Best Chevrolet Trax Model Years (Ranked)
Curated by Kory White · Fractional CRO, CRO SyndicateBest Chevrolet Trax Model Years (Ranked)
Direct Answer
The Best Overall Chevrolet Trax model year is the 2024 Trax (ACTIV trim), the standout of the dramatically improved second generation that launched for 2024 with a larger body, sharper styling, the efficient 1.2-liter turbo three-cylinder making 137 hp and 162 lb-ft, a roomy cabin, big touchscreens, and a remarkably low starting price near $20,000 that made it one of the best bargains of any new vehicle.
The Best Value pick is the 2022 Trax (first-generation LT), a final-year original that has depreciated to a very low used price while still offering the proven 1.4-liter turbo four (138 hp) and a usable, easy-to-own subcompact crossover. This ranking covers the first-generation Trax (2015–2022) and the second-generation Trax (2024–present), and ranks the years and trims most worth owning today.
Every pick uses real model-year engine specs, outputs, and pricing context from manufacturer and independent sources.
How We Ranked the Top 10
We weighted each Trax model year against what budget crossover shoppers actually care about, using data from Car and Driver, Edmunds, Kelley Blue Book (KBB), Consumer Reports, the IIHS, the EPA, and General Motors. The weighting:
- Value and pricing — 25%
- Reliability and known-problem history — 20%
- Interior space and comfort — 20%
- Safety equipment and ratings — 15%
- Powertrain and efficiency — 15%
- Infotainment and tech — 5%
A year that brought more space, more standard safety, or a sharper price climbs; an older, tighter, less-equipped year drops.
1. 2024 Chevrolet Trax ACTIV 🏆 BEST OVERALL
Engine: 1.2L turbo I3, 137 hp / 162 lb-ft, 6-speed automatic | Best for: Buyers wanting maximum new-car value and space
The 2024 Trax ACTIV is the breakout star. The all-new second generation grew nearly a foot longer, gaining real rear-seat and cargo room, and adopted bold styling that looks far pricier than it is. The 1.2-liter turbocharged three makes 137 hp and 162 lb-ft through a six-speed automatic, returning an EPA-estimated 30 mpg combined.
Even loaded, the Trax stays cheap, and the rugged-look ACTIV trim adds unique styling, a larger touchscreen, and a long list of standard safety features. It is one of the best values in any new-vehicle class.
Pros:
- Huge value with a roomy, modern cabin
- 137-hp turbo and 30 mpg combined
- Bold ACTIV styling and big touchscreen
- Generous standard safety features
Cons:
- Front-wheel drive only, no AWD offered
- Three-cylinder is adequate, not quick
Verdict: The best value Trax ever — roomy, modern, and astonishingly affordable.
2. 2025 Chevrolet Trax RS
Engine: 1.2L turbo I3, 137 hp / 162 lb-ft, 6-speed automatic | Best for: The newest example with sporty styling
The 2025 Trax RS carries the excellent second generation forward with the sportiest appearance package, including unique wheels, dark accents, and the largest available touchscreen. The 1.2-liter turbo three (137 hp / 162 lb-ft) continues, with the same strong safety content and value.
As the newest model here, it offers the lowest available mileage and the most current technology, at a still-low price.
Pros:
- Newest second-gen tech and styling
- Sporty RS appearance package
- Roomy cabin and strong value
- Generous standard safety
Cons:
- Slightly higher price as newest model
- Still front-drive only
Verdict: The newest, sportiest Trax — great for low-mileage value shoppers.
3. 2024 Chevrolet Trax LT
Engine: 1.2L turbo I3, 137 hp / 162 lb-ft, 6-speed automatic | Best for: The value sweet spot of the new generation
The 2024 Trax LT hits the value-and-features balance of the second generation. It adds a larger touchscreen, alloy wheels, and extra comfort features over the base LS while keeping the price low. The 1.2-liter turbo three (137 hp / 162 lb-ft) and 30 mpg combined carry over, as does the roomy cabin and standard safety suite.
For buyers who want most of the ACTIV's appeal without the rugged styling premium, the LT is ideal.
Pros:
- Strong value with key comfort features
- Roomy, modern second-gen cabin
- 30 mpg combined and standard safety
- Lower price than ACTIV or RS
Cons:
- Front-wheel drive only
- Less distinctive than ACTIV styling
Verdict: The value sweet spot of the new Trax — most of the appeal for less.
