Introduced just three years ago, the Trax is Chevy’s entry in the hot subcompact crossover segment. What’s a subcompact crossover? Well, you could call it a tall hatchback or a tiny SUV. It’s a segment that didn’t exist until very recently and now includes the likes of the Kia Soul, Honda HR-V, Jeep Renegade, Nissan Juke, Mazda CX-3 and a sibling of the Trax, the Buick Encore. All are built from subcompact car platforms; the Chevrolet Sonic sedan forms the basis of the Trax, sharing an engine, transmission, suspension, brakes, steering and other bits. Last year, sales of the Trax increased at a faster clip than Chevrolet’s larger SUVs, which include the Equinox, Traverse, Tahoe and Suburban.
The 2017 Chevrolet Trax receives a well-deserved facelift. The Trax’s front-end appearance is updated with a new dual-port grille, bringing it into alignment with those of the Malibu, Traverse and Equinox. Also new are halogen wraparound headlamps and available LED daytime running lamps that give the Trax a wider look. Out back, available sculpted LED taillamps add some flair.
For 2017, the Trax is available in base LS, volume-selling LT, and a new range-topping Premier trim that replaces last year’s LTZ model.