2019 Chevy Trax Review

Name: 2019 Chevrolet Trax Review
Brand: Chevrolet
Rating: 3.6 (41 reviews)

Price Range: $9,020 - $19,590

2018 Chevrolet Trax Premier 4dr SUV Exterior Shown

+243

Read full review See all features & specs

Price & Payment

53 cars

$15,760 avg. price

Min$

Max$

See listings

Appraise This Car

For sale nearby

53 listings

Sort by:

See all for sale

Chevrolet Trax model years

Chevrolet Trax for Sale

Edmunds' Expert Review

byWill Kaufman^{Senior Editor and Content Strategist, CarMax
Will Kaufman has worked in the automotive industry since 2017. He has written hundreds of car-related articles and reviews over the course of his career. Will is a senior editor and content strategist for CarMax at Edmunds. Will has been featured in the Associated Press and a number of major outlets on the topics of infotainment and vehicle data, vehicle subscription services and autonomous vehicles. Will started his career in online publishing by writing and editing standardized test guides, but he has a lot more fun writing about cars.}

Pros

Offers appealing passenger space for its size
Plenty of features for the price

Cons

Ride quality is choppy on the freeway
Slow acceleration from the underpowered engine
Less cargo space than some rivals
Fuel economy falls short for the class

What's new

No significant changes for 2019
Part of the first Trax generation introduced for the 2015 model year

When the Chevy Trax premiered, it was an early member of a new segment with very little competition. Things have changed, though, and for 2019 it's just another drop in the bucket. While we found the seats comfortable and the interior easy to use, we disliked the underpowered engine and the rough, noisy ride. It did recently receive some technology updates to make its infotainment and connectivity features more competitive, and it offers a good number of features for its price. However, if you carefully consider your priorities for a subcompact crossover, you're likely to find something else that better suits your needs.

Cost to Drive^{Cost to drive estimates for the 2019 Chevrolet Trax LS 4dr SUV (1.4L 4cyl Turbo 6A) and comparison vehicles are based on 15,000 miles per year (with a mix of 55% city and 45% highway driving) and energy estimates of $2.93 per gallon for regular unleaded in Virginia.}

Monthly estimates based on costs in Virginia

$128/mo

$157/mo

Avg. Compact SUV

Calculate my fuel costs

The all-new Hyundai Kona is better to drive, as is the Mazda CX-3 that also sports an upscale interior. The Honda HR-V can deal with all sorts of cargo needs, and if you require a small, all-weather AWD runabout, the Subaru Crosstrek is very capable. Chevy certainly hit the market sooner than most competitors, but compared to the current roster of options, the Trax isn't as refined or as purposeful.

Edmunds' Expert Rating

With more and more competition in the subcompact SUV segment, the Chevy Trax stands out less and less. Its comfortable seats and practical interior are overshadowed by the choppy, noisy ride and poor engine performance. Competitors offer more practicality, better technology or a better driving experience.

Driving

Braking performance is average for the class, and steering is precise if numb. Otherwise, the Trax falls behind the segment in terms of performance and handling. The small engine struggles to accelerate, and the tires protest in even moderate turns.

Comfort

Comfortable seats are the high point. Beyond that, the Trax's ride quality exhibits quite a bit of choppiness, and there's a fair amount of road noise. Many competitors offer a better ride quality and a more pleasant driving experience.

Interior

A smart interior layout makes the most of the Trax's relatively small — but still competitive for the segment — interior space. Visibility is good, the controls are straightforward, and getting in and out is pretty easy.

Utility

Cargo volume is less than what some competitors offer, with maximum cargo space of only 48.4 cubic feet. The rear seats are at least easy to fold, and the fold-flat front seat provides extra space for longer items.

Technology

Chevy's MyLink system is easy to learn, and combined with OnStar, provides a robust set of features. Android Auto and Apple CarPlay are standard, as is Wi-Fi hotspot connectivity. Only the Premier trim gets a full suite of active safety features, but some are available on the LT.

2019 Chevrolet Trax models

The 2019 Chevy Trax is available in three trim levels: LS, LT and Premier. The base LS trim has enough standard equipment not to feel stripped down, but the LT adds more practical features and has access to several option packages. The Premier trim not only gets interior upgrades, but it also has added active safety features.

All three trims are powered by a turbocharged 1.4-liter four-cylinder engine (138 horsepower, 148 ft-lb of torque). Also standard is a six-speed automatic transmission and front-wheel drive. All-wheel drive is optional. Front-wheel-drive models have front disc brakes and drum brakes in the rear, and all-wheel-drive models get disc brakes at all four corners.

