The 2025 Chevrolet Trax continues its strong presence in the subcompact SUV segment, balancing affordability, practicality, and comfort. After its full redesign in 2024, the 2025 model introduces subtle updates, such as new exterior colour options and E85 fuel compatibility, further broadening its appeal. Positioned as one of the most affordable new SUVs in its class, the Trax caters to budget-conscious buyers, first-time car owners, and small families who value space and features without exceeding their financial limits.
Priced from $21,895 (≈₦21.9 million), the Trax is widely regarded as a budget-friendly yet versatile choice. It offers generous passenger and cargo space compared to rivals, while standard features like wireless smartphone integration and advanced safety technology add to its value proposition. Despite its modest engine output, which may disappoint drivers seeking quicker highway performance, the Trax delivers agile city handling and reliable fuel efficiency, making it well-suited for everyday commuting. Consumer feedback highlights both its dependability and common complaints such as infotainment glitches, but overall, the Trax remains a competitive entry in Chevrolet’s SUV lineup.
Exterior Design and Styling
The 2025 Chevrolet Trax presents a clean, contemporary design that reflects Chevrolet’s modern SUV styling cues. At 178.6 inches long and 71.8 inches wide, it maintains a compact footprint, ideal for manoeuvrability in tight urban spaces. Its wheelbase of 106.3 inches contributes to a more stable stance while maximising interior space. Buyers can choose from new paint colours, including Cypress Gray and Marina Blue Metallic, which complement the SUV’s sharp lines and aerodynamic silhouette.
Trims such as RS and ACTIV add unique styling elements. The RS includes sporty touches like 18- or 19-inch alloy wheels, blacked-out exterior accents, and an athletic grille design, giving it a more aggressive presence. Meanwhile, the ACTIV trim leans towards rugged styling with all-terrain tyres and subtle cladding, appealing to drivers with an adventurous lifestyle. LED lighting across the lineup improves visibility and adds a premium touch to the SUV’s visual appeal.
Interior Comfort and Features
Inside, the Trax prioritises passenger comfort and practicality, offering up to 98 cubic feet of passenger space and 25.6 cubic feet of cargo volume, which expands to 54.1 cubic feet with the rear seats folded. Rear passengers enjoy impressive legroom for a subcompact SUV, making it a practical choice for families. While hard plastics dominate the cabin to keep costs low, trims such as LT, RS, and ACTIV introduce amenities like heated seats, a heated steering wheel, and leatherette upholstery to enhance comfort.
Technology is another strong point for the Trax. The base LS trim comes equipped with an 8-inch touchscreen, while higher trims include an 11-inch unit. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across all models, complemented by available wireless charging and Wi-Fi hotspot capability. Safety also receives significant attention, with Chevy Safety Assist standard on every trim. Features include automatic emergency braking, lane keep assist, forward collision alert, and pedestrian detection. Adaptive cruise control and blind-spot monitoring are available options.
Performance and Driving Dynamics
The Trax is powered by a 1.2-litre turbocharged inline-three-cylinder engine producing 137 horsepower and 162 lb-ft of torque. Paired with a six-speed automatic transmission, it offers responsive torque delivery at low speeds, making it feel peppy around town. Testing shows the Trax accelerates from 0 to 60 mph in approximately 8.8 seconds. While adequate for city driving, it feels underpowered during highway merges or when carrying heavier loads.
Fuel efficiency is another key highlight. The EPA rates the Trax at 28 mpg city, 32 mpg highway, and 30 mpg combined. Real-world testing reflects similar results, with averages ranging between 25 and 32 mpg depending on driving conditions. Handling is agile and car-like, with predictable steering and a firm brake pedal. Suspension tuning provides competent road holding, although it can feel stiff on rougher roads. Braking from 70 to 0 mph requires 180 feet, which is average within the segment.
Pricing and Trim Levels
The 2025 Chevrolet Trax offers five trims that balance affordability with increasing levels of comfort and technology:
- LS ($21,895 ≈₦32.1m): This base trim includes an 8-inch touchscreen, wireless smartphone integration, and Chevy Safety Assist, offering solid value for entry-level buyers.
- LT ($23,895 ≈₦35m): This trim adds an 11-inch touchscreen, remote start, and optional heated seats, improving convenience and comfort for daily commutes.
- 1RS ($23,895 ≈₦35m): The 1RS model brings a sportier look with 18-inch alloy wheels and unique styling cues that give the SUV a more dynamic appearance.
