Chevrolet Trax (2nd Generation)

Back in the good old days, the Chevrolet Trax is basically a Buick Encore for the commoners. Not anymore, it isn't. The all-new Chevrolet Trax Crossover is no longer the Trax you know.

2024 Chevrolet Trax

The all-new Chevrolet Trax Crossover is the evolution of Chevrolet's baby crossover that was meant to be a common sight when the first one came out a decade ago and with prices starting at 20,400 US Dollars, it's cheaper to own than its little brother, the Trailblazer. It's a shocker of a bargain for this city-focused crossover.

2024 Chevrolet Trax

Beginning with the styling, the Trax Crossover ditches the squarish proportions of its predecessor in favor of a striking silhouette that looks spot-on for a crossover of its size. From its flowing front face, sweeping roofline, and some matte black plastic cladding, you can really tell its sporty character swooping around this new model and although shorter than the Trailblazer, it's longer and wider compared to its little sibling.

2024 Chevrolet Trax interior

2024 Chevrolet Trax interior

Inside, the all-new Trax Crossover is pretty much what you would expect for a crossover built for the new normal. Behind the wheel, you will be greeted by its angular dashboard design that features an available 8-inch diagonal driver information center, an available 11-inch diagonal display screen with fully-functional smartphone connectivity, an available wireless smartphone charging pad, and others. 

Because it's 11 inches longer and two inches wider, this five-seater has three inches more rear leg room than the old Trax and it can accommodate nearly six cubic feet of cargo space or up to 54.1 cubic feet of max cargo space with the rear seats folded down. That feels good but sadly, the rear door only opens by hand, unlike the Trailblazer, meaning if you get your hands full with today's thrift shop haul, you'll need to find someone to open the boot for you. Bad mark for the Trax there.

2024 Chevrolet Trax

Because it runs on the same mechanicals as its little brother, the Trailblazer, the Trax Crossover feels as nimble and as capable as a commoner's compact saloon, which is pretty common for a front-wheel-drive-only CUV that works on normal roads. Yes, FF-only because the Trax Crossover is available only in front-wheel-drive unlike its predecessor and its little brother, sadly.

Under the hood, the Trax Crossover is powered only by an ECOTEC 1.2L turbo engine that produces 137HP of power and 162lb-ft of torque. Mated to a 6-speed AT, it has an estimated combined fuel economy of 30MPG. That's rightsizing working out for you.

In terms of safety, the Trax Crossover features a host of safety and driver assistance features such as Adaptive Cruise Control, Forward Collision Warning System and Forward Distance Sensing System, Forward Pedestrian Detection and Braking System,  low-speed automatic emergency braking system, Intellibeam smart high beam, Lane Departure Warning and Lane Keeping Assist System, Lane Change, Blind Spot Warning System, and others.

The all-new, imported from South Korea, Chevrolet Trax Crossover may have lost some of the charms from its predecessor because it's offered only in front-wheel-drive but because of such sizing and styling, not to mention the pricing that makes it more affordable to own than the Trailblazer, there's never been a good time to make this one your first car when you first got your driver's license.

Available colors: Cayenne Orange Metallic, Summit White, Sterling Gray Metallic, Crimson Metallic, Mosaic Black Metallic, Nitro Yellow Metallic, Cacti Green, and Harvest Bronze Metallic.

Photo: General Motors