The base Trax LS comes with 16-inch steel wheels (alloys if you upgrade to all-wheel drive), automatic headlights, power-adjustable manual-folding side mirrors, keyless entry and a rearview camera. Inside you'll find a 60/40-split folding rear seat, driver power lumbar adjustment, cloth upholstery, a tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel, air conditioning, OnStar communications (with a 4G LTE connection and a Wi-Fi hotspot), a Chevy MyLink infotainment system with a 7-inch touchscreen interface, Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone integration, two USB ports and a six-speaker sound system.

Moving up to the LT gets you roof rails, upgraded headlights, LED daytime running lights, LED taillights, heated mirrors, remote vehicle start, cruise control, upgraded cloth upholstery, and a storage drawer under the passenger seat. The infotainment system receives satellite radio, and a 110-volt outlet is added for the backseat area. Alloy wheels are added with front-wheel drive.

Four major packages are offered for the Trax LT. The LT Convenience package adds premium cloth upholstery with simulated-leather inserts, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, keyless ignition and entry, and a six-way power-adjustable driver's seat. The Driver Confidence package includes blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert and rear parking sensors. Opting for the Sun and Sound package gets you a seven-speaker Bose stereo system and a sunroof.

Another option for the Trax LT is the Redline Edition, an appearance package that adds black body accents and 18-inch alloy wheels painted black with — surprise, surprise — a red line around the circumference.

The top-tier Premier trim comes with all of the LT's packages (aside from the Redline Edition), as well as 18-inch wheels, foglights, full faux leather upholstery, an auto-dimming mirror and heated front seats. It's also the only trim that gets forward collision and lane departure warning systems. The only option package for the Premier is the Midnight Edition, which, more surprises, comes with black paint and black interior and exterior trim pieces.

See Edmunds pricing data

Has Your Car's Value Changed?

Used car values are constantly changing. Edmunds lets you track your vehicle's value over time so you can decide when to sell or trade in.

See pricing history

Reliability Ratings by RepairPal

4/5Above Average

#5 out of 8 among Subcompact SUVs

RepairPal Reliability Ratings are based on the actual cost, frequency, and severity of unscheduled repairs and maintenance on make/model data for select 2008-2022 vehicles. The reliability of a specific vehicle may vary depending on its maintenance and driving history, model year, trim, and features.

Cost

^{The average total annual cost for unscheduled repairs and maintenance across all model years of the Chevrolet Trax from 2008-2022.}

$484/yr

vs. $435/yr
for Average Subcompact SUV

Frequency

^{The average number of times this model is brought into the shop for unscheduled repairs and maintenance in a single year. RepairPal calculates this metric by tracking millions of unique vehicles over multiple years to determine an average number of visits per year (omitting small routine visits, e.g., oil changes).}

0.56x/yr

vs. 0.69x/yr
for Average Subcompact SUV

Severity

^{The probability that a repair will be a major issue, meaning the repair costs 3x the average annual repair cost for all models. This threshold will be higher for vehicles that have higher labor rates and parts costs (such as a premium brand).}

15.1%

vs. 10.7%
for Average Subcompact SUV

powered by RepairPal ^{Based on RepairPal reliability data as of 8/23/2023. Ratings are provided by RepairPal and Edmunds is not responsible for their accuracy.}

Consumer reviews

Read what other owners think about the Used 2019 Chevrolet Trax.

5 (54%)

4 (10%)

3 (7%)

2 (5%)

1 (24%)

3.6

41 reviews

Write a vehicle review See all 41 reviews

Most helpful consumer reviews

Still fits me to a tee!

Howard, 10/21/2018

2019 Chevrolet Trax LT 4dr SUV (1.4L 4cyl Turbo 6A)

This is my second Trax LT. Sure, there are still sharper, faster or more luxurious mini SUVs out there. But for its price, reliability, safety, economy, easy entry/exit and comfortable seating, the Trax fits me to a tee! My actual mixed mileage has been 35-37 consistently, over five years and 60,000 miles in all kinds of driving. Friends who ride with us in our Trax always compliment …

Little SUV - but big on value

Trenda Allen, 02/14/2019

2019 Chevrolet Trax LT 4dr SUV AWD (1.4L 4cyl Turbo 6A)

I love this car! The cabin noise is quiet, so I can talk without shouting during long trips. I have always had a soft spot for smaller SUVs anyway, and this is pure luxury after driving a 1992 Suzuki Sidekick 4wd. Loved the Suzuki too, but this has the bells and whistles that make it a comfortable drive, and quick to get around town.

