Yahoo Autos 2025 Chevy Trax Review: The genuinely good small crossover we needed
Pros: Strong value; sharp looks; surprisingly practical; engaging and even enjoyable to drive; high fuel economy
Cons: All-wheel drive unavailable; no engine upgrade; hard armrests
The 2025 Chevrolet Trax enters its second year after its major 2024 overhaul and is still just as impressive as before. Its base price of just $21,495 is what makes this not-so-little crossover such a smart move from GM. When you combine that price with a more-than-palatable driving experience, all the tech you really need and a shocking amount of utility, it’s no surprise that the Trax is a winner. Course, some corners need to be cut to price the Trax where it stands, which we’ll get into, but on the surface, this crossover is one for your subcompact SUV shortlist.
While the little three-cylinder engine sounds anemic on paper, in practice, it’s plenty torquey. This allows you to easily keep up with traffic without pegging the needle deep into the revs, and since it’s a six-speed automatic, there’s no depressing drone of a CVT-equipped car. Its ride is simply adequate – the Envista (its Buick twin) is more plush – but the Trax is also reasonably capable when you throw some corners at it.
Where most will find it to their liking is in the stylish cabin that comes with wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto standard. You’ll have room for friends and their luggage in the back, and the Trax will return respectable fuel economy in day-to-day driving, too. Compromises like brutally hard armrests and cheap interior materials throughout are to be expected, but at this price point, we’re hardly offended. As a total package, the Trax is tough to beat for new car shoppers on a strict budget who don’t want to compromise on the big things.
Interior & Technology | Passenger & Cargo Space | Performance & Fuel Economy
What it's like to drive | Pricing & Trim Levels | Crash Ratings & Safety Features
What's new for 2025?
The Trax's 1.2-liter turbocharged engine is now capable of running on Flex Fuel for 2025. It also adds two new colors to its exterior palette, including Marina Blue Metallic and Cypress Gray. Beyond that, the Trax carries over unchanged from its first model year of the new generation for 2024.
What are the Trax interior and in-car technology like?
Almost every surface in the Trax cabin is hard plastic or a too-hard rubbery surface. That’s bad news for elbows (please, more padding!), but it’s mostly disguised by a handsome design that shares plenty of visual DNA with the Camaro. It also helps keep the price low. Functionality is excellent, with a large phone-holding bin (available with wireless charging in the top three trim levels), generous cupholders split by another phone holder, a decent-sized armrest bin and a bonus bin to stash whatever. Door pockets are large, too, and can accommodate bottles.
From a tech perspective, the Trax features a de-contented version of GM’s Android-based infotainment system. Available in either 8- or 11-inch sizes, it looks good and is easy to use even if it doesn’t do much more than tune the radio, display trip computer info, alter vehicle settings and operate standard wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Honestly, most people don’t need more than that. The instrument panel is a screen in the top three trim levels, too, and although it lacks the sort of functionality and customized graphics options of other all-digital panels, it looks good and is more easily read than the standard analog gauges. The 11-inch touchscreen and digital instrument panel are pictured below. And for even more in-depth impressions, check out our Interior Review here.
How big is the Trax?
The Trax isn’t quite as big on the outside as the mechanically related and similarly impressive Buick Envista, but it’s still considerably bigger on the outside than other subcompact SUVs. It’s a half-foot longer than a Kia Seltos, itself no tiny thing, and nearly 3 inches longer than the VW Taos. The Trax isn’t as tall, however, particularly in the cargo area, which negates some of that overall length. It does contribute to the Trax looking so low, sleek and sporty, however.
Inside, the Trax puts this comparatively large exterior footprint to good use with a big back seat that lets full-size adults sit front and back. Headroom isn’t an issue despite that low, sleek roofline. Unlike most subcompact SUVs, the Trax is a totally viable family vehicle thanks to this ample rear legroom that won’t force the front passenger to scoot uncomfortably forward to make way for children in car seats behind.
Now, we found that the cargo area isn’t as large and useful as its official 25.6-cubic-foot volume would imply. In fact, we managed to more easily load six suitcases into the Envista despite it having less space on paper. The Seltos, Taos, Nissan Kicks, Kia Niro and Subaru Crosstrek also performed better. The Chevy Trailblazer was notably worse, though.
