Used 2018 Chevrolet Trax

The 2018 Chevrolet Trax combines the fuel efficiency of a compact car with the roominess and capability of an SUV. Known in the industry as a compact-crossover SUV, this design is gaining in popularity especially with younger drivers. The Chevy Trax is made all the more alluring due to its high-tech features that include Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility, as well as a host of advanced driver-safety equipment. Peppy and fun to drive, the Trax doesn’t feel heavy or bloated like some larger crossover SUVs, and its optional all-wheel-drive system is perfect for weekend ski trips or access to remote trailheads. The Trax’s overall ownership costs appear to be a bit higher than its rivals, however, something to keep in mind if you’re pinching pennies.

Thanks to its small size, tight turning radius and peppy turbocharged 4-cylinder engine, the 2018 Chevrolet Trax makes a great city-commuter car that can pull double duty as a weekend escape artist. The front seats are supportive for long trips and the MyLink infotainment system is thoroughly up to date for integration with the latest smartphone applications from music to navigation. At highway speeds, the Trax’s interior isn’t whisper-quiet, but it is does weed out the most obnoxious types of road noise, making crystal-clear conversation via a Bluetooth-enabled device possible. The Trax’s steering, braking and acceleration are quite good, delivering a predictable driving experience we found quite enjoyable.

The interior of the Trax is tasteful and modern, highlighted by an attractive dash design incorporating a combination analog-digital gauge cluster, updated infotainment screen and nice soft-touch materials. The updates have certainly increased the visual and functional appeal of the cabin, but it still lags the class leaders in richness and overall aesthetics. With a roomier back seat and more cargo room than some of its sexier competitors, however, the Chevrolet Trax offers more of what’s important to many segment shoppers.

Last year’s exterior update helped bring the Trax in line with the newer vehicles in the automaker’s lineup, while giving it a bolder, wider, more confident stance. Around back, the Trax features large taillights that incorporate a highly-sculpted surface. LED headlight accents are available, as are LED taillights. The entry LS model features base-level touches like black (non-body-color) mirrors and steel wheels, while top-line Premier trims are distinguished by a variety of tasteful chrome accents, big 18-inch aluminum wheels and fog lights, among other upgrades.

APPLE CARPLAY AND ANDROID AUTO
With the ability to mirror one’s smartphone on the 7-inch MyLink infotainment setup, the Trax allows the driver to bring along navigation, music and even text messages in a safe and easily accessible format.

4G LTE Wi-Fi
Thanks to its built-in 4G LTE Wi-Fi, the 2018 Chevy Trax offers its passengers instant access to the net, allowing use of phones, tablets or laptops anywhere a signal is available.

Even at its starting sticker price of under $22,000 including destination, the 2018 Chevrolet Trax offers a variety of appealing features. A new infotainment system incorporates a 7-inch touch screen, Bluetooth audio streaming, two USB ports, rearview camera, plus Apple CarPlay and Android Auto capability. The OnStar suite includes five years of basic functionality, plus a 3-month trial of the good stuff like 4G LTE Wi-Fi hotspot capability, turn-by-turn navigation, automatic crash response and more.

In addition to familiar upgrades like a premium audio system, sunroof, heated Leatherette seats, and remote-sensing keyless unlock with push-button start, the list of 2018 Chevrolet Trax options includes side blind-zone alert, rear cross-traffic alert, forward-collision alert, lane-departure warning and rear parking sensors. A new Redline Package for the LT brings 18-inch black-finish wheels and black-out treatment for the grilles, mirror caps, bow-tie emblems and beltline moldings.

The 2018 Chevrolet Trax matches a small, 1.4-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder engine with a traditional 6-speed automatic transmission to deliver a satisfying balance of power, responsiveness and fuel economy. Like all of its subcompact-SUV cohorts, the Trax is available in front- or all-wheel drive (FWD, AWD).

1.4-liter turbocharged inline-4
138 horsepower @ 4,900 rpm
148 lb-ft of torque @ 1,850 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 25/33 mpg (FWD), 24/30 mpg (AWD)