Affordable and stylish, the 2026 Chevrolet Trax is a well-rounded small crossover SUV with ample passenger and cargo space. As the entry point for Chevrolet’s SUV lineup, even base Trax models offer desirable creature comforts and safety technology. The value-oriented trim lineup also lets buyers add equipment without busting their budgets.
Chevrolet fully redesigned the Trax for the 2024 model year. Since the current generation’s debut, Chevrolet has made only minor tweaks to its pint-sized SUV, primarily color changes. For 2026, the new hues are White Sands and Apex Red.
When designing the Trax, value was a key part of the equation, and Chevrolet bills it as “everything you need and nothing you don’t.” Prices start at around $23,000 for the base model and climb to just over $27,000 for top-spec trims, including the destination charge.
A turbocharged 1.2-liter three-cylinder engine producing 137 horsepower and 162 pound-feet of torque powers all 2026 Trax crossovers. A six-speed automatic transmission handles shifting. Every Trax is front-wheel drive; all-wheel drive (AWD) is not available. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) rates the Trax’s combined fuel economy at 29 mpg.
Five trim levels are available: LS, 1RS, LT, 2RS, and Activ. The base LS trim includes an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone mirroring, cruise control, LED headlights, active noise cancellation to help keep the cabin quiet, and 17-inch steel wheels.
Opting for the 1RS trim adds heated front seats, a heated steering wheel, heated mirrors, and 18-inch aluminum wheels. LT trims and above include the upgraded 11-inch infotainment system and an 8-inch digital gauge cluster. In contrast, the range-topping Activ trim features synthetic-leather seating with yellow accents, 18-inch black-aluminum wheels, and an eight-way power driver's seat.
Although General Motors’ hands-free Super Cruise technology remains unavailable for the Trax, the option list includes a host of welcome features, such as adaptive cruise control, a Wi-Fi hotspot, and remote start. All 2026 Trax SUVs offer 25.6 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seat and a maximum cargo volume of 54.1 cubic feet.
Along with value, safety is another key focus for the Trax. All trims include Chevy Safety Assist, a robust suite of safety tech that includes automatic emergency braking, front pedestrian braking, lane keeping assistance, and lane departure warning. Additional safety features, including blind spot warning, rear cross-traffic warning, and rear parking sensors, are available.
There is no shortage of competition in the compact crossover market. Cold-climate buyers might consider the Chevrolet Trailblazer, which offers similar equipment levels and optional AWD at a slight price premium.
The mechanically similar Buick Envista might tempt buyers seeking sleeker styling and a more luxurious cabin. In base form, the current Kia Seltos offers slightly more power and safety technology. The Toyota Corolla Cross offers two trims that overlap with the Trax’s price-wise and fuel-saving hybrid power for slightly more than the Chevrolet’s top trim.
Chevrolet is the source of information in this article. It was accurate as of January 19, 2026, but it may have changed since then. Always confirm product details and availability with the automaker’s website or your local dealership.
John Coyle has spent two decades in the automotive industry. Over that time, he's driven Jeeps through Moab, tackled Fuji Speedway in a Lexus LFA, experienced the insanity of the Gumball 3000, and survived daily driving a 1978 Jaguar. He lives in Sacramento, California, with the coolest girl in the world and three black cats.
Although both the 2026 Toyota Corolla and Toyota Camry share Toyota engineering and many standard features, they target different buyers. To see how they compare in value, reliability, performance, ...See More
Read the Full Article
Both the 2026 Toyota Corolla and the 2026 Mazda Mazda3 come with comprehensive safety features and connected services, along with large infotainment screens and premium audio. To see how their ...See More
Read the Full Article
Touchscreens are almost universal in modern cars. However, not all display types are the same. An increasing number of the latest cars use something called an OLED display. But what exactly is OLED, ...See More
Read the Full Article
Although the 2026 Toyota Corolla and the 2026 Nissan Sentra target buyers with similar goals, they take different routes. To see how those approaches translate into real world value, reliability, ...See More
Read the Full Article