The 2017 Chevrolet Trax lasts around 150,000 miles with some serious engine and heater issues. At $10,300 to $20,100, it’s cheap, but not worth the money when you’ll spend thousands on repairs.
Is the 2017 Chevrolet Trax a Good Used SUV?
- Overall Rating 6/10 – 2017 is a bad year for the Chevy Trax since it has a lot of mechanical issues and loses value quickly. Owner reviews complain about limited cargo space, the cheap interior, along with the expensive repair costs.
- Interior, Comfort & Cargo 7/10 – Interior materials are okay for a small SUV, the seats are supportive on longer trips, although cargo space is less than some competitors.
- Reliability 6/10 – There are a lot of serious problems on the 2017 Trax. Avoid models from 2015–2017 since they have engine issues, while 2018–2022 are more reliable.
- Performance 6/10 – Performance is poor from the weak four-cylinder engine which is more focused on efficiency rather than power.
- Safety 8/10 – The 2017 Trax is safe, earning a perfect 5-star rating in government crash tests. It comes standard with a rearview camera while parking sensors along with lane departure warning are optional.
- Gas Mileage 8/10 – Fuel economy is good at up to 28 MPG, giving 392 miles of range from the 14 gallon tank. Gas costs are $21 cheaper than average, at $193 per month.
- Value 6/10 – The 2017 Chevy Trax is cheaper than other small SUVs, although it also depreciates quickly, giving it a lower overall value score.
Positive Owner Reviews
Negative Owner Reviews
What Do Critics Say About the Chevy Trax?
- Consumer Reports says the Chevy Trax falls short of providing what you’d expect from a small SUV, with low owner satisfaction scores.
- Edmunds rates the Trax at 3.1/5, enjoying the standard equipment for the money, but doesn’t like the rough suspension at highway speeds.
- Kelley Blue Book users give the 2017 Trax a 3.7/5, praising the spacious interior for an SUV of its size, but owners don’t like the rapid depreciation.
What Common Problems Does the 2017 Chevrolet Trax Have?
Common problems found on the 2017 Chevrolet Trax include engine issues, the heater failing, along with the vehicle not starting. Overall, these problems are worse than some other small SUVs on the market, leading to more expensive repairs as the Trax ages.
Engine issues are the most widespread complaint from 2017 Trax owners, showing up at around 35,000 miles. Usually, the engine starts throwing check engine lights caused by sensor error codes. Diagnosing the problem requires using an OBD-II scan tool. Once you’ve found the source of the issue, then fixing it can cost $250 for a failed sensor to over $2,000 for issues with the valves.
The heater failing is another problem mentioned by 2017 Trax owners at around 20,000 miles. The heater core is known to wear out very quickly compared to other small SUVs on the market. Replacing the heater core is a labor-intensive process, costing over $1,500 depending on local labor rates.
The vehicle not starting has also been reported by Trax owners at roughly 25,000 miles. The source of the problem can be as simple as a dead battery which costs around $150 to replace, all the way up to fuel pump issues which are over $800 to fix. If your Trax won’t start you will need to diagnose the source of the problem.
There are three recalls on the 2017 Chevy Trax, which is similar to other small SUVs on the market. The most serious recalls cover the lower control arms on the suspension, which may separate from the vehicle. Chevy will replace the lower control arms on affected models for free.
How Long Will the 2017 Chevrolet Trax Last?
A well-maintained 2017 Chevy Trax may last around 150,000 miles, which is much shorter than more reliable compact SUVs like the Toyota RAV4. Regular annual maintenance costs are more expensive than other small SUVs, according to data provided by Repair Pal, at $501 per year.
As a used 2017 Trax reaches 100,000 miles, and depending on the vehicle history, owners should be prepared to replace the transfer case output shaft seal for $300, radiator hoses costing $350, along with the A/C condenser which costs $550.
So far it is very reliable. It displays the tire pressures, amount of miles I have left and more. It is great to know how your car is doing and it is fun to monitor the vehicle.
Other than issues with the connection with my phone / screen system, this trax is reliable and has no issues.
