[TrainTrax]

The all-new 2017 Chevrolet Trax made its Canadian debut at the Quebec City Auto Show on February 29th. The 2017 model has undergone a mid-cycle refresh that has updated its looks and features to bring it into line with the current standards in the segment.

The 2017 Chevy Trax comes in three trim levels: LS, LT and Premier. Multiple alluring features are on offer with the Trax, such as Apple CarPlay, Android Auto and a 7" touch screen. There are also a wide array of safety technologies, which include Side Blind Zone Alert, Rear Cross Traffic Alert, Forward Collision Alert and Lane Departure Warning.

Most of the changes that the Trax has seen are cosmetic. There are additional chrome accents, a revised instrument layout, and a new grille and headlamps that bring the Trax's design more into line with the Malibu, Cruze and Volt.

Remaining constant is the singlular engine available for the Trax. The 2017 Chevy Trax will run on a 1.4L 4-cylinder Ecotec engine that is mated to a 6-speed automatic transmission. It produces 138 HP and 148 lb-ft of torque.

 

[beeguz]

This may be my next new vehicle I really like what they have done to the new Trax.

I wish they would offer us the manual trans, this would make certain I would be drving a 17 Trax

 

[DustTrax]

Seems like car manufacturers are slowly phasing out manual cars. Too bad they didn't update it with a more powerful engine.

 

[James]

More powerful engines only happen when there's a real need for it and when you increase power fuel economy becomes a concern, lots to factor in.

 

[beeguz]

The Trax is available with a standard transmission but as far as I can see only with front wheel drive, and only out of the US.

I was very impressed with the power of my Trax, its no corvette but for the tiny motor it is it moves along nicely.

My Trax was very lively and nimble, maybe because I never had passengers or loads of any kind in it, I thought it did quite well for being a 1.4 a honda with 1.8 doesn't feel as lively.

I haven't test driven the new honda turbo 1.5 but I will at some point before I make my next new car purchase.

 

[James]

Glad to hear your positive feedback about the power since in this segment with what the Trax offers there isn't much room for an individual to improve that area (and they shouldn't) just going to cost too much to get an noticeable amount of power.

Putting more value into your feedback is the fact you have driven something with 'real' power, a Corvette.

 

[Jobu]

If someone wants a sporty mini suv. The one to get is the Juke Nismo. But the back seat is unusable for anyone bigger than a toddler and a trip to Costco means the toddlers feet will be resting on the paper towel.

 

[beeguz]

If someone wants a sporty mini suv. The one to get is the Juke Nismo. But the back seat is unusable for anyone bigger than a toddler and a trip to Costco means the toddlers feet will be resting on the paper towel.

The reason most buy the Trax or Encore is the usable space in the back, I bought mine to take the place of my pick up and not pay tons of money to use it.

A 4wd truck is a nice thing to own for the convenience of hauling things, but paying $30K for a basic truck, then the slap in the face of 10 to 15 MPG everytime you need it was just too much for me.

 

[James]

The reason most buy the Trax or Encore is the usable space in the back, I bought mine to take the place of my pick up and not pay tons of money to use it.

A 4wd truck is a nice thing to own for the convenience of hauling things, but paying $30K for a basic truck, then the slap in the face of 10 to 15 MPG everytime you need it was just too much for me.

Exactly what I have going on in my head as well.

The only "extreme" I would go to is getting a wrangler which can in a way function like a truck but no point getting it or anything beyond your daily needs.

Much easier on your wallet to get something that meets and even just slightly exceeds your needs and renting something for those anomalies.

 

[DustTrax]

Jeep isn't really that reliable especially when it comes to the Wrangler even if the four door is pretty spacious. The Chevy Trax is just a good all rounder for an affordable price.

 

[Jobu]

I really liked the Renegade, has a little more power and the sound of their Turbo (wastegate) is just awesome but they are having massive reliability issues with the Transmissions both Auto and Manual and lots of electrical problems.... Its a Fiat...

 

[Ysandro Villalba]

You are not kidding Jobu, I frequent the "Jeep Renegade Forum" when I want to stay current on their situation, and I regret to say it is looking worse every month that passes! I was rather disappointed that Jeep was unable to improve on their 'technical-bugs' from the 2015 model, as it seems this problem is carrying over like there's no tomorrow. That vehicle was to become their flagship alongside the Jeep Grand Cherokee, but they had to go Italian and we all know where that leads!

 

[beeguz]

Jeep isn't