Used 2022 Chevrolet Trax

The 2022 Chevrolet Trax is a reasonably priced subcompact SUV/crossover with generally good outward vision. If this sounds like faint praise, it is. The Chevy Trax is merely an afterthought in an ever-growing class that includes many newer and finer alternatives, like the Mazda CX-30, Hyundai Kona, and Honda HR-V. Rubbing salt into this wound is Chevrolet’s own Trailblazer — a newer, cheaper, better equipped, and roomier subcompact SUV.

In its day, the Trax blazed a novel trail as a small crossover. But that day was in 2015 when the vehicle launched. With just two trims available, we wonder why Chevrolet still bothers.

Despite the presence of a turbocharger, the engine in the 2022 Trax doesn’t get noticeably lively. For suburban and city errands, it’s adequate. And the small dimensions make it easy to squeeze into parking spaces that bigger crossovers would have to drive past.

The raised driving position contributes to good outward vision. But we’d still recommend the higher LT trim and opt for the Driver Confidence Package to acquire blind-spot monitoring.

On the highways, a lack of sound insulation soon becomes noticeable. But Chevrolet at least deserves some thanks for installing a 6-speed automatic transmission instead of a cost-cutting and fun-spoiling continuously variable transmission (CVT).

When we mentioned above that no significant changes had occurred in the 2022 Trax this year, fans of the flat-folding front passenger seat may disagree. It’s been discontinued. But the seatback does gain a map pocket. If only we could remember which stores sell maps.

Both trim levels have a 7-inch infotainment touchscreen and the same audio setup. The LS has cloth upholstery. The LT goes a little posher with cloth/simulated leather upholstery — full simulated leather upholstery is optional in this trim. LT also has a storage drawer under the front passenger seat.

Passenger space up front is absolutely bearable. Rear legroom is another story: 35.7 inches. Compare that with the spacious Honda HR-V’s 39.3 inches. If a new Trax is meant to be used mostly as a 2-seater, the amount of cargo space will be similarly acceptable. Behind the rear seats, the luggage area measures 18.7 cubic feet. This expands to 48.4 cubic feet when those seats are folded.

Chunky and upright, the 2022 Trax sports a small footprint and short overhangs. Both versions have 16-inch alloy wheels as standard. The higher LT trim has more attention-getting features, though.

It comes with silver-painted front and rear skid plates, LED daytime running lights, LED taillights, and roof rails. In addition, some optional appearance packages add visual punch along with 18-inch alloy wheels.

Midnight Edition features things like the skid plates, wheels, badges, and door handles in, unsurprisingly, black. The Sport Edition omits the door handles, but otherwise goes for black details. The Redline Edition follows a similar black theme, but adds a few red stripes here and there.

APPLE CARPLAY/ANDROID AUTO SMARTPHONE INTEGRATION
Connecting a favorite smartphone to the car’s infotainment system is great for using apps like Waze or Google Maps and things like voice-controlled text messages. This integration ability is standard in every 2022 Trax.

WI-FI
Internet access on the move for up to seven devices. That should keep those annoying people in the back quiet. There’s a 3-month free trial as standard. After that, it’s a subscription service.

LS is the most affordable 2022 Trax trim. It comes with a front-wheel drive, 16-inch alloy wheels, cloth upholstery, single-zone air conditioning, power windows, manually adjustable front seats, 60/40 split/folding rear seats, under-floor cargo storage tray, rear drum brakes.

The infotainment system includes a 7-inch touchscreen, satellite radio, Apple CarPlay/Android Auto smartphone integration, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, two USB ports, and a 6-speaker audio setup.

There’s no forward-collision warning with automatic emergency braking, not even as an option.

Both the LS and slightly posher LT trims are eligible for all-wheel drive, which adds disc brakes front and rear. The only driver assistance features for the 2022 Trax are bundled into the Driver Confidence Package, bringing blind-spot monitoring (more details in our Safety section). And that’s only available in the LT.

The LT comes standard with cruise control (optional in the LS, along with tinted glass), heated/power-folding side mirrors, remote start, and a 120-volt outlet. Other extras include keyless entry/ignition, leather-wrapped steering wheel, 6-way power-adjustable driver’s seat, 18-inch alloy wheels, and a few exterior cosmetic treatments.

A turbocharged 1.4-liter 4-cylinder engine motivates the 2022 Trax with 155 horsepower and 177 lb-ft of torque. That’s on the low side for this class. But it’s fairly gentle with gasoline, running on a diet of regular.

The transmission is a 6-speed automatic, sending drive to the front wheels (FWD) in standard form. Alternatively, all-wheel drive (AWD) is on the options list.

1.4-liter turbocharged inline-4
155 horsepower @ 5,600 rpm
177 lb-ft of torque @ 2,000-4,000 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 24/32 (FWD), 23/30 mpg (AWD)