Looking for a compact SUV that won’t break the bank? The Chevrolet Trax offers style, technology, and practicality in an affordable package. If you’re deciding between model years, this guide will help you understand the key differences and choose the right one for your needs.

The Evolution of the Trax: 2024-2026

The Chevrolet Trax received a complete redesign for the first model year of the second generation, ushering in the second generation of this popular compact SUV. This redesign brought significant changes to the vehicle’s size, style, and features.

Size and Dimensions

The second-generation Trax is significantly larger than the first generation:

• Length: 4,537 mm (178.6 in)
• Width: 1,823 mm (71.8 in)
• Height: 1,560 mm (61.4 in)
• Wheelbase: 2,700 mm (106.3 in)
• Curb weight: 1,388 kg (3,060 lb)

This larger size translates to more interior space for both passengers and cargo. In fact, the redesigned Trax offers a maximum cargo capacity of 54.1 cubic feet with the rear seats folded down.

Available Trim Levels

2024 Model Year

The Trax launched with five trim levels:

• LS (base model)
• 1RS (sporty appearance)
• LT (mid-level)
• 2RS (sportier features)
• ACTIV (rugged styling)

2025 Model Year

Chevrolet maintained the same trim structure:

• LS
• 1RS
• LT
• 2RS
• ACTIV

2026 Model Year

The new Trax is expected to continue with the same fundamental trim structure, with potential feature adjustments and equipment reshuffling across the lineup.

Powertrain and Performance

All three model years share the same basic powertrain configuration, with minimal changes expected for the new model.

Engine and Transmission

2024-2026 Models

• Engine: 1.2L turbocharged three-cylinder
• Power output: 137 horsepower
• Torque: 220 Nm (162 lb-ft)
• Transmission: 6-speed automatic
• Drive system: Front-wheel drive only

Unlike the previous generation, the second-generation Trax does not offer all-wheel drive. Chevrolet positions the slightly more expensive Trailblazer as the option for those who need all-wheel drive capability.

Fuel Economy

The Trax delivers respectable fuel economy thanks to its small-displacement turbocharged engine:

• Combined rating: Approximately 7.8 L/100 km (30 mpg)

No significant changes to fuel economy are expected between the models, as they share the same powertrain.

Technology and Infotainment

The second-generation Trax received a significant technology upgrade compared to the previous generation, with additional refinements in subsequent model years.

Infotainment System

2024 Model

• 8-inch touchscreen (standard on LS)
• 11-inch touchscreen (available on higher trims)
• Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
• Available built-in Wi-Fi hotspot

2025 Model

• 8-inch touchscreen (standard on LS)
• 11-inch HD touchscreen (standard on LT and above)
• Wireless smartphone integration
• More standard connected features

2026 Model

While official details are not yet confirmed, the new model is expected to retain the same screen sizes and potentially add more connected features and an improved user interface.

Digital Instrumentation

2024 Model

• Basic driver information center on LS
• 8-inch digital driver information display on higher trims

2025 Model

• Expanded functionality of the 8-inch digital driver display
• More customization options for the display

2026 Model

The new Trax will likely maintain the digital instrument display while potentially offering more customization options and enhanced graphics.

Safety Features

The Trax offers a comprehensive suite of safety technologies, with Chevrolet continually enhancing these features across model years.

Standard Safety Features

All three model years come standard with Chevrolet Safety Assist, which includes:

• Forward Collision Alert with Automatic Emergency Braking
• Front Pedestrian Braking
• Lane Keep Assist with Lane Departure Warning
• Following Distance Indicator
• IntelliBeam high beam assist

Available Advanced Safety Features

2024 Model

• Rear Park Assist
• Lane Change Alert with Side Blind Zone Alert
• Rear Cross Traffic Alert
• Adaptive Cruise Control

2025 Model

• Made more advanced safety features standard on mid-level trims
• Improved the performance of existing safety systems

2026 Model

The Trax is expected to continue the trend of making more advanced safety features standard on lower trims, potentially adding new features like enhanced pedestrian detection.

Interior Comfort and Features

The interior of the Trax received significant upgrades with the second-generation redesign, with refinements in subsequent model years.

