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2017 Chevrolet Trax

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Rating6.4

Ranked #3 in 

Subcompact SUV
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$21,000 - $27,600
Starting Price 

Year

Nathan Dyer's image
Nathan Dyer 

Senior Editor,

Updated on November 1, 2023

ProsConsWhat's New

Good-looking interiors.

Rough ride quality on the highway.

Refreshed interior and exterior

Reasonable interior space in the class.

Sub-par cargo capacity than the rivals.

Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration

Remarkable safety features and crash-test ratings.

Plenty standard equipment for money.

Specs & Features

$21,000

price

138 hp @ 4900 rpm

horsepower

148 lb.-ft. @ 1850 rpm

torque

6-Speed Shiftable Automatic

transmission

1.4L 4cyl FWD 6A

engine

-

basic warranty

Overview

Introduced in 2015, the Chevrolet's subcompact crossover SUV, the Trax slots below the Chevy Equinox. The 2017 Trax gets a major update, making it a serious contender. The exterior differences between the outgoing and 2017 Trax are immediately visible, thanks to the new grille and headlight designs. The refreshed car gets a flowing instrument panel with more multimedia features including Android Auto and Apple CarPlay smartphone app integration. Several new options are available as well, such as keyless entry and ignition and advanced safety features.

Starting from a price range of $21,000 to $27,600, the 2017 Trax is aimed at city-dwelling millennials. The Chevrolet Trax is powered by the fuel-efficient 138 hp turbocharged 1.4-liter engine mated solely to a six-speed automatic. Front-wheel drive is standard and all-wheel drive is optional. The alternatives to the 2017 Chevrolet Trax includes rivals such as Mazda CX-3, Buick Encore, and Fiat 500X.

Buying Advice

Since all the trims have same engine performance and offer a choice between FWD and AWD, our vote goes to the LT trim. For owning the LT trim of Chevrolet Trax, one needs to pay an additional sum of $1,900 over the LX trim but it will offer some exciting features such as cruise control and LED DRLs. However, in comparison with the Premier trim, the LT trim costs almost $3200 less.

Read More +

Comparative Analysis against Competition

Chevrolet has given the 2017 Trax significant styling updates including a revised front fascia, grille, and headlights as well as a revised rear fascia, taillights, and dual exhaust. Inside, the Trax's dashboard and instrument cluster have been revamped. A new infotainment system with a 7.0-inch screen and 4G LTE, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto connectivity add more value and convenience. The Trax is now available with keyless entry and push-button start as are new active safety tech.

This Chevy's subcompact crossover rides on GM's Gamma II global small-car platform that also underpins the Buick Encore and Chevrolet Sonic. With a base price not far above $20,000, the five-year cost of ownership for the 2017 Trax is around $23,532. This includes five-year costs for gas, insurance, maintenance, and repairs.

Features
7.0/10

The 2017 Chevrolet Trax is offered in three trim levels: LS, LT, and Premier. Each is available with either front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive. The entry-level 2017 Trax LS starts at an MSRP of $21,000 and comes with a rearview camera, OnStar with a Wi-Fi hot spot, Bluetooth, two USB ports, Android Auto, Apple CarPlay, a six-speaker sound system, and a MyLink 7-inch touch-screen infotainment system.

Trim LS LT Premier
MSRP (FWD) $21,000 $22,900 $26,100
MSRP (AWD) $22,500 $24,400 $27,600
Key Features 10 airbags All of LS plus All of LT plus
  StabiliTrak Electronic Stability Control System with Traction Control LED daytime running lamps 18" aluminum wheels
  Theft-deterrent system Projector-style halogen headlamps Keyless Entry and Ignition
  Halogen reflector headlamps with automatic exterior lamp control LED tail lamps 7-speaker Bose premium audio system, including subwoofer
  Outside power-adjustable manual-folding body-color mirrors Outside power-adjustable manual-folding body-color mirrors Auto-dimming inside rearview mirror
  16" steel wheels with painted wheel covers (FWD models) 16" aluminum wheels (AWD models) Chrome beltline moldings 6-way power driver-seat adjuster with power lumbar control
  Chevrolet MyLink3 Radio with 7-inch diagonal color touch-screen display Front and rear Silver-painted skid plates Heated driver and front passenger seats
  AM/FM stereo with seek-scan and digital clock Roof rack side rails Leather-wrapped 3-spoke steering wheel
  Android Auto and Apple CarPlay compatibility Deep-tinted rear windows and liftgate glass Leatherette seating
  Steering wheel-mounted audio and phone interface controls Driver Information Center 16" aluminum wheels  
  3.5-inch diagonal monochromatic display SiriusXM Satellite Radio  

