2026 Chevy Trax Review, Dimensions, Performance – A more roomy and stylish 2026 Chevrolet Trax is on the way thanks to a full overhaul. The base LS trim level of the five-door Trax costs $23,699 (not including the $2,000 non-negotiable delivery fee). The LT is at $25,199 and the 1RS is at $28,099, thus it’s more expensive. Both the Activ (which I drove) and the more sporty 2RS (which I also tested) are top trim levels, and they both cost $30,199. With additional options, my tester was valued at $32,454 before taxes.
There is more than just a passing resemblance between the bigger Chevrolet Blazer and the little yet lively Trax. Black wheels are standard on both the 2RS and Activ grades, although the 2RS has larger wheels measuring 19 inches while the Activ has rims measuring 18 inches. With every trim, you get LED headlights. A sunroof and Nitro Yellow paint were available as options for my tester. Set in a dash that echoes their lines, the 11-inch center touchscreen and eight-inch digital instrument cluster give the attractive interior a modular appearance. Activ is the only model with yellow accents on the vents and dashboard; the 2RS has red accents. 2026 Chevy Trax Review
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. After this week of testing, I was considerably more satisfied with the chairs than I had been at the initial first impression, when they seemed somewhat stiff and uncomfortable. The interior is unusually quiet for this market, and active noise cancellation is included on all trims.
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 maneuvers 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. Both the larger Blazer and the almost identically sized Trailblazer come with all-wheel drive (AWD).
A few of the lower-level amenities are also included on the Activ. Adaptive cruise control, heated seats and steering wheel, a privacy cover for the cargo area, automated climate control with one temperature zone, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, satellite radio, heated mirrors, and roof rails are standard equipment. The wireless charger was an optional extra that came with my tester’s sunroof.
The 2RS is priced similarly to the 1RS but has different wheels (19 inches) and a manual driver’s seat, among other differences. The Activ’s distinctive motorized seat is a major selling point, and smaller wheels provide a more comfortable ride and reduced maintenance costs, especially when it comes to winter or replacing tires.
2026 Chevy Trax Specs
Engine and Performance
All Trax versions come standard with a 137 horsepower turbocharged 1.2L three-cylinder engine and a six-speed automatic transmission. The engine produces 162 lb-ft of torque. If you’re going with a small engine with an automatic continuously variable transmission (CVT), you might want to go with this instead because it’s more refined and quiet.
At the city’s stoplights, the small engine begins to rev with an unexpected burst of power. Even less so when necessary for passing on highways; you can’t fool yourself into thinking you can pull out in front of fast-approaching automobiles and get away with it. Its boundaries must be adhered to, as do those of other items in this subcompact category. 2026 Chevy Trax Review
2026 Chevy Trax Fuel Economy
Natural Resources Canada (NRCan) has estimated that the 2026 Chevrolet Trax gets 8.3 L/100 km in city conditions, 7.4 L/100 km on highways, and 7.9 L/100 km combined. I obtained an average of 8.2 L/100 km throughout a week of use. Use standard grade petrol to power it.
With a combined fuel consumption of 7.2 L/100 km, the Nissan Kicks has the lowest fuel consumption compared to its front-wheel-drive rivals, while the Kia Soul’s 7.8 L/100 km is the most comparable to the Trax’s.
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 Review
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. In addition to being attractive, spacious, well-mannered, and reasonably priced, it is a joy to drive. It may be the base model for Chevrolet’s portfolio, but it doesn’t drive, feel, or look like it.