New Year, Same Value: The 2026 Chevy Trax

Value has long been one of Chevrolet’s greatest strengths, and the Trax continues that tradition in impressive fashion. Designed to be affordable, efficient, and easy to live with, the Trax proves that you don’t have to overspend to enjoy modern features, smart design, and everyday versatility. If you’re looking for a smaller, gas-powered SUV that fits comfortably within your budget, the Trax is an option well worth your attention and could be waiting for you at your local Chevy dealer near Tupelo. 

Delivering a compelling combination of efficiency and tech-forward design, along with its competitive cargo space and spacious cabin, the Chevy Trax is a clear standout in the subcompact segment. Powered by a thrifty 137-hp engine, the Trax delivers an EPA-estimated 32 MPG on the highway. While that level of efficiency is a major selling point, it’s just one of several standout qualities that make the 2026 Trax such an impressive and well-rounded choice. Let’s review some of the highlights as we explore the subcompact SUV sensation that is the Chevy Trax. 

A Subcompact That Keeps Getting Better

The Chevy Trax has been offering drivers a refreshingly affordable option in the crossover segment since its introduction to the U.S. market for the 2015 model year. Chevrolet hasn’t become one of America’s most popular brands by resting on its laurels. Instead, the automaker ushered in a bold new chapter for the Trax with the introduction of its second generation for the 2024 model year, delivering meaningful updates in design, technology, and overall refinement—and the results speak for themselves.

The redesigned Trax was named Cars.com’s Best Car of 2024 and has landed two consecutive 10Best awards from Car and Driver. What has critics so excited about this Chevy’s subcompact? A longer wheelbase, for one. Chevy expanded the SUV’s cargo capacity to substantially improve the Trax’s, providing rear passengers with ample room to stretch out, relax, and enjoy the ride.

Second-Generation Upgrades and Features

Chevy also rounded out the Trax’s trim ladder with the debut of the second-gen model, adding three new trims and allowing Tupelo drivers to enjoy a wide array of new comfort, convenience, and tech features.

The 2024 model included a new push-button start system, a wireless phone charger, and automatic climate controls, as well as the Trax’s first adaptive cruise control system. New RS trims added sporty appeal to the SUV, featuring 19-inch alloy wheels for the 2RS trim, an exclusive grille, accent stitching, and RS badges. 

At the same time, the Activ adds some key comfort and convenience features, such as a power-adjustable driver’s seat, titanium chrome accents, rear skid plate motif, as well as Chevy’s Evotex upholstery with yellow accents. 

The 2025 Trax only made a few modest changes, adding a few color options and the ability to run on E85 fuel, while the 2026 model is mostly focused on aesthetic upgrades with the addition of new White Sands and Apex Red exterior hues. 

A Value-Packed Base Trim

Value is the defining factor in the subcompact segment, and Chevy’s smallest SUV delivers with a smart, economical approach that allows drivers to save significantly without ever feeling like they’ve had to compromise.

The Trax’s entry-level trim, LS, is anything but basic, offering buyers a well-rounded suite of advanced tech features and comfort-enhancing upgrades. 

Infotainment and Connectivity

It all starts with an 8.0-inch touchscreen display that serves as the central hub for the Trax’s infotainment features. The system includes all of the expected goodies, but it’s the wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone connectivity that really speaks to Chevy’s tech-forward approach. 

Apple CarPlay and Android Auto allow owners to tap the full power of their smartphone every time they sit behind the wheel. While these platforms have made their way into many models over the last few years, the LS outshines much of the competition by opting for the wireless version as part of the standard package.

While Apple CarPlay and Android Auto keep you constantly connected, Chevy addresses potential data concerns with a standard Wi-Fi hotspot, helping you avoid exceeding your monthly data limits through their available OnStar service.

Safety and Convenience Features

The LS rounds out its resume with LED headlights, a four-speaker audio system, and a full suite of advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS), including forward collision mitigation with automatic emergency braking, a lane departure warning system, and forward pedestrian braking. 

Those seeking an elevated driving experience can always add the available LS Convenience Package, which equips the Trax with heated front seats and heated, carpeted rear floor mats, along with a remote starter that’s sure to come in handy when you need to kickstart the AC during the hot Tupelo summers.   

Spacious Interior and Versatile Cargo

The larger second-generation Trax remains as nimble and efficient as ever. Still, Chevy has substantially improved the SUV’s rear legroom and increased its capacity by widening the track and extending the wheelbase.

Improved Interior Dimensions

The Trax now offers a more spacious interior, providing ample rear passenger legroom that allows it to compete comfortably with other subcompact crossovers. In fact, the Trax is only outdone by its own Chevy sibling in the Trailblazer, which leads the subcompact category with a generous 39.0 inches of rear legroom. 

The Trax is a close second at 38.7 inches, easily outperforming the rest of the segment, with rivals like the Honda HR-V (37.7 inches), Subaru Crosstrek (36.5 inches), and Mazda CX-30 (36.3 inches) falling just short where it counts most.

Expanded Cargo Capacity

It’s an impressive performance for the Trax, and its appeal only grows when you explore the versatile cargo space. The first-gen trended a little below average with 48.4 cu.ft. of maximum storage capacity, which left plenty of room for improvement when it came time to design the new model. 

Chevy certainly seems to have understood the assignment, leveraging every inch of the Trax’s wider, longer platform to bring buyers a spacious SUV that’s perfect for extended road trips and weekly errands around Tupelo. The SUV now boasts 54.1 cu.ft. of max cargo room, and is even more competitive when the rear seat is still in use. 

The 2026 Trax offers 25.30 cu.ft. of cargo space behind the back row, which is no small feat in the subcompact segment. Chevy’s SUV outpaces the likes of the Mazda CX-30 (20.2 cu.ft.) and Subaru Crosstrek (19.9 cu.ft.). The advantage of this extra room translates into the Trax being a practical choice for daily errands, weekend adventures, and everything in between.

Step Into the 2026 Chevy Trax at Crossroads Chevrolet GMC

The 2026 Chevy Trax is here to prove that even a small crossover can have a big impact on your daily driving experience. While not the largest model on the road, the Chevy Trax defies its subcompact classification by delivering a practical, enjoyable ride that prioritizes efficiency.

The second-generation model retains all the features that have made the Trax such a popular choice in its over 10 years on the market, while also embracing modern innovations. It offers comfort, convenience, and infotainment features that elevate the SUV’s appeal to drivers who value the latest technology.

The entry-level LS trim still offers as much value as ever, but new options like the aggressive RS and luxury-inspired Activ provide buyers with two enticing alternatives to the base model. With impressive legroom in its class and a spacious cargo area designed to handle even the most active lifestyles, it’s easy to see why the Chevy Trax stands out as one of America’s top subcompact SUVs under $30,000.

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