4. 2022 Chevrolet Trax LT 💎 BEST VALUE
Engine: 1.4L turbo I4, 138 hp / 148 lb-ft, 6-speed automatic | Best for: Rock-bottom used pricing in a proven crossover
The 2022 Trax LT is the smart-money buy. As the final first-generation year it benefits from years of refinement, yet it has depreciated to a very low used price. The proven 1.4-liter turbo four makes 138 hp and 148 lb-ft through a six-speed automatic, with available all-wheel drive — something the newer generation drops.
The cabin is smaller than the second-gen car, but for buyers who want a dependable, cheap, easy-to-own crossover, it is the standout value.
Pros:
- Very low used prices
- Proven 138-hp 1.4L turbo
- Available all-wheel drive
- Refined final first-gen build
Cons:
- Smaller, older cabin than second-gen
- Dated infotainment
Verdict: The best used value in the lineup — cheap, proven, and available with AWD.
5. 2021 Chevrolet Trax LT
Engine: 1.4L turbo I4, 138 hp / 148 lb-ft, 6-speed automatic | Best for: Late first-gen value with available AWD
The 2021 Trax LT is a near-twin to the 2022 with the same 1.4-liter turbo four (138 hp / 148 lb-ft) and available all-wheel drive. It carries standard infotainment with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and a year of additional depreciation makes it slightly cheaper than the final-year car.
For buyers who want the proven first-gen Trax with all-weather grip, it is a sensible, affordable pick.
Pros:
- Same proven turbo as the 2022
- Available all-wheel drive
- CarPlay and Android Auto standard
- Low used prices
Cons:
- Tight cabin versus newer rivals
- Modest 138-hp output
Verdict: A late first-gen Trax with AWD at a friendly price.
6. 2020 Chevrolet Trax LT
Engine: 1.4L turbo I4, 138 hp / 148 lb-ft, 6-speed automatic | Best for: Affordable post-refresh first-gen example
The 2020 Trax benefits from the 2017 refresh that updated styling and infotainment, and adds standard active-safety availability. The 1.4-liter turbo four (138 hp / 148 lb-ft) and available all-wheel drive carry over. Used prices are low, and the cabin, while compact, is practical and easy to park.
It is a budget-friendly choice for city and commuter use.
Pros:
- Post-refresh styling and infotainment
- Available all-wheel drive
- Low used pricing
- Easy to maneuver and park
Cons:
- Compact, plain interior
- Modest power
Verdict: A practical, post-refresh first-gen Trax for budget commuters.
7. 2019 Chevrolet Trax LT
Engine: 1.4L turbo I4, 138 hp / 148 lb-ft, 6-speed automatic | Best for: Cheap, refreshed first-gen with modern phone tech
The 2019 Trax LT includes the refreshed dashboard and the modern infotainment system with smartphone integration. The proven 1.4-liter turbo four (138 hp / 148 lb-ft) and available all-wheel drive make it a capable small crossover. Used prices have fallen sharply, and a well-kept example offers dependable, low-cost transportation with the conveniences most buyers want.
Pros:
- Refreshed cabin with phone integration
- Available all-wheel drive
- Very low used prices
- Proven, simple drivetrain
Cons:
- Small rear seat and cargo
- Aging safety features
Verdict: A cheap, refreshed first-gen Trax with the phone tech buyers want.
8. 2018 Chevrolet Trax LT
Engine: 1.4L turbo I4, 138 hp / 148 lb-ft, 6-speed automatic | Best for: Early post-refresh value
The 2018 Trax is among the first to carry the 2017 refresh, with updated styling and infotainment. The 1.4-liter turbo four (138 hp / 148 lb-ft) and available all-wheel drive remain. Used prices are very low, and the practical, compact cabin suits city driving.
It is a sensible entry point for buyers wanting the refreshed look without paying more for later years.
Pros:
- Early post-refresh styling and tech
- Available all-wheel drive
- Bargain used pricing
- Practical for the city
Cons:
- Tight interior
- Basic feature set
Verdict: An early refreshed Trax at a bargain price for city use.