Performance

Lee zenoniani, 07/28/2018

2019 Chevrolet Trax Premier 4dr SUV (1.4L 4cyl Turbo 6A)

I have had the car for two years and have found the perform to be excellent. This is not s high perform car but jump up to 60 with out any effort. My mpg has been great, 30 over all and 33 on trips. Yes there is some road nois but I didn't pay 30000 either.

Safety

Patricia Alexander, 09/06/2020

2019 Chevrolet Trax LT 4dr SUV (1.4L 4cyl Turbo 6A)

Recently my son was driving my Trax and was ran off the road flipping over. The Trax is a total loss, but my son crawled out of the Trax with minor injuries just sore. Thank the Lord. When everything is settled with the insurance we will be buying another Trax. I am happy with all the safety features.

See all 41 reviews of the Chevrolet Trax

Write a vehicle review

2019 Trax Highlights

Trim:

Base MSRP Excludes Destination Fee	$21,300
Engine Type	Gas
Combined MPG	28 MPG
Cost to Drive	$128/month
Seating	5 seats
Cargo Capacity All Seats In Place	18.7 cu.ft.
Drivetrain	front wheel drive
Warranty	3 years / 36,000 miles

See all features & specs

Safety

Our experts like the Trax models:

Side Blind Zone Alert: Warns the driver if a lane change might result in a collision with another vehicle.
Forward Collision Alert: Lets the driver know to apply the brakes to avoid a collision with the vehicle in front.
Lane Departure Warning: Sounds an alert if the driver drifts out of the lane without activating a turn signal.

NHTSA Overall Rating

The National Highway Transportation Safety Administration offers independent analysis.

Frontal Barrier Crash Rating
Overall5 / 5
Driver5 / 5
Passenger5 / 5
Side Crash Rating
Overall5 / 5
Side Barrier Rating
Overall5 / 5
Driver5 / 5
Passenger5 / 5
Combined Side Barrier & Pole Ratings
Front Seat5 / 5
Back Seat5 / 5
Rollover
Rollover4 / 5
Dynamic Test ResultNo Tip
Risk Of Rollover19.8%

IIHS Rating

The Insurance Institute of Highway Safety uses extensive crash tests to determine car safety.

Small Overlap Front Driver-Side Test
Good
Small Overlap Front Passenger-Side Test
Acceptable
Moderate Overlap Front Test – Original
Good
Moderate Overlap Front Test – Updated
Not Tested
Side Impact Test – Original
Good
Side Impact Test – Updated
Acceptable
Roof Strength Test
Good
Rear Crash Protection / Head Restraint
Good

People who viewed this also viewed

Chevrolet Trailblazer
4.1 average Rating out of 12 reviews.
Starting at $23,100

See Chevrolet Trailblazer Inventory

Mazda CX-30
4.5 average Rating out of 20 reviews.
Starting at $24,995

See Mazda CX-30 Inventory

Buick Envista
3.6 average Rating out of 37 reviews.
Starting at $22,400

See Buick Envista Inventory

2019 Chevy Trax Review

Price & Payment

For sale nearby

AutoCheck Vehicle History Summary

AutoCheck Vehicle History Summary

AutoCheck Vehicle History Summary

AutoCheck Vehicle History Summary

AutoCheck Vehicle History Summary

AutoCheck Vehicle History Summary

AutoCheck Vehicle History Summary

AutoCheck Vehicle History Summary

Edmunds' Expert Review

Pros

Cons

What's new

Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2019 Chevrolet Trax LS 4dr SUV (1.4L 4cyl Turbo 6A) and comparison vehicles are based on 15,000 miles per year (with a mix of 55% city and 45% highway driving) and energy estimates of $2.93 per gallon for regular unleaded in Virginia.

Edmunds' Expert Rating

Driving

Comfort

Interior

Utility

Technology

Which Trax does Edmunds recommend?

2019 Chevrolet Trax models

Reliability Ratings by RepairPal

Cost

Frequency

Severity

Most helpful consumer reviews

Still fits me to a tee!

Little SUV - but big on value

Performance

Safety

2019 Trax Highlights

Safety

People who viewed this also viewed

Related Used 2019 Chevrolet Trax info

Vehicle reviews of used models

Shop similar models

Shop used vehicles in your area

Popular new car reviews and ratings

Research other models of Chevrolet

Research similar vehicles

Other models

Join Edmunds

Cost to Drive^{Cost to drive estimates for the 2019 Chevrolet Trax LS 4dr SUV (1.4L 4cyl Turbo 6A) and comparison vehicles are based on 15,000 miles per year (with a mix of 55% city and 45% highway driving) and energy estimates of $2.93 per gallon for regular unleaded in Virginia.}