For LT trim, the price ranges between $22,900 and $24,400 depending on the drivetrain and it adds features such as LED DRLs, projector headlamps, roof rack side rails, a 110-volt power outlet, cruise control, and deluxe cloth seating.

With an MSRP range of $26,100 to $27,600, the top-spec Trax Premium gets a few exclusive features that are not available in the lower trims including the driver confidence package, 18-inch aluminum wheels, and premium Bose-audio system with 7 speakers, heated front seats, and leather-wrapped steering wheel.

We Recommend

Since all the trims have the same engine performance and offer a choice between FWD and AWD, we recommend the LT model for additional amenities. It adds alloy wheels, satellite radio, cruise control, remote start, a 110-volt household-style power outlet, premium cloth upholstery, and LED taillights for an additional sum of $1,900 over the LX trim.

Fuel Economy
7.0/10

The front-wheel-drive Trax gets 25 mpg in the city and 33 mpg on the highway, while the all-wheel-drive Trax is rated at 24/30 mpg city/highway. These are respectable numbers for a subcompact crossover SUV.

Model Chevrolet Trax crossover Fiat 500X Mazda CX-3 crossover Buick Encore
MPG (city) 25 25 29 25
MPG (highway) 33 33 34 33
MPG (combined) 28 28 31 28

However, it is hard to achieve Trax's EPA ratings in the real world. The fuel economy of Mazda CX-3 is the best in class, rated at 29 mpg in the city and 34 mpg on the highway.

Interior
5.0/10

“Despite the Trax's subcompact dimensions, there’s plenty of head- and legroom in the first row to keep the driver and front passenger happy. The seats are narrow but supportive, so both the driver and passengers will be comfortable on road trips or long commutes.”-Cars.USnews

2017 Trax Seating and Comfort

Don't get distracted by Trax's subcompact dimensions, it gives you plenty of interior space. With standard seating for five, the 2017 Trax comes standard with cloth upholstery. In the front, there's plenty of head- and legroom while the rear seat has enough room for a pair of adults. However, tall passengers will not like seating in the rear. 

The seats are narrow but supportive, so you will be comfortable on road trips or long commutes. On the higher trims upgrades include leatherette upholstery, a power-adjustable driver’s seat, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, and heated front seats. 

Model 2017 Chevrolet Trax 2017 Fiat 500X 2017 Mazda CX-3 2017 Buick Encore
Passenger capacity 5 5 5 5
Front (Head/Shoulder/Leg) (In.) 39.6/54.1/40.8 39.1/54.3/41.4 38.4/53.5/41.7 39.58/54.18/40.82
Second (Head/Shoulder/Leg) (In.) 38.8/52.8/35.7 37.8/52.8/34.8 37.2/50.4/35.0 38.78/52.55/35.75

Interior Features

The 2017 Chevrolet Trax crossover packs a lot of features inside it, which increases the crossover's functionality and convenience. Some of the most prominent interior features of the Chevrolet Trax are listed as ahead:

  • One-touch power windows
  • Tilt and telescopic steering wheel
  • Front seatback storage
  • Cup holders at both the front and rear row
  • Air conditioner
  • Electro chromatic rearview mirror
  • 6-way power-adjustable driver seat
  • Collapsible rear seat

2017 Trax Infotainment System

The 2017 Trax's standard MyLink interface features a 7-inch touchscreen display along with smartphone integration via Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The standard infotainment features include a six-speaker audio system, Bluetooth, and two USB ports.

Optional features include satellite radio, cruise control, a seven-speaker Bose premium sound system, proximity key, push-button start, a 110-volt household-style power outlet, and a sunroof. On the downside, Trax's touchscreen can be slow and isn't as intuitive as in some other rivals. 

