The 2021 Chevrolet Trax lasts around 200,000 miles, with some alternator and brake wear issues reported. At $15,999 to $22,500, it’s a good value for shoppers on a budget, but lags behind a lot of the competition on the market.
Is the 2021 Chevrolet Trax a Good Used SUV?
- Overall Rating 7/10 – 2021 is a good year for the Chevy Trax, but it lags behind some of the other subcompact SUVs on the market. Owner reviews praise the stereo system, low running costs, along with the smooth suspension.
- Interior, Comfort & Cargo 6/10 – Interior materials are worse than some competitors, the seats still offer reasonable support, but cargo space is also limited.
- Reliability 8/10 – There are no major problems found on the 2021 Trax. Avoid models from 2015–2016 since they have electrical issues, while models from 2017–2022 are more dependable.
- Performance 6/10 – The standard four-cylinder engine is very weak, making it not very fun to drive.
- Safety 7/10 – The 2021 Trax is safe, earning a perfect 5-star rating in government crash tests. It comes standard with a rearview camera, while blind spot monitoring is available as an optional upgrade.
- Gas Mileage 8/10 – Fuel economy is good at around 26 MPG, offering 364 miles of range from the 14 gallon tank. Gas costs are $31 cheaper than average at $157 per month.
- Value 8/10 – The 2021 Chevy Trax is cheaper than other small SUVs while also having average depreciation rates, giving it a reasonable value score.
Positive Owner Reviews
Negative Owner Reviews
What Do Critics Say About the Chevy Trax?
- Consumer Reports says the 2021 Chevrolet Trax offers budget-friendly pricing and easy access, with decent owner satisfaction scores as it ages.
- Edmunds rates the Chevrolet Trax at 4.1/5, enjoying the comfortable front seats, but doesn’t like that the fuel economy is worse than some competitors.
- Kelley Blue Book users give the Trax a 3.6/5, praising the standard stereo system with Apple CarPlay, but owners don’t like that the rear seats are less spacious than rivals.
What Common Problems Does the 2021 Chevrolet Trax Have?
Common problems found on the 2021 Chevrolet Trax include alternator issues, worn-out brakes, along with a frozen stereo system. Overall, these problems are a bit worse than some other small SUVs on the market, leading to more expensive repair costs as the Trax ages.
Alternator issues are the most widespread complaint from 2021 Trax owners, showing up within the first 25,000 miles. The alternator simply wears out, stops charging the battery, and has to be replaced. Changing out the alternator is fairly labor intensive, costing around $550.
Worn-out brakes are another problem found on the 2021 Chevy Trax at roughly 15,000 miles. The front brake pads, in particular, tend to wear down quickly, and have to be replaced. New pads cost around $250, while rotors are an additional $450 if they have been damaged by metal-on-metal contact.
A frozen stereo system has also been reported by Trax owners within the first 1,000 miles. There are some software updates available for the stereo system, which improves the reliability. Most dealerships will install these for free, while others charge around $50 for labor.
There are no recalls on the 2021 Chevy Trax, which is better than some competitors. Since there are no recalls, it simply means that none of the issues have been widespread or affected the safety of the SUV.
How Long Will the 2021 Chevrolet Trax Last?
A well-maintained 2021 Chevy Trax can last around 200,000 miles, which is shorter than some other subcompact SUVs like the Toyota C-HR. Regular annual maintenance costs are slightly more than the competition, according to data provided by Repair Pal, at $478 per year.
As a used Chevy Trax reaches 100,000 miles, and depending on the vehicle history report, owners should be prepared to replace the axle shaft for $275, fuel evaporative canister costing $550, along with the oil pump, which costs around $850.
How Is the Technology?
The standard entertainment technology is good, and includes a 7-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity. Optional upgrades include a more powerful stereo system.
Standard safety features are very basic, and only include a rearview camera.
Optional driver assistance features include:
- Blind spot monitoring
- Rear parking sensors
- Rear cross-traffic alert
Is the 2021 Chevrolet Trax a Good Value?
Yes, the 2021 Chevy Trax is a decent value since it’s cheaper than most other small SUVs on the market while still offering some good practicality. The blue book fair purchase price ranges from $15,999 to $22,500, making it less than a Ford Escape or Honda CR-V. When new, the price range was $21,400 to $23,820. Depreciation is similar to other SUVs, losing about 7% of its current value per year.
What are the Different Models of the Chevy Trax?
There are two main models of the Chevy Trax offered, from the entry-level LS through to the more well-equipped LT. The Trax comes standard with front-wheel drive, while all-wheel drive is available as an optional upgrade.
