Car Buyer Labs

Car Buying Advice, Tips, and Reviews

Why You Shouldn’t Underestimate the 2017 Chevy Trax

If you’re shopping around for a new SUV, then we’re sure you’ve come across Chevy’s impressive crop of vehicles. As you’re perusing the brand’s offerings, you might find that you’re naturally ignoring the 2017 Chevy Trax. We can’t say we necessarily blame you, as the vehicle is undoubtedly the smallest of the brand’s offerings (and this smaller stature is reflected in the affordable price tag).

However, when you start to dive into the nameplate’s specific specs, capabilities, and features, you’ll begin to discover that the Trax actually shouldn’t be underestimated. After all, the SUV manages to deliver everything a buyer could possibly want from a new vehicle, including a powerful and efficient engine, an opulent and innovative interior, an array of safety functions, and an impressive amount of interior space.

Instead of automatically ignoring the 2017 Chevy Trax, we’d suggest that you reconsider. Below, we’ve provided several reasons why the vehicle shouldn’t be underestimated. Then, when you head into a Chevy dealer, you’ll have more options at your disposal…

 

Don’t Underestimate the: Performance

Sure, the Chevy Trax might be a smaller SUV, but that doesn’t necessarily mean that drivers should expect reduced power from the vehicle. Instead, the accompanying engine manages to pump out a surprising amount of power, and the model’s smaller stature predictably leads to excellent efficiency specs. Ultimately, you won’t be able to find a more versatile SUV on the market.

It starts with the 1.4-liter Ecotec turbo engine, which certainly isn’t the most intimidating system on the road. However, the engine still manages to pump out a respectable 138 horsepower and 148 pound-feet of torque. While you’ll surely find a more powerful SUV out there, you can still rely on the Trax to provide drivers with a commendable amount of muscle (which can’t always be said for some of the nameplate’s main rivals).

Perhaps the most notable attributes of the accompanying engine is the excellent fuel efficiency specs. Engineers cleverly included fuel-saving technologies like Variable Valve Timing and a multi-port fuel injection system, resulting in a surprising 33-miles-per-gallon highway fuel efficiency. Customers naturally won’t expect this kind of numbers from SUVs, and these specs are even impressive for a regular sedan. While the Trax is already relatively inexpensive, owners can expect to save even more money when they’re at the gas pump.

 

Don’t Underestimate the: Technology

Similar to many of the brand’s vehicles, the Trax is equipped with a seven-inch diagonal color touch-screen display, making it incredibly easy and convenient to access any desired application. However, the unit separates itself thanks to the inclusion of smartphone compatibility. The Apple CarPlay and Android Auto technology allow drivers to seamlessly connect their smartphone to the unit, and occupants can subsequently jam out to their favorite playlists, make phone calls, or send text messages. If occupants do want to listen to their favorite tunes, then they’ll receive the ideal listening experience thanks to the inclusion of the Bose premium sound system.

That’s not the extent of the interior amenities. Rather, the brand also provides an available 4G LTE Wi-Fi, which will deliver a strong wireless internet connection for up to seven devices. If you find that you or your passengers are required to complete work while you’re on the road, then you’ll surely appreciate this exclusive inclusion.

 

Don’t Underestimate the: Safety

SUVs are generally known as family vehicles. Well, if you’re going to be relying on your new ride to serve as a de facto school bus for your growing family, then you’ll surely want the ride to be equipped with notable safety functions. Fortunately, the Chevy Trax delivers in this regard.

For starters, the model includes a number of preventative safety functions, allowing drivers to avoid accidents altogether. For instance, the inclusion of the Side Blind Zone Alert, Forward Collision Alert, and Lane Departure Warning could prevent potentially devastating collisions on the highway. Meanwhile, features like the Rear Cross Traffic Alert will reduce the chance of a fender bender.

In the event of an accident, the 10 airbags and high-strength steel safety cage should play a significant role in keeping the driver and passengers safe and secure. If help is needed, drivers can even turn to the OnStar Automatic Crash Response System. This unit will connect the operator with an OnStar Advisor, and this individual can subsequently summon emergency personnel.

Don’t Underestimate the: Cargo Space

Of course, one of the main reasons for pursuing an SUV is the abundance of cargo space, and there’s no denying that the Chevy Trax provides more than enough room to store your luggage or equipment. The vehicle automatically provides owners with 18.7-cubic-feet feet behind the rear row, which should be more than enough space to fit any school projects. However, when these seats are hidden, drivers will unlock an incredible 48.4-cubic-feet of space. This abundance of interior room will transform your SUV into the ultimate road tripper, as you won’t think twice about storing luggage or any other necessary cargo into the rear of your new ride.

 

Don’t Underestimate the: Interior and Exterior Style

Consumers might not necessarily associate “style” with Chevy’s assortment of SUVs, but the Trax still includes a number of exteriors and interior amenities that will leave others gawking. For instance, the outside of the vehicle includes a sporty dual-port grille and a revised fascia, and customers can also opt for a new LED lighting configuration and 18-inch five-spoke wheels. Ultimately, these various inclusions transform the model from a standard, regular SUV into an athletic, powerful ride.

Meanwhile, the interior can also be highlighted by several notable amenities. For instance, the accent stitching provides the cabin with a bit of opulence, as does the completely revamped instrumental panel. The interior has been specifically redesigned to put all of the notable amenities within the driver’s reach, thus providing them with optimal convenience. When all is said and done, drivers surely won’t be able to find a better driving experience elsewhere.