MSN is Impressed by the Chevrolet Trax

MSN, Microsoft’s web portal, wastes no time in pointing out that the starting MSRP of $20,400 for the Chevrolet Trax is “…less than half the price of the average new vehicle in the U.S.A.” They spend the rest of the article informing you how desirable the Trax models are, particularly given the price range of the model line. Sharp Automotive summarizes what they have to say.   

MSN isn’t alone.  Since its 2024 redesign, the Trax automotive critics have been impressed with its practicality, style, and value.  MSN sampled a Trax 2RS, which shares the top of the model line with the ACTIV off-road-themed trim level.  It can be frustrating at times when reviewers are looking at a flagship trim that can sometimes be $10,000-15,000 over the base model, but in this case, the flagship 2RS has a starting MSRP of just $9,500 more than the base LS trim.  That puts a fully equipped Trax in the mid-20s at $24,300.  For comparison, they point out that the top trim of the Honda HR-V starts at $27,650, and the top model of the Mazda CX-30 climbs to $36,800.  Admittedly, both of these models are equipped with all-wheel drive (AWD), and the CX-30 top trim has 250 horsepower, making it the muscle car of the segment. 

The Trax is not available with all-wheel drive and makes no high-performance claims.  But its turbocharged 1.2-liter 3-cylinder engine, rated at 137 horsepower and 162 lb-ft of torque, has been found by reviewers to be perfectly acceptable.  MSN even calls it a “peppy little engine.”  They also like the Trax chassis, stating, “…the Trax 2RS is designed with smooth and responsive handling in mind, thanks to its well-tuned suspension and compact size.”   

One way Chevrolet kept the cost down is by offering FWD for all models and thus not having to engineer an AWD model. Not that AWD’s absence should be an issue in North Carolina, but if you want that capability, Chevrolet obliges with the similar-sized Trailblazer with available AWD.   

MSN finds the Trax as most at home on city streets, “Thanks to its small stature, tight turning circle, low stance, and responsive handling, this Chevy model stands out as an urban SUV that combines usability, a low city fuel consumption of 28 MPG, and techy features that keep you, other road users, cyclists, and pedestrians safe.” 

What makes the Trax stand out in its competitive segment is its style, which is leaps and bounds beyond the previous model and stands in startling contrast to its low cost. Up front, it wears the same bold and sophisticated face as the more expensive Chevrolet crossovers, including low-profile LED lights flanking the upper grille with nearly hidden headlights tucked in the corners below. Along its profile, you’ll find a sleek roofline with an attractive upward sweep to the rear windows and strong side character lines above and between the front and rear fenders.   It expresses “sporty” from every angle and looks nothing like an economy model. The 2RS enhances the look with 19-inch machined two-tone wheels, blacked-out grille, and badging.   

For the interior, it adds attractive red accents, heated seats with 8-way power driver’s adjustment, an 8-inch digital driver information center, an 11-inch center touchscreen, and wireless phone charging, among other upgrades.   However, all Trax models feature the bright trim on the dash console and doors, and the surprisingly intricate round climate control vents from the Camaro and Blazer EV give the Trax interior an upscale appearance. 

Chevrolet feels that safety shouldn’t depend on your budget, so the Trax model line includes safety features and technologies, such as: 

• Lane Keep Assist with Lane Departure Warning 
• Forward Collision Alert 
• Front Pedestrian Braking 
• Automatic Emergency Braking 
• Braking Control (using ECM) 
• Tire Pressure Monitoring System with Tire Fill Alert 
• Rear Seat Reminder 
• Following Distance Indicator 
• HD Rear Vision Camera 
• StabiliTrack Traction Control 

MSN summarizes its review of the Trax by stating: “The 2024 Trax “hits the sweet spot,” packing in lots of important details which matter, and cutting costs on things that don’t matter. If you are looking for an affordable but good-quality car, keep reading. My priorities are 1) Safety, 2) Value, 3) Comfort, and 4) Looks.  The Trax excels at all of these 4.” 

The view from Sharp Automotive is simply that you won’t find a better new vehicle in the Trax price range anywhere. We are eager to prove that to you by inviting you to visit us and test drive the new Trax.