2017 Trax Cargo Capacity

The Trax's 18.7 cubic feet of cargo space is modest. With the 60/40 split-folding rear seats fold down the cargo capacity expands to 48.4 cubic feet. The flat load floor allows maximizing available cargo space. The Mazda CX-3 and others have comparable cargo.

Model 2017 Chevrolet Trax 2017 Fiat 500X 2017 Mazda CX-3 2017 Buick Encore
Cargo Volume 2nd row up (ft.3) 18.7 14.1 12.4 18.80
Cargo Volume rear 2nd  row folded (ft.3) 48.4 39.8 44.5 48.40

Chevy has a lot of cost-cutting tactics in play, which includes the absence of a center console. This further impacts available interior storage.

Exterior
5.0/10

“The exterior differences between the 2016 and 2017 Trax are immediately obvious. The refreshed car has new grille and headlight designs, both of which look similar to newer Chevy vehicles such as the Spark and Sonic.”-Edmunds

2017 Trax Dimension and Weight

The 2017 Trax features a refreshed exterior styling that differentiates it from its predecessors. The styling updates including a front clip with a revised fascia, grille, and headlights, such as Cruze, Volt, and Malibu. The LT and Premier trims feature halogen headlights with LED accents. At the rear, the revised fascia features dual taillights and dual exhaust.

The Trax's budget nature is reflected by door-mirror pedestals made of black plastic and a missing chrome beltline strip. As do steel wheels with their plastic wheel covers. Alloy wheels are standard on higher trim levels, 16s for the LT and 18s for the Premier.

Model Chevrolet Trax crossover Fiat 500X Mazda CX-3 crossover Buick Encore
Curb weight (lbs.) 2805 2967 2809 3237
Length(in) 167.6 167.2 168.3 168.41
Width(in) 69.9 70.7 69.6 69.85
Height(in) 64.8 63.1 60.7 65.26
Ground Clearance (in) 6.2 7.007 6.1 6.22
Wheelbase (in) 100.6 101.2 101.2 100.60
Track width (in) F/R 60.6/60.6 60.9/61.0 60.0/59.9 60.62/60.62

Talking about the proportions of the subcompact Trax, its length, width, and height are 167.6 inches, 69.9 inches, and 64.8 inches respectively. Riding on a similar platform, the Buick Encore is the longest and tallest at the length of 168.41 inches and height of 65.26 inches. 

Exterior Features

Chevy Trax looks eye-catching from the outside and offers various exterior features that are mentioned as ahead: 

  • Rear liftgate door
  • Standard 16-inch painted alloy wheels
  • Intermittent rear wiper
  • Roof rack
  • LED Daytime running Headlights
  • Optional Sunroof

Safety
7.0/10

The Chevrolet Trax has excellent safety ratings, as it earned a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA (out of five stars). The IIHS gave it the second-highest rating of Acceptable in the small overlap front passenger-side crash test while it received the highest rating of Good in all other IIHS tests. 

A rearview camera and 10 airbags come standard in the 2017 Trax, and newly available active safety tech includes Side Blind Zone Alert, Rear Cross-Traffic Alert, Forward Collision Alert, and Lane Departure Warning.

Competition
7.0/10

2017 Chevrolet Trax vs 2017 Mazda CX-3

The athletic 2017 Mazda CX-3 is better than most of its competitors. Although it does not have an overly powerful engine, the CX-3 offers better acceleration and driving dynamics than the Trax. However, Chevy stands out from its tech features which are not available in the Mazda, such as Apple car play and Android auto.

The Chevy also scores better for its slightly more cargo space and rear-seat legroom than the Mazda. However, the CX-3’s cabin offers an upscale cabin filled with high-quality materials. Go with the Mazda CX-3 for a more upscale SUV that’s engaging to drive and better on gas.

2017 Chevrolet Trax vs 2017 Fiat 500X

With a price tag of $19,995, the Fiat 500X's starting price is more affordable, almost $1000 cheaper than the base trim of the 2017 Chevrolet Trax. Also, the Fiat packs the most powerful engine in the class which delivers a decent acceleration and freeway ride. Additionally, the Fiat 500X has better front shoulder room but the Chevy offers the class-leading cargo space.

The Fiat and Chevy both have similar reliability ratings but the refreshed Trax now features more advanced safety tech than the 500X. Also, the Trax is better in terms of fuel economy than the 500X.

