2024 Chevrolet Trax Offers a Compelling Entry Point to the Bowtie Brand

• The 2024 Chevrolet Trax is on sale now, and starts at $21,495, which includes destination and delivery charges.

• The 2024 Chevrolet Trax is available exclusively with a 1.2-liter turbocharged I3 that drives the front wheels, with a six-speed automatic transmission.

• The '24 Trax is larger than the outgoing model but weighs as much as 140 pounds lighter than the outgoing model.

Chevrolet launched its Trax line of compact crossovers in 2013, which feels much further away than your calendar suggests. Electric cars were still a few years from any real mainstream footing, small hatchbacks and sedans dominated the low-cost field, and three-cylinder engines were few and far between. With its second generation, the folks at Chevrolet stretched the Trax, shaved off a cylinder from its engine, and limited its options to make it as cost-competitive as ever.

Powering the '24 Trax is a 1.2-liter, turbocharged I3 that sends 137 hp and 162 lb-ft of torque to the front wheels. Managing that power is a six-speed automatic transmission. If you want all-wheel drive, you'll have to step up to the more expensive Trailblazer. In fact, if you want any variation on this powertrain, you'll have to look elsewhere—it's standard across the board. This is down on power compared to the outgoing turbocharged I4-powered Trax, which advertised 155 hp and 177 lb-ft of torque. Fortunately, the new Trax's 162 lb-ft of torque hits at just 2500 rpm.

While the numbers are obviously important, it's worth noting that in the real world, the Trax feels fine on power. The similar torque figure and the weight savings during the shift to the second generation likely are the reasons this new Trax's 20-hp deficit isn't a glaring problem. This power translates to an unpanicked sprint to highway speeds during an onramp run and okay throttle response down low. On the downside, despite over 140 pounds shaved off the Trax, and a smaller engine, the Trax doesn't best the outgoing model's highway fuel economy, which stays the same at 32 mpg. The city number does see an improvement and rises to 30 mpg, per GM.

Of course, outside of EVs and other wild powerplants, more folks will care about what is inside the cabin than what is under the hood. The Trax's interior sees a holistic reimagining during its generational shift. While entry-level LS and 1RS models sport analog instrumentation, all of the Trax models feature a similar driver-focused interior. The design is similar to what you'll find from the more expensive Blazer EV but obviously scaled down to amore affordable starting point. The entry-level models also see a standard 8-inch touchscreen media system. Stepping up through the trims, you'll run into the LT model, which ditches the analog instrumentation and replaces it with an 8-inch digital screen, and grows the media screen to 11 inches.

The driver-focused interior is more stylish than the outgoing model, but the materials reflect the Trax's positioning. Hard plastic adorns the door panels, and the switchgear feels like it's from the GM parts bin. The plastic dashboard ahead of the front passenger does feature an interesting texture, and the dashboard's air vents also show a blend of design and compromise. While they're similar to the round vents you'd find in a Camaro, these vents don't rotate to change the air's direction.

In the rear, the flat floor helps the rear passenger space feel open and comfortable. The rear seats are comfortable, with enough headroom for a 6-foot-tall auto writer to sit comfortably. And, while you can easily look at the seemingly easy-to-clean materials as a detraction, owners will probably appreciate the ease of life while owning one of these budget-friendly machines. Behind the seats, the cargo area is large enough that a standard grocery trip shouldn't be a problem.

Anchoring the new Trax isn't its stat sheet or futuristic creator comforts. No, it's the price. Again, Chevrolet has positioned the Trax as the brand's entry point, replacing affordable, but ceased nameplates. Chevrolet will sell you the most basic Trax LS for $21,495, which includes destination and delivery. You can hop in the most expensive Activ or 2RS trims for $26,540, and that's after you tack on an $895 sunroof package and the $650 driver confidence package to net adaptive cruise control. In a word, the Trax is affordable. It undercuts Subaru's Crosstrek and is right in line with the Nissan Kicks. While car prices keep going up, it's refreshing to see another affordable option hit the market.

Chevrolet is currently rolling '24 Trax crossovers to its local dealers now.

Do you think that Chevrolet's new Trax is an improvement? Or is the Trax not enough engine with too much shell? Tell us your thoughts below.