2021 Chevrolet Trax

2021 Chevrolet Trax Overview

Is the 2021 Chevrolet Trax a Good Used SUV?

Yes, the 2021 Trax is a fine used SUV. This two-row crossover is easy to maneuver around city streets and fit into tight parking spaces. It also has a solid list of standard infotainment features and average projected ownership costs for the class. These pros don’t make up for the longer list of cons, however. The Trax has a weak engine, a harsh ride and unsupportive seats. What’s more, many competing SUVs score higher when it comes to interior quality. If you’re looking for a used subcompact SUV with a nicer interior and a smoother ride, consider the 2021 Mazda CX-30. For more-comfortable seats and better acceleration, check out the 2021 Hyundai Kona.

Compare the Trax, CX-30 and Kona »

Pricing

How Much is a 2021 Chevrolet Trax?

Based on listings for the 2021 Chevrolet Trax, the average list price is $18,015. Prices range from $18,015 to $19,656 and vary depending on the vehicle’s condition, mileage, features, and location.

See the Best Used Car Deals »

2020 vs. 2021 Chevrolet Trax: What's the Difference?

For the 2021 model year, Chevy removed the top-of-the-line Premier trim from the Trax lineup. Otherwise, the 2020 and 2021 models are essentially identical.

Compare the 2020 and 2021 Trax »

Here are the key changes for the Chevrolet Trax over the last few years:

• 2018: Redline Edition appearance package debuted
• 2019: no major changes 
• 2020: Midnight Edition discontinued
• 2021: Premier trim discontinued

If you're considering an older model, be sure to read our 2018 Trax, 2019 Trax and 2020 Trax reviews to help make your decision. You can learn about savings and discounts on used vehicles on our Best Used Car Deals page. Also, check out our review of the new Chevrolet Trax, and take a look at our Best New Car Deals and Best New Car Lease Deals pages to see how much you can save on a new vehicle.

How Reliable Is the 2021 Chevrolet Trax?

The 2021 Chevrolet Trax has a predicted reliability score of 85 out of 100. A J.D. Power predicted reliability score of 91-100 is considered the Best, 81-90 is Great, 70-80 is Average and 0-69 is Fair and considered below average.

Read more about Trax reliability »

Which Used 2021 Chevrolet Trax Trim Is Right for Me?

The 2021 Chevrolet Trax comes in two trim levels: LS and LT. The entry-level LS trim comes with a competitive number of infotainment features but lacks many driver-assistance aids. If you want more than just a rearview camera, you’ll want to find an LT trim. Both models come standard with front-wheel drive. All-wheel drive was available when the vehicle was new.

• LS: The LS trim has a 7-inch touch screen, a six-speaker stereo, Android Auto, Apple CarPlay, a Wi-Fi hot spot, satellite radio, Bluetooth, two USB ports, cloth upholstery, manually adjustable front seats, remote keyless entry and a rearview camera.
• LT: The upper-level LT adds deluxe cloth upholstery, cruise control, remote start and heated outside mirrors. A few optional packages were available when the vehicle was new. You may be able to find models equipped with the Driver Confidence package, which includes blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert and rear parking sensors. The Premium Seat package adds heated front seats and synthetic leather upholstery. Finally, the LT Convenience package features a six-way power-adjustable driver's seat and a leather-wrapped steering wheel.

See 2021 Chevrolet Trax trims and specs »

What Does Chevrolet's Certified Pre-Owned Warranty Cover?

Chevrolet offers a certified pre-owned program for vehicles six years old or less and with fewer than 75,000 miles. Eligibility is determined by the vehicle’s initial sale date. For its certified pre-owned models, Chevrolet extends its original new-car limited powertrain warranty to six years or 100,000 miles from the original sale date. CPO models also get a one-year/12,000-mile bumper-to-bumper limited warranty after the four-year/50,000-mile new-car warranty expires. Qualifying vehicles also get free maintenance for two years or 24,000 miles. Chevy CPO vehicles must pass a 172-point inspection. Additional benefits like towing and roadside assistance may be available. 

Chevrolet has one of the better CPO programs among affordable carmakers, but Honda, Kia and Mini are better, according to our analysis.

See the best CPO programs »

Extended Warranties for Chevrolet Cars, Trucks, and SUVs

Not every used Chevrolet will qualify for a certified pre-owned warranty. However, there are options available if you want additional coverage after the manufacturer’s warranty has expired. 

Read more about extended car warranties »

2021 Chevrolet Trax Safety

Score: 9.3/10

2021 Trax Crash Test Results

The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety gave the 2021 Chevrolet Trax the highest rating of Good in four crash tests and the second-highest rating of Acceptable in the small overlap front passenger-side and updated side tests.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration gave the Trax an overall safety rating of five out of five stars, with five stars in the frontal and side crash tests and four stars in the rollover test.

