Chevrolet Trax
Subcompact SUV · 2015–present. 200,689 units sold in the US in 2024
How it began
It is a global product of Chevrolet, General Motors' brand. Mary Barra, then GM's senior vice president of Product Development, introduced it in 2012 as Chevrolet's entry into the small SUV segment. Steve Kim is credited as the designer of the 2017 refresh. For the second generation, the spokespeople were Scott Bell, Chevrolet vice president, and Steve Majoros, vice president of marketing, while Shilpan Amin, president of GM International, announced it in Korea.
The first generation was built in South Korea; MY2022 production ended at Bupyeong, Incheon, on November 30, 2022. The second generation is built in Changwon, South Korea, where GM confirmed production had started in February 2023.
Chevrolet announced the Trax in May 2012 for a Paris debut that September, with Canada and Mexico planned for year-end. Its 2016 release confirmed the global launch in late 2012. It reached the United States as MY2015; the U.S. EPA model record then moves from MY2022 to MY2024. Chevrolet introduced the second generation on October 12, 2022, and announced spring2023 sales. GM confirmed production and first U.S. shipments in February 2023.
GM had already used Trax for a small-car concept presented at the 2007 New York auto show. In 2012 it said the new production SUV was unrelated to that project.
Chevrolet sought a place in the growing small-SUV segment with flexibility, fuel economy and car-like handling for urban buyers. In 2012 it said it had no U.S. plans because the Equinox was strong; it later added the Trax to that market. The second generation was positioned as an affordable gateway to the brand amid rising interest rates and record vehicle prices.
Generation by generation
- Gen. 12015–2022
The global SUV that came home late
Photo: Elise240SX · CC BY-SA 4.0 What changed. It was a new model for Chevrolet in the U.S., built on a platform shared with the Buick Encore. It used a 1.4-liter turbo four-cylinder with 138 hp and 148 lb-ft, a six-speed automatic and front- or all-wheel drive, the latter for $1,500 extra. In 2016 the 2017 version debuted with a new front end, LED signature lighting, a 7-inch MyLink screen, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. By 2022 the 1.4 turbo was listed at 155 hp and 177 lb-ft.
The innovation. OnStar 4G LTE and Wi-Fi hotspot capability were standard on LS, LT and LTZ. The MY2015 brochure included a three-month or3GB data trial, whichever came first; continued service required an active plan.
If you buy one usedCheck 19V652 control-arm welds on specified 2015–2018 Trax and 19V312 on 2017–2019. Campaign 15V146 covers certain 2015 steering columns built November 18, 2014–February 17, 2015. Airbag-software programs are 16V651 on specified 2015–2017, repeat 17V437 on specified 2015–2016 incomplete earlier updates, and 18V774 manufacturing-mode correction on 2019. For BYOM radios, 16V257 concerns the delayed key-left warning; 16V422 concerns seatbelt/key warnings. Exact NHTSA Trax 2020–2022 queries each returned zero on November 3, 2026, without clearing every alias or VIN. Verify actual equipment and repair records. - Gen. 22024–present
Bigger, cheaper and a best-seller
Photo: MercurySable99 · CC BY-SA 4.0 What changed. It was fully redesigned with Blazer-inspired styling: longer, lower and wider than before, at 178.6 inches long with a 106.3-inch wheelbase. It switched to a 1.2-liter turbo three-cylinder with 137 hp and 162 lb-ft, a six-speed automatic and front-wheel drive only. The price went down: it started at $21,495 including destination, $1,400 less than the outgoing model. Chevrolet claimed 0 to 60 mph in about 8.6 seconds, roughly a second quicker than before.
The innovation. Every trim comes standard with automatic emergency braking, front pedestrian braking, lane-keep assist, automatic high beams and active noise cancellation, plus 8- or 11-inch screens with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
If you buy one usedSelected campaigns are 23V744 on certain 2024 instrument displays, updated free at a dealer or OTA, and 26V539 on certain 2025 rearview cameras, inspected and replaced if needed; the source reports letters mailed September 30, 2026. IIHS applies Good small-overlap and Poor updated-moderate-overlap ratings to 2024–2026 Trax; the latter includes Poor rear head/neck and Marginal rear chest results. Chevrolet explicitly specifies the current U.S. 2026 Trax as FWD-only. Check the actual VIN, equipment and completed campaign work before buying.
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