- 2RS ($25,395 ≈₦37.3m: The 2RS enhances the sporty features with 19-inch wheels, a heated steering wheel, and the option for a sunroof, blending style with practicality.
- ACTIV ($25,895 ≈₦38m): The ACTIV trim adopts a rugged personality, featuring all-terrain tyres, leatherette seats, and distinctive design elements ideal for those who prefer a tougher aesthetic. ($21,895 ≈₦32.1m): Includes 8-inch touchscreen, wireless smartphone integration, and Chevy Safety Assist.
Fully equipped models top out around $27,000 (≈₦39.6m), making the Trax a strong value proposition compared to its peers.
Specifications
The 2025 Chevrolet Trax comes equipped with a 1.2-litre turbocharged inline-three-cylinder engine. It delivers 137 horsepower at 5,000 rpm and 162 lb-ft of torque at 2,500 rpm, paired with a six-speed automatic transmission. This setup is designed for everyday city driving with an emphasis on efficiency rather than raw speed.
Front-wheel drive is standard, with no all-wheel drive option available. Fuel economy is estimated at 28 mpg in the city, 32 mpg on the highway, and 30 mpg combined, making it one of the more efficient choices in its class.
In terms of dimensions, the Trax measures 178.6 inches in length, 71.8 inches in width, and 61.4 inches in height, with a wheelbase of 106.3 inches. Cargo capacity is 25.6 cubic feet behind the rear seats, expanding to 54.1 cubic feet when folded.
The SUV’s curb weight ranges between 2,983 and 3,069 pounds, supported by a 13.2-gallon fuel tank that offers a practical driving range for both city and highway use.
Ownership in Regional Driving Conditions
In markets such as Nigeria and other regions with diverse driving environments, the Trax’s value-based appeal makes it an accessible option for families. Its fuel economy and compact size are advantageous for congested urban centres, while the generous ground clearance allows it to handle moderate road imperfections. However, the absence of all-wheel drive limits its capability in regions prone to heavy rainfall or poor road conditions.
Maintenance and servicing are simplified by Chevrolet’s global network, but spare parts availability and technician expertise may vary depending on the region. For climates with extreme heat, concerns about the durability of interior materials and air conditioning performance have been raised by some users. Despite these considerations, the Trax’s overall affordability, practicality, and low running costs make it a competitive daily-use SUV in such environments.
Comparison with Segment Rivals
Against competitors such as the Kia Soul, Hyundai Venue, and Nissan Kicks, the Chevrolet Trax positions itself as one of the most spacious and affordable options. Its base price undercuts many rivals, while its technology suite rivals more expensive models. However, the lack of an all-wheel drive option is a disadvantage compared to some alternatives in snowy or rugged markets.
Resale value for the Trax is expected to be solid, supported by Chevrolet’s strong reputation for durability and dependability. Maintenance costs are relatively low, and five-year ownership expenses average around $53,000 (≈₦53m), factoring in depreciation, fuel, insurance, and servicing. While its engine performance may not match that of higher-powered competitors, its balance of affordability, interior space, and standard safety features makes it one of the best-rounded subcompact SUVs available.
Pros and Cons
The Trax has several advantages. Its competitive starting price delivers strong value for money, while the spacious interior and rear legroom make it practical for families. Safety features come standard across all trims, and wireless smartphone integration combined with an available 11-inch infotainment display enhances convenience. Ownership costs are also low, which appeals to budget-conscious buyers.
On the other hand, the Trax comes with drawbacks. Engine performance is modest, especially on highways, and the absence of an all-wheel drive option limits versatility. Lower trims use basic interior materials, which may not satisfy all buyers. Users have reported infotainment glitches and occasional mechanical issues, and the cargo space, though adequate, feels limited compared to larger SUVs.
Conclusion
The 2025 Chevrolet Trax offers a compelling package for buyers prioritising affordability, practicality, and everyday usability. Its modern design, spacious cabin, and robust safety suite make it a standout option in the subcompact SUV class. While its modest engine performance and absence of all-wheel drive may deter some buyers, the Trax excels at delivering value-driven transportation with low ownership costs. For budget-conscious consumers and small families, it remains one of the most competitive vehicles in its segment.
What are your thoughts on the 2025 Chevrolet Trax? Would you consider it as your next SUV? Share your views below.
