There is only one engine and transmission choice available for the 2016 Trax, but Chevrolet has chosen the drivetrain wisely. The Trax utilizes an extremely fuel-efficient 1.4L 4-cylinder turbocharged engine. Despite its diminutive size, this engine makes 138 horsepower, plenty to pull the relatively light Trax along at a brisk pace when coupled to the standard 6-speed automatic transmission. With an EPA rating of 26 mpg in the city and 34 mpg on the highway, the Trax burns fuel more like a compact car than an SUV.
Buyers are offered a choice of three different trim levels as well as the option of front- or all-wheel drive, which costs $1,500 extra and is available across all trims. The LS trim is relatively basic, the LT trim occupies the mid-level, while the high-end LTZ trim offers plenty of luxurious touches.
Buyers will likely be surprised by many of the features that come standard on the base LS, ensuring that even the most basic Trax to leave the showroom factory is a competent and highly usable vehicle. Standard features include an infotainment system with a built-in seven-inch touchscreen, built-in Wi-Fi hotspot technology, a rearview camera, power windows and door locks, Bluetooth audio streaming and a USB port with MP3 playback abilities. Drivers and passengers can also upload photos or videos via the USB port to be displayed on that big 7-inch screen.
The LT trim looks a little more aggressive, with several cosmetic enhancements, including 16-inch alloy wheels, some additional exterior chrome trim, tinted rear windows, roof rails and a painted lower skid plate applique. Other enhancements that come with the LT trim include heated exterior mirrors, cruise control, SiriusXM satellite radio and nicer cloth upholstery for the seats.
The LTZ trim comes with 18-inch wheels, front fog lamps, even more exterior chrome, including chrome door handles, a 6-way power adjustable driver's seat, heated front seats, leatherette seating surfaces, a leather wrapped steering wheel, an auto-dimming rearview mirror, a Bose premium sound system and rear park assist.
Safety features across the lineup include 10 airbags, power-assisted anti-lock brakes, traction control and StabiliTrak electronic stability control. Rear park assist is standard on LTZ trims and available on LT trims, but all trim levels have a rear-view camera.
Compact Footprint
Decent Ground Clearance
High Levels Of Standard Technology
Versatile Interior
Available All-wheel Drive
Fuel Efficiency
Following its debut in 2015, the Chevrolet Trax is relatively unchanged for 2016, though four exterior colors have been replaced by five new ones
The Chevrolet Trax competes with other small SUVs such as the Toyota RAV4, the Honda CR-V and the Ford Escape. Setting the Trax apart from many of its competitors, are its turbocharged engine and its high levels of interior equipment, including a standard 7-inch color touch screen. With a base price of around $21,000, the Chevrolet Trax is an excellent addition to the small SUV segment.
