We spent a week and 520 miles in a 2024 Chevrolet Trax 2RS to see if Chevy’s budget crossover delivers real value against the Honda HR-V, Kia Seltos, Hyundai Kona, and Toyota Corolla Cross. The brief: daily commuting, a family errand gauntlet, and one long highway run—then stack the receipts against the window sticker.
All-new for 2024, the Trax pairs a 1.2-liter turbocharged three-cylinder (137 hp, 162 lb-ft) with a six-speed automatic and front-wheel drive—no AWD option. Curb weight lands around the low-3,000s, EPA economy is 28/32/30 mpg (city/highway/combined), and cargo space is a generous 25.6 cu ft behind the second row. Key dimensions matter in this class: rear legroom (38.7 in) and overall length (178.6 in) put it on the larger side of subcompacts. Pricing runs roughly $21,500–$26,000 depending on trim; Chevy Safety Assist is standard.
Our test car was a 2RS on 18-inch all-season tires, MSRP $24,995 as-equipped with the Driver Confidence and Convenience packages. Over mixed suburban routes, a 70-mph freeway stretch, and several fully loaded school runs (two adults, two kids, weekend luggage), temperatures ranged from 58–82°F. We used 87-octane fuel, and our GPS timer recorded a best 0–60 mph of 9.6 seconds on level pavement. In daily use, the 1.2T feels stronger off the line than the numbers suggest thanks to early torque, but it tapers above 60 mph.
Passing from 50–70 mph took 6.4 seconds in our best run; steep grades prompt a downshift or two. The six-speed’s calibration is clean—no hunting—but you hear the triple when it’s working. Auto stop/start is subtle, and we averaged 31.2 mpg overall, seeing an indicated 36 mpg on a steady 70-mph cruise. Ride quality is a highlight for the price.
The long wheelbase helps the Trax settle over expansion joints, and body motions are well controlled for a torsion-beam rear. Steering is light but accurate, making parking effortless and lane placement easy on narrow city streets. Wind noise stays muted; tire roar rises on coarse surfaces, especially with the 18s—buyers chasing maximum comfort should sample an LT on 17s. Brakes delivered consistent, drama-free stops.
Cabin usability punches above the sticker. The driving position is upright with good sightlines, and adults fit in the rear without knees-in-dash compromises. The load floor is low and wide; a week’s groceries plus a folded stroller fit under the parcel shelf. The 11-inch touchscreen is responsive, with wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto and two USB-C ports up front.
Chevy Safety Assist (AEB with pedestrian detection, lane keep assist, automatic high beams) worked predictably; blind-spot and rear cross-traffic alerts are optional. Our tester lacked adaptive cruise. Value vs rivals: The Trax undercuts most competitors by $2,000–$4,000 while offering more rear space and comparable tech. A Honda HR-V feels more polished and offers AWD, but it’s slower and pricier.
Kia Seltos and Hyundai Kona add optional AWD and stronger turbo engines—expect to spend near or above $30k equipped that way. Toyota’s Corolla Cross brings AWD and a hybrid option with better efficiency, again at higher prices. If you need AWD or quicker acceleration, shop those. If your priorities are price, room, modern infotainment, and low running costs, the Trax delivers excellent real-world value for well under $25k.
