Specifications of Chevrolet Trax (facelift 2017) 1.4 (140 HP) AWD Automatic
General characteristics of Chevrolet Trax (facelift 2017) 1.4 (140 HP) AWD Automatic
The Chevrolet Trax is a subcompact crossover SUV that shares similar dimensions with the Ford EcoSport, although the Trax is quite a bit longer. The Trax rolls on a short 100.6-inch wheelbase, which is nearly an inch and a half longer than the EcoSport, and the overall length of this small SUV is 167.2 inches, which works out to nearly six inches more than the EcoSport. The width of this car, with the mirrors excluded, is 69.9 inches. The height varies depending on the trim and drivetrain, with the front-wheel-drive LS coming in at 64.9 inches tall, but the LT all-wheel-drive version being the tallest at 66.3 inches. The track in the front is 60.6 inches and is mirrored in the rear. Ground clearance is a respectable 6.2 inches, just enough to clear those pesky curbs. Its small size means that the Chevrolet Trax doesn't weigh all that much: the LS weighs in at 3,127 pounds while the LT tips the scales at 3,132 lbs. However, the heaviest model is the LT in AWD guise with a curb weight of 3,284 lbs.
Because of its size and purpose in life, the 2022 Chevrolet Trax does away with V6 and V8 engine configurations and sticks with the tried and tested four-cylinder, which is aided by a small turbocharger to help out with low-end torque. The turbocharged 1.4-liter engine produces 155 hp and 177 lb-ft of torque, which is considerably more powerful than the 123 hp/125 lb-ft 1.0-liter turbocharged engine in the Ford EcoSport, and is comparable with the 2.0-liter naturally-aspirated engine found in the Kia Soul (147 hp and 132 lb-ft). Power is sent to the front or all four wheels via a six-speed automatic.
In all honesty, the Trax's power plant is a disappointing one; it feels unrefined, and while it offers good low-end grunt in town, it runs out of steam on the open road when attempting overtaking maneuvers. The six-speed automatic transmission is smooth enough in daily driving situations, but can tend to feel sluggish at lower speeds and will often deny you that downshift you're looking for.
Fuel economy is a massive deciding factor for buyers looking at cars in the subcompact class. This gives manufacturers a daunting task: these cars need enough power to keep up with larger cars, but also have to sip on fuel. Chevrolet has managed to deliver a middling performance with the Trax. The EPA rating for the 2022 Trax is 24/32/27 mpg city/highway/combined for the FWD variant, dropping to 23/30/26 for the AWD vehicle. The Ford EcoSport in 1.0-liter form is on par with a gas mileage figure of 27/29/28 mpg, but the most impressive contender here is the Kia Soul, with a best figure of 29/35/31 mpg for the 2.0-liter engine. Even the powerful 1.6-liter turbo will return 27/32/29 mpg in auto guise. The Trax is fitted with a 14-gallon fuel tank, which translates into a maximum range of between 364 miles and 378 miles.
Five adults will be able to fit inside the cabin of the 2022 Chevrolet Trax in relative comfort. The cloth seats - or deluxe cloth/leatherette seats in the LT - are comfortable and offer enough support for relaxed daily driving, with a high driving position that offers good forward and rear visibility, precisely what you want out of a city car. Getting in and out of the Trax is no issue whatsoever, and six-footers will have no trouble getting in the front or back. The good news here is that the Trax offers plenty of front legroom and headroom, enough for tall adults to sit comfortably, but with only 35.7 inches of rear legroom, things can get a bit tight for larger individuals at the back.
Even for SUVs in the subcompact class, the trunk and overall cargo room are extremely important, especially if the car is used as a daily commuter for ferrying around your family members. Unfortunately, the Chevrolet Trax does not offer class-leading trunk space, but occupants are still left with a usable space that will suffice. Behind the second row of seats, the Trax offers 18.7 cubic feet, which is enough room to fit an unassembled Ikea children's bed, but cars such as the Ford EcoSport offer a more impressive 20.9 cubic feet. Flip down the 60/40 split-folding rear bench seat, and the Trax avails a more generous 48.4 cubic feet, which should be enough space for a mud-covered Golden Retriever and a bicycle with its front wheel removed.
Small items can be stored in the four front and two rear cupholders, the glovebox, center console storage tray, and driver seat-back pocket. The Trax also features underfloor storage space in the trunk, while the LT boasts a cargo shelf and front passenger under-seat storage bin.
