This Affordable American SUV Delivers Big Value in a Small Package

Affordable SUVs don’t always get the attention they deserve, especially when they combine sharp styling, comfort, and modern tech in a budget-friendly package. This small American SUV breaks that mold, offering the kind of refinement and practicality usually reserved for higher-priced imports.

Under the hood, its efficient turbocharged engine delivers solid performance without sacrificing fuel economy, making it ideal for urban commuting and weekend getaways alike. Inside, you’ll find an unexpectedly premium cabin with intuitive tech features, generous passenger space, and thoughtful storage solutions, proof that affordable doesn’t have to mean basic.

Add in composed handling, a smooth ride, and one of the most competitive price tags in its class, and it’s easy to see why this crossover is winning over new buyers. For anyone seeking maximum value in a small, stylish package, few SUVs make a stronger case.

In order to give you the most up-to-date and accurate information possible, the data used to compile this article was sourced from various manufacturer websites and other authoritative sources, including the EPA.

The 2026 Chevrolet Trax Is Affordable and Loaded With Kit

Despite being one of the most affordable new cars that you can buy, Chevrolet’s little subcompact SUV comes exceptionally well-equipped. While it isn’t going to blow you away if you’re looking for performance or luxury, it is the perfect car for someone who wants something simple to get around in.

Changes For 2026

Chevrolet keeps the changes to their smallest SUV brief. The only real updates are to the paint options. New for 2026 are White Sands and Apex Red, which offer fresh alternatives to the already decent lineup. They do replace two options, though, with Crimson Metallic and Nitro Yellow Metallic being removed from the list of options.

A few other optional extras have also been discontinued. This includes a highway safety kit, premium carpeted floor mats, the winter/summer mat package, and an organizer for the cargo area.

2026 Chevrolet Trax Pricing

While not the most popular segment on the market, there are a number of subcompact SUVs that offer some pretty exceptional value for money. The Trax goes up against the likes of the Mazda CX-30, the Kia Seltos, and the new and improved Nissan Kicks. Among these small crossovers, the Trax is priced impressively well, undercutting a lot of its core rivals despite matching them in equipment.

There are a couple of trims to choose from, none of which are expensive by any means. We’d go with the LT if you’re looking for the best blend of affordability and features. It upgrades the infotainment system to a larger touchscreen and adds things like remote start. We’d also shell out a little extra for the optional heated front seats and steering wheel, especially if you live in a colder climate.

Warranties and Maintenance

• Limited Warranty: Three Years or 36,000 Miles
• Powertrain Warranty: Five Years or 60,000 Miles
• Complimentary Scheduled Maintenance: First Visit

The standard warranty package included when you buy a Chevrolet Trax is pretty standard. It isn’t poor by any means, but it isn’t longer than any of its core rivals. Hyundai and Kia both offer ten-year, 100,000-mile powertrain warranties. Chevrolet does, however, throw in your first scheduled maintenance visit on the house.

A Humble Three-Cylinder Engine Powers Every New Trax

As we’ve already mentioned, the Trax is a cheap and cheerful car designed for getting you around comfortably and nothing more. Thus, Chevrolet have opted for a pretty small powertrain. While the little crossover isn’t going to bring any excitement to your commute, it will save you a reasonable amount on gas.

2026 Chevrolet Trax Performance Specifications

Every Trax comes equipped with a turbocharged three-cylinder engine, something that isn’t awfully common anymore. Something we can really appreciate is that Chevy has opted for a traditional six-speed automatic in the Trax instead of a CVT. Front-wheel drive is your only option here.

The Trax doesn’t get off the line with any sense of urgency, but it still manages to live up to the standards set by its competitors in the subcompact SUV segment. Around urban areas, you’re not likely to feel the need for more power, though doing just about anything on the highway is going to feel slightly daunting.

Handling is pretty car-like, and the Trax manages corners with more verve than a lot of its competitors. It doesn’t quite live up to the most engaging options, like the Mazda CX-30 or the Volkswagen Taos, though. While not exceptional, its ride quality is also above average, with the Trax able to absorb imperfections in the road fairly easily.

Fuel Economy

The Trax may not be the most efficient gas-powered SUV you can buy, but it does come pretty close. We can also appreciate that the difference between its performance in the city versus its performance on the highway is much closer than what it is on most modern vehicles. It is also worth noting that the little crossover is capable of running on E85 fuel as well.

Some of the top trims come with larger, fancier wheels, which do have an effect on fuel economy. The difference is fairly miniscule, though, with the EPA estimating you’d only lose a single mile per gallon when on the highway.

Safety and Driver Assist Features

For such an affordable new vehicle, the Trax comes equipped with a fairly impressive list of standard safety and driver assist features. Things like automated emergency braking with pedestrian detection, lane-keep assist, and a lane departure warning are all features included on every model. You will have to pay a little bit extra to get access to more advanced features, though, such as adaptive cruise control.

The 2026 Trax Is Small, But Much More Versatile Than You’d Think

Generally, when you’re shopping in the subcompact SUV segment, you’re not likely expecting something with a ton of interior space. The Trax may not be the most spacious small crossover you can buy, but its more practical than a lot of its core rivals. It also comes equipped with an impressive amount of tech for something at this price point.

Interior Dimensions and Comfort Features

Most of the time, back-seat passengers in subcompact SUVs are subject to cramped quarters, with legroom being on the low side. Chevrolet, however, has managed to offer more than enough room for even tall passengers to feel comfortable. They’ve also done so without compromising cargo space, which is more than reasonable for this class. Fold the rear seats down and you can expand the cargo area, with 54.1 cubic feet on offer.

The ethos of the Trax is simplicity and affordability. This means that the materials used throughout the cabin are pretty unexceptional. We do, however, really like the way that the cabin has been laid out, with everything being pretty driver-focused. You can also opt for some pretty nice features if you go with higher trim levels, with things like heated front seats, a heated steering wheel, a sunroof, and remote start being available.

Infotainment and Technology

The Trax LS and 1RS come equipped with a reasonable eight-inch infotainment system. However, every other trim gets a much larger 11.1-inch unit instead. Models with the larger infotainment screen also swap out analog gauges for a fully digital gauge display that sits in front of the driver.

Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard on every model, including those with the smaller infotainment screen. Available extras include a Wi-Fi hotspot, a wireless smartphone charger, and a premium six-speaker sound system.