2024 Chevrolet Trax RS

A lot can happen while taking a year off. That’s just the case with the 2024 Chevrolet Trax RS. After skipping the 2023 model year, the 2024 Trax is back and better than ever. How is that possible? Join us as Napleton News takes the new Trax for a joy ride!

What moves the new Trax RS?

Small but mighty, the new Chevrolet Trax RS is powered by a 1.2-liter turbocharged three-cylinder engine delivering 137 horsepower and 162 lb-ft of torque. Built in GM’s Ramos Arizpe plant in Mexico, it is truly a world motor, being used in China, Mexico, South Korea and here in North America. The performance is surprising for such a small powerplant. It drives the front wheels only; sadly, all-wheel drive is not available on the Trax. Those who really need it should check out the Chevrolet Trailblazer instead.

How does the Chevrolet Trax RS look?

Hunkered down is an apt description for the new Chevy Trax RS. It sits about five-to-six inches lower and wider than the previous 2022 model. Having a longer wheelbase also contributes to a larger interior space. But more about that later.

The large Chevrolet grille looks like it came from the Chevy Blazer parts bin. It features many of the same design cues along with boomerang-like lighting features at front and rear. It’s a sleek look overall that makes you forget about how low-rent the previous model really looked.

How about the interior of the Trax?

The new 2024 Chevrolet Trax RS offers a fair amount of technology inside. It even manages to keep some dials and buttons instead of forcing buyers to use the touchscreen. Sure, we’d love a radio tuning dial to change stations, but we were happy to see the volume dial at the very least.

Our seats included perforated pleather “EvoTex seating material. It’s the latest in a generation of fake leather material that looks and acts as well as the real thing. On the dashboard is an 11-inch diagonal touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Also on board: Active Noise Cancellation, which helps to keep the dB’s at bay and outside the cabin.

In the second row, the Trax offers more legroom than any other in the segment. That’s a welcome feel for many who will ride there. Again, it’s because of the longer wheelbase that puts more distance between the front and rear axle. The rear cargo area checks in at 25.6 cubic feet. Those, incidentally, are also class-leading dimensions. If you need more, just fold the second row seats forward.

Behind the wheel of the Chevrolet Trax RS

When we first heard the Trax was powered by a three-cylinder (That’s three!!!) turbocharged engine, we weren’t sure what to expect. Was this going to be a droning, lethargic three-banger or something else entirely?

Color us surprised! When combined with a six-speed automatic transmission, the Trax RS offered enthusiastic pickup! The active noise cancellation was only partially active. The engine still lets you know that it is hard at work under the sleek hood.

Cranking along on the highway, the Trax was an eager driver, managing to handle slower moving traffic with finesse and grace! As if! No, really, it handled very well thanks to its hunkered down attitude. It was everything we needed to cut corners, accelerate quickly and be on our way, while others lally-gagged their way to Disney World and beyond.

What more could you ask for from the “Bowtie Brand?”

	Chevrolet Trax RS
Engine Type	1.2-liter 3-cylinder engine
Horsepower	137 hp @5,000 rpm
Torque	162 lb-ft 2,500 rpm
Transmission	6-speed automatic transmission
Fuel Economy (Combined/City/Hwy)	30 avg / 28 city/ 32 hwy
Suspension F/R	MacPherson Strut /Compound Crank
Turning Circle	NA
Also Available	Other trim levels
Specs
Warranty	3 years/36,000 miles
Powertrain Warranty	5 years/60,000 miles
NHTSA Safety Rating	Not Rated
Max Seating Capacity	5
Wheelbase	106.0 inches
Overall Length	178.6 inches
Width	71.8 inches
Height	61.7 inches
Cargo Room (Behind 1st and 2nd row)	54.1 / 25.6 cubic feet
Headroom, Front	39.6 inches
Headroom, 2nd	38.1 inches
Legroom, 1st	41.2 inches
Legroom, 2nd	38.7 inches
Shoulder room, 1st row	55.7 inches
Shoulder room, 2nd row	54.3 inches