2026 Chevy Trax Review, Colors, Interior
2026 Chevy Trax Review, Colors, Interior – Completely revamped, the 2026 Chevrolet Trax offers more room and flair than its predecessor. There are five trim levels for the Trax, with the LS beginning at $23,699, which includes a $2,000 non-negotiable delivery cost. It passes the LT at $28,099 and the 1RS at $25,199. The sportier-looking 2RS and my tester, the Activ, are the two top trims, and they both cost $30,199. Before taxes, my tester was further optioned to $32,454.
The Trax is a lively-looking little vehicle that resembles the bigger Chevrolet Blazer more than a bit. Black wheels are standard on both the 2RS and Activ grades; however, the 2RS’s wheels are 19 inches longer than the Activ’s 18-inch rims. LED headlights are standard on all grades. Among the optional extras on my tester were a sunroof and its coat of Nitro Yellow paint.
The handsome interior has a modular look to it, with its 11-inch centre touchscreen fitted against the eight-inch digital instrument cluster, both set in a dash that mimics their lines. The yellow accents on the dash and vents are unique to Activ; in the 2RS, they’re red.
Table of Contents
2026 Chevy Trax Redesign and Update Plan
Exterior and Interior
The 2026 Chevrolet Trax is on par with most competitors for headroom, and while front-row legroom is as well, the Trax’s rear-seat leg space is considerably more than that of the Corolla Cross. And while the seats felt a little firm and less comfortable during a brief first-drive review, I came away from this week-long test feeling much happier with them. All trims come standard with active noise cancellation, and the cabin is surprisingly quiet for this segment. 2026 Chevy Trax Review
That’s a high score for a subcompact runabout, but the Trax is a fun little driver. The steering is quick and direct, and nicely weighted but still light enough for easy parking-lot manoeuvres. It’s not a sports car, but tossed into a curve, it’s balanced and grippy enough to come out fine on the other side. The Trax comes only in front-wheel drive (FWD). The slightly smaller Trailblazer – as well as the bigger Blazer – offers all-wheel drive (AWD).
2026 Chevy Trax Specs
The Activ’s standard features – some of which are on the lower levels also – include adaptive cruise control, a cargo privacy cover, heated seats and steering wheel, single-zone automatic climate control, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, satellite radio, heated mirrors, and roof rails. My tester’s wireless charger was bundled with its sunroof as an option package.
While its other features are the same, the identically priced 2RS differs with its 19-inch wheels and its manual driver’s seat. I’d take the Activ to get its exclusive power seat, while smaller wheels tend to ride better and cost less for winter or replacement tires.
Engine and Performance
A six-speed automated transmission is paired with a turbocharged 1.2L three-cylinder engine that produces 162 lb-ft of torque and 137 horsepower in all Trax models. Compared to an automated continuously variable gearbox (CVT), which can seem squishy and droning when coupled to a little engine, this option is superior. 2026 Chevy Trax Review 
The little engine starts up from stoplights with unexpected vigor in the metropolis. Less so when required for highway passing, where it is put to the test; don’t assume you’ll be able to pull out while cars are approaching quickly and truly get away with it. Like most everything in this subcompact sector, its limits must be respected.
2026 Chevy Trax Fuel Economy
The 2026 Chevrolet Trax is rated by Natural Resources Canada (NRCan) at 8.3 L/100 km in the city, 7.4 L/100 km on the highway, and 7.9 L/100 km while traveling combined. During a week of use, I averaged 8.2 L/100 km. It runs on regular grade fuel.
With decimals separating it from the most of its FWD competitors, the Nissan Kicks has the lowest combined fuel consumption at 7.2 L/100 km, while the Kia Soul is the most similar to the Trax at 7.8 L/100 km. 2026 Chevy Trax Review
2026 Chevy Trax Safety Features
However, all models have automatic high-beam headlights, a high-definition backup camera, lane-keep assist, emergency front braking with pedestrian recognition, teen driver control, and a follow-distance indicator as standard features. Standard on all other trims, blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic warning is an optional feature on the two lowest levels. 2026 Chevy Trax Review
2026 Chevy Trax Price and Release Date
The Trax starts at $23,699 and runs to $30,199. Among rivals with FWD, the Hyundai Venue starts below it at $22,574 and the Nissan Kicks just above at $23,728. But the Kia Soul begins around $24,795 and the Kia Seltos around $27,195; the Hyundai Kona at $27,934; and the Toyota Corolla Cross at $28,220, all including delivery.
After spending a week with the 2026 Chevrolet Trax, my impression remains: this is a very impressive vehicle in its segment. It’s fun to drive, it’s roomy, it handles cargo very well, it’s good-looking, and it’s intelligently priced. It may be Chevrolet’s entry-level vehicle across its lineup, but it doesn’t look, feel, or drive like it’s the base model. 2026 Chevy Trax Review
