We might not be betting men here at Car-Revs-Daily , but if you told us that the Chevrolet Trax was coming back for 2024, we would’ve scoffed at the notion. When we last saw it in the market, the Trax was being upstaged by the Chevrolet Trailblazer, a bigger model that packed more interior technology into its compact frame. As a result, the Trax was axed, but the surprise appearance of the 2024 Trax not only helps the proverbial underdog bettor cash in on their bet but also expands GM’s sales pie to include another CUV-sub-segment.
Bigger Trax Offers More For Buyers Inside And Out
The outgoing Trax was a very compact CUV and tried to lure in buyers with an attractive package of small size and family-focused value. The 2024 model still plays the value card well (we’ll get into that later), but it’s now a completely different breed of CUV. The Trax is longer than before thanks to a 6-inch stretch of the wheelbase that helps it measure in at 106 inches. That’s three inches longer than the Trailblazer, but the Trax uses this newfound length to be a sportier offering than before, with the exterior styling resembling a shrinky-dink version of the standard Blazer.
That sporty look translates into the interior with this iteration of Trax taking a page or two from the EV Equinox and Blazer models. Base models get a pair of eight-inch screens for the instrument cluster and infotainment system, while higher trims get 11-inch units. The instrument cluster itself takes on a sportier persona with the setup angled towards the driver. Chevrolet also confirmed that three different exterior and interior design packages are available. The bigger dimensions also improve the rear seat and cargo room by three inches versus the outgoing model.
Three Cylinder Power Cements Family Connection
The 2024 Chevrolet Trax might be the new kid on the block but underneath the sleek exterior styling is the same platform and powertrain that define the TrailBlazer. As such, the appearance of the 1.2-liter turbocharged three-cylinder should be no surprise, with the tiny three-banger producing 137 hp and 167 lb-ft of torque. This three-cylinder is also the only engine in the lineup. That said, Chevrolet made a curious move by equipping it with a six-speed automatic (an odd choice in a world where CVTs and higher-cogged automatics rule the land) and no all-wheel drive. Chevrolet claims that omitting the latter helped it save weight and costs, but that message might not resonate well with some buyers in snowier locales that put all-wheel drive high on their priority list.
In contrast, the Trailblazer not only gets an optional nine-speed automatic to compliment the CVT, but also a more powerful four-cylinder engine. We suppose that will be an additional incentive for buyers that are looking to upgrade to the TrailBlazer later on, but we’ll have to wait and see if the removal of all-wheel drive will be a wise choice in the long run after the Trax gets established in showroom lots.
When Can I Buy One?
The Chevrolet Trax will go on sale in spring, but Chevy reps quickly pointed out the affordability on display, with all six models of the Trax starting under $25,000. The base LS starts at $21,495, but it’s far from being a penalty box with that model getting standard equipment like LED headlights, cruise control, Wireless Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto, alloy wheels, and even Automatic Emergency Pedestrian Braking.
Other models like the RS and the Activ use design to make themselves stand out and as a result, the pool of added equipment is on the small side with goodies like push-button start, automatic climate control, heated seats, a sunroof, and wireless phone charging. Chevy didn’t release formal fuel economy figures, but we suspect that the removal of all-wheel drive and the resulting lighter weight will help the Trax squeeze out a few more miles per gallon when out on a drive through town.
Carl Malek has been an automotive journalist for over 10 years. First starting out as a freelance photographer before making the transition to writing during college, his work has appeared on numerous automotive forums as well as websites such as Autoshopper.com.
Carl is also a big fan of British vehicles with the bulk of his devotion going to the Morgan Motor Company as well as offerings from Lotus, MG, and Caterham. When he is not writing about automobiles, Carl enjoys spending time with his family and friends in the Metro Detroit area, as well as spending time with his adorable pets.