One of the most popular SUVs for sale, a black 2023 Chevy Bolt EUV Redline, is shown charging.

Gas or Electric: Is Chevy’s Trax or Bolt EUV the Better Investment?

Let’s face it: the world is rapidly shifting toward a greener and more sustainable future, especially for automobiles. Electric vehicles (EVs) have thus become increasingly popular options among buyers looking to leave a smaller carbon footprint. As a brand that strives to be at the forefront of automotive innovation, Chevrolet offers several excellent options, like the Trax and the Bolt EUV, which have unique advantages—particularly the choice between gas or electric power.

What key features are equipped on each vehicle? What are the benefits of driving one over another? Knowing this information can help you decide between a traditional gas-powered vehicle or an EUV as your search for efficient, high-quality SUVs for sale extends into the brighter future.

Embracing the Electric Era

Chevy has big plans in place for their EV lineup; they’ve been seeking to expand their electric portfolio, having recognized the increasing demand for EVs among the buying public. They’re aiming to offer a more diverse array of electric models that will cater to various consumer needs and desires.

The Bolt EV was already an impressive all-electric compact car with a superb driving range. This is why Chevy decided to create a slightly bigger version of it, known as the Bolt EUV—a more SUV-esque model, with the “U” in both representing “Utility.” These two Bolts illustrate Chevy’s early dedication to electric automotives.

Chevy’s parent company, General Motors, has been heavily invested in its advanced electric platform, Ultium. This vehicle architecture underpins a slew of upcoming EV models across multiple GM brands—including, of course, Chevy. The Ultium platform is designed to enhance battery technology, lessen costs, and boost driving ranges, thereby making EVs more accessible to a more diverse range of consumers.

General Motors has also been investing in charging infrastructure to help support the expanding ownership of EVs. Establishing wider and denser charging networks has been crucial for reducing ‘range anxiety’ for drivers and making owning an EV feel exponentially more convenient.

Chevy has a global strategy in play. Their EV plans are not restricted to specific regions, which had long been the case prior to Tesla’s revolution. Instead, Chevy is trying to develop and sell EVs on a global scale to meet the rising demand for sustainable personal vehicles in urban, suburban, and rural areas alike.

The Chevy Trax: Making Good With Gas Power

A compact SUV that has risen in popularity over the years, the Chevy Trax is beloved for being affordable, practical, and versatile. With a fuel-efficient gas-powered engine, the Trax is one vehicle that appeals to folks who care about convenience and cost-effectiveness.

Efficiency and performance are major components of the Chevy Trax. Powered by a responsive turbocharged engine, the Trax delivers a strong balance of power and fuel economy, with average fuel consumption rated at 30 MPG combined with the 2024 Chevy Trax’s 1.2L LIH turbocharged engine. (A higher-powered 1.4L LE2 turbo engine trades fuel economy for performance with an EPA-estimated 27 MPG combined.)

Even though the Trax is a compact SUV, its cabin has a spacious design. You can easily seat five people, and with the available cargo space—which expands greatly when you fold the rear seats down—you get a lot of room for bulky items. Families and individuals who often need to haul extra gear appreciate this versatility. Affordability is also a big draw for Trax buyers; the initial cost of investment for a gas-powered model is lower than what you pay for an EV (including the Bolt EUV), which makes it more accessible to a larger array of consumers.

A light green 2024 Chevy Trax is shown driving past an ocean.

The Chevy Bolt EUV: Electrifying the Auto Industry

Maybe you are more concerned about long-term fuel costs (in addition to reducing your carbon footprint) than you are about saving money in the initial purchase. For the environmentally focused individual wanting to leap into the future of automotive tech, you might find that the Chevy Bolt EUV is your dream car. This all-electric vehicle falls in line with clean energy initiatives and has an emphasis on efficiency and sustainability.

If you are looking for a lot of range, the Bolt EUV delivers. With its EPA-estimated 247 miles of all-electric range on a full charge, you can easily make a daily commute or go for a longer jaunt without worrying about needing to recharge all that soon. Given the growing network of charging stations cropping up across the country, you can easily find somewhere to refuel; the Bolt EUV can be powered up at home, of course, and overnight is most peoples’ preferred time to do so, given their not needing their car at that time as well as the splendid off-peak electricity rates.

Driving a Bolt EUV means you are helping to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and air pollution. You can do your small—but important—part to combat climate change by driving an EV, which produces zero tailpipe emissions. (In fact, it HAS no tailpipe.) You can contribute to a greener and cleaner environment for all.

Sure, an EV will likely have a higher upfront purchase price, but the overall operating costs tend to be lower than gas-powered vehicles. Gasoline is more expensive than electricity, and EVs don’t have as many moving parts that require costly repairs and maintenance over the years.

A black 2023 Chevy Bolt EUV Redline is shown from the side.

Which Power Source Will Launch You Into the Future?

Now that you know some of the key features behind Chevy’s Trax and Bolt EUV, you need to consider which power source will launch you into the future of auto tech. Think about your driving habits and the commute you normally make. The Bolt EUV’s extended electric range might be helpful if you log a lot of miles, but if you make shorter commutes and are more of an occasional driver, the Trax might be more your speed—or it could just as well be the Bolt EUV!

You also need to consider the charging stations available in your area. If you have a lot of charging units near work, at home, or along your regular routes, the Bolt EUV could definitely make your life more convenient. Unfortunately, charging stations are still hard to find in several regions, so you might need to carefully plan trips in your Bolt EUV or buy the Trax instead.

How highly do you value environmental sustainability? How badly do you wish to lessen your carbon footprint? The Bolt EUV significantly contributes to a cleaner future, while the Trax emits greenhouse gasses despite its best efforts to be fuel-savvy.

Finally, you need to think about your budget and the long-term costs involved with a vehicle. The Trax has a smaller upfront cost, but the Bolt EUV’s operating cost would even this out over time. The Bolt EUV will also be the wiser decision if you qualify for state or federal EV incentives.

Pick Your Power

Choosing between Chevy’s Trax and Bolt EUV is not easy and will boil down to your personal vehicular values and needs. The Trax is known for being practical and reliable as far as gas-powered SUVs go, and it is indeed affordable up front; it works well as a daily driver for those who are shopping on a budget. On the flip side, the Bolt EUV is a zero-emissions pioneer in the all-electric field and offers lower operating costs; it also aligns with an eco-friendlier approach to life.

Before you finalize your decision, think about how the various factors surrounding ownership of a gas-powered versus all-electric vehicle impact you. The Trax and Bolt EUV both represent Chevy’s dedication to diversity for buyers; you will get a durable, efficient, high-quality vehicle regardless of your choice.