9. 2017 Chevrolet Trax (refresh year)
Engine: 1.4L turbo I4, 138 hp / 148 lb-ft, 6-speed automatic | Best for: The year the first-gen got better looking
The 2017 Trax introduced the mid-cycle refresh, with revised styling inside and out and updated infotainment over the launch cars. It keeps the 1.4-liter turbo four (138 hp / 148 lb-ft) and available all-wheel drive. As an older model it should be bought on condition, but the refresh makes it look and feel newer than the earliest Trax models for very little money.
Pros:
- Refreshed styling and infotainment
- Available all-wheel drive
- Very cheap used pricing
- Compact and easy to own
Cons:
- Older safety equipment
- Small cabin
Verdict: The refreshed first-gen look at a rock-bottom price.
10. 2015 Chevrolet Trax (U.S. Debut)
Engine: 1.4L turbo I4, 138 hp / 148 lb-ft, 6-speed automatic | Best for: Lowest-cost entry and historic first U.S. Year
The 2015 Trax marked the model's U.S. Launch and is the cheapest option here. The 1.4-liter turbo four makes 138 hp and 148 lb-ft, with available all-wheel drive.
The pre-refresh cabin is plain and the tech is dated, but as the original U.S. Trax it is historically notable and extremely affordable. Buy strictly on condition and service history given its age.
Pros:
- Cheapest Trax to buy
- The original U.S. Model year
- Available all-wheel drive
- Simple, durable turbo four
Cons:
- Pre-refresh, dated interior
- Oldest tech and safety here
Verdict: The historic first U.S. Trax — cheapest of all, but buy on condition.
Which Trax Year Is Right for You?
How to Choose
- Pick the generation first. The second-generation Trax (2024+) is much larger, roomier, and more modern, but it is front-wheel drive only. The first generation (2015–2022) is smaller but offers available all-wheel drive.
- Need AWD? Buy first-gen. Only the original Trax offered all-wheel drive, so snow-belt buyers who want it must shop 2015–2022.
- Want space and tech? Buy second-gen. The 2024+ car transformed the interior, adding real rear-seat room and large touchscreens at a low price.
- Look for the refresh on first-gen cars. The 2017 refresh improved styling and infotainment over launch cars.
- Match the engine. First-gen cars use the 1.4-liter turbo four (138 hp); second-gen cars use the efficient 1.2-liter turbo three (137 hp / 162 lb-ft).
- Buy on maintenance records. Service history matters more than model year on these high-value, high-mileage cars.
What matters less than it appears: horsepower peaks. Both generations make around 137–138 hp; space, AWD availability, and price separate them.
FAQ
What is the best Chevrolet Trax year? The 2024 Trax is the best overall thanks to the all-new, much larger and more modern second generation at a very low price. Among used cars, the 2022 Trax LT is the best value.
Does the new Chevrolet Trax have all-wheel drive? No. The second-generation Trax (2024+) is front-wheel drive only. Buyers who need all-wheel drive must choose a first-generation Trax (2015–2022), which offered AWD.
Is the Chevrolet Trax reliable? The Trax uses simple, proven turbocharged engines and generally fares reasonably for a budget crossover. As always, buy on documented maintenance, and favor late first-gen years like 2020–2022 or the much-improved 2024 for the cleanest ownership.
Which Trax has the most interior space? The 2024 and 2025 second-generation Trax, which grew significantly over the original and offer far more rear-seat and cargo room than any first-generation model.
Bottom Line
The Best Overall Chevrolet Trax is the 2024 Trax ACTIV, the breakout second-generation model that pairs a roomy, modern cabin, the efficient 1.2-liter turbo three (137 hp / 162 lb-ft), big touchscreens, and generous safety with an astonishingly low price. The Best Value is the 2022 Trax LT, a final first-generation car that delivers a proven turbo, available all-wheel drive, and dependable transport for very little used money.
Buy the second generation for space and value, the first generation if you need AWD, and always on maintenance records.
Sources
- Car and Driver — Chevrolet Trax reviews and specifications by generation
- Edmunds — used Chevrolet Trax pricing and model-year reviews
- Kelley Blue Book (KBB) — Chevrolet Trax values and ownership costs
- Consumer Reports — Chevrolet Trax reliability ratings by model year
- IIHS — Chevrolet Trax crash-test ratings
- EPA — fuel economy estimates for the Chevrolet Trax
- General Motors / Chevrolet — official Trax specifications and trim details
*Chevrolet Trax review — Chevrolet Trax reviews, rating, best Chevrolet Trax model year, review 2027, and a review of the top Chevrolet Trax years for used buyers.*