Used 2015 Chevrolet Trax

There’s been a resurgence of compact crossover SUVs as of late, and the 2015 Chevrolet Trax is at the forefront. We’ve driven both the Canadian and U.S.-spec Trax now, and have come away believing that it’s worth a look if you’re in the market for a vehicle its size. Standard 4G LTE Wi-Fi and 15 storage compartments, along with optional all-wheel drive, give the new Trax a fighting chance. However, other small- SUV alternatives such as the versatile 2016 Honda HR-V, sporty 2016 Mazda CX-3, and off-road-ready 2015 Jeep Renegade are set to give the Trax a run for its money. Chevy also considers the Nissan Juke and Kia Soul competition, too.

The 1.4-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder engine can be a little buzzy at speeds, but it still serves up adequate power. One solution, if we can call it that, is to simply turn up the audio volume to a normal level to drown out the engine noise. We were pleasantly surprised at how comfortable the new Trax’s ride is and its nimbleness even at speed. The base LS and LT ride on 16-inch wheels while the LTZ rolls along on 18-inchers.

Since the new Trax is aimed at younger, first-time buyers to Chevrolet, the interior is designed for a hyper-social lifestyle. The 7-inch color touch screen houses an array of apps and has the ability to sync a smartphone in seconds. Everything in the front of the cabin is easily within arm’s reach thanks to the Trax’s overall size. An analog tachometer and a digital speedometer display necessary vitals in a fun way that’s similar to one seen on a sports bike. There are also 15 storage compartments and a few USB ports spread throughout the cabin.

Life as a compact SUV means a short wheelbase and smaller proportions in general. The Trax is just that, with a stout profile capped off by a front grille responsible for ushering air to cool everything off under the hood. From behind, the new Trax looks smaller than it really is, thanks in part to the character lines that bookend the tailgate. These same lines run the length of the Trax and slink over the wheel wells to give it some definition and shape. A maximum width (without mirrors) of 69.9 inches helps squeeze the Trax through some tight spots.

15 STORAGE COMPARTMENTS
There are 15 storage compartments of all shapes and sizes positioned throughout the new Trax SUV’s cabin – there’s even a storage drawer under the front-passenger seat on LT and LTZ models.

ALL-WHEEL DRIVE
The safety and performance enhancement of on-demand all-wheel drive is a $1,500 option and one that we recommend springing for if you live in an area that experiences heavy rain and/or snow.

Like the rest of Chevrolet’s lineup starting in 2015, the all-new Trax includes 4G LTE Wi-Fi on board as a standard feature. A backup camera is standard as well. Cloth seats and an infotainment system start you off in the base LS, but if you want navigation and leatherette-clad seats, you have to climb the trim ladder. If you want every bell and whistle, you’re best off going with the Trax LTZ trim, which features everything mentioned plus highlights including an auto-dimming rearview mirror and heated side view mirrors.

All-wheel drive is an available option for an additional $1,500, and if you live in an area where wet/winter weather is common, we recommend it. Also available on the mid-level LT version of the new Trax (standard on the top-tiered LTZ model) is a 7-speaker Bose premium sound system.

A 1.4-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder engine, rated at 138 horsepower and 148 lb-ft of torque, is the only available engine for Chevy’s new compact SUV. A 6-speed automatic transmission is paired with this engine and handles gear changes without a hunt. Chevrolet paid extra attention to keeping engine and road noise at a minimum with some help from some very effective sound-deadening materials, but as mentioned in our driving impressions above, don’t expect a library inside. This engine/transmission pairing is good for an EPA-rated mpg of 26 city/34 highway. Being that the Trax is a compact crossover SUV, filling its 14 gallon fuel tank is easier on the wallet than other, larger SUVs.

1.4-liter turbocharged inline-4
138 horsepower @ 4,900 rpm
148 lb-ft of torque @ 1,850 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 26/34 mpg