2026 Chevy Trax Changes, MSRP, MPG – More room and better looks are the results of a full makeover for the 2026 Chevrolet Trax. The base LS trim level of the Trax costs $23,699 (not counting the $2,000 non-negotiable delivery charge) and is one of five available trim levels. It rises via the LT ($28,099) and the 1RS ($25,199). At $30,199, you may choose between the sportier 2RS and the Activ, the latter of which I tested. Before taxes, my tester was optioned up to $32,454.
The Trax is an energetic-looking compact vehicle that looks a lot like the bigger Chevrolet Blazer. Activ and 2RS grades both come with black wheels, although Activ’s rims are 18 inches in diameter while 2RS’s are 19 inches. With every trim, you get LED headlights. A sunroof and Nitro Yellow paint were available as options for my tester.
An attractive, modular design characterises the cabin, which has an 11-inch touchscreen in the middle and an eight-inch digital instrument cluster mounted on a dash that follows their contours. Activ is the only model with yellow accents on the vents and dashboard; the 2RS has red accents. 2026 Chevy Trax Changes
2026 Chevy Trax Redesign and Update Plan
Exterior and Interior
While the 2026 Chevrolet Trax’s front-row legroom is comparable to its rivals, the amount of legroom in the backseat is significantly higher than in the Corolla Cross. Even though I had some reservations about the chairs after my first drive, I ended up really enjoying them throughout this week-long test. Active noise cancellation is included across the board, and the cabin is remarkably peaceful for a vehicle in this price range.
For a little runabout, that’s quite an accomplishment, yet the Trax manages to be entertaining to drive. The steering is responsive and precise, with a good balance of weight and lightness that makes parking lot moves a breeze. It may not be a sports vehicle, but it manages to come out unscathed when thrown into a curve thanks to its balanced and grippy handling. The Trax is exclusively available with FWD, or front-wheel drive. You can have all-wheel drive (AWD) on the larger Blazer and the somewhat smaller Trailblazer.
The Activ comes standard with a number of amenities that are also available on lesser trim levels. These include adaptive cruise control, heated seats and steering wheel, a cargo privacy cover, heated mirrors, heated seats and the roof rails, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and single-zone automatic temperature control. The wireless charger was an optional extra that came with my tester’s sunroof.
The only differences between the 2RS and the similarly priced 2RS are the latter’s manual driver’s seat and wheels that measure 19 inches in diameter. While smaller wheels offer a more comfortable ride and cheaper maintenance costs, I’d go for the Activ for its motorised seat.
2026 Chevy Trax Specs
Engine and Performance
All-Trax vehicles use a turbocharged 1.2L three-cylinder engine with 137 horsepower and 162 lb-ft of torque linked to a six-speed automatic transmission. When paired with a little engine, an automatic continuously variable gearbox (CVT) could sound mushy and droning; this alternative is far better.
In the city, the small engine starts up at stoplights with surprising force. This is especially true when passing on highways; you can’t just drive out in front of oncoming traffic and expect to get away with it. Its boundaries must be adhered to, as do those of other items in this subcompact category. 2026 Chevy Trax Changes
2026 Chevy Trax Fuel Economy
On the highway, the 2026 Chevrolet Trax gets 7.4 litres per hundred kilometres, while in the city, it gets 8.3 litres per hundred kilometres, according to Natural Resources Canada (NRCan). I got 8.2 L/100 km on average after a week of driving. It is compatible with ordinary gasoline.
At 7.2 L/100 km, the Nissan Kicks has the lowest combined fuel economy, which is significant distance from most of its front-wheel-drive rivals. At 7.8 L/100 km, the Kia Soul is the most comparable to the Trax.
2026 Chevy Trax Safety Features
But auto-high-beam headlights, HD rearview cameras, lane-keep assist, emergency front braking with pedestrian detection, teen driver control, and a follow-distance indicator are all included on every model. Although it comes as an optional feature on the two base levels, blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic warning is standard on all subsequent trims.
2026 Chevy Trax Price and Release Date
Prices for the Trax range from $23,699 to $30,199. Competitors with front-wheel drive start at $22,574 for the Hyundai Venue and $23,728 for the Nissan Kicks. However, with delivery, the starting prices for the Kia Soul and Kia Seltos are around $24,795 and $27,195, respectively. The Hyundai Kona starts at $27,934 while the Toyota Corolla Cross is priced at $28,220.
Even after a week behind the wheel of a 2026 Chevrolet Trax, I can say with confidence that it is head and shoulders above the competition. It’s attractive, reasonably priced, enjoyable to drive, spacious, and terrific with freight. Despite being Chevrolet’s entry-level car across the board, it defies description in every way: appearance, ride quality, and functionality. 2026 Chevy Trax Changes