This seems like GM's maverick moment. Not as compelling of a vehicle overall, but in the sense that it's a affordable car that doesn't feel half assed, and it has character.
Its about time a manufacturer thought of the average commuter, the college students, those just starting out in life, seniors on a tight budget. There are so many people that need a decent car that isn't an embarrassment to be seen in or a penalty box. Something affordable, but still pleasant to drive and that can be serviced in just about any small town in the country.
I hope this forces other companies to either lower their prices or create more competitors because this value is insanely good. My girlfriend has a current gen Trax and it’s a nice little car. I can only imagine the new features on this.
A great job by Chevrolet. I believe they kept the price so low was because they used a lot of left over parts from older models but that won't stop me from buying one.
As a proud owner of a Hyundai Venue Limited, I can definitely see the similarities in parallels between the trax and the venue. FWD is sufficient for mine, and my wife’s needs as she probably drives the car and just does not go out when the weather is inclement… No children. No huge dogs to cart around so the segment works well for us… The trax actually debuted as the seeker in Shanghai so it is a stylish global design😊
I am very happy to see manually controlled climate controls, analog instrumentation and a key to start it. I also appreciate not being forced to buy a sunroof that I would never use. My last three vehicles have had automatic climate control that I have to override because on automatic gives too much blower, the push button start is gimmicky and my current vehicle has digital instrumentation which has given me plenty of grief. Less is definitely more!
Nice to see the platform as a FWD only to eliminate the AWD driveshaft tunnel and rear differential spacing. This allows for a spare tire & flat floor and lowers the center of gravity without having voids of space when choosing FWD on an AWD designed platform. Even in snow, AWD is not needed with FWD and good all season tires on plowed and maintained roads. Good review !
Chevy seems to be really holding the line with more affordable vehicles. I think the ballooning vehicle prices, loan terms, and interest rates is ultimately an unhealthy trend, so this is a refreshing change.
Great review Matt -- so glad Chevy gave a spare tire! And agree w/ your great observation about wanting padding on the door rests and center armrest -- minor addition would pay big comfort dividends.
Even without the padding, the Trax is a very comfortable vehicle. I just got the LT Trim and I love it. Both my husband and son are 6’ and they have no issues sitting comfortably inside.
I'm currently in a 2021 Chevy RS Trailblazer and my lease is up next year, so I'm looking into this vehicle. The only thing I wish Chevy would have done was add the Snow Mode option on the RS trims and Activ trim. FWD for me is fine, but the Snow Mode really does help in the snow. The engine is fine in my Trailblazer which I believe the Trax has the same or near the same engine. I'm also checking into the Buick Envista. Thank you also Chevy for adding a donut spare tire. That's a deal breaker for me as the last two Stellantis vehicles I had prior to my Trailblazer did not offer a spare.
Just so you know.... Because of you ( Ha ) we bought a 2024 Trax Activ and a 2017 Maserati Ghibli Sq4 Nesmo. I blame you Matt! Thanks for the awesome reviews. We really love the Trax. It feels so much more expensive than it is. How often can you get all these options and ride for under 25k?? My wife drives 1 mile a day down the road to teach and so there is not a need for a $50k car. I can tell you we love it!!! ( i love the Masi as well )
I really like this video! Very nice perspective for an affordable crossover with a lot of features and benefits for the price point. Thanks for this excellent video content and keep up the great work! I look forward to the next one! 😃
I have a 2023 Mazda CX-30 Turbo Premium. After seeing this review of the Trax, I'll keep my Mazda that has 250 horse with 320 lbs/ft of torque. To me, the quality and performance under the hood holds more importance than the interior, roominess, and tech features.
Loved all the additional details you provided on this video Matt! Although I’m never going to buy a Trax all the additional numbers and intricate details you provided are very welcome! Please keep the numbers coming!
Looking to trade a much more expensive Maverick in on one of these. Haven't driven one yet but sat in a few a couple of times. I find it more comfortable, and my knee doesn't rest at the corner of the dash pressing on it. Less power, and no AWD, but much more affordable. More stylish, and I still have most of the features I've paid extra for in the Maverick -- all for thousands less. Sure, I'll lose my AWD, but I'll probably gain an audio system w/ better sound and without as many glitches.
I’m glad you mentioned the armrest, the Cross has the same high armrest. Short too. Really uncomfortable, I passed on the Toyota Cross because of that.
Price is certainly appealing. However, being the skeptic and seeing how "needy" prior cheap GM vehicles are. This likely would be best with an extended warranty
Look at Chevrolet offering the most affordable sub-compact CUV and also EV (even though I know production is ending) with great standard equipment. Not a fan of GM or almost any of their offerings, but hats off to them?
Chevy really did a good job on this. I hope these prove to be as reliable as the previous generation of Trax. I'm not the biggest fan of American companies importing vehicles from foreign countries but at least its from an ally nation, rather than China.
I really like the Trax 2RS but the 3 cylinder engine is the only thing holding me back. Just something about a 4 stroke engine with an odd number of cylinders especially less than 4 just seems wrong. I worry about its longevity and the gas mileage isn’t that impressive…I assume the balance shaft and counterweights they had to add to make the old cylinder engine run smooth eats up some of the gas mileage and power. If they would offer an optional 4 cylinder like the 1.5L I’d buy one in a heartbeat.
I currently drive a 2018 Escape with the 1.5 Turbo, which I love. I just bought the 2RS. Test drive it, you'll see it's not bad. Compare Escape 180 hp 180 lb ft. Trax 137 hp and 160 lb ft? You don't feel underpowered. I live in NY, lots of hills and twisty parkways.