Yes it has been very reliable. There have been 2 recalls for different things on the car but I have not had any issues which resulted from those recalls. The issues have been resolved and the parts fixed.
It is pretty reliable. I haven't had any real issues besides a recall on the control arm, but the dealership took care of it right away.
The 2017 is a reliable car. However, it was on recall. I had to take my vehicle in for repair. It was something wrong with the emissions system which cause the car to jerk, go dead, sputter, hard to run idle and hesitation. I was without a car for three days. Now that it has been repaired, it has been running pretty good. I love my chevrolet! I planned to keep it for many years. I think it is a pretty good car.
It's been reliable so far. I only have 20,00 miles on it. Other than the discomfort of the front passenger seat and the size. OH, and that it handles terribly with the rollover risk, it's been ok.
The Chevy trax is very reliable, I have had it for two years and have had no problems yet. It gets the job done!
The 2017 Trax are on recall. However, my Trax did pass the inspection. That helps me to feel a little better about my safety. Besides this little mishap, I think the Trax are still reliable cars.
How Is the Technology?
Entertainment technology is very good for an SUV in its price range, offering a standard 7-inch Touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Optional upgrades include a more powerful Bose stereo system.
Standard safety technology is basic, offering a rearview camera.
Optional driver assistance features include:
- Rear parking sensors
- Blind spot monitoring
- Rear cross traffic alert
- Forward collision alert
- Lane departure warning
Is the 2017 Chevrolet Trax a Good Value?
No, the 2017 Chevy Trax is a bad value since there are some widespread mechanical problems reported by owners as they age. The blue book fair purchase price ranges from $10,300 to $20,100, making it less than a Honda CR-V or Mazda CX-5. When new, the price range was $21,000 to $27,600. Depreciation is worse than other SUVs, losing about 15% of its current value per year.
What are the Different Models of the Chevy Trax?
There are three main models of the 2017 Chevy Trax offered from the basic LS, all the way through to the more well-equipped Premier. It comes standard with front-wheel drive, while all-wheel drive is available as an optional upgrade.
LS is the entry-level model with:
- 16-inch steel wheels (alloy for AWD models)
- Automatic headlights
- Full power accessories
- Air-conditioning
- Tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel
- Driver information display
- 60/40-split folding rear seat
- Power lumbar adjustment for the driver seat
- Fold-flat front passenger seat
- Rear cargo cover
- Chevrolet MyLink interface with a 7-inch touchscreen
- Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration
- Rearview camera
- Bluetooth phone and audio connectivity
- OnStar (with 4G LTE Wi-Fi hot spot) and a six-speaker sound system
LT is a step up, adding:
- Alloy wheels
- Roof rails
- Upgraded headlights
- LED daytime running lights and taillights
- Silver-colored exterior elements
- Rear privacy glass
- Cruise control
- Remote engine start
- Heated outside mirrors
- Storage drawer under the front passenger seat
- Upgraded cloth upholstery
- 110-volt household-style power outlet
- Satellite radio
- Available Sun and Sound package (Bose audio system and sunroof)
- Available LT Convenience package (keyless entry/ignition, power driver seat, leather-wrapped steering wheel, cloth/leatherette upholstery, Driver Confidence package)
Premier is the flagship model which has:
- 18-inch alloy wheels
- Auto-dimming rearview mirror
- Heated front seats
- Full leatherette (premium vinyl) upholstery
- Includes all features from the LT trim and its packages except for the sunroof
- Sunroof available as a stand-alone option
- Available Driver Confidence II package (forward collision and lane departure warning systems)
What Engines Come In the Chevy Trax?
The engine found in the 2017 Chevy Trax is a fairly weak 1.4L turbocharged 4-cylinder which makes 138 horsepower at up to 28 MPG. It comes standard with a six-speed automatic transmission. Performance is also slow, taking about 8.9 seconds to go from 0-60 MPH.
What Colors Does the Chevy Trax Come In?
How Comfortable Is the Chevy Trax?