Seating and Space

2024-2026 Models

• Seating for five passengers
• 60/40 split-folding rear seats
• Improved rear legroom compared to first generation

Comfort Features

2024 Model

• Cloth seats standard
• Available heated front seats
• Available heated steering wheel
• Single-zone manual climate control (standard)
• Available remote start

2025 Model

• Introduced new interior colour options
• Made heated seats standard on more trim levels
• Enhanced seat materials on higher trims

2026 Model

The new Trax will likely continue to refine the interior comfort features, potentially adding:

• New interior color combinations
• Enhanced seat materials
• More standard comfort features on lower trims

Premium Features

ACTIV Trim (2024-2026)

• ACTIV badging
• 18-inch black-painted aluminum wheels
• Black grille with titanium-colour chrome accents
• Two interior accent options
• 8-way power driver seat with 2-way power lumbar
• Evotex seat trim (leatherette)

RS Trims (2024-2026)

• RS badging with unique grille
• Black bowtie emblems
• Sport-inspired design elements
• Flat-bottom heated steering wheel

Exterior Design and Styling

The second-generation Trax features a completely redesigned exterior that’s more modern and sophisticated than its predecessor.

Exterior Features

2024 Model

• Complete redesign with longer, wider proportions
• LED headlights and taillights
• 17-inch wheels standard on LS
• 18-inch or 19-inch wheels on higher trims

2025 Model

• Minor color palette updates
• Slight refinements to wheel designs

2026 Model

The new Trax will likely maintain the same overall design with potential updates to:

• New exterior color options
• Refined wheel designs
• Subtle styling tweaks to the front and rear fascias

Trim-Specific Styling

ACTIV Trim

• Monochromatic styling
• Black-painted wheels
• Titanium-colour accents
• Faux rear skid plate for rugged appearance

RS Trims

• Sportier appearance
• Unique grille design
• Black bowtie emblems
• Red interior accents (2RS)
• Available 19-inch black-painted machined wheels

Practicality and Storage

The Trax excels at providing practical solutions for everyday needs.

Cargo Capacity

2024-2026 Models

• 54.1 cubic feet of maximum cargo space with rear seats folded
• Flexible 60/40 split-folding rear seats
• Multiple storage compartments throughout the cabin

Convenience Features

2024 Model

• Available wireless phone charging
• Multiple USB ports
• Available hands-free power liftgate

2025 Model

• Added more standard USB ports
• Enhanced storage solutions

2026 Model

The new Trax will likely continue to focus on practical features, potentially adding more innovative storage solutions and enhanced convenience features.

Technology Connectivity

Staying connected is increasingly important, and the Trax addresses this need with various technology features.

Connectivity Options

2024-2026 Models

• Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
• Available built-in Wi-Fi hotspot
• Chevrolet connected services capability
• Available wireless phone charging
• Multiple USB ports (both Type-A and Type-C)

The newer model years tend to make more of these features standard across the trim lineup.

Which Model Year Is Right For You?

Consider the 2024 Trax if:

• You want to take advantage of potential deals on the first year of the redesign
• You’re looking for the most affordable option
• The base features meet all your needs

The 2025 Trax might be right if:

• You want more standard features than the previous model
• You prefer a vehicle with refinements after the first year of production
• You like the enhanced technology features

Wait for the 2026 Trax if:

• You want the most up-to-date features and technology
• You prefer the latest safety enhancements
• You’re interested in potential new colour options and styling refinements

Choose Your Perfect Chevy Trax

The Chevrolet Trax underwent a dramatic transformation with its second-generation redesign. The changes between the model years are more evolutionary than revolutionary, with Chevrolet making incremental improvements rather than dramatic changes.

All three model years offer an appealing combination of style, technology, and practicality in an affordable package. Your choice ultimately depends on your budget, feature priorities, and whether you prefer the most current model or better value from a slightly older one. Whichever Trax you choose, you’ll get a compact SUV that punches above its weight class in terms of interior space, technology, and everyday usability.

Disclaimer: Content contained in this post is for informational purposes only and may include features and options from US or international models. Please contact the dealership for more information or to confirm vehicle, feature availability.