After a brief interruption of one year, Chevrolet is re-releasing the compact SUV Trax for the 2024 model year. Best known for its small stature and equally small price tag, this vehicle is a perfect entry-level car thanks to its ease of operation and affordability. The 2024 Trax is inspired by other models in their SUV lineup. It borrows the powertrain of the Chevy Trailblazer and body styling from the larger Blazer. Expected to arrive at dealerships in the spring of 2023, the newest Chevy Trax will fill the need for a fuel-efficient and stylish compact SUV in the brand’s already affordable lineup. New touches and refinements to previous Trax models usher in a sporty-looking and comfortable overall design. The revamping features a more roomy interior, better styling, and improved driver assistance features. Best of all, every trim level of the 2024 Chevy Trax starts at under $25,000.
Why Did Chevy Discontinue the Previous Trax?
Chevy first designed the Trax for 2013 for a select few countries. Its petite frame made it an ideal vehicle for the smaller, tighter roads across Europe. After two years, they brought the model to the US, where it went on to have underwhelming sales compared to similar subcompact SUVs. When Chevy released the Trailblazer, those figures sank even more as consumers opted for the more feature-packed Trailblazer over the first-generation Trax. For 2022, Chevy discontinued the sale of Trax models in the US market and continued building and selling Trax models in Mexico, Germany, and South Korea. With the Equinox and Trailblazer next to the Trax in Chevy’s lineup, most consumers sprung for the additional features of the others over the simplicity of Trax.
Why Is It Back for the 2024 Model Year?
Before bringing back the Trax, Chevy looked closely at what needed improvements would attract people to a re-release. They focused on adding some safety and driver assistance features that would live up to those offered in pricier Chevy models. They also added a generous amount of space inside the cabin and gave the 2024 Chevy Trax a modern makeover. The market still proved a need for a more affordable alternative to the Equinox and Trailblazer, thus prompting the return of the Trax. With the highest level of available trim still coming in at under $25,000, the 2024 Trax satisfies the craving for a subcompact SUV that’s affordable and still serves up tons of options. The return of the Trax features five optional trim levels instead of the previous generation’s limiting two trims.
Getting to Know the New Chevy Trax
The 2024 Chevy Trax comes in five available trim levels: the 1RS, LS, LT, 2RS, and the ACTIV. Options vary on both the exterior and interior throughout the five trims, with the base model being the 1RS. The new Trax now comes standard with Chevy Safety Assist to help drivers feel confident on the road. Considering the Chevy Safety Assist suite comes standard on the rest of the brand’s lineup, this inclusion is already a big stepping stone to ensure the success of the new Trax.
The Chevy Safety Assist is a package of six standard features that include forward collision alert, automatic emergency braking, front pedestrian braking, lane keep assist with lane departure warning, following distance indicator, and Intellibeam auto high beam assist. These features make everyday driving scenarios easier to navigate while giving drivers an edge by alerting them to potential hazards in real-time and helping initiate a response.
Aside from these six standard features, the 2024 Trax has additional available driver assistance technology that makes driving easier. Choose from available adaptive cruise control for easier commuting on long trips, lane change alert with side blind zone alert to help with lane changes, and rear cross traffic alert to help in busy parking lots. Every Trax comes standard with a rear vision camera and the ability to engage Teen Driver Technology to help the younger drivers in your family learn responsible driving habits by limiting things like speed and radio volume.
Renowned Interior Comfort
For the return of the Chevy Trax, the design team went all-in on elevating the interior from previous models. Intuitively placed control on the dashboard and infotainment system make the set-up user-friendly and helps the driver put their focus where it belongs. The base trim level features an 8-inch diagonal touchscreen with customizable settings. If you’re craving a larger display, the higher-level trims offer an 11-inch infotainment system. The 2024 Trax comes standard with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility, available wireless charging, and an available wifi hotspot so you can stay connected, even on the go.
One of this model’s updates includes a wider wheelbase, giving the interior three more inches of rear legroom and more storage space throughout. The Trax has roomy seating for up to five passengers and a total of 54.1 cu.ft. of cargo space to accommodate your luggage, groceries, shopping bags, and more. When you need more space for bulky items, the rear seats fold down in a 60/40 configuration. You’ll also enjoy the standard noise cancellation built into every 2024 model.
The layout of climate control buttons has been refined, and the overall materials offer an atmosphere that’s comfortable on short and long commutes alike. Each trim features sophisticated lines and feel-good fabrics that are durable and easy to maintain. The higher-level trims offer upscale touches like a remote start, heated driver and passenger seats, a heated steering wheel, Evotex seating, unique interior accents, and an available sunroof.
A Refreshed Exterior
The redesign of the 2024 Chevy Trax features tons of improvements to the outside of this subcompact SUV. Two-tone wheels are available in either 17-inch, 18-inch, or 19-inch sizes. The refreshed grille is stylish and decorated with the iconic Chevy logo, while higher trim levels come with exterior accents like black painted lower fascia inserts and mirror caps, black bowtie emblems, LED Daytime running lamps, roof rails, heated outside mirrors, or body-colored fascia with chrome accents. The overall look is more sporty than past Trax models and delivers a sleek aesthetic.
A Welcomed Return
The original Chevy Trax models may have been lackluster, but where the previous models lacked, the new 2024 shines. The addition of highly-anticipated standard features like Chevy Safety Assist and wireless infotainment features have elevated this subcompact SUV to levels that will excite Chevy enthusiasts. When Chevy made the decision to revive the Trax for the US market, they knew to include exciting and appealing redesigns to change the course of this model’s sales. They did just that, improving performance, technology, and interior and exterior facets.
The newly refined engine satisfies consumers’ craving for an efficient yet mighty engine, saving them time and money at the pump. In fact, affordability remains the biggest draw to the Trax lineup across the board. Innovative safety and driver assistance features place the new Trax on the same playing field as the rest of Chevy’s incredible lineup. Finally, the cabin’s refinements offer drivers and passengers a tailor-made experience to look forward to at every turn. The 2024 Chevy Trax is certainly back, and it’s back with a bang.
