If you’ve been car shopping on a budget, you’ve likely come across the Chevrolet Trax. You’ve also likely heard a common piece of advice: “Look at anything else.” For years, the Trax lived at the bottom of many expert review lists, becoming a go-to example of what not to buy in the subcompact SUV segment.
Let’s break down the historical reasons for the hate and see if the all-new, completely redesigned 2024 Chevrolet Trax finally changes the narrative.
The Legacy: Why the First-Gen Trax (2015-2022) Was So Heavily Criticized
The original Trax wasn’t so much a “bad” car as it was an exceptionally mediocre one, especially as newer, more impressive competitors arrived. Its sins were largely those of being outdated and cheap in all the wrong ways.
1. Dated and Cheap Interior: This was the biggest complaint. The cabin was filled with hard, hollow, scratchy plastics that felt years behind the competition. The design was utilitarian at best, and features like a tiny, low-resolution infotainment screen made it feel ancient.
2. Underpowered and Noisy Engine: The old 1.4-liter turbocharged engine was underwhelming. It felt sluggish, especially when merging or passing, and it became loud and strained when pushed. Paired with a sluggish 6-speed automatic transmission, the driving experience was far from engaging.
3. Tight Rear Seating and Cargo Space: Despite its exterior size, the interior packaging was inefficient. The Honda HR-V and Kia Soul, for example, offered far more clever and usable space for passengers and cargo.
4. The “Rental Car” Aura: The Trax became a fleet favorite for rental companies and corporate fleets. This cemented its image as an appliance-on-wheels—a car you settle for, not one you desire.
In a segment that exploded with fantastic options like the Kia Seltos, Hyundai Kona, and Mazda CX-30, the old Trax simply couldn’t compete on charm, quality, or driving dynamics.
The 2024 Redesign: A Completely Different Car
Chevrolet knew it had a problem. For the 2024 model year, they didn’t just refresh the Trax; they started from a blank sheet of paper. And this changes everything.
Radical New Design: Gone is the frumpy, anonymous crossover. In its place is a sharp, aggressive, and modern SUV with a bold front end and muscular stance. It no longer looks cheap; it looks purposefully stylish.
Massive Interior Upgrade: This is the most significant improvement. The cabin is now a pleasant place to be. Higher-quality materials, a modern dual-screen layout (standard on most trims), and a thoughtful design have brought it firmly into the present day.
A New, More Powerful Engine: It now features a 1.2-liter turbocharged three-cylinder engine that is smoother and more responsive than the old 1.4L. It’s paired with a smooth-shifting 6-speed automatic transmission.
Incredible Value: This is its new killer feature. The Trax starts at an MSRP thousands of dollars below most competitors. For the price of a base-model Honda HR-V, you can get a well-equipped Trax with more tech and space.
So, Why Do People Still Not Recommend It? (The Lingering Bias)
Even with the 2024 model’s dramatic improvements, the old reputation persists. Here’s why:
1. The Power of First Impressions: Automotive opinions are often formed for a lifetime. Reviewers and consumers who drove the old model have already made up their minds and often haven’t bothered to try the new one.
2. The Three-Cylinder Stigma: The move to a three-cylinder engine, even though it’s an improvement, automatically raises eyebrows for buyers wary of less traditional engine layouts.
3. Brand Snobbery: For some enthusiasts, recommending a American-branded subcompact SUV over a Honda, Toyota, or Mazda is simply unthinkable, regardless of the merits.
4. The “Just Because” Effect: In the age of social media, negative opinions have a longer shelf life. A popular YouTube video titled “Why the Chevy Trax is the Worst Car Ever” will get more clicks than “The Surprisingly Good New Chevy Trax,” perpetuating the cycle.
The Verdict: Who Should Actually Consider the Trax Now?
The narrative is shifting. The 2024+ Chevrolet Trax is no longer the car it was. It shouldn’t be dismissed out of hand.
You might not like the new Trax if:
You prioritize driving engagement and handling (look at a Mazda CX-30).
You need all-wheel drive (the Trax is front-wheel drive only).
You’re inherently skeptical of GM’s long-term reliability compared to Japanese brands.
You should absolutely consider the new Trax if:
Value is your #1 priority. You want the most features and space for your money.
You want a stylish, tech-forward cabin with great infotainment on a budget.
You need a practical, efficient daily commuter and don’t care about AWD.
You’re a savvy shopper who does their own research and isn’t swayed by outdated opinions.
The bottom line: The old criticism of the Chevrolet Trax was largely justified. But clinging to that opinion today is like criticizing a smartphone for having a physical keyboard because you hated the BlackBerry from 2010. The 2024 Trax is a compelling, value-packed proposition that deserves a fresh look. The best advice is to test drive it yourself and see if it’s your expectations. You might be very surprised.