Final Verdict

The Chevy Trax is powered by a 1.4 Liter, 4-cylinder engine that churns out 138 horsepower. Yes, that isn’t much but it the engine has enough grunt to take care of “commuting” needs. The lower gears pull the Trax to 50 mph with relative ease but beyond that, this engine quickly loses its steam.

Coming to the final conclusion about the 2017 Chevrolet Trax crossover, it wouldn’t be unwise to say that this Chevy is a value for money car. Moreover, it offers a plethora of choice with its trims and drivetrain option, which makes it easy for customers to buy the version of the car which caters most to their personal needs.

There are some shortcomings of the Trax such as lack-luster high gear acceleration, greater emissions, and an average cargo capacity. But look beyond that and the Chevy Trax offers a robust build, standard safety features and an optional all-wheel-drive feature on all the trims.

Trims

    LS
    $21,000 onwards
    • 60/40-Split folding rear seat
    • 7-Inch touchscreen display
    • Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
    • Automatic headlights
    • Chevrolet MyLink interface
    • Rearview camera
    • Six-Speaker sound system
    • Tilt-And-Telescoping steering wheel
    LT
    $22,900 onwards
    • 110-Volt power outlet
    • Heated outside mirrors
    • Led daytime running lights
    • Rear privacy glass
    • Remote engine start
    • Upgraded headlights
    Premier
    $26,100 onwards
    • 18-Inch alloy wheels
    • Auto-Dimming rearview mirror
    • Heated Front Seats
    • Premium vinyl upholstery

Compare to similar cars

6.4
2017 Chevrolet Trax

Price

$21,000- $27,600

Engine

Gasoline

Rating

6.39

Horsepower

138 hp @ 4900 rpm

Torque

148 lb.-ft. @ 1850 rpm

Capacity

5

Read Review

7.2
2017 Buick Encore

$22,990- $31,965

Gasoline

7.2

138 hp @ 4900 rpm

148 lb.-ft. @ 1850 rpm

5

Read Review

7.1
2017 Chevrolet Equinox

$23,100- $31,790

Gasoline

7.11

182 hp @ 6700 rpm

172 lb.-ft. @ 4900 rpm

5

Read Review

6.0
2017 Dodge Journey

$21,195- $33,895

Gasoline

5.99

173 hp @ 6000 rpm

166 lb.-ft. @ 4000 rpm

5

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6.7
2017 Fiat 500X

$19,995- $27,050

Gasoline

6.68

160 hp @ 5500 rpm

184 lb.-ft. @ 2500 rpm

5

Read Review

6.7
2017 Ford Escape

$23,750- $31,000

Gasoline

6.65

168 hp @ 6000 rpm

170 lb.-ft. @ 4500 rpm

5

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7.1
2017 GMC Terrain

$24,070- $36,025

Gasoline

7.07

182 hp @ 6700 rpm

172 lb.-ft. @ 4900 rpm

5

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7.8
2017 Honda CR-V

$24,045- $33,795

Gasoline

7.77

184 hp @ 6400 rpm

180 lb.-ft. @ 3900 rpm

5

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6.8
2017 Honda HR-V

$19,365- $26,140

Gasoline

6.84

141 hp @ 6500 rpm

127 lb.-ft. @ 4300 rpm

5

Read Review

7.0
2017 Hyundai Tucson

$22,700- $31,175

Gasoline

6.96

164 hp @ 6200 rpm

151 lb.-ft. @ 4000 rpm

5

Read Review

2017 Chevrolet Trax vs competitor's 0-60

    Car Name
    0-60 MPH
    Quarter Mile
    Top Speed
    		SourceCompare
    		9.2 sec17.1 sec-
    		6.9 sec--
    		7.4 sec15.7 sec124 mphreddit
    		7.8 sec16.0 sec120 mph
    		8.2 sec16.4 sec-
    		8.6 sec16.4 sec117 mph
    Read More

    2017 Chevrolet Trax vs competitor's MPG

      Car Name
      MPG City
      MPG Highway
      MPG Combined
      Fuel Tank Capacity
      Range (C/H)
      		SourceCompare
      		25 mpg33 mpg28 mpg14 gal.350/462 mi.
      		52 mpg49 mpg50 mpg11.9 gal.618.8/583.1 mi.
      		29 mpg34 mpg31 mpg12.7 gal.368.3/431.8 mi.
      		26 mpg33 mpg29 mpg14.5 gal.- -
      		26 mpg32 mpg28 mpg14 gal.364/448 mi.
      		25 mpg33 mpg28 mpg13.2 gal.330/435.6 mi.

