2020 Chevy Trax Review

Name: 2020 Chevrolet Trax Review
Brand: Chevrolet
Rating: 4.1 (34 reviews)

Price Range: $9,254 - $20,976

2018 Chevrolet Trax Premier 4dr SUV Exterior Shown

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2020 Chevrolet Trax Review

byCameron Rogers^{Manager, News
Cameron Rogers has worked in the automotive industry since 2013. He has tested and reviewed hundreds of vehicles over the course of his career. Today, he leads the news team in developing cutting-edge news articles, opinion pieces and sneak peeks at upcoming vehicles. Favorite cars that he's driven during his tenure at Edmunds include the 991-era Porsche 911 Turbo S, Rolls-Royce Ghost and several generations of Honda Odyssey (really).}

Pros

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

Midnight Edition package no longer available
Part of the first Trax generation introduced to the U.S. for 2015

Overview

While compact crossovers are the go-to choice for many new shoppers, their smaller, less expensive siblings haven't enjoyed the same success. While subcompact SUVs are perfectly suited for one or two people, they don't have the passenger space or cargo capacity that shoppers look for when upgrading from a sedan or hatchback. Some small SUVs have other strengths — expressive styling or fun-to-drive dynamics, for example — to make up for the lack of room. This is not the case, however, with the 2020 Chevrolet Trax. Though an acceptable choice overall, the Trax doesn't offer anything unique compared to similarly priced crossovers and cars.

Cost to Drive^{Cost to drive estimates for the 2020 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

$130/mo

$157/mo

Avg. Compact SUV

Calculate my fuel costs

The Trax has a few redeeming qualities. It is easy to get into, generally affordable, and the tall ride height and large windows give drivers the expansive outward view preferred by SUV owners. Unfortunately, the benefits are vastly outweighed by its drawbacks. Passenger comfort is hampered by a harsh ride quality and narrow, unsupportive seats. The rear seat is a little claustrophobic, and there's less cargo room than in a Volkswagen Golf hatchback. And while most entries in the class have modestly powered engines, the Trax's turbocharged 1.4-liter four-cylinder fails to live up to even those low expectations. There are a number of desirable small crossovers, and we suggest driving any of them before settling on the Chevrolet Trax.

Which Trax does Edmunds recommend?

The base LS is priced competitively and comes with enough features that it doesn't feel like a penalty box. If you have a little extra in your budget, however, we recommend upgrading to the LT. It has some useful convenience features, such as upgraded headlights and a cargo cover. It's also more versatile, with several packages that add options such as keyless entry and advanced driving aids.

2020 Chevrolet Trax models

The 2020 Chevrolet Trax is a subcompact SUV sold 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 lb-ft 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 alloy wheels, automatic headlights, manual-folding side mirrors, and a rearview camera. Inside, you'll find a 60/40-split folding rear seat, driver's seat power lumbar adjustment, OnStar communications (with a 4G LTE connection and a Wi-Fi hotspot), a 7-inch touchscreen, and a six-speaker sound system with two USB ports and Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration. As its name suggests, the optional Tint and Cruise package adds tinted windows and cruise control.

That package is included on the LT, along with roof rails, upgraded headlights, LED daytime running lights, heated mirrors, remote vehicle start, upgraded cloth upholstery, satellite radio, a household-style 110-volt outlet, a cargo cover, and a storage drawer under the passenger seat.

Four major packages are offered for the Trax LT. The LT Convenience package adds premium cloth upholstery with faux 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 red accent stripes.

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, 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.

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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 2020 Chevrolet Trax.

5 (64%)

4 (9%)

3 (12%)

2 (0%)

1 (15%)

4.1

34 reviews

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Most helpful consumer reviews

Sporty and tons of fun to drive

Donnie, 07/03/2020

2020 Chevrolet Trax LT 4dr SUV AWD (1.4L 4cyl Turbo 6A)

I looked at all the competition and and the Chevy Trax beat them hands down. I purchased a 2020 Trax AWD LT and it has all the bells and whistles and comfort i expected. Getting in and out of it is easy. Has plenty of power to move in and out of traffic. Tons of storage and hidden compartments and that is with the back seat up. Fit and finish is excellent compared to the others. Only …

Test Drive

Tim, 04/22/2020

2020 Chevrolet Trax LT 4dr SUV AWD (1.4L 4cyl Turbo 6A)

My wife and I went for a test drive and this vehicle is just fine with great value.We were curious about the power since that was the negative concern from the " pro review crowd", the power is just fine. I would say peppy in traffic and adequate on the hiway, if you want more go big. This is a subcompact SUV not a V- 8 powered SUV. Further more why would pay 3 to 5 K for competition, …

Very Impressive

Chad R., 08/12/2020

2020 Chevrolet Trax LT 4dr SUV AWD (1.4L 4cyl Turbo 6A)

I'm 64 years old. I have been driving sense I was 9 years old. I Like Cars. I have owned well over a hundred used cars & trucks and about 20 new ones, I have owned just about every model GM made, Fords, Dodge, Chrysler's, Toyota's, Nissan,s, Kia's, VW's, and a Subaru just to name a few. Never put over 50,000 miles on any of them, (didn't keep them long enough). Well in 2014, I decided I …

great fit

Chauncey Robinson , 12/27/2019

2020 Chevrolet Trax LS 4dr SUV (1.4L 4cyl Turbo 6A)

I'm a bigger guy, so I don't fit well in smaller vehicles. Don't let this one fool you, it is roomy, comfortable and fun!

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2020 Trax Highlights

Trim:

Base MSRP Excludes Destination Fee	$21,300
Engine Type	Gas
Combined MPG	28 MPG
Cost to Drive	$130/month
Seating	5 seats
Cargo Capacity All Seats In Place	18.7 cu.ft.
Drivetrain	front wheel drive
Warranty	3 years / 36,000 miles

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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

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2020 Chevy Trax Review

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2020 Chevrolet Trax Review

Pros

Cons

What's new

Overview

Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2020 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.

Which Trax does Edmunds recommend?

2020 Chevrolet Trax models

Reliability Ratings by RepairPal

Cost

Frequency

Severity

Most helpful consumer reviews

Sporty and tons of fun to drive

Test Drive

Very Impressive

great fit

2020 Trax Highlights

Safety

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Cost to Drive^{Cost to drive estimates for the 2020 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.}