Auto Reviews: 2016 Chevy Trax LTZ

 Chevrolet, Reviews  Comments Off on Auto Reviews: 2016 Chevy Trax LTZ
Jul 142016
 

2016-07-05 20.17.53 HDR

To successfully compete in a popular automotive segment, manufacturers sometimes resort to adding  bling. For 2016, Chevrolet does just that with the the Trax, its small sport utility vehicle (SUV), and the new Midnight Edition package. On a recent weeklong test drive for Latino Traffic Report, the 2016 Trax LTZ displayed continued fuel efficiency and some nice 18-inch black rims. Black Granite Metallic exterior paint complemented those rims, in fact the only changes for 2016 include more exterior colors.2016-07-05 20.16.37-1

Introduced last year, the Trax entered the growing small SUV segment and brought a fuel efficient and versatile option to the Chevy lineup. Powered by an Ecotec 1.4-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine that’s matched to a six-speed automatic transmission, the Trax should achieve an EPA estimated fuel economy of 26 miles per gallon (mpg) in the city and 34 mpg on the highway. I averaged 28.5 mpg. The engine’s 138 horses and 148 lb.–ft. of torque proved sufficient but its wheeziness could be overheard above the stereo.

The test model with front-wheel drive is situated one level below the top-of-the-line LTZ with all-wheel drive (AWD). For an extra $1,500, all Trax models can be equipped with AWD.

2016-07-05 20.14.57Inside, the Midnight Edition adds extra design touches like two-tone (gray/black) leatherette seats, carpeted floor mats, and skid and sill plates. A segment leader when it comes to interior stowage, the Trax has 15 interior compartments including a hidden drawer under the passenger front seat and upper and lower glove boxes. For added convenience, the upper glove box has a USB port for concealing a phone or MP3 player while charging.

For a maximum cargo space of 48.4 cubic feet, the 60/40-split rear row of seats deploys easily to fold flat, with a nylon loop to lift the seat up and a red button located near the headrest to flatten the seat back.

Chevrolet’s MyLink Infotainment with a seven-inch-diagonal color touch screen is one of the easiest for programming radio and XM stations, offering a total of 35 channels. Included as standard features OnStar (six-month subscription) and the 4G LTE built-in Wi-Fi hotspot really set the Trax apart from the competition. The Wi-Fi comes with a three-month/three gigabyte data trial (whichever comes first). The LTZ added the Bose premium seven-speaker system with an amplifianer and subwoofer.2016-07-05 20.15.52

Standard safety features include ten air bags, StabiliTrak electronic stability control, remote keyless entry, and a rear vision camera. The LTZ added cruise control, a remote vehicle starter, and rear park assist. More sophisticated safety systems, like a blind spot warning, are not available on the Trax.

Air conditioning, power locks and windows, and programmable door locks are standard. Additional standard features on the LTZ included a six-way power adjust on the driver’s seat and a leather-wrapped steering wheel.

2016-07-05 trax.licPricing for the 2016 Trax starts at $21,195. The as-tested price with the Midnight Edition package ($500) came to $27,525.

Sí: The Midnight Edition ramps up the Trax’s exterior appeal and standard features like OnStar and 4G LTE Wi-Fi really set it apart.

No: The engine is a bit wheezy and safety features like a blind spot monitor are not available.

 

Review: 2015 Chevy Trax LT

 Chevrolet, Reviews  Comments Off on Review: 2015 Chevy Trax LT
Nov 212015
 

2015-06-03 0Chevytrax

For 2015, Chevrolet opted to add yet another model to its lineup of small sport utility vehicles (SUVs), the 2015 Trax, its seventh small vehicle launch in four years. On a recent week-long test drive for Latino Traffic Report, the Trax put the “f” in functional and fuel-efficient.

Entering one of the fastest growing automobile segments, the Trax joins the Equinox, its slightly larger sibling that shares a platform with the Chevy Cruze. The Trax is built on the smaller Sonic platform, improving fuel efficiency and urban driving compatibility.

2015-06-03 trax.seatsWith seating for five, it has a 60/40 split rear row of seats that fold flat to create up to 48.4 cubic feet of cargo space. It’s a segment leader when it comes to interior functionality with 15 interior storage compartments including upper and lower storage in each door, and upper and lower glove boxes.

Powered by an Ecotec 1.4-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine that’s matched to a six-speed automatic transmission, the Trax should achieve an EPA estimated fuel economy of 26 miles per gallon (mpg) city and 34 mpg highway. I averaged 30.3 mpg. Unlike its competitors, the Trax doesn’t offer a manual transmission.2015-06-03 trax.dash

Available in three trim levels, the test model was the Trax LT, one step up from the base LS and below the LTZ. While I drove a front-wheel-drive version, all-wheel drive is available on all models for an extra $1,500.

Additional functionality comes with standard remote keyless entry, programmable door locks, and a cargo storage tray.

Chevrolet MyLink Infotainment with a seven-inch-diagonal color touch screen is standard but the real standout is that OnStar, with 4G LTE and a built-in Wi-Fi hotspot, is too, offering even greater appeal to the always intriguing millennial population. On whenever the vehicle is on, the Wi-Fi comes with a three-month/three gigabyte data trial (whichever comes first). The Trax is also the first in its class to offer Siri Eyes Free for iPhone iOS 6, iOS 7 and iOS 8 users.

2015-06-03 trax.screenBecause of its appeal to a population whose parents will probably purchase the Trax for them, it will be a comfort to know that it comes with ten standard air bags, StabiliTrak stability control, and a rear view camera. The test model also included the LT Plus Package ($670) that added a parking sensor, among other features.

Additional convenience features on the Trax include front-passenger fold-flat seats, a USB port for MP3s and iPods, air conditioning, power locks and windows, and an AM/FM stereo (the test model added XM Satellite Radio).

2015-06-03 trax.licPricing for the 2015 Trax starts at $21,195, a little above its competitors. The as-tested price came to $23,815.

Sí: The Trax offers nice functionality, advanced technology unique to its segment, and the security of OnStar.

No: I wish it came with a manual transmission option to improve fuel efficiency even more.