2024 Chevy Trax Review: Game-changer for its segment and Chevrolet

The 2024 Chevrolet Trax is a game-changer for its brand, its subcompact SUV segment and for affordable cars in general. It is objectively well-executed, subjectively great to look at and, crucially, one heckuva deal that makes others in its segment seem overpriced. Even value stalwart Kia is looking down at the Trax from up the price ladder. And sure, there are fundamental reasons why it costs less, which we’ll get to, but on the whole, we think most buyers will be fine sacrificing in those areas to benefit from that sharp style and strong value. 

For starters, the Trax has more passenger space than most subcompact SUVs. Full-size adults can sit comfortably front to back, and you don’t need to scoot the front passenger seat uncomfortably forward to accommodate a rear-facing child seat or kicking feet in a forward-facing one. Cargo space is above average, too. The cabin design is sporty and packed with the necessities, which draw attention away from the cheaper, hard plastics — this would be one of those sacrifices mentioned earlier.

Another would be its small engine, which on paper, at least, delivers slow acceleration even in a segment consisting of leisurely sprinters. In practice, though, it doesn’t feel that slow thanks to punchy low-end power from the little turbo-three engine and quick reactions from the six-speed automatic. It’s further balanced by an overall dynamic package that is genuinely enjoyable to drive. Slow cars can be fun, and inexpensive cars can be good, period. The 2024 Chevy Trax satisfies both.

We very nearly wrote “The Chevy Trax is an all-new model for 2024,” completely forgetting there actually was a Trax before. It’s just this one's much different. And more memorable. And better.

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