The 2017 Chevy Trax is designed with a focus on comfort, offering a pleasant and smooth ride for both the driver and passengers. The front seats are bolstered to provide good support and are adjustable to accommodate different body types and sizes. With ample headroom and legroom, even taller passengers can sit comfortably in the front. The rear seating area, although a bit more compact, can still accommodate adult passengers fairly well for shorter trips. The Trax comes with cloth upholstery as standard, though higher trims offer the luxury of leatherette seating.
Regarding ride comfort, the Trax performs admirably. Its suspension does a commendable job at absorbing most road imperfections, resulting in a ride that is typically smooth and quiet. The cabin is also insulated well enough to keep wind and road noise to a minimum. The Trax’s climate control system is effective in maintaining a comfortable temperature throughout the vehicle. Added features like heated seats on higher trims further enhance the comfort level. Overall, the 2017 Chevy Trax provides a comfort-focused driving and riding experience that stands out in its class.
How Much Storage Space Does the Chevy Trax Have?
The 2017 Chevrolet Trax is a compact crossover SUV that provides ample space for daily commuting, weekend trips, and more. The vehicle features a cargo capacity of 18.7 cubic feet behind the rear seats. This is enough room to accommodate your typical grocery shopping, a couple of small suitcases, or even a full-sized stroller.
For bigger hauls, the Trax showcases its versatility with its 60/40 split-folding rear seats. When these are folded down, cargo space expands significantly to 48.4 cubic feet. This larger area is perfect for more extensive needs such as moving a small piece of furniture, carrying a bicycle, or packing for an extended road trip. The Trax’s well-organized storage space makes it a capable companion for both everyday needs and more adventurous pursuits.
What Are the Differences Between Years?
The first generation of the Chevy Trax was introduced for the 2015 model year.
2015: First model year for the Chevy Trax, which is a small crossover that fits below the Equinox
2016: No changes from last year.
2017: Minor exterior and interior styling changes, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto added, along with Premier replacing the LTZ model.
2018: All models get the latest version of Chevy MyLink for the stereo system.
2019: No major changes from earlier years.
2020: Midnight edition package removed from the lineup.
2021: Premier model discontinued, and a more powerful engine offered.
How Does the Chevy Trax Compare to the Competition?
The 2017 Chevrolet Trax is a bad small SUV since it suffers from some expensive mechanical problems, making it one buyers should avoid for this model year.
The Buick Encore is a competitor which is available for about $1,500 more. Both the Chevy Trax and Buick Encore are built on the same platform, although interior materials are more luxurious in the Buick Encore. We recommend avoiding both for the 2017 model year since they suffer from the same engine problems.
The Toyota RAV4 is another small SUV which can be found for roughly $8,500 more. Long-term reliability ratings are better in the Toyota RAV4, while the Chevy Trax offers a slightly larger rear seat. We recommend the Toyota RAV4 since it’s one of the most dependable small SUVs on the market.
Do Owners Recommend the Chevrolet Trax?
Yes. I like it a lot. I live the lumbar support in my seat and Bluetooth connection. When you put the seats down, it is great to haul stuff.
Yes, the trax is a good vehicle. It has decent gas mileage, is comfortable, handles well and is a decent size for a small SUV.
Yes, it is very reliable. It gets good gas mileage and can carry a lot of stuff. I have taken several road trips without an issue. Spacious for passengers. The size is great for what I need.
It is a great vehicle. It is the perfect size for me and is reliable. It also handles the snow well.
I think it is an ok vehicle. I say that because my trax was on recall. So, that makes me have a little negative feelings about the vehicle. However, the vehicle was taken in to the car dealership and repaired. It was something wrong with the emissions. It is sounding and driving a lot better now. So besides that problem, it is a pretty good vehicle.
Mostly. It does what it was meant to do. It's really smaller than I had wanted and difficult for anything like transporting a walker when four seats are occupied. Also, the passenger front seat is HORRIBLY uncomfortable and there aren't enough options to make it comfortable.
Yes, it’s small enough to still get decent gas mileage, but big enough to lug around everything you need.
Yes, I think Trax is a good vehicle. Even though the Trax have been on recall, I still love my Trax.