Fantastic detailed reviews! Thank you for all of your time and information! Did you find the front seat to be comfortable? This is one of my biggest concerns. I drive a whole lot and enjoy driving. Front seat comfort is very important. Thanks so much in advance!
I can let you know Monday. My 2RS came in today and I am going to the dealership Monday to make sure I like it and fit in it. I didn't want a sunroof, because I never use them and you lose a couple inches of headroom, but it seems like most of the 2RS's come that way. I'm not a fan of the evotex fake leather either because it's too damn hot in the summer, but that's what you get in the 2RS and Active.
@@slash11lipo Hi Eric! That would be great! Please let me know how you like everything. I'm excited for you! I hope you like the vehicle and find it comfortable. I agree about the sunroom. They do cut down on headroom but you are right, so many vehicles come with the sunroofs now. We don't have any locally yet. Thanks again for taking the time to reply!
Much improved over the last one. It now looks like a baby blazer. However, I've had 3 GM products and all three had electrical gremlins after 60k miles. Due based on my experience, I probably won't get another GM product, especially since they're doing away with android auto.
#1. No CVT! #2 162 ft.torque #3.38 inches rear leg room. #4. Automatic Climate Controls! #5 6 speaker Radio. #6. $ 23,400. For a Mosaic Black LT. I will aftermarket cushions all over on arm rests, and rear 2 cup Arm rest pillow. My sister had a 1990 3 cylinders Geo Metro, and when she sold it 147,000 miles. what's not to like? I just want A to B driver, a daily driver, no need for a race car.
i neeed to know the truth matt. i love your reviews..i bought a camaro because of your great reviews....but on this trax, how bad is the turbo lag? honest opinion...
I'm wondering where GM cut corners to get the price so low. I'm leery about long-term reliability. Just look at the track record of the last generation Trax and the Chevy Cruze.
Amazing to see the price range from $21.5K Base to Fully Loaded 2 RS $26.5 only a $5K price difference. Seeing it’s a deal I would get the extended warranty seeing it’s a new model. I like the Buick styling better I think. Have to see in person and maybe that does have Super Cruise
CX30 & CX5 awd is HORRIBLE, have owned both, the CX5 with snow tires couldnt get out of its own way where our Tiguan with all seasons was fine. So I wouldnt make Mazda awd a deciding factor. im sure this new trax with decent snow tires would be fine
I bought one, 2024 a week ago, so far so good, one blemish on the clear coat, not sure why it was there, anyone seen that before? they were able to clean it up
I would disagree, because value is about what you get for the money. You don't get much on a base Maverick. No satellite radio, no apple carplay....just a bed. I think this is way more of a value proposition.
Even though GM engines is suspect (and has been for many years), this may be the vehicle to get for basic transportation for two people with no kids and for that once in while trip to Costco and the very occasional short weekend trip. Not sure if I would want this for the long term though, mostly as a three year lease until l I'm ready to consider a hybrid or an electric vehicle. If GM could do a 3 year, 0 down, $300 a month lease on this (hint, hint), maybe I would consider this.
Nice review Matt, You did a really good review, I like how you threw in some screenshots with the numbers. I will say once again in my opinion I would never buy a GM three cylinder turbo engine. Ask any mechanic about the Chevy Cruze 1.4 liter turbo four cylinder all the headaches and problems, GM does not make good small engines, was never their thing. Maybe I will be wrong, but I have a feeling these 1.3 turbo three cylinder engines are just throw away engines, that will not be reliable for the long haul. Mazda will be much more refined and reliable, will last the long haul. Also, How could GM offer these new crossovers without all wheel drive as an option. Very dumb on their part, a large chunk of Americans live in snowy climates, very odd not even optional. By the way I am not a GM hater just being honest. I still have my 1998 Chevy truck 4x4 C/K 1500 still runs great original engine, transmission, it is 25 years old this year, 91,500 miles. Also, I had as my first car that I paid for in high school back in the year 2000, it was a 1995 Pontiac Bonneville bought it with 138,000 miles and I traded it in with 300,000 miles, original engine, transmission, no issues only had to change fuel pump. I feel those days are gone for GM. You covered everything well Matt, good review.
FWIW, I have a friend that works at a Buick dealer, and ever since the Encore GX, which uses the 1.2L and 1.3L 3 cylinder turbo engines, launched 3 years ago, they haven't see any issues with them. Hope it holds true since I have a GX with the 1.3L and love it.
Looks like a great price but the dealerships will not give you a good lease. I have very good credit, wanted to put $6,000 down on a 36-month lease, 10K miles a year and they wanted $414/month for a $23K car!! RUKM?!?!? I'll pass on Chevy.....
Sorry doesn't look like a suv, looks like a regular car. I tried to get into the passenger side and it felt very cramped i am six feet tall and kept hitting my head trying to get in. They messed up by lowering the roof. Just not for me.
This engine most likely won’t last past 60,000 miles, let alone the turbo. Junk like the Chevy cruzes, built cheap, floppy turbos, cracked housings. Coolant leaks.
@@mattnorman5241 that’s crazy to me, I feel like a lot of those people should be better if buying a used Civic/ Corolla. Or any Japanese suv for the most part.
Styling is decent and I like that it has a 6speed auto. Absolutely depressing engine though. I can't imagine things getting any worse. This has to be as low as we go.
tried to get one for 21500.. when hell freezes over..good luck with that. don't believe that price they just want to get you in the showroom...big time false advertising.
You need those amenities to occupy your time while you wait for the car to accelerate. I'll never know why they picked such a dehydrated engine to put in this boat.