Is a Chevy Trax a Good Car? What San Antonians Need to Know

If you’re shopping for a subcompact SUV in San Antonio and the Trax keeps showing up in your research, there’s a reason for that. Chevrolet completely redesigned this vehicle for 2024, and the result is a small SUV that punches well above what you’d expect at its price point.

The short answer to the question is yes, the Chevy Trax is a good car. But let’s get into the specifics, because the details matter when you’re comparing it to the other small SUVs on the market.

What Changed With the Redesigned Chevy Trax?

The 2025 Chevrolet Trax carries forward the major redesign that started in 2024. The old Trax had a reputation for being cramped and underpowered. The new one addresses both of those issues directly.

It’s now built on a longer platform, which translates to noticeably more interior space. Rear legroom in particular has improved significantly. The 11-inch infotainment screen is standard across the lineup, which puts it ahead of a lot of competitors in this price range. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto come standard as well, with no cable required.

How Does the Chevy Trax Perform on San Antonio Roads?

The Trax runs a 1.2-liter turbocharged three-cylinder engine producing 137 horsepower and 162 lb-ft of torque. Paired with a six-speed automatic transmission, it handles city driving well. Merging onto I-35 or picking up speed on San Pedro Ave doesn’t feel strained.

Front-wheel drive is standard. There’s no AWD option on the Trax, which is a real difference compared to competitors like the Subaru Crosstrek or Hyundai Kona. For most San Antonio drivers who stick to paved roads, this won’t matter. If you need AWD for ranch roads or wet conditions, it’s worth knowing upfront.

What Kind of Fuel Economy Does the Trax Get?

The Trax gets an EPA-estimated 28 mpg in the city and 32 mpg on the highway, based on EPA ratings (use for comparison purposes only; actual mileage varies). That’s competitive for the subcompact SUV class and makes it a practical choice for daily commutes from neighborhoods like Stone Oak or Helotes.

Compared to the Kia Seltos and the Mazda CX-30, the Trax holds its own on fuel efficiency. It does edge out most non-hybrid competitors in real-world city driving, which is where most San Antonio owners spend the bulk of their time.

How Does the Interior Space and Cargo Room Hold Up?

This is one of the Trax’s biggest strengths. The stretched wheelbase gives it rear legroom that’s more competitive with larger compact SUVs than with subcompacts. Two adults in the back don’t feel squeezed.

Cargo space behind the rear seats is 25.3 cubic feet, which is respectable. Fold the rear seats down and you get over 54 cubic feet. It handles grocery runs, gear for a weekend trip to Canyon Lake, and everyday errands without complaint.

What Safety Features Does the Chevy Trax Include?

Chevy Safety Assist comes standard on every Trax. That package includes:

• Automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection
• Forward collision alert
• Lane keep assist
• Lane departure warning
• Following distance indicator

Car and Driver gave the Trax a solid review for its standard safety suite, noting that getting this level of driver-assist tech as standard equipment at this price point is genuinely unusual. Higher trims add blind spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and HD rear camera.

What Trim Levels Does the 2026 Chevrolet Trax Come In?

The 2026 Chevrolet Trax comes in several trims, but the most popular three are the LS, LT and ACTIV. Here’s how they break down:

Trax LS

The Trax LS is the entry-level trim. You still get the 11-inch infotainment screen, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Chevy Safety Assist, and remote start. It’s a strong value for what you get at the base price.

Trax LT

The Trax LT is the most popular configuration. Adds 18-inch alloy wheels, a larger 8-inch instrument cluster, blind spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and heated front seats. For most San Antonio buyers, the LT hits the best balance of features and price.

Trax ACTIV

The ACTIV trim adds rugged styling cues, unique exterior trim pieces, a heated steering wheel, and additional tech upgrades. It’s built for drivers who want a tougher-looking crossover but aren’t going deep off-road.

Is the Chevy Trax Reliable Long-Term?

The redesigned Trax is still relatively new, so long-term durability data is still building. However, we do know that the 1.2-liter turbocharged engine is a straightforward design, and the six-speed automatic is a proven transmission configuration.

Keeping up with oil changes, tire rotations, and brake inspections on schedule makes a real difference with any vehicle. The Trax’s maintenance costs are in line with competitors. Replacement parts are widely available and inexpensive compared to European brands.

Chevrolet backs the Trax with a 3-year/36,000-mile bumper-to-bumper warranty and a 5-year/60,000-mile powertrain warranty. The service center at Northside Chevy handles all warranty work and routine maintenance.

Frequently Asked Questions About the Chevy Trax

Is the Chevy Trax a reliable car?

Early owner reviews and industry assessments of the redesigned Trax are positive. The 1.2-liter turbo engine and six-speed automatic are straightforward mechanically. Longevity depends largely on keeping up with regular maintenance, which is true of any vehicle.

Does the Chevy Trax have AWD?

No. The Chevy Trax is front-wheel drive only across all trims. If AWD is a requirement for your driving, the Chevy Trailblazer is a better fit since it offers an available AWD system.

How many miles per gallon does the Chevy Trax get?

The 2025 Chevrolet Trax is EPA-rated at 28 mpg city / 32 mpg highway (use for comparison purposes only). Actual mileage will vary based on driving conditions and habits.

What are the standard safety features on the Trax?

All Trax trims include Chevy Safety Assist, which covers automatic emergency braking, forward collision alert, lane keep assist, lane departure warning, and a following distance indicator. Higher trims add blind spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert.

Is the Chevy Trax good for a first car?

If you’re in the market for a good first car, a Chevy Trax is a great option. The price is accessible, the safety tech is comprehensive, maintenance costs are manageable, and it’s easy to drive in city traffic. 

See the Chevy Trax In Person at Northside Chevrolet

Northside Chevrolet at 9400 San Pedro Ave carries the full 2025 and 2026 Trax lineup across all trim levels. The best way to know if it’s the right car for you is to get behind the wheel. Browse our Chevy Trax inventory online or come in for a test drive any day of the week.