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2018 Chevrolet Trax review

Research, photos, specs, and expertise
7 photos

Chevrolet Trax highlights

Customer rating

RepairPal reliability rating

Pros

  • Roomier and more versatile than it appears
  • Plenty of features for the price

Cons

  • Slow acceleration
  • Choppy ride quality

Mileage (EPA estimate)

24 city, 30 highway, 27 combined

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The 2018 Chevrolet Trax surprises with more room than you expect

A subcompact SUV is a paradox. How can something less than “compact” offer much utility, or for that matter, even sport? The 2018 Chevrolet Trax may not be sporty, but its smartly designed interior maximizes a bite-size footprint with nearly 50 cubic feet of cargo space. The seats are also comfortable, it’s easy to park and maneuver in traffic, and good visibility helps you recognize larger vehicles and distracted drivers around you. The standard MyLink infotainment system, with its intuitive interface and features, helps you avoid joining the ranks of said distracted drivers.

The Trax has typically been one of the most affordable SUVs available, a pocket-sized city hopper at a bargain price. However, there are compromises, and the engine struggles to accelerate the Trax, especially with heavy cargo. The ride is unrefined and accompanied by a fair amount of road noise, and the mediocre interior materials and finish aren’t inspiring. If you can stretch your budget, the Mazda CX-3 (or more recent CX-30), Honda HR-V, or Jeep Renegade all deserve a look.

All Chevrolet Trax years

What is new for the 2018 Chevrolet Trax?

  • Trax trims have been upgraded with Sunroof(s) and Lane Departure Warning as standard equipment this year.

2018 Chevrolet Trax trims

Curious how Chevrolet Trax trims differ? Use our side-by-side vehicle comparison to see the differences and similarities

LS:

  • 138-hp, 148-lb-ft of torque 1.4L
  • Rear Defroster
  • Cloth Seats
  • Power Mirrors
  • Traction Control
  • Side Airbags
  • Overhead Airbags
  • Rear View Camera
  • Alloy Wheels

LT:

Premier:

Chevrolet Trax photos

What We Like

Versatility: Given the Trax’s size, the cabin is surprisingly roomy. It offers more passenger space than its contemporary Honda and Mazda peers, and its foldable 60/40-split rear seats and flat-folding front passenger seat add versatility. With 19 cubic feet behind the rear seats when upright, the Trax has more luggage space than the Mazda CX-3 and a pinch more than the Jeep Renegade. Fold all the seats down and the Trax can hold up to 48 cubic feet of cargo, about the size of two washing machines. Not bad for a car that measures the same length as a Volkswagen Golf.

Comfort: Small cars demand sacrifices, but the Trax makes smart compromises. Its tall ride height and high roof make it easy to get in and out, and there’s adequate headroom and legroom, even for taller rear passengers. Soft seats are surprisingly comfortable even during long stints, aided by power adjustments for the driver’s side.

Value: The 2018 Trax packs a lot of features into its small shape. The base-model 2018 Trax LS comes standard with 16-inch wheels, keyless entry, a rearview camera, a 7-inch touchscreen, Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™ smartphone integration, and even a Wi-Fi hotspot.

Upper trims obviously offer more features, including some driver aids, but even the base Trax delivers solid value.

What Needs Improvement

Performance: Even with tempered expectations for subcompact SUVs, the Trax falls short. With just 138 horsepower from the small four-cylinder engine, you’ll need patience while accelerating to highway speeds. Passing maneuvers also require some planning. Handling isn’t a strong point either, and buyers who want something more fun should look to the contemporary Mazda CX-3 or Ford EcoSport for more excitement behind the wheel.

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Ratings & reliability

Customer ratings

3.9 out of 5

13 customer reviews

RepairPal reliability rating

4
Above Average

RepairPal gave the Chevrolet Trax an overall reliability rating of 4 out of 5 stars, which RepairPal describes as Above Average. This rating ranks Chevrolet Trax 5th out of 8 among Subcompact SUVs.

View RepairPal's full rating of the Chevrolet Trax

Chevrolet Trax features and specs

Curious how Chevrolet Trax trims differ? Use our side-by-side vehicle comparison to see the differences and similarities

LS 2WD 4D Sport Utility

Standard Features

  • ABS Brakes
  • Air Conditioning
  • AM/FM Stereo
  • Android Auto
  • Apple CarPlay
  • Automatic Transmission
  • Auxiliary Audio Input
  • Bluetooth Technology
  • Cloth Seats
  • Overhead Airbags
  • Power Locks
  • Power Mirrors
  • Power Windows
  • Rear Defroster
  • Rear View Camera
  • Side Airbags
  • Traction Control
  • Turbo Charged Engine

Optional Features

  • Automatic Transmission
  • Cloth Seats
  • Power Seat(s)

Drive Wheels

Front Wheel Drive (2WD)

Engine size

1.4L

Horsepower

138

Torque (ft-lbs)

148

Engine type

Turbo Gas

Fuel capacity

14

Wheelbase

100.6"

Overall length

167.2"

Width

69.9"

Height

64.9"

Leg room

F 40.8"/R 35.7"

Head room

F 39.6"/R 38.8"

Front tires

P205/70R16

Rear tires

P205/70R16

Seating capacity

5

Transmission

Automatic

2018 Chevrolet Trax FAQ

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