Trax LS is the entry-level model with:
- 7-inch infotainment touchscreen
- Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility
- Wi-Fi hotspot capability
- Six-speaker sound system
- Satellite radio
- Bluetooth connectivity
- Two USB ports
- Cloth upholstery
- Manually adjustable front seats
- Remote keyless entry
- Rearview camera
- Basic air conditioning
- Power windows and door locks
- Steel wheels with plastic covers
- 60/40-split folding rear seat
Trax LT is a step up, adding:
- Includes LS features
- Deluxe cloth upholstery
- Cruise control
- Remote start
- Heated outside mirrors
- LED running lights
- Roof rails
- Optional Driver Confidence package
- Blind-spot monitoring
- Rear cross-traffic alert
- Rear parking sensors
- Optional Premium Seat package
- Heated front seats
- Synthetic leather upholstery
- Optional LT Convenience package
- Six-way power-adjustable driver’s seat
- Leather-wrapped steering wheel
- Keyless ignition and entry (optional)
- Faux leather upholstery (optional)
What Engines Come In the Chevy Trax?
The 2021 Chevy Trax is powered by a single engine option: a turbocharged 1.4-liter four-cylinder engine. This engine delivers 155 horsepower and pairs with a six-speed automatic transmission. It offers a combined fuel economy of 28 MPG and can accelerate from 0-60 MPH in about 9.3 seconds, providing a balance of efficiency and responsive performance.
What Colors Does the Chevy Trax Come In?
How Comfortable Is the Chevy Trax?
The 2021 Chevy Trax offers a level of comfort that is commendable, especially considering its classification as a compact SUV. Inside, the Trax features a well-designed cabin that emphasizes both comfort and utility. Both the driver and passenger seat are crafted with quality materials, providing adequate support and cushioning, which makes both short drives and long journeys pleasant. The front seats, in particular, offer good adjustability, catering to a wide range of driver preferences and body types. Additionally, the rear seats are surprisingly roomy for a vehicle of its size, offering ample head and legroom for adult passengers, a feature not always found in compact SUVs.
In terms of ride quality, the 2021 Chevy Trax performs admirably. It is equipped with a suspension system that effectively absorbs most road imperfections, providing a smooth and stable ride even on less-than-ideal road surfaces. The cabin is well-insulated, minimizing road and wind noise, which contributes to a more serene driving experience. The climate control system is efficient and user-friendly, providing a comfortable environment inside the vehicle regardless of the weather conditions outside.
Furthermore, the Trax’s design includes various convenience features that enhance overall comfort. These include an intuitive infotainment system with easy-to-use controls, providing entertainment and connectivity during the drive. The inclusion of various storage compartments and cup holders adds to the practicality and ease of use, making the Trax a well-rounded vehicle in terms of comfort. Overall, the 2021 Chevy Trax strikes a fine balance between comfort, functionality, and affordability, making it a suitable choice for those seeking a comfortable and practical compact SUV.
How Much Storage Space Does the Chevy Trax Have?
The 2021 Chevy Trax, a compact SUV, offers a practical and versatile storage space suitable for various needs. In terms of dimensions, the Trax provides a total of 48.4 cubic feet of cargo volume when the rear seats are folded down. With the seats up, there’s only 18.7 cubic feet. This roomy area is more than enough to accommodate a range of items, from grocery bags and sports equipment to larger objects like a couple of suitcases or camping gear. The flat-folding passenger and driver seats further enhance the Trax’s ability to carry long items, such as skis or a small ladder, adding to its flexibility.
In addition to the primary cargo area, the 2021 Chevy Trax is designed with numerous small storage spaces, enhancing its practicality for everyday use. These include a glove compartment, door bins, a center console storage bin, and cup holders. There’s also a hidden storage compartment under the cargo floor, which is perfect for keeping valuable items out of sight or organizing smaller objects. The Trax’s design cleverly maximizes the use of space, guaranteeing that there’s a spot for everything from a water bottle to an umbrella, adding convenience to daily commutes and long journeys alike.
Overall, the 2021 Chevy Trax stands out for its clever use of space, offering a generous cargo area combined with smart, smaller storage solutions. Whether it’s for a road trip, a shopping spree, or carrying sports equipment, the Trax proves to be a reliable companion for a variety of storage needs. Its ability to adapt to different situations makes it an ideal choice for those who need a compact vehicle with ample and versatile storage options.
What Are the Differences Between Years?
The first generation of the Chevy Trax was launched for the 2015 model year.
2015: First model year for the all-new small SUV, which is below the Chevy Equinox in the lineup.
2016: No major updates from earlier years.
2017: Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across all models, minor exterior styling updates.
2018: Upgraded Chevy MyLink stereo system offered.
2019: No significant changes from earlier years.
2020: Midnight edition package removed.
2021: Premier model discontinued from the lineup, new engine offered at the end of the year.
How Does the Chevy Trax Compare to the Competition?
The 2021 Chevrolet Trax is a fine subcompact SUV for buyers on a budget, but it is a mediocre offering compared to some of the competition, which have more advanced technology.
The Chevrolet Trailblazer is another small SUV, which costs about $3,000 more. Standard technology is better in the Chevy Trailblazer, while the Chevy Trax fits into small parking areas better. We recommend the Chevy Trailblazer since it’s a better all-around SUV, making it worth the extra money.
The Buick Encore is a popular competitor, which costs around $2,000 more. Interior materials are more luxurious in the Buick Encore, while the Chevy Trax feels more nimble to drive. We recommend the Buick Encore, but both are very similar small SUVs worth trying out.
