2025 Chevrolet Trax: 6 reasons to love it, 3 reasons to think twice

The 2025 Chevrolet Trax is one of the best cars in its class, and many automotive journalists agree. What’s odd is that General Motors - the upcoming paragon of electric vehicles, went and built an excellent little runabout as an afterthought. Even the automaker was a bit surprised by the reception and popularity of the Trax.

New features for 2025 include the ability to run on E85, which is a boon for certain communities. In addition, Trax gets two new exterior colors, Marina Blue Metallic and Cypress Gray. The Chevrolet website has been tweaked as well, but it’s still not as easy to use as others.

Like its cousin, the Buick Envista, the Chevrolet Trax represents huge value for the money with few compromises. With that being said, there is always room for improvement, and the Chevrolet Trax is missing a few things that might make you think twice.

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Reason to love it #1: Overall performance is great

Some lift their noses in the air when they hear that the 1.2-liter engine has three cylinders. Ah, but this one has a tiny little turbocharger on it, allowing it to put out 137 horsepower. It’s no racehorse, but making 162 lb-ft of torque helps launch the (less than) 3,100-lb car nicely.

There is a touch of turbo lag, but as long as you think a little ahead, it’s no issue. Keeping up with traffic isn’t that big of a deal, but passing at high speed takes a bit of pre-planning as well. It has just enough gusto to be fun around town.

Handling is pretty good for a tall wagon dancing on its tippy toes. The 106.3-inch wheelbase is longer by up to two inches than many competitors which, combined with the excellent suspension tuning, allows for a pleasant highway ride.

Reason to love it #2: It’s pretty nice inside and out

Phil Zak, the executive design director for Global Chevrolet is responsible for leading the Trax's design team, and he deserves a lot of credit for a job well done. The exterior lines are downright sporty, while still looking SUV-ish, which is what many want. It still looks like a Chevy, but it has a very distinct look. An “econobox” it’s not.

Internally, Chevrolet managed to give consumers a spacious interior that looks more expensive than it is. Even the base model LS feels more substantial than the price might indicate. Sure, some materials feel a tad cheap, but overall the look and feel are anything but bargain basement. With 26 cubic feet behind the back seats and 54 cu-ft maximum cargo space, there’s good utility too.

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Reason to love it #3: Extremely efficient

The EPA estimates on the 2025 Chevrolet Trax vary a bit, depending on trim. For the most part, it is capable of 28 mpg city and 32 mpg highway. Now, if you use E85, your fuel mileage will suffer quite a bit, with EPA estimates falling to 21 mpg city and 24 mpg highway.

For those who are not aware, E85 burns differently and tends to be less efficient, but much less expensive, than regular fuel. As for my personal experience driving a Trax, I averaged 29 mpg in mixed driving. That’s despite my aggressive driving tendencies.

Reason to love it #4: It has a real automatic transmission

There is something to be said about having a transmission that actually shifts gears and is smooth in the process. The six-speed automatic transmission in the Chevrolet Trax isn’t groundbreaking, but it is far more pleasant to live with than some continuously variable transmissions (CVTs).

Usually, when you drive a vehicle equipped with a CVT (or something similar to one), the RPMs (revs) tend to hang longer than a manual or automatic transmission. Some CVTs also make a whining noise, adding to the revving clamor. Many also feel that gears last longer than belts and cones on CVTs.

Reason to love it #5: The tech is impressive

You get a lot of kit for the dough. Even the base model gets you standard emergency braking with pedestrian detection, lane departure warning, and an 8.0-inch infotainment touchscreen. There’s Bluetooth with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto too.

In addition to several other standard features, if you go up to higher trims, you can get an 11-inch infotainment system paired with an 8-inch instrument cluster screen.

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Reason to love it #6: Outstanding pricing

One of the most compelling parts of the 2025 Chevrolet Trax is its outstanding pricing not only in its base LS form, but throughout the lineup. There are five trims available, starting with an MSRP of $21,495. The 1RS package, which gives you nicer trim, bigger wheels, and heated front seats has an MSRP of $23,395.

The Trax LT starts at $23,595 - which upgrades a few things but allows you to access more options. The 2RS and ACTIV packages both start at $25,395. The 2RS has more of a street image, while the ACTIV’s trim looks more rugged. Both give you more tech and access to the (few) top options.

Reason to think twice #1: Lacks all-wheel-drive (AWD)

Recently, the nicely redesigned Nissan Kicks added AWD to their options list, which made it one of the more affordable “crossovers” with an AWD option. Even though the Chevrolet Trax looks like it should have AWD (I mean, it is tall in the saddle), there is no provision to send power to the rear wheels.

Is that a big deal? Honestly, I don’t think so. In testing, the traction control system has proven to be robust and capable in adverse traction conditions. If people live in a snowy climate, they would be better served by something with dedicated AWD but the Trax is fine for a huge percentage of consumers.

Reason to think twice #2: More power would be nice

As I stated earlier, it is a fun car to drive; however, it would be more fun with more power. That seems pretty obvious, but it’s easier said than done. All versions of the Trax have the same powertrain, and - when fully loaded - they do feel a bit slower.

137 horsepower is okay, but even the (formally anemic) Nissan Kicks makes 140 hp. Considering the look of the 2RS and ACTIV, with their larger, heavier wheels, another 10 hp would make everyone happier.

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Reason to think twice #3: Not enough options

Chevrolet has an unexpected hit on their hands, but there’s something that could help that popularity jump - more options. A few additions to the interior’s color and amenities would be a great start. Additionally, a few new wheel options would be well received and the color combinations could use an injection of creativity as well. Still, I’m pretty happy with the color palate - provided you pony up for the higher trims.

The bottom line for me is this: as painful as most new car prices are, it’s refreshing to see such a bargain without feeling like it’s a bargain. Cars that compete against the Trax, like the Kia Soul, Nissan Kicks, Hyundai Venue, and Subaru Impreza offer a lot as well. The thing is, for what you get for the money, I think the Trax is hard to beat.

Honestly, if you don’t need AWD, the Trax becomes a much more compelling vehicle. Even loaded, you can get a Trax for under $26,000. Keeping that price under $23,000 is actually realistic, if you’re willing to stick with the basics. The 2025 Chevy Trax proves you can get a frugal, fun-to-drive runabout with excellent utility for an outstanding price. 

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