Standard driver-assistance features:

• Rearview camera

Available driver-assistance features:

• Blind-spot monitoring
• Rear cross-traffic alert
• Rear parking sensors

2021 Chevrolet Trax Recalls

There are no major recalls for the 2021 Chevrolet Trax at this time.

See more information on Chevrolet Trax safety recalls »

2021 Chevrolet Trax Versus the Competition 

2021 Chevrolet Trax vs. 2021 Mazda CX-30

The 2021 Mazda CX-30 is a highly ranked subcompact SUV. The CX-30 offers a comfortable ride, as well as better driving dynamics and a more powerful base engine than the Trax. It also has a higher-quality interior. Both vehicles have similar cargo and passenger space and average projected ownership costs for the class. There’s really no reason not to pick the more well-rounded CX-30.

Compare the Trax and CX-30 »

2021 Chevrolet Trax vs. 2021 Buick Encore

The 2021 Buick Encore is ranked similarly to the Trax. Both crossovers share the same platform, with identical engines and similar passenger and cargo space. Where the Encore takes the lead is with its more comfortable ride and upscale interior. The Buick is the better, more well-rounded choice between these two.

Compare the Trax and Encore »

Compare the Trax, CX-30 and Encore »

2021 Trax Performance

How Does the 2021 Chevrolet Trax Drive? 

The Trax feels comfortable when commuting around the city thanks to its tight turning radius and small dimensions. It has an underwhelming engine, however, so when you take it on the highway, it feels underpowered and noisy. This Chevy also has a somewhat firm ride and is easily jolted by bumps in the road.

• Engine: 138-horsepower turbocharged 1.4-liter four-cylinder
• Drivetrain: standard front-wheel drive; available all-wheel drive
• Transmission: six-speed automatic

2021 Chevrolet Trax Gas Mileage

Trax models with front-wheel drive get an EPA-estimated 26 mpg in the city and 31 mpg on the highway, which is about average for the class. All-wheel-drive models get an estimated 24 mpg in the city and 29 mpg on the highway.

Read more about Trax performance »

2021 Trax Interior

2021 Trax Interior Quality

The Trax’s interior isn’t anything exciting, and wind noise can seep into the cabin at higher speeds. Some critics note that cheap plastics diminish the interior’s overall ambiance, while others comment that the Trax offers competitive interior quality.

How Many People Does the 2021 Trax Seat?

The 2021 Trax seats five people in two rows. The seats are a bit narrow, and limited cushioning means that they could offer more support. On the other hand, there is decent head- and legroom in both rows.

Standard seating features:

• Cloth upholstery
• Manually adjustable front seats

Available seating features:

• Deluxe cloth upholstery
• Heated front seats
• Synthetic leather upholstery
• Six-way power-adjustable driver’s seat
• Leather-wrapped steering wheel

How Many Child Car Seats Fit in the 2021 Chevrolet Trax? 

The 2021 Trax has two complete sets of LATCH connectors for the rear outboard seats and a tether anchor for the rear middle seat. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety gave this LATCH system the second-highest rating of Acceptable for its ease of use. The tether anchors can be confused for other hardware and are set a bit too deep in the seats.

2021 Chevrolet Trax Features

The Trax comes well-equipped with infotainment features, including smartphone connectivity via Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The Infotainment 3 system features a user-friendly and intuitive 7-inch touch screen, and there are some physical knobs to control the climate settings.

• Standard infotainment features: a 7-inch touch screen, Android Auto, Apple CarPlay, a Wi-Fi hot spot, satellite radio, a six-speaker stereo, Bluetooth, voice command and two USB ports
• Additional standard features: remote keyless entry
• Other available features: cruise control and remote start

See 2021 Chevrolet Trax specs »

Read more about Trax interior »

2021 Chevrolet Trax Dimensions

Chevrolet Trax Cargo Space

The Trax has an average amount of cargo space for a subcompact SUV. There's 18.7 cubic feet of space behind the rear seats and 48.4 cubic feet with the rear seats folded flat. You can also fold down the front passenger seat to further expand the cargo area. If you’re interested in getting a bit more cargo space from your Chevy crossover, consider the 2021 Chevrolet Trailblazer.

Chevrolet Trax Length and Weight

• Length: 13 feet, 9 inches
• Curb weight: 3,124 to 3,292 pounds

Where Was the 2021 Chevrolet Trax Built?

Chevrolet built the 2021 Trax in South Korea and Mexico.

Why You Can Trust Our Reviews

U.S. News & World Report has been ranking the best cars, trucks and SUVs since 2007, and our staff has more than 75 years of combined experience in the auto industry. This 2021 Trax review combines 51 professional reviews with concrete data like performance specs, fuel economy estimates and safety ratings.