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2015 Chevrolet Trax Added As New Compact Crossover SUV for Chevy Lineup
At the 2014 New York International Auto Show, Chevrolet introduced the 2015 Trax, a new compact crossover SUV that slots into the automaker's lineup beneath the existing 5-passenger Equinox. The new 2015 Trax will compete against models such as the Kia Soul and Nissan Juke, according to Chevrolet.
The Chevy Trax is new to U.S. customers, but General Motors has sold 90,000 units of the small crossover in global markets since 2013. The Trax shares its architecture and powertrain with the Buick Encore, making it significantly smaller than the larger Equinox.
A turbocharged, 1.4-liter 4-cylinder engine is installed in the Trax, producing 138 horsepower at 4,900 rpm and 148 lb.-ft. of torque from 1,850 rpm to 4,900 rpm. A 6-speed automatic transmission with TapShift manual shift control is standard, delivering power to the Trax's front wheels.
All-wheel drive (AWD) is optional, and with this upgrade Chevy swaps in rear disc brakes in place of the standard rear drums. Unfortunately, AWD adds 403 lbs. to the Trax's 2,805-lb. base curb weight. The independent front and torsion beam rear suspension setup supplies 6.2 in. of ground clearance, 2.5 in. less than a Subaru XV Crosstrek.
Available in 10 different paint colors, the 2015 Chevy Trax is available in LS, LT, and LTZ trim levels. Inside, the instrumentation is inspired by the Sonic compact car, according to Chevrolet, and features an analog tachometer with a digital speedometer. The Trax has lots of storage locations, including a dual glove box design, bins in all four of the door panels, a well under the cargo floor, and a hidden storage drawer under the front passenger's seat.
Additionally, the new Chevrolet Trax provides 18.7 cu. ft. of cargo space behind the rear seat, more than the new 2015 Honda Fit. Fold the 60/40 split-folding rear seat down and the Trax holds 48.4 cu. ft. of cargo, less than the redesigned 2015 Fit. The Chevy's front passenger seat folds in half allowing the Trax to carry items up to 8 ft. long.
Standard equipment includes 10 air bags, a reversing camera, and OnStar services including an Advanced Crash Response System. A MyLink radio with a 7-in. color touch-screen display is also standard, along with a USB port, auxiliary audio input jack, cloth seats, remote keyless entry, and 16-in. steel wheels with plastic wheel covers.
Available options include upgraded cloth, cloth and leatherette, or leatherette seats, as well as next-generation OnStar 4G LTE connectivity with a built-in Wi-Fi hotspot, Siri Eyes Free technology, satellite radio, TravelLink services, and a BringGo navigation application. The 2015 Chevy Trax can also be fitted with 16- or 18-in. aluminum wheels, fog lights, rear park-assist sensors, and remote engine starting.
Chevrolet says the new 2015 Trax will go on sale early in 2015. Prices will be established closer to that time.
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