Review and specifications
2021 Chevrolet Trax
This bite-sized crossover, essentially a stripped down Buick Encore, is an ambitiously-priced budget model. Available in front- or all-wheel drive, the Trax has a 1.4-liter turbo four-cylinder and six-speed automatic, which didn't deliver performance or fuel economy. The cabin is narrow, cramped, and overall basic, with just a few niceties. Pronounced engine noise and stiff ride don't add to the experience. The Trax does feature the next-generation versions of OnStar and MyLink infotainment systems. Updates for 2022 include a boost in the engine's horsepower, now making 155 hp.
- Market value
- $12,175
- Fuel
- Conventional
- Transmission
- Automatic
- Seats
- 5
At a glance
Model data
Overview
- Powertrain
- Conventional
- Body style
- 4-door SUV
- Drive type
- AWD
- Transmission
- Automatic, 6-speed
- Category
- Subcompact SUVs
- Generation began
- 2015
Pricing
- Current retail median
- $12,175
- Retail value range
- $11,150 - $13,175
- Original MSRP range
- $21,400 - $23,820
- Trade-in range
- $8,390 - $10,485
Ratings
- Road test score
- 55/100
- Reliability
- 3/5
Fuel economy
- EPA city
- 24 MPG
- EPA highway
- 31 MPG
- EPA combined
- 27 MPG
- Tested city
- 18 MPG
- Tested highway
- 34 MPG
- Tested overall
- 25 MPG
- Annual fuel cost
- $1,545
- Cruising range
- 355 miles
Road tests
- 0-30 mph
- 4 sec
- 0-60 mph
- 10.8 sec
- 60-0 mph braking
- 130 ft
- Avoidance speed
- 54 mph
- Test status
- Test Completed
Dimensions
- Length
- 167 in
- Width
- 70 in
- Height
- 66 in
- Wheelbase
- 101 in
- Weight
- 3,255 lb
- Maximum load
- 945 lb
- Towing capacity
- 0 lb
Interior
- Seating
- 5 people
- Front head room
- 6.5 in
- Front leg room
- 43 in
- Rear head room
- 4 in
- Rear leg room
- 26 in
- Cargo volume
- 26 cu ft
Environmental impact
- Air pollution score
- 5/10
- Greenhouse gas score
- 5/10
- SmartWay
- No
Brand context
About Chevrolet
Chevrolet sells a wide range of sedans, coupes, compact SUVs, large SUVs, EVs, and pickup trucks. Most models have roomy interiors and come with standard safety and convenience technology. Several models, however, have poor visibility and lack steering agility. Many Chevrolets rank average or below average for reliability in CR’s rankings. The brand stands out for selling historically significant and category-defining vehicles. The Suburban and Tahoe can keep three rows of passengers comfortable within their enormous cabins. The Silverado pickup truck competes with the best-selling Ford F-150 and Ram 1500 by balancing interior comfort with towing and cargo capability. In the past and today, the Camaro and Corvette are performance car bargains. The rear/mid-engined “C8” Corvette can be as thrilling as much more expensive European supercars. With some exceptions, used Chevrolets can have reliability issues, but are often less expensive to maintain and repair than competitors.
Vehicle ID: 20387 First published: November 19, 2020 Updated: December 4, 2025
Values may vary by trim, options, location, and market conditions.