2017 Chevrolet Trax Preview

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Introduction

Chevrolet says that half of buyers who choose the Trax compact crossover SUV are new to the brand. Furthermore, more than half of Trax buyers are female, the highest percentage in Chevy’s entire lineup. Because of this small SUV’s power to draw women and new customers to Chevrolet showrooms, the company is wasting no time in updating it.

At the 2016 Chicago Auto Show, Chevrolet announced several important changes to the 2017 Trax, which continues in LS and LT trim levels, joined by a new Premier trim that replaces the previous LTZ designation.

Exterior Features

Chevrolet has refined the Trax’s front styling, replacing the current version’s chubby-cheeked face with a more aggressive and contemporary look. Highlights include what Chevy calls a “new proportioned dual-port grille,” headlights that flow into the front fenders, and on the LT and Premier trim levels, projector-beam headlights with LED running lights and chrome-ringed fog lights.

At the rear, the Trax receives a revised bumper and new taillights. The Trax Premier features LED taillights as well as a new 18-in. aluminum wheel design.

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Interior FeaturesInside, an updated dashboard design is intended to make the 2017 Trax feel wider and more spacious. New instrumentation debuts, with a standard driver-information center located between analog gauges. The Premier trim level has contrast-color dashboard trim that matches the leatherette seating.

Optional Features

Aside from new safety and technology features (discussed in greater detail below), Chevrolet has not announced standard and optional equipment for the 2017 Trax. However, it is reasonable to expect that the new SUV will be similar to the 2016 versions in terms of equipment, with Premier trim mirroring that of the previous LTZ.

Under the Hood

For 2017, the Chevy Trax continues with a turbocharged, 1.4-liter 4-cylinder engine. It is rated to make 138 horsepower at 4,900 rpm and 148 lb.-ft. of torque between 1,850 rpm and 4,900 rpm.

A 6-speed automatic transmission delivers the power to the front wheels, and an all-wheel-drive system is optional. Ground clearance measures just 6.2 inches, 2.5 inches less than a Subaru Crosstrek, one of the Trax’s chief competitors.

Safety

New collision-avoidance features debut for the 2017 Chevy Trax, but the most important modern safety feature of all remains absent from this crossover’s optional equipment menu.

Depending on the trim level, buyers can install a blind-spot warning system with rear cross-traffic alert, lane-departure warning system, and a forward-collision warning system. Automatic emergency braking, which has been found by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) to dramatically reduce collisions, is not offered for the new Trax.

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Technology

Standard equipment does, however, include 10 air bags, a reversing camera, and OnStar subscription services with an automatic collision-notification system. OnStar is free for an initial trial period and requires a paid subscription thereafter.Chevrolet introduces a new MyLink infotainment system for the 2017 Trax. It includes a 7-in. touch-screen display as well as Apple CarPlay and Google Android Auto smartphone-projection technology. These features essentially transform the dashboard display screen into a version of the owner’s smartphone, making it easier and less distracting to stay connected while driving.

OnStar continues to supply a 4G LTE Wi-Fi connection that supports up to seven devices with high-speed Internet. Chevrolet provides this service for free for a limited time. Thereafter, a subscription and data plan are necessary.

Another new feature for the 2017 Trax is a keyless entry system with push-button engine starting.