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The Daily Drivers: 2015 Chevrolet Trax redefines the SUV

 
2015 Chevrolet Trax
2015 Chevrolet Trax
Published Feb. 19, 2015

Chevrolet has redefined the SUV — literally. The carmaker calls its new Trax a "Smart Urban Vehicle." And that, it is. The mini sport utility vehicle is nimble around town, yet provides ample cargo space. The Trax is new to the United States, but its concept is not: Buick's upscale version, the Encore, was introduced in 2013.

Appearance: This subcompact SUV is built on Chevy's Sonic platform, just like the Encore. This ute-let is only 167 inches long and resembles a more muscular compact hatchback with its fender flares and a tall, creased hood. The rather-small two-part grille, with its chrome-trimmed horizontal slats, seems to almost pucker. Having already kissed up to younger buyers with the Encore, which has proved to be a hit with them, General Motors no doubt hopes this cute ute does the same. Our LTZ trim tester came with 18-inch five-spoke aluminum wheels that added a bit of character to what is an otherwise generic design.

Performance: Under the hood is a 1.4-liter Ecotec 4-cylinder turbo that produces 138 horsepower and is paired with a smooth-shifting 6-speed automatic transmission. Despite the turbo, which has a slight lag, the front-wheel-drive Trax is in no hurry to accelerate. (All-wheel drive is an option.) The 3,000-pound-plus SUV goes from 0 to 60 in 9.5 seconds. Lyra would have liked more pickup when merging on the interstate, but otherwise the ride is lively and comfortable. Still, as Chevy has billed it, this is a vehicle for the urban landscape, and in city driving it equates itself well. The steering is well balanced and the Trax cornered without too much body lean given its height. Another plus: an estimated mpg of 26 city and 34 highway.

Interior: Don't expect Encore-like appointments in the more utilitarian Trax. The cabin sports a fair amount of hard plastic. Still, it's roomy for its size. Both driver and passengers sit rather high. Our LTZ trim's faux-leather seats were comfortable, although the rear seats can be a bit cramped, especially with long-legged front occupants. The noise level is quiet at cruising speeds but gets a bit raucous under hard acceleration. One thing that commuters and parents will like: There are lots of storage nooks, including a covered bin on top of the dash and two glove boxes. The driver's instrument panel mimics Chevy's Sonic with an analog tach next to a large digital display for other readings including speed. It's a unique design and easy to read. The AC controls are a simple combination of dials and buttons. To fold down the second-row seats, the cushions have to be lifted and pushed forward for the 60/40 split configuration. The front passenger seat can also fold down for long items. The cargo area with the seats up is only 18.7 cubic feet — think small grocery run — but with the seatbacks lowered the space is actually generous.

Our 3 favorites

Peter Couture

Safety: The Trax has 10 airbags and has scored highly in crash tests.

Standard features: Lots, including a rearview camera.

Storage: Chevy claims 15 storage areas, enough to play hide-and-seek trying to locate them all.

Lyra Solochek

Body color: Orange Rock Metallic.

Maneuverability: Easy to park in tight spaces, and has good turning radius.

MPG: 26 city, 34 highway.

The bottom line: It's small enough to maneuver in city traffic and tight parking spots, yet large enough for some cargo. If practicality in a small package, not sportiness, is your priority, then follow the Trax.







Peter Couture

Lyra Solochek