First Drive: 2024 Chevrolet Trax Brings Brilliant Packaging and a Tempting Low Price

But the key selling point is the Trax’s fairly low introductory cost, starting at just $21,495 (including the $1,095 destination fee). Even the highest trim has a down-to-earth price tag of about $25,000. The standard powertrain is a 137-hp, 1.2-liter three-cylinder turbo matched to a six-speed automatic transmission. This combination is EPA-rated for up to 30 mpg combined, factoring city and highway driving.

The Trax faces a growing legion of competitors, including the Honda HR-V, Hyundai Venue, Kia Seltos, Mitsubishi Outlander Sport, and Nissan Kicks. Plus, it fills a narrow niche in Chevrolet’s crowded SUV lineup that includes the Bolt EUV, Trailblazer, Equinox, and Blazer, plus the larger Traverse, Tahoe, and Suburban.

But the Trax might be an attractive choice for first-time car owners, buyers living in areas where all-wheel drive isn’t needed, or for someone looking for a well-equipped, low-priced car for a college kid. Certainly, General Motors is hoping you’ll make tracks to your local Chevrolet dealer and find out.

If you’re a Consumer Reports member, our initial expert assessment of the Chevrolet Trax is available to you below. We since completed 2,000 break-in miles, and put the Trax through more than 50 tests at the CR Auto Test Center, including empirical measurements of acceleration, braking, handling, car-seat fit, and usability. CR members now have access to the full road-test results.

If you haven’t signed up to be a member yet, click below and become a member to access this full article and all our exclusive ratings and reviews for each vehicle we buy and test. Joining also gives you full access to exclusive ratings for the other products our experts evaluate in several categories, including electronics and home appliances.

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What we bought: 2024 Chevrolet Trax 1LT
Powertrain: 137-hp, 1.2-liter turbocharged three-cylinder engine; six-speed automatic transmission; front-wheel drive
MSRP: $22,300
Major options: $650 Driver Confidence package (BSW, RCTW, adaptive cruise control); $595 LT Convenience package (heated seats, exterior mirrors, and steering wheel; keyless entry)
Destination fee: $1,095
Total cost: $24,640