Used Chevrolet Trax Quick Facts
- The best years to buy a used Chevrolet Trax are 2024 or newer.
- The first Trax was a global car in production for years before it came here.
- The second-generation Trax is Chevrolet’s best-selling SUV.
The Trax debuted in 2015 as Chevrolet’s answer to the Jeep Renegade, Honda HR-V, and Nissan Juke. It’s an awkward-looking small SUV based on a global platform produced in South Korea. The tiny 4-cylinder turbocharged engine isn’t big on power, but it gets decent fuel economy and doesn’t cost much to operate. While it makes an affordable used car, the first-generation Trax has its share of issues. If you’re looking for a more reliable option, a 2024 and newer Chevy Trax is better.
- What Is the Best Model-Year Used Chevrolet Trax?
- Chevrolet Trax by Generation: Which Should You Buy?
- Is the Chevrolet Trax a Good SUV?
- Does the Chevrolet Trax Have a Hybrid Option?
- How Much Can the Chevrolet Trax Tow?
- What Are the Most Reliable Years for the Chevrolet Trax?
- What Are the Worst Years for the Chevrolet Trax?
What Is the Best Model-Year Used Chevrolet Trax?
If you’re looking for a reliable small SUV with lots of style, technology, and comfort, a second-generation 2024 or newer Chevrolet Trax is your best bet. If you’re on a tight budget, you’ll be OK with a first-generation one as long as it’s a 2020 or newer, although you won’t find advanced driver assistance. These models include features like Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a blind-spot monitor, and rear parking sensors.
See used Chevrolet Trax SUVs near you.
Chevrolet Trax by Generation: Which Should You Buy?
Second Generation: 2024-Current
Having debuted in 2024, a used second-generation Trax is your best option if you want to save a few thousand dollars over a new model. It’s hard to compare the first-gen Trax to this one as they share very little besides their name.
The Trax has four trims: LS, 1RS, LT, 2RS, and Activ. All are motivated by a 137-horsepower 1.2-liter turbocharged 3-cylinder engine paired with a 6-speed automatic transmission. However, unlike many competitors, the Trax doesn’t offer an all-wheel drive (AWD) option and is pulled exclusively by its front wheels.
Regarding interior room, the Trax leads the subcompact segment, offering legroom and cargo space nearly on par with some larger compact SUVs.
The base LS’s standard equipment includes forward collision warning and braking, lane-keeping assist, lane-departure warning, and automatic high beams.
Also on the standard equipment roster are auto on/off LED headlights, single-zone manual climate control, an 8-inch touchscreen hosting wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, cruise control, 17-inch steel wheels, power windows, power door locks, remote keyless entry, and rear privacy glass.
Options for the LS include heated front seats, rear cross-traffic detection, a blind-spot monitor, rear park assist, heated side mirrors, and a power sunroof.
The 1RS adds 18-inch alloy wheels, heated front seats, heated side mirrors, and RS styling.
The LT builds off the LS and adds an 11-inch color touchscreen, 8-inch digital gauge cluster, proximity keyless entry and start, automatic climate controls, and roof rails. Options for the LT include adaptive cruise control, heated front seats, heated side mirrors, and a wireless charging pad.
The 2RS builds off the LT with the Convenience Package, adding 19-inch wheels and 1RS styling cues.
The Activ builds off the LT with a monochromatic look, an 8-way power driver’s seat, and a heated steering wheel.
Sorry, music lovers, there’s no high-end audio upgrade option.
Model-Year Changes:
2026: No significant changes.
2025: The Trax is now E85 compatible.
See 2024 to current Chevrolet Trax SUVs near you.
First Generation: 2015-2023
The first-generation Chevy Trax defines the subcompact category: small in every way yet ideal for those who don’t need a big SUV or expensive fuel bills. While not as sleek as the second-generation Trax, the original still has a place in the used car market.
One advantage of this generation is all-wheel drive, available in the LS, LT, and LTZ trims. All three use the same 138-hp 1.4-liter turbocharged engine and 6-speed automatic transmission.
The 2015 and 2016 models are pretty basic, although you can find them with cool upgrades like a Bose audio system, leather upholstery, and navigation.
We’d opt for a 2017 or newer as they gained more safety features and revised styling.
However, before you rush out to find a bargain, be aware that the 1.4-liter engine has a list of issues that must be checked before purchase. At the top of the list are a stretched timing chain, turbocharger failure, problems with the PCV valve leading to oil leaks and rough idle, and bad AC compressor seals leading to air conditioning system failure.
Model-Year Changes:
2022: No significant changes.
2021: Chevrolet drops the Premiere trim.
2020: No significant changes.
2019: All models get a revised MyLink radio with a 7-inch touchscreen.
2018: The Premiere trim gains forward collision alert and lane departure warning.
2017: A major refresh brings new styling, more safety features, Apple CarPlay/Android Auto integration, and a new top-line trim: the Premiere.
2016: No significant changes.
See 2015 to 2023 Chevrolet Trax SUVs near you.
Is the Chevrolet Trax a Good SUV?
The first year is a hit-or-miss proposition. Find one in good shape with low miles and a detailed maintenance history, and you’ll probably be OK. Poor resale values mean you can get one for a good price, allowing you to keep a few bucks in the kitty if an unexpected repair pops up. The second generation is a better bet than the first, although it’s still too new to get a long-term reading.
Does the Chevrolet Trax Have a Hybrid Option?
There is no hybrid or plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV) option for either generation of Chevy Trax.
How Much Can the Chevrolet Trax Tow?
Chevrolet does not recommend towing with the Trax.
What Are the Most Reliable Years for the Chevrolet Trax?
The most reliable are 2024 and newer. For the first generation, we’d opt for 2020 through 2023.
What Are the Worst Years for the Chevrolet Trax?
We’d avoid the 2015-2017 and do your research if you’re looking at a 2018-2022. If you’re looking at a late-model Trax, try to go with a certified pre-owned (CPO) model, as it will have received an in-depth inspection and comes with a 6-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty (starts from the day the vehicle entered service).
See Chevrolet Trax SUVs near you.
