Subcompact crossovers are a weird bunch of vehicles. They are smaller than a Beetle, mostly underpowered and sometimes unpleasant to look at. The Chevrolet Trax used to be that way, but now that it has 2017 updates, everything about it seems different.
Chevrolet has given more serious thought to what it sells in the subcompact market. The Trax has been completely re-styled and resembles the Volt, Cruze, and other brand models. The front fascia features smaller headlights with an LED signature at the bottom and a sharp hood line at the top. The grille has been redesigned and placed lower.
Around the back, we didn't notice as many upgrades at the Chicago Auto Show. But the new rear bumper and modestly revised taillights are an improvement. Lastly, the Trax Premier gets some 18-inch wheels that might ruin the ride.
Did you think Chevrolet forgot about the interior? Not a chance. The 2017 model gets a new dashboard that supposedly uses more soft-touch materials. The instrument cluster, Calvano chrome trim, and revised buttons are new. In the middle of it all sits the latest infotainment system with a 7-inch screen, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto and a whole lot of goodness. Some of the stuff in there looks like it's been taken from the European Opel Corsa, but that's not a reason to complain.
When it goes on sale this fall, the 2017 Trax will carry over its 1.4L turbocharged four-cylinder engine, which is backed by a six-speed automatic transmission and optional AWD. The output remains the same 138 hp and 148 lb-ft of torque (200 Nm) between 1,850 and 4,900 rpm. The 1.4-liter turbo has the least amount of power in this segment and means you may even be overtaken by a Prius on the highway. We also expected the engineering department to announce some refinement changes, but the suspension is never mentioned.
"Customers will really notice the elevation in the Trax's interior design and attention to detail," said Steve Kim, Chevrolet Trax designer. "It's an environment that transcends segment boundaries, offering rich, premium appointments and seamless integration of the technologies they rely on most."
Mihnea's favorite cars have already been built, the so-called modern classics from the '80s and '90s. He also loves local car culture from all over the world, so don't be surprised to see him getting excited about weird Japanese imports, low-rider VWs out of Germany, replicas from Russia or LS swaps down in Florida. Full profile
Would you like AUTOEVOLUTION to send you notifications?
Google News