      2017 Chevrolet Trax vs competitor's dimensions

        Car Name
        Length
        Width
        Height
        Ground Clearance
        Wheelbase
        		SourceCompare
        		167.6 in.69.9 in.64.8 in.6.2 in.100.6 in.
        		192.4 in.72.2 in.66.6 in.7.2 in.113.8 in.
        		189.6 in.72.4 in.66.1 in.8.7 in.108.1 in.
        		187.8 in.72.5 in.66.3 in.6.9 in.112.5 in.
        		187.4 in.74.4 in.66.3 in.7.3 in.109.4 in.
        		185.5 in.72.8 in.66.3 in.6.9 in.112.5 in.

        2017 Chevrolet Trax vs competitor's trunk space

          Car Name
          Trunk Capacity
          Passenger Volume
          Max Trunk Volume
          		SourceCompare
          		18.7 cu.ft.95.8 cu.ft.48.4 cu.ft.
          		23 cu.ft.104.4 cu.ft.63.4 cu.ft.Jeep USA
          		10.3 cu.ft.128.2 cu.ft.63.3 cu.ft.
          		31 cu.ft.102.2 cu.ft.61.9 cu.ft.
          		34 cu.ft.98.1 cu.ft.68 cu.ft.
          		12.2 cu.ft.100.1 cu.ft.50.8 cu.ft.

          2017 Chevrolet Trax vs competitor's cargo space

            Car Name
            Cargo Volume
            Cargo Volume w/ Seat Area
            Max Cargo Volume
            Bed Length
            		SourceCompare
            		24.9 cu.ft.18.7 cu.ft.48.4 cu.ft.-
            		73.4 cu.ft.38.4 cu.ft.73.4 cu.ft.-
            		316.8 cu.ft.23 cu.ft.63.4 cu.ft.-Jeep USA
            		62.7 cu.ft.39.6 cu.ft.67.6 cu.ft.-
            		60.1 cu.ft.30.7 cu.ft.60.1 cu.ft.-
            		15.3 cu.ft.31.6 cu.ft.63.9 cu.ft.-

            2017 Chevrolet Trax vs competitor's towing capacity

              Car Name
              Towing Capacity
              Payload Capacity
              Weight
              		SourceCompare
              		3600 lbs.-2805 lbs.
              		9200 lbs.1310 lbs.2967 lbs.
              		5000 lbs.1113 lbs.2888 lbs.
              		4500 lbs.1000 lbs.3655 lbs.Jeep USA
              		3500 lbs.973 lbs.3106 lbs.
              		3500 lbs.1031 lbs.2809 lbs.

              2017 Chevrolet Trax SUV Problems, Issues, Complaints, Recalls, and which year to avoid?

              3

              Recalls

              0

              Investigations

              102

              Complaints
              Overall Safety Rating
              Read More

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              2017 Chevrolet Trax User Reviews

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              KR

              Kelly Rymer

              2017 Chevrolet Trax

              LS 4dr SUV (1.4L 4cyl Turbo 6A)

              Not Rated

              User Overall Rating

              Posted On: August 12, 2024

              Nice little car

              Pros - ["Rides smooth", "Has plenty of power under the hood", "Nice safety features"]

              Cons - ["Didnt come with cruise control", "Its expensive to change out altenator and starter", "Alot of plastic parts under the hood"]

              This little car can surprise you. Its not really good on gas but the power makes up for it. The sound system is nice. The seats are comfortable and it has a smooth ride. It has a nice size screen on the info system. Plenty of space in the back and with the back seat and the front passenger seat folded down you have a large flat area to haul something big.

              Not Rated
              Features
              Not Rated
              Interior
              Not Rated
              Design
              Not Rated
              Safety
              Not Rated
              Reliability
              Not Rated
              Deal Value
              Not Rated
              Dealer Review

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