2015 Chevrolet Trax
The 2015 Chevrolet Trax is
a small crossover vehicle that mainly features practicality
Prices: $20,120-$26,530
Not to be left out of the growing small crossover market, Chevrolet has
added the versatile 2015 four-door hatchback Trax to its line.
The $20,120-$26,530 Trax comes in base LS, mid-range LT and
top-line LTZ trim levels and with either standard front-wheel-drive
(FWD) or a $1,500 all-wheel-drive (AWD) setup.
The AWD option is the most affordable AWD in Chevy's portfolio,
although the AWD Trax isn't a serious off-road crossover. It lacks the
ground clearance to tackle rugged off-road terrain.-
The Trax has been called both a subcompact and compact crossover, so
take your pick.
I tested the Trax LT with FWD. It listed at $22,445, but a $670 LT Plus
option package upped the price of my test vehicle to $23,115--without
the $875 destination charge but with a $175 LT Plus package savings.
Total bottom line: $23,815.
The LT Plus package contains a power driver's seat, cruise control,
deluxe cloth/leatherette seat trim, leather-wrapped steering wheel and
rear park assist.
The seat trim partially helps offset the rather dull interior, which
has some cheap materials, but also some niceties.
Trax styling is generally streamlined and has some flair, but is rather
nondescript. You don't buy one to draw stares.
The Trax LT has a good amount of standard equipment. It includes air
conditioning, remote keyless entry and remote vehicle start,
Stabilitrak Stability control system with traction control, rear vision
camera, power outside mirrors and power windows and tilt/telescopic
wheel with audio controls.
Connectivity features include Chevrolet's MyLink radio, a
7-inch diagonal color touch-screen and AM/FM stereo with bluetooth
streaming audio for music.
There's good room up front, despite a rather narrow cabin. Rear-seat
room is decent for two 6-footers, but a tall passenger behind a tall
driver doesn't have a surplus of legroom.
The cargo hold is small for its class, but cargo space can be greatly
increased by folding the 60/40 split rear bench seat (both top and
bottom) forward. Even the front passenger seat folds to allow an object
up to eight feet long to fit with the rear split seat folded.
Upright seating and a low beltline give front occupants excellent
forward visibility, although a driver can't see where the front of the
Trax ends and thus must be careful pulling into a parking space because
of a low front end. Front seats are large and comfortable, rear ones
are rather short on thigh support for adults.
There are 15 storage areas, including a two-tier glove box -- with a
USB port and auxiliary jack in the upper glove box for plug-in media.
The motorcycle-inspired gauge controls are nifty, and large
climate controls are appreciated. But the front console cupholders are
set low and far back.
Safety features include twin air bags.
All Traxs are powered by a 1.4-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine
with dual overhead camshafts and variable valve timing. Estimated fuel
economy of my test Trax was 26 miles per gallon in the city and 34 on
highways.
The engine works with a six-speed automatic transmission with a
manual-shift feature controlled by a small toggle switch awkwardly
placed on the side of the shifter.
The engine provides decent performance, but not much more. It's loud
and sounds strained when pushed, as when merging into fast freeway
traffic or passing on highways. Otherwise, the Trax is pretty quiet
when cruising.
Chevy rightly calls the Trax a "city-smart" car. I wouldn't call it a
comfortable long-distance cruiser.
Acceleration is fastest with the 2,805-pound FWD version.The AWD Trax
is slower because it weights 3,208 pounds.
The electric power steering is nicely geared, and the Trax handles well
for a tall vehicle, even when streaking through curves. The suspension
is supple, but a rather short (100.6-inch) wheelbase allows stiff bumps
to jolt passengers.
The 4-wheel anti-lock brakes with a brake-assist feature have a linear
pedal action and provide good stopping power.
The heavy hood calls for a prop rod to keep it open, although it's easy
to reach fluid filler areas if the engine is low on oil and
such.
The Trax seems a viable choice for the budget-minded who want
versatility and at least some flair.
