regards the Trax as a “comeback kid” with serious curb appeal and solid practicality, recommending buyers consider trims above the base level and check fair purchase pricing for the best deal.

Austin Parsons from Car and Driver highlights the 2026 Chevrolet Trax as an exceptional value in the subcompact SUV segment, praising its sharp exterior styling, spacious and quiet cabin, and nimble, carlike handling. The Trax impresses with generous rear legroom and cargo space, making it practical for everyday use and recreation. While its modest 137-hp turbocharged engine and front-wheel-drive setup limit freeway passing power and exclude all-wheel drive, the smooth-shifting six-speed automatic transmission is favored over the CVTs common in rivals. The interior balances user-friendly tech—such as large infotainment screens and wireless connectivity—with affordable materials, and available comfort features add appeal. Safety tech is comprehensive and standard across trims. Though the warranty is basic compared to competitors, a complimentary maintenance visit adds value. Overall, Parsons views the Trax as a well-rounded, budget-friendly SUV that earns its place on Car and Driver’s 10Best list by delivering solid performance, comfort, and utility without unnecessary frills.

Emmet White from Road & Track highlights the 2025 Chevrolet Trax as a compelling entry-level subcompact crossover that balances affordability with surprising interior spaciousness and modern design. Praising its playful handling, roomy cabin, and sharp infotainment system, White notes the Trax feels more upscale than its price suggests, especially in higher trims like the Activ. However, the review tempers enthusiasm with critiques of the turbocharged three-cylinder engine’s modest power and noisy mechanical tone, as well as middling braking and firm ride quality. Despite these drawbacks, the Trax’s competitive pricing, generous cargo space, and thoughtful driver-assistance features make it a strong contender against rivals like the Mazda CX-30 and Volkswagen Taos. White emphasizes that while it won’t win on outright speed or all-weather capability (due to lack of AWD), the Trax offers excellent value and practicality for budget-conscious buyers, particularly first-time car owners seeking a stylish, well-equipped crossover.

Mark Takahashi from Edmunds highlights the 2026 Chevrolet Trax as a well-priced, practical subcompact SUV that offers surprisingly spacious interior and cargo capacity for its size. Praising its comfortable ride, smooth handling, and user-friendly wireless smartphone integration, Takahashi notes the Trax punches above its weight in value despite a modest three-cylinder engine that delivers adequate but not thrilling performance. While the Trax lacks all-wheel drive and some advanced driver aids expected in newer models, its adaptive cruise control works well. The review points out a few drawbacks, including a basic climate control system without rear vents, absence of rear cupholders, and some hard plastic interior panels. Overall, Takahashi sees the Trax as a straightforward, no-frills choice ideal for buyers seeking affordable SUV practicality without the bells and whistles of pricier rivals, with the midrange LT trim offering a balanced mix of features and price.

Zac Palmer from Autoblog highlights the 2025 Chevrolet Trax as a surprisingly strong contender in the subcompact SUV segment, praising its sharp styling, engaging driving experience, and excellent value starting at just $21,495. Despite a modest 1.2-liter three-cylinder engine and no all-wheel-drive option, the Trax delivers punchy torque, responsive handling, and commendable fuel economy, making it enjoyable and practical for everyday use. Palmer notes the cabin’s stylish design inspired by the Camaro and generous rear legroom, which is rare for this class, though he points out compromises like hard armrests and predominantly hard plastics inside. While cargo space is somewhat less versatile than competitors, the Trax’s tech features, including wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto and a user-friendly infotainment system, meet most drivers’ needs. Overall, Palmer views the Trax as a budget-friendly, well-rounded small crossover that balances cost-saving trade-offs with thoughtful engineering and real-world usability.

Andrew Ganz from The Car Connection highlights the 2025 Chevrolet Trax as a compelling budget-friendly small SUV, especially for buyers prioritizing interior space, styling, and technology over all-wheel drive or high performance. Praising its roomy cabin, clever storage, and sharp exterior design, Ganz notes the Trax’s turbocharged 1.2-liter engine delivers adequate but modest power, making it nimble and comfortable but far from quick. The review appreciates the well-integrated infotainment system and comprehensive standard safety features, though it flags disappointing crash-test results and the absence of a hybrid option as notable drawbacks. The Trax’s ride quality and steering responsiveness earn positive marks, but the lack of AWD and limited fuel efficiency compared to rivals temper enthusiasm. Overall, Ganz recommends budgeting for the mid-level LT trim for the best value, portraying the Trax as a rational, stylish choice for urban drivers who don’t need off-road capability or sporty performance.

Chris Davies from SlashGear highlights the 2025 Chevrolet Trax as a surprisingly mature and practical sub-$25,000 SUV that balances affordability with mainstream appeal. She praises its handsome, chunky styling that no longer screams “cheap SUV,” and notes the cabin’s clean design and sensible features, including wireless Apple CarPlay and a digital driver display on higher trims. While the Trax’s 1.2-liter three-cylinder engine delivers adequate city driving performance, it lacks highway refinement and all-wheel drive options, limiting its appeal in tougher weather or more demanding conditions. Fuel economy is average, and driving dynamics are unexciting, but the Trax remains a solid choice for budget-conscious buyers who want a new, well-equipped crossover without sacrificing style or practicality. Davies emphasizes the value sweet spot found in mid-level trims, making the Trax a clever option for those prioritizing price and everyday usability over power or advanced drivetrain features.

Jake Lingeman from Newsweek praises the 2025 Chevrolet Trax for its stylish redesign, improved interior space, and practical efficiency, positioning it as a strong contender in the subcompact SUV segment. He highlights the Trax’s sporty, aggressive look inspired by Chevrolet’s Camaro and Blazer, along with thoughtful interior upgrades like increased rear legroom, larger cargo capacity, and user-friendly infotainment with wireless connectivity. The 1.2-liter turbocharged engine delivers adequate power for daily driving, with handling that pleasantly surprises given the vehicle’s size and price point. Lingeman notes the absence of all-wheel drive as a limitation compared to rivals like the Subaru Crosstrek and Honda HR-V but acknowledges the Trax’s competence in mild winter conditions. Safety features are comprehensive, and the pricing is competitive. While not the fastest or most powerful, the Trax excels as an efficient, comfortable, and well-equipped entry-level SUV, making it a worthy option for buyers prioritizing style, value, and everyday usability.