Subcompact crossover SUVs have grown in popularity thanks to their affordability, spacious interior, and fuel economy ratings. They offer the best of both worlds to drivers looking for more room than a sedan without the hefty price tag or lower fuel efficiency of an SUV. This is certainly true for the Chevrolet Trax, which was first introduced in 2012. Today, the Trax is a favorite among drivers, which is why all eyes were on the manufacturer when they announced the 2021 Chevy Trax with several upgrades and exciting features.
Chevrolet calls the 2021 Trax “the everyday out-of-the-ordinary SUV” thanks to its performance, smooth handling, and a spacious interior that ensures it’s ready and capable for any adventure. The 2021 model is offered as a five-door, five-passenger crossover utility vehicle (CUV) with FWD and AWD available on the LS or LT trim packages. There are also two special edition packages—the Midnight Edition and the Sport Edition—that allow drivers to make an even bigger statement on the road. Let’s look closer at what the 2021 Chevrolet Trax has to offer.
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What can drivers expect in terms of performance from the 2021 Chevrolet Trax? While some subcompact crossover SUVs miss the mark when it comes to performance and handling, the Chevrolet Trax doesn’t disappoint and gives drivers plenty of power and agility on the road. Along with a pretty powerful engine for a subcompact crossover SUV the Chevy Trax also offers its drivers excellent fuel economy. That’s what makes the 2021 Trax one of the top performers in its class.
Both the 2021 Chevrolet Trax LS and LT models come standard with a 1.4-liter turbocharged four-cylinder ECOTEC engine. General Motors specifically designed the engine for use in the GM lineup of subcompact and compact vehicles. It’s power-boost design and wide rpm range, paired with the Trax’s six-speed automatic transmission, make driving the Trax a rewarding experience for a car of its size and class.
Once the 1.4-liter turbo engine reaches acceleration, it easily maintains its speed in the city or on the highway. The FWD option produces an impressive fuel economy of 26 MPG in the city and 31 MPG on the highway. The AWD option minimally reduces the Trax’s fuel efficiency and averages 24 MPG in the city and 29 MPG on the highway. Regardless, the Trax’s compact size and engine pair well to offer an above-average fuel economy.
On the technical side, the Trax’s turbocharged engine produces plenty of power for its size with 138 hp at 4,900 rpm and 148 lb.-ft of torque at 1,850 rpm.
Subcompact crossover SUVs are designed to give drivers the best of both worlds—the fuel efficiency and affordability of a sedan with the spaciousness of a small SUV. This versatility is a huge draw to the subcompact SUV market, and that’s no different for the 2021 Chevrolet Trax. The Trax offers a surprising amount of interior space for both passengers and cargo.
The 2021 Trax features a Cargo Management System that includes an array of smart storage solutions that takes the guesswork out of hauling gear. Another one of the biggest selling points of the Trax is its overall interior room considering its compact size.
The Trax features flat-folding passenger and second-row seats that extend its maximum cargo length to an impressive 8-ft. The second-row seats also fold in a 60/40 split that extends its cargo room to 48.4 cu. ft. With the second-row seats in use, there’s still plenty of room with 18.7 cu. ft. Considering the cargo area stands 31.80-in tall, it’s easy to see why the Trax is known for its roomy interior.
There’s also plenty of room for passengers with seating for five. The front row offers 39.60-in of headroom, 40.80-in of legroom, 54.10-in of shoulder room, and 51.70-in of hip room. While many compact SUVs have smaller second rows, the difference is not as drastic in the Trax as in other vehicles. The second row offers 38.80-in of headroom, 35.70-in of legroom, 52.80-in of shoulder room, and 50.70-in of hip room.
The Trax LS starts at $21,400, while the LT adds a few more amenities and upgrades with a starting price of $23,200. The most significant differences between the models are found in the interior features. However, before we jump to the differences, let’s consider the similarities.
Both the LS and LT come standard with a four-way manual driver seat, two-way manual front passenger seat, and a 60/40 split-folding second-row bench seat. The models feature a 7-in color touchscreen display with the Chevrolet Infotainment 3 System as well as a 3.5-in diagonal Driver Information Center that presents drivers with a quick view of speed, fuel range, mileage, and other stats. The LS and LT also include a six-speaker audio system, 4G LTE Wi-Fi hotspot, power windows and door locks, rear vision camera, remote keyless entry, USB ports, and single-zone climate control.
Look no further than the seats to find the biggest difference between the LS and LT trim packages. The LS comes standard with cloth seats while the LT offers premium leather seats. While drivers can upgrade the LS to a premium cloth seat, a leather option is not available for the model. The LT also adds a few more upgrades with standard cruise control and remote start, both of which are absent from the LS.
Beyond the standard features on the LS and LT, the models offer a variety of upgrades. As far as front-row aesthetics, the LS’s standard cloth seats can be upgraded to deluxe gray cloth seats while the LT can be upgraded to deluxe jet-black leather seats and a leather-wrapped steering wheel. The LT can also be upgraded to include a six-way power driver seat, a noticeably absent feature on the LS.
Remote start is an available upgrade on the LS, and keyless entry is available on the LT for drivers wanting easier access to start the vehicle. The cargo area can also be upgraded on both models with an available cargo package as well as a cargo organizer, tray, mat, and net to make this area more accessible and user friendly. Other upgrades for both models include premium floor mats and floor liners, as well as a protection package.
Chevrolet is known for offering outstanding features that allow drivers to get behind the wheel with confidence. The Trax is no different and earned the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s 5-Star Overall Vehicle Score for safety thanks to its many standard safety features. So, beyond the Trax’s 10 standard airbags, what else does it have to offer?
The 2021 Trax LS and LT come standard with a rear vision camera that gives drivers confidence the minute they shift into reverse. Once the vehicle is in reverse, the Trax automatically displays a live-view of the environment behind the vehicle on the 7-in color touchscreen display. This reduces potential collisions when backing out of the garage or out of a parking space. The LS and LT also offer an upgrade to this feature with Rear Park Assist. This feature alerts drivers to objects and other obstacles behind the vehicle to prevent potential collisions.
The Trax offers two other impressive safety upgrades—Side Blind Zone Alert and Rear Cross Traffic Alert. The available Side Blind Zone Alert notifies the driver when a moving vehicle is detected in a side blind zone. This is especially helpful when there are multiple lanes of traffic that the driver must navigate. The Rear Cross Traffic Alert gives drivers further peace of mind by detecting cross traffic behind the vehicle and displaying those alerts with warning triangles on the center-mounted touchscreen display.
Chevrolet vehicles also come with available OnStar technology. This subscription service connects drivers to emergency services and remote vehicle access, as well as a variety of other options. The LS and LT both offer OnStar and Chevrolet Connected Services capabilities.