No Compromise Necessary

The 2016 Chevrolet Trax represents a new era of crossover SUV. Not only is it based on a car platform (it’s related to the Chevy Spark and Sonic), its compact frame means it comes with an equally small base price and great fuel economy, while still providing all the space and utility crossover customers crave. It's a no-compromise approach to crossovers, and one that customers are sure to appreciate. 

Performance

A money-saving small crossover needs a fuel-efficient powertrain, and the 2016 Chevrolet Trax has one. It’s powered by a 1.4-liter turbocharged Ecotec four-cylinder engine that produces 138 horsepower and 148 pound-feet of torque. It’s mated to a six-speed automatic transmission and drives either the front wheels or all four.

While it’s not a very large engine, the wide torque band (from 1,850 to 4,900 rpm) allows the Trax to make the most of the available power. Torque is what gets a car moving off the line, so always having access to it vastly improves the driving experience.

Thanks to its diminutive frame, the 2016 Chevrolet Trax is both easier to park and more maneuverable than large crossovers. It's also incredibly responsive out on the road. Tap the gas and the Trax's six-speed automatic transmission is quick to respond, shifting smoothly and quickly. 

Of course, the main point of having a small vehicle with a small engine is fuel economy, and the Trax doesn’t disappoint. The EPA rates it at 29 mpg combined (26 mpg city, 34 mpg highway) with front-wheel drive,* and 27 mpg combined (24 mpg city, 31 mpg highway) with all-wheel drive.*

Features

The 2016 Chevrolet Trax is a five-door, five-seat crossover. It’s available in three trim levels, starting at $20,300.**

The base Trax LS may be thrifty, but it’s no econobox. Standard equipment includes front bucket seats, a 60/40 split-folding rear bench, steering-wheel audio and phone controls, Chevy’s MyLink™ infotainment system with a seven-inch display screen, and OnStar® 4G LTE with a built-in Wi-Fi hotspot that can accommodate up to seven devices.

Building on the standard features of the LS is the LT, which adds 16-inch alloy wheels, heated exterior mirrors, and Deluxe cloth seat trim, among other features.

The top Trax trim level is the LTZ which, in addition to the applicable standard features from the LS and LT, includes a Bose® premium seven-speaker audio system, leatherette seat trim, a power-adjustable driver’s seat, leather-wrapped steering wheel, and fog lights.

On top of that, notable options include roof rails, a power sunroof, and an oil-pan heater for colder climates. 

Design

The Trax is supposed to offer the virtues of a traditional crossover SUV in a smaller package, so it’s not surprising that the exterior and interior styling bears more than a passing resemblance to some of Chevy’s larger offerings.

From the outside, the Trax almost looks like a shrunken Equinox, but its smaller overall size and compact proportions gives that crossover’s fairly straightforward styling features much more personality.

That size is really the Trax’s biggest asset. It has the footprint of a small hatchback, making for easy parking and sprightly handling. Yet the tall roof offers an SUV-like view of the road for the driver, and much more room for the passengers.

There’s even a respectable 48.4 cubic feet of cargo space with the rear seat folded, and a best-in-class 15 storage compartments.

That interior exudes plenty of personality, too, thanks to details like round air vents, a three-spoke steering wheel, and a stylish gauge cluster that combines an analog tachometer with a digital display.

Speaking of displays, the seven-inch color touchscreen is something you’d normally expect to find in a much more expensive car. The Trax also comes pre-equipped for in-car Wi-Fi service, with the purchase of a separate data plan.

Safety

Standard safety equipment on the 2016 Chevy Trax includes anti-lock brakes, General Motors’ StabiliTrak™ stability and traction control system, a rearview camera, and 10 airbags. GM’s OnStar® telematics service, is also standard, although some features may require an extra subscription.

Verdict

Budget-minded shoppers that want all the benefits of a traditional crossover (but without the traditional price tag) will love the 2016 Chevrolet Trax for its affordable price, excellent fuel economy, roomy interior, and feature-rich cabin.

For more information, or to schedule a test drive, contact us online or visit 3Birds Template at 505 W. Franklin St., Chapel Hill, NC 27516. 

*EPA fuel estimates. Your mileage will vary depending on driving habits and conditions.

**The Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price excludes tax, title, license, dealer fees and optional equipment. Includes destination freight charge and gas guzzler tax.

Image Credit: Chevrolet