Its 2019 and the SUV has changed a great deal from the oversized utility vehicle of the past. There once was a time where SUVs, were intended to have hefty engines and enough room for people, gear, and then some. Fuel economy may have been moderately considered at one point, however, all in all, the number of miles you could get per gallon was something of an afterthought; that idea has certainly changed. Today, SUVs, are leaning more and more towards limited sizing and fuel efficiency all packed in a rugged utilitarian package. Few vehicles showcase the characteristics of the modern SUV more than the 2019 Chevy Trax. The latest Chevy compact SUV enters a lineup, with the intention of providing drivers the ‘best of both worlds’ and offering up a driving experience that blends the rugged with the practical.
The Level of Performance Packed Beneath the Hood
The 2019 Chevy Trax is a part of a widespread trend of SUVs transitioning to offer more and more widespread appeal. SUVs in the past were designed exclusively for the kind of driver that expected their vehicle to be a workhorse. The latest Chevy Trax, like many modern SUVs, is designed to satisfy a broad range of drivers, from the full-time parent to the daily commuter. To make this possible the 2019 Chevy Trax is equipped with a 1.4-liter four-cylinder engine which pumps out 138 horsepower. While this may not seem like a lot, it is important to take into account the size of the 2019 Chevy Trax. With its compact size and the additional 148 lb-ft worth of torque supplied by the engine, the Chevy Trax offers more than enough performance for a vehicle of its class. Chevy’s intention for using a smaller engine was to boost the vehicle’s overall fuel economy, and with the Chevy Trax clocking in at 26 mpg in the city and 31 mpg on the highway, it is easy to see that their goal here was achieved. Hopeful drivers can pick up the latest compact Chevy SUV, can select from one of six different trim options, the LS, LS AWD, LT, LT AWD< Premier, and Premier AWD.
Yes, you read that correctly, the 2019 Chevy Trax comes with an AWD option, and by the looks of the trim option lineup, drivers looking for AWD will have plenty to choose from. What does AWD do for the Chevy Trax. Well apart from greater handling, an AWD drivetrain provides superior capability off the pavement and in poor road conditions. As a result, an AWD variant of the Chevy Trax is bound to satisfy both fuel conscious adventurer and concerned parent. While the mechanics behind the Chevy Trax are certainly unique, power and performance aren’t the only two factors at play with the latest Chevy compact SUV.
Interior and Exterior Quality
One look at the 2019 Chevy Trax, and you’ll see a styling that is charming but unoriginal. When you match the Chevy Trax against comparative vehicles like the Jeep Renegade or the Mazda CX-3 and you’ll notice that the Chevy is certainly missing some exterior personality. All that considered, it still makes an excellent pick for drivers who want a compact SUV that doesn’t try too hard to stand out.
Although the interior styling and comfort may be disappointing for drivers who expect more than just the bare minimum. The 2019 Chevy Trax is anything but roomy. While that is to be expected from a vehicle of this class, the Trax still falls behind when it comes to passenger transport. When it comes to comfort, standard models may feel particularly spartan with its cloth upholstery seating. Fortunately, you can upgrade to synthetic leather in the Chevy Trax Premier, although it is a shame to see quality seating in the most expensive trim option.
Part of ranking interior comfort means examining the kind of comfort technology packed within the 2019 Chevy Trax. Well, the standard model comes with a 7.0-inch infotainment display that is installed with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto software. The front driver’s seat is four-way adjustable, while the passenger seat is only two-way adjustable. Fortunately, the trimmings increase in a sharp curve with the Chevy Trax. The Trax LT model comes with a remote start option and tinted rear windows. The highest trim of the Chevy Trax tops out with heated front seating, Bose speakers, and a power moon roof. While this can seem like a fairly reasonable package, although with a $22,000 MSRP entry price, the Chevy Trax can feel somewhat limited.
The Safety Factor
One of the biggest factors at play when purchasing a new SUV is the safety package included. While some drivers may settle with just seatbelts and airbags, automotive safety technology has excelled to the point of potentially preventing collisions altogether. Before we get into all of the fancy safety bells and whistles, it’s important to mention the NHTSA safety rating. In safety tests, the 2019 Chevy Trax earned an impressive five-star in the realm of safety. That said, the Chevy Trax still manages to fall short when stacked alongside the features offered by competitive compact SUVs.
For starters, base models get the bare minimum, features like 10 airbags, a review camera, and stability hardly inspire a great safety rating, especially when other vehicles are offering automatic emergency braking. Although to the Chevy Trax’s credit, higher trim options come with lane-departure warnings and forward-collision warnings. It is important to note that these smart safety features are only offered in the highest trim option, leaving other models with the bare bones.
A Brief Overview of the 2019 Chevy Trax
To give you a bird’s eye view of what the 2019 Chevy Trax has to offer we’ve provided an overview of the vehicle’s most important features:
MSRP: $22,000 MSRP starting
Engine: 1.4-liter four-cylinder engine
Horsepower/Torque: 138hp/148 lb-ft worth of torque
Fuel Economy: 25 mpg city/33 mpg highway
Safety Rating: 5 stars by NHTSA
Should You Buy?
So, should you pick up the 2019 Chevy Trax? This is a question that may have a straightforward for drivers looking for a vehicle that brings a little more to the table. Sure, the compact SUV is relatively modern, encompassing everything we’ve come to love about the latest trend towards fuel efficient practical utility vehicles. And when it comes to engine power, and gas mileage, the Chevy Trax doesn’t disappoint, falling in a better place than competitor vehicles of its class. Unfortunately, beyond that, the Chevy Trax falls relatively flat. Unless you shell out the cash for the highest trim option, you can expect to receive a modern SUV with vintage furnishings. At a time when compact SUVs are offering features like adaptive cruise control, promising significant off-road capability, and providing a level of comfort comparable to their larger counterparts, the 2019 Chevy Trax falls to the background. That said, you shouldn’t just take our word for it. Before you write off the 2019 Chevy Trax completely, we recommend that you head to a local dealership and check out the latest Chevy compact SUV first hand. We believe that the best way to know a car is or isn’t right for you is to take a chance and get behind the wheel.
