Chevy Trax Used Buying Guide

• In recent years, the LT has been the best value trim as per Car and Driver. This is because it comes with desirable features.
• If you want the best engine, then you’ll want a first-generation model. While these are technically less efficient, they do produce more power, making them the best option for a family driver who has a bit more power.
• Between the two generations, the second one does come with more modern features, making it the best one to go with.

When this generation hit the market, Chevy expanded on the old trims and added the LS, 1RS, LT, 2RS, and Activ. While the previous iteration had a small engine, this one is even smaller. All models will come powered by a 1.2L I4, and while it isn’t as powerful, it is slightly more efficient, getting 30 MPG combined.

For the LS and 1RS trims, you will find that the infotainment screen is larger than the first one, now sitting at 8 inches, but if you want even larger, then you can look for the 11-inch screen on all other trims. If you want some of the best features, then you can look for models that may be equipped with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, an available wireless phone charger, and a Wi-Fi hotspot.

Some other trim-dependent features that you can find on the higher-end are remote start, heated front seats and steering wheel, and a sunroof.

For its first year on the market, this model was on Car and Driver’s 10 Best vehicles in their eyes. They also found that the LT is the best Chevy Trax trim for value. This is because it comes with an “11.0-inch infotainment touchscreen and remote start,” also stating that they’d “spend the extra cash for the optional heated front seats and steering wheel”.

While this generation was in other markets before it came to the US, it was a nice stepping stone for what came to the home market. When these models came to the US, the trims that you could find were the LS, LT, and Premier. These models were powered by the 1.4L I4, producing 138 horsepower and 148 lb-ft of torque.

With this being the only engine option, that may put off some drivers, but as it turns out, it is very efficient. This engine comes with an EPA-rated 29 MPG combined, making it a solid engine, even if it isn’t the strongest.

A feature that is standard across the board is the 7-inch screen that comes with phone connectivity, thanks to Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. While there wasn’t much offered on the earlier models, if you want the best, then you’ll want the Premier trim, as it comes with heated front seats and a sunroof. But it wasn’t all good for the first generation, as in 2021, two trims were removed, leaving the LS and LT behind.