A Solid Track Record From the Chevy Trax

If you’re looking to make the jump to the crossover segment without breaking the bank, you should seek a used Chevy Trax for sale. The Trax encompasses everything there is to love about the subcompact segment, combining the size and maneuverability of a car with the improved ground clearance and utility that only an SUV can offer. This clever fusion of features makes the Trax the perfect choice for those seeking a new daily driver that can handle the demands of the city. Whether you value efficiency, comfort, or modern amenities like wireless connectivity, mobile charging, or advanced safety features, the Trax offers a well-rounded package at a price that few of its competitors can match. 

The second-generation Trax was just released in 2024, but drivers who are hunting for a value will find plenty of pre-owned, first-generation models to choose from here at McCluskey Chevrolet. The Trax received a thorough mid-cycle refresh in 2017, with Chevy modernizing its subcompact crossover to accommodate drivers’ changing needs. The exterior gained a more contemporary, streamlined look, while the interior was treated to a host of important tech-related upgrades, including the addition of Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. 

The Trax has also added several important safety features over the last few years, including forward-collision and lane-departure warnings, but 2022 saw the most drastic improvement in recent years, with Chevy replacing the existing 138-horsepower engine with a new 155-horsepower one that noticeably ups the fun factor. Read on as we explore the Trax’s unique advantages and discover why this subcompact Chevy crossover is such a logical choice for urban drivers.  

Just the Right Size 

Measuring in at just 167.6 inches long and less than 70 inches wide, the first-gen Chevy Trax can go where few other SUVs would dare without ever leaving drivers feeling underpowered. The crossover pulls off a clever trick with Chevy crafting a cabin that never feels cramped while still keeping the Trax small enough to deftly carve through narrow city streets. The second-gen Trax added 11 inches to its overall width but also improved on legroom, cargo space, and overall visibility with almost an extra inch of ground clearance. The Trax’s modest size allows it to easily navigate traffic and sail through tight turns, but that doesn’t mean it’s lacking when it comes to interior capacity. 

The subcompact crossover features plenty of space for five passengers with enough second-row headroom and legroom to accommodate adults on longer rides. The first-gen Trax also punches above its weight when it comes to cargo capacity, with the 2020 version offering 18.7 cu.ft. of space behind the second row and as much as 48.4 cu.ft. when the back row is folded down, while the second-gen version improves on these dimensions with 54.1 cu.ft. of max cargo volume. A 60/40 split-folding seat allows drivers to tote larger cargo without dramatically reducing seating capacity, which should come in handy for busy families. 

Focus on Efficiency 

Consolidated, lightweight, and packed with a thrifty turbocharged 1.4-liter four-cylinder engine, the Trax excels in terms of fuel efficiency. Shopping the preowned market actually offers some advantages in terms of fuel economy with older Trax models faring slightly better from an efficiency standpoint. The 2017 through 2021 models all deliver upward of 28 MPG combined when paired with the standard front-wheel drive powertrain, offering 26 MPG in the city and as much as 31 MPG on the highway. It’s a strong showing for the subcompact class, allowing the Trax to cover almost 400 miles on a single tank of gas. 

Opting for the all-wheel drive version or some of the newer FWD models will mean a bit less in the way of fuel economy, but the difference isn’t nearly as stark as one might think. Take the 2018 AWD Trax, for example, which offers an EPA-estimated 24 MPG in the city and 32 MPG on the highway for a combined rating of 27 MPG, which is a small price to pay when you consider the safety and confidence the AWD powertrain can deliver. The 2021 and 2022 AWD Trax both max out at 26 MPG combined, but when you translate that number into pure dollars and cents, it’s hard to call it a dealbreaker with average annual fuel costs that are just $150 higher than the most efficient Trax configuration. 

Putting Safety First 

From piloting through your local grocery store parking lot to squeezing into a minuscule parallel parking space downtown, the Trax’s subcompact size allows it to conquer even the tightest terrain. That said, even a nimble SUV like the Trax can use a little helping hand from time to time. In order to max out the Trax’s agile reputation, Chevy has outfitted the crossover with a host of safety and convenience features that’ll have you eyeing even the tightest spaces with confidence. The Trax includes a generous assortment of advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS), from relatively basic features like a backup camera to innovative safety-enhancing technology like blind-spot monitoring, forward-collision warning, and more. 

The Trax’s available Driver Confidence Package throws a comprehensive suite of modern ADAS into the mix, doubling down on the crossover’s safety-first approach and providing drivers with valuable peace of mind. Are you worried about kids, pets, or shopping carts darting behind your vehicle as you go about your errands? The Trax’s rear cross-traffic alert feature will sound off if it detects pedestrians or other obstacles lurking just out of sight. Rear parking sensors go a long way toward reducing those bumps and bruises that are an inevitable part of driving in the city, allowing drivers to maintain their paint job (and insurance premium) while helping the Trax to consistently achieve a five-star safety rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).      

A Contemporary Cabin 

The Trax might offer a winning combination of size, efficiency, and safety, but this subcompact crossover also provides all the connectivity options a driver could ask for. The Trax is designed with a number of accessible USB charging ports that give the driver and passengers the ability to top off their smartphones, tablets, and other devices while on the go. Higher trims up the ante with a 110-volt outlet that provides ultra-fast charging for a wide range of electronic accessories. Need to charge your laptop on the way to a meeting or make sure your Bluetooth speaker is ready for your after-work gym class or beach BBQ? You’ll never be hurting for options when you’re driving a Chevy Trax. 

Those looking to really elevate their driving experience can invest in higher trims or available equipment packages that add everything from heated front seats and remote start to a sunroof, Wi-Fi hotspot, and Apple CarPlay and Android Auto; these last two wireless connectivity features give drivers the opportunity to leverage the full power of their smartphones to place and receive calls and texts, stream their favorite content, and provide turn-by-turn GPS directions with real-time alerts that’ll help you avoid those pesky rush hour traffic jams. 

The second-gen Trax received an interior refresh, gaining a new 8.0-inch touchscreen infotainment display as the standard, with an 11.0-inch version on the LT, 2RS, and ACTIV trims. Throw in a new 8.0-inch gauge cluster and a wireless phone charging pad, and the Trax packs some considerable value while staying well within the budget of almost any driver.

The Trax: Designed for City Driving

The Chevy Trax is a great choice for any drivers who are in the market for a reliable, efficient crossover that can keep up with their fast-paced urban lifestyle. The subcompact’s demure dimensions bring a number of advantages in terms of maneuverability and efficiency. A full complement of advanced safety tech goes a long way to improve the overall driving experience, especially when you factor in the available Driver Confidence Package with its rear cross-traffic alert and rear parking sensors. 

Newer second-gen Trax models come standard with the Chevy Safety Assist driver assistance suite featuring automated emergency braking with pedestrian detection, adaptive cruise control, and more, not to mention a full arsenal of comfort, convenience, and infotainment tech. Want to learn more about the Chevy Trax and see why it’s become such a popular choice for drivers across the Cincinnati Tri-State Area? Head on over to McCluskey Chevrolet and explore our wide selection of new, used, and Certified Pre-Owned Trax models today.