Skip advert
Advertisement

Chevrolet Trax LT review

We take a spin in the hi-tech, four-wheel drive Chevrolet Trax LT to see how the crossover performs

Overall Auto Express rating

3.0

How we review cars
Find your Chevrolet Trax
Compare deals from trusted partners on this car and previous models.
Or are you looking to sell your car?
Value my car
Fast, no-nonsense car selling
Value my car

Cars of this size fitted with four-wheel drive aren’t as common as you might think, so the Trax already has itself a selling point. It’s got the clever MyLink system working in its favour, too, but it’s just a shame that the driving experience isn’t as good as it could be. The refinement and the ride both need improving before the Trax can take on the class leaders.

Advertisement - Article continues below

If you like your crossovers with a bit of American appeal then the Chevrolet Trax, which we’ve now driven on UK roads for the first time, could be the car for you. It's aiming to take on the likes of the Nissan Juke, Renault Captur and Peugeot 2008. The model we've tested here is in high-spec LT trim and comes with four-wheel drive and a MyLink touchscreen as standard.  

The general shape of the Trax may look familiar to some, and that’s because it has many parts in common with the recently released Vauxhall Mokka. With its split grille and slightly squarer design, the Trax will undoubtedly stand out a little more.

There’s exactly the same choice of engines as in the Mokka, though, including the 1.4-litre turbo petrol driven here. The majority of sales will be of the slightly noisy but punchy 1.7-litre diesel, and a quick stint behind the wheel here reveals why. Despite having 138bhp, it feels adequate rather than quick, despite the pretty reasonable 0-62mph time of 9.8 seconds.

Skip advert
Advertisement
Skip advert
Advertisement - Article continues below

Used - available now

Qashqai

2018 Nissan

Qashqai

52,849 milesManualDiesel1.5L

Cash £10,900
View Qashqai
5008

2022 Peugeot

5008

46,225 milesManualDiesel1.5L

Cash £18,506
View 5008
Puma

2023 Ford

Puma

67,042 milesManualPetrol1.0L

Cash £12,506
View Puma
EQC

2023 Mercedes

EQC

21,307 milesAutomaticElectric

Cash £26,000
View EQC

On the plus side, the petrol’s 44.1mpg isn’t too bad, though the diesel is much better, claiming 62.7mpg, and this engine is a lot smoother and quieter too. There’s still a fair amount of wind and road noise as you up the speed though.

Advertisement - Article continues below

The handling is reasonably good, resisting body roll surprisingly well in the corners. It’s a bit of a shame that the steering feels a bit too slow and numb because it could transform the Trax in to quite a fun car to drive.

The suspension feels firmer than anything we’ve found on the Mokka so rough roads mean a bit of a bumpy time for people in the cabin. It’s not unbearable but it just doesn’t soak up imperfections in the way an SUV – even a crossover SUV – should.

The cabin feels sturdy, though not particularly high quality, and on LT models and above you get a stylish looking MyLink touchscreen. It's a useful feature that allows you to connect up your smartphone and run apps like sat-nav and internet radio through the car’s screen.

It’s a pretty spacious car, too, featuring a 356-litre boot and rear seats generous enough for six-footers. The problem here is that brand new rivals like the Peugeot 2008 are just as spacious, while also being cheaper and a little better to drive.

Admittedly, the Trax does have the option of four-wheel drive working in its favour, and it is a likeable alternative to the crossover norms but it doesn’t quite have what it takes to stand above the very competitive crowd.

Skip advert
Advertisement

New & used car deals

Skoda Kodiaq

Skoda Kodiaq

RRP £38,140Avg. savings £3,019 off RRP*Used from £13,895
Volkswagen Tiguan

Volkswagen Tiguan

RRP £35,385Avg. savings £2,911 off RRP*Used from £16,700
MG MG4

MG MG4

RRP £26,995Avg. savings £8,094 off RRP*Used from £13,199
Hyundai Tucson

Hyundai Tucson

RRP £29,820Avg. savings £5,075 off RRP*Used from £14,448
* Average savings are calculated daily based on the best dealer prices on Auto Express vs manufacturer RRP
Skip advert
Advertisement

Most Popular

New Kia PV5 Passenger MPV undercuts the VW ID.Buzz by a huge £25k
Kia PV5 Passenger - show front

New Kia PV5 Passenger MPV undercuts the VW ID.Buzz by a huge £25k

New entry into the electric people carrier market undercuts the VW ID. Buzz by a significant margin
News
29 Apr 2025
Car Deal of the Day: BMW’s ultimate luxury SUV at an unusually low price
BMW X7 - front

Car Deal of the Day: BMW’s ultimate luxury SUV at an unusually low price

German firm’s flagship SUV could never be called cheap but it is exceptional value at £735 a month – making it our Deal of the Day for Sunday 27 April
News
27 Apr 2025
New 2025 Kia PV5 van starts from a tempting £22,645
Kia PV5 Cargo on display at Commercial Vehicle Show - front 3/4

New 2025 Kia PV5 van starts from a tempting £22,645

All-new entry into the van market promises competitive pricing and comes with a range of up to 247 miles
News
30 Apr 2025