2018 Chevrolet Trax

By Mauricio Lezcano / carsntravel.com / Photos GM Media
For 2018 Chevrolet Trax offers a unique option in the small SUV Market, customers looking for a well-equipped, entry-level SUV will find the Chevrolet Trax a perfect fit.

Exterior
With its front-end appearance with Chevrolet’s proportioned dual port grille, prominent bowtie emblem and swept headlamps, the Trax is immediately identifiable as a contemporary Chevrolet. Its grille design with chrome accents emulates other Chevrolets and provides a more cohesive appearance across the brand’s lineup of crossovers and small cars.

Available cues such as front fog lamps and simulated front and rear skid plates lend a sportier presence, while vertical tail lamps flank the tailgate, accenting taught body lines and pronounced wheel arches that give the Trax a confident stance.

New for 2018, the Redline Edition includes, 18-inch black wheels with red accent stripe, black mirror caps, black grille with black surround, front and rear black bowtie emblems, black beltline trim, black Trax badge with red outline.

Interior
Inside the Trax, distinctive styling carries over to a dual-cockpit instrument panel. In the center, it houses a seven-inch, high-resolution, full-color display for the standard MyLink voice-activated infotainment system. There are also displays for available SiriusXM satellite radio and a standard rearview camera, as well as the available GPS-enabled app navigation system that customers can download.

A bold instrument cluster features a large, performance-style analog tachometer combined with a prominent digital display for the speedometer and other readouts. A small-diameter, thick-rimmed steering wheel enhances the sporty ambience.

For versatility, the 60/40 flat-folding rear seat features a fold-down armrest with cup holders, storage in all four doors, four bins in the dash, pockets in the seatbacks and bins under the rear load floor and a hidden storage drawer under the front passenger seat. It also offers 18.7 cubic feet of storage behind the split-folding rear seat and 48.4 cubic feet with the rear seat folded. The front passenger seat also folds flat to extend the cargo length and accommodate items up to eight feet long.

Performance
Trax is powered by a power-dense Ecotec 1.4L turbocharged four-cylinder engine backed by an efficiency-enhancing six-speed automatic transmission. The engine is rated at an SAE-certified 138 horsepower and 148 lb-ft of torque between 1,850 and 4,900 rpm.

The wide rpm range for the maximum torque a specific trait of turbocharged engines helps it deliver a more confident driving experience, with a strong feeling of power across the rpm band. The turbocharger’s on-demand performance also contributes to efficiency because it enables greater power when needed with the lower fuel consumption of a small displacement engine.

A Hydra-Matic 6T40 six-speed automatic transmission with TAPShift control is matched with the 1.4L turbo engine. It has a unique design, with the planetary gear sets positioned on the same axis as the engine crankshaft centerline, making the entire powertrain unit shorter fore-to-aft. This design enables a shorter overall vehicle length, increased interior space, enhanced safety crush zones and lower weight.

Summary
The 2018 Trax boasts an athletic, contemporary design inside and out with remarkable cargo versatility, while offering a host of available safety features and standard Chevrolet MyLink infotainment system with available Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility.
Fusing small-car agility and utility convenience of an SUV, Trax offers a sporty and sleek appearance, combine with an Ecotec 1.4L turbocharged engine under the hood, providing the efficiency of a small displacement engine with the power of a larger engine on-demand.

The Estimated fuel economy is rated at 25 mpg City and 33 mpg Highway with the Ecotec Turbo 1.4L 4-Cylinder engine. Manufacturer’s suggested starting retail price is $24,400.00 for the 2018 Chevrolet Trax LT AWD, the one I drove included the LT Sun and Sound Package $1400.00, Driver Confidence Package $495.00, LT Convenience Package $450.00 and the Redline Edition Package $1,350.00, and it came in at $29,040.00 including destination charge $945 and a LT Sun and Sound Package savings of $250.00.
mlezcano@carsntravel.com

Posted in CAR REVIEWS, Chevrolet.

Emilio Lezcano

Journalist - Editor - Photographer
Professional Race Car Driver

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