2024 Chevy Trax

The new Trax is significantly bigger than its predecessor in almost every dimension. Overall length is up by 11 inches, and within that a 6-inch-longer wheelbase (the measurement between the front and rear wheels) allows more rear legroom and cargo space. Overall height is the only measurement that's smaller, a likely result from a slightly lower ride height and the new Trax's more sloped roofline. There are also significant changes to the powertrain, interior and technology features.

The Trax, even the sporty-looking RS model, isn't a performance vehicle by any stretch. The steering is quick enough to make parking a breeze (helped further by the Trax's relatively compact proportions), but it lacks any real feedback. If you're looking for a compact SUV that offers a bit more engagement, the Mazda CX-30 might be worth a look, though options can make it a significantly more expensive vehicle than the Trax.

There's plenty of space in both rows, with four adults fitting comfortably inside without front passengers having to scoot their seats up to accommodate those in the rear. There's lots of headroom, legroom and shoulder room, and decent-size rear windows help keep the back seat from feeling claustrophobic. Both seats offer soft padding, but the seat bottoms in both rows will likely seem a bit too short for passengers with long legs.

There are still hard plastics on the doors, dash and console, but the clean lines and interesting textures on those surfaces make a big difference. The buttons and knobs, too, feel far less cheap than before. Most things are well positioned and easy to reach, though the climate control is set a bit low in the dash. We still question GM's continued use of bright trim on some panels (it can be quite bright when reflecting midday sunlight), but most everything else is an improvement over the last Trax.

We had an opportunity to sample every trim, and even the base LS didn't disappoint. It was missing some of the colorful accents found in the Activ and RS trims, but the overall design and feel were the same. It's telling that Chevy was confident enough to let us behind the wheel of a base-spec car, as automakers generally want to put their best foot forward.

The Trax is available with two infotainment systems, depending on the trim. The LS and 1RS get analog gauges and an 8-inch touchscreen display. The display uses an older software interface but it's still pretty responsive and easy to navigate. It includes Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone integration, both with wireless connectivity.

Trims from the LT up get an 8-inch all-digital instrument cluster and a big 11-inch infotainment screen with a newer user interface. The new system is responsive and well laid out, but the instrument cluster could only show limited information at once. That information could only be changed from the infotainment screen, not the steering wheel like you'd expect. The system has Google-backed software, so navigation is as easy to use as it is on a smartphone.

Storage up front includes door pockets large enough for a couple of bottles of water, a bin both in front of and behind the shifter and a decently sized center console. We found a couple of handy places to stash a phone, sunglasses or snacks.

LS
Comes reasonably well equipped with:

• 17-inch steel wheels
• LED headlights
• 8-inch infotainment screen
• Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
• Four-speaker audio system
• Wi-Fi hotspot

All Trax models also come standard with:

• Forward collision mitigation with automatic emergency braking (warns if a front impact is imminent and applies the brakes if you don't respond in time)
• Lane departure warning (alerts you if the vehicle begins to drift out of its lane)
• Lane keeping system (makes minor steering corrections to help keep the vehicle centered in its lane)
• Automatic high beams

The optional LS Convenience package adds:

• 17-inch alloy wheels
• Remote start
• Heated front seats
• Heated, power-adjustable mirrors

1RS
The 1RS adds some visual flair, with small tweaks to the interior and exterior. Features on the 1RS include those on the LS, adding:

• Gloss-black exterior trim
• 18-inch alloy wheels
• Revised front and rear fascias
• LS Convenience package features
• Heated flat-bottom steering wheel

LT
Builds off the LS trim with different styling as well as:

• 17-inch alloy wheels
• Automatic climate control
• 11-inch touchscreen infotainment system
• Digital instrument cluster
• Six-speaker audio system
• Push-button start
• Roof rails

The optional LT Convenience package includes:

• Keyless entry
• Heated, power-adjustable mirrors
• Heated front seats
• Heated steering wheel

2RS and Activ
These two trims have the same price but slightly different aims. The RS offers sporty looks, while the Actie offers a few more creature comforts. Added features on top of the LT's include:

• Features from the LT Convenience package
• 18-inch alloy wheels (Activ only)
• 19-inch alloy wheels (2RS only)
• Power-adjustable driver's seat (Activ only)

An available Driver Confidence package for all trims adds:

• Blind-spot warning with rear cross-traffic warning (alerts you if a vehicle is in your blind spot during a lane change or while in reverse)
• Adaptive cruise control (all trims except LS and 1RS; maintains a driver-set distance between the Trax and the car in front)

A sunroof and wireless charging pad are optional on all but the base LS trim.