The 2025 Chevrolet Trax is full of great tech and amazing fuel economy. We review cargo space, interior quality, and more to see if the Trax is right for you.
The 2025 Chevrolet Trax refines everything that we already loved about the second-gen model when it debuted last year. It’s still available with one 137 horsepower powertrain and front wheel drive but it gets two new paint colors and adds E85 flexibility across all five trim levels. The Trax is excellent value for the money when compared to any rival.
Chevrolet has added two new paint colors for 2025 and enabled the engine to run on E85. Beyond that, it’s exactly the same as it was for 2024.
2025 Chevrolet Trax Exterior – chevrolet.com | Shop 2025 Chevrolet Trax on Carsforsale.com
Great value for money
Responsive handling
Great interior
Very slow acceleration
No AWD
Ho-hum warranty
A leader in the segment
No matter how much one spends on the Chevrolet Trax, they’ll come away with the exact same engine, gearbox, and drivetrain. It consists of a three-cylinder turbocharged 1.2-liter motor that makes just 137 horsepower and 162 lb-ft of torque. Those figures sound more appropriate for a motorcycle than they do for a car, much less an SUV. On the road, that lack of power shows up in a big way. Climbing hills or overtaking requires pedal-to-the-metal action for several seconds. Frankly though, it’s the only big drawback of the Trax’s driving experience.
First, that engine manages up to 28 mpg in the city and 32 on the highway. The six-speed automatic gearbox is quick, smooth, and does a great job of keeping the engine in the power band for as long as possible. In fact, off of the line, the Trax initially feels pretty spry. That feeling doesn’t stop in the bends either. It’s nimble and handles far better than it probably should. The pedals are communicative as is the steering. Honestly, a version of this car with about 70 more horsepower would be a riot. At least they should offer the 155 hp version that Buick buyers can get in the Encore GX.
Now, let’s take a moment to consider two things that the Trax doesn’t have available for buyers. First, all-wheel-drive is nowhere on the menu. The bigger Chevy Trailblazer does have it though so some might prefer it. Second, there’s no version of this car with a hybrid drivetrain so those hoping to get 40 mpg or better will have to look elsewhere. Those are significant concerns for some, but as a true value-for-dollar type of car, the Trax delivers what most people need.
The good news doesn’t stop after shutting the hood. The cabin of the Trax is also impressive thanks to thoughtful little details littered through the space. The seats are comfortable, supportive, and adjustable enough for most folks. Headroom and legroom are decent in both rows, too. The dash adds to the fun with an engaging driver-centric design. The climate vents get small stylistic flourishes that make this car feel more expensive than it is.
There are a few areas that don’t scream value though. For example, the rear seats could use some climate vents and some cupholders. The switchgear feels cheap and unsatisfying. A sunroof is an optional extra across the entire lineup save for the LS trim where it isn’t available at all.
Despite that, this is a very decent car in terms of cabin comfort. The rear cargo area features 25.6 cubic feet of storage too. The rear seats don’t fold down totally flat but when stowed, the Trax offers 54 cubic feet of cargo space.
The base LS trim gets an 8-inch infotainment system and just four speakers, but it does come with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. We consider that a reasonable package for a car with a price of just $21,495. Really though, we imagine most folks will spend the extra cash to get one of the other trims. In most cases, that means they’ll end up with a seriously impressive tech package.
It includes an 11-inch infotainment system and an 8-inch digital gauge cluster. Both are bright, crisp, easy to read, and easy to navigate. The infotainment system features a persistent menu on the left side with important shortcuts and then additional features on the main right part of the screen. Android Auto and Apple CarPlay are also included along with up to six speakers.
Scoring the Trax on safety is a bit difficult. Neither the IIHS nor the NHTSA has released any scores for it and Chevrolet only offers a few driver aids as standard. They include emergency braking, lane departure warning, and lane-keep assist. Those who want blind-spot warning, rear cross-traffic alert, and adaptive cruise will have to spend more on top of the base price. In fact, the LS and 1RS don’t even have those as available options which is seriously disappointing.
The base Trax kicks things off with 17-inch steel wheels, LED headlights, an 8-inch infotainment system, Android Auto, Apple CarPlay, four speakers, a Wi-Fi hotspot, cloth upholstery, and automatic high beams.
The 1RS adds 18-inch alloy wheels, gloss-black exterior trim, heated front seats, a heated flat-bottomed steering wheel, heated power-adjustable mirrors, and remote start.
The LT goes back to 17-inch wheels though they’re alloy this time and then adds automatic climate control, push-button start, an 11-inch infotainment system, a digital gauge cluster, and roof rails.
The 2RS adds 19-inch wheels, keyless entry, and aggressive exterior elements.
The ACTIV gets a more rugged exterior design along with 18-inch wheels and a power-adjustable driver’s seat.
The best value for money here is the LT trim. Add two options, the driver convenience package which includes heated seats, and then the driver confidence package which includes adaptive cruise control. Out the door, it should run just under $25,000 while having all the tech included in the 2RS and ACTIV. It’s worth noting that Chevy offers three years of limited warranty coverage and five years of powertrain coverage.
2025 Chevrolet Trax – chevrolet.com | Shop 2025 Chevrolet Trax on Carsforsale.com
There’s no question that the Trax is an attractive car. Sure, it’s underpowered, and it could use AWD, but that might cannibalize the Trailblazer. It would also make it more expensive so the value proposition could be less awesome. Either way, Chevrolet would do well to match the warranty or maintenance coverage offered by other brands. The Trax is very good, but it still has its own weak spots.
Chevrolet builds the Trax in South Korea at its Bupyeong Plant in Bupyeong-gu, Incheon.
No. A conventional six-speed automatic is the only available gearbox.
Yes. The next size up is the barely larger Chevrolet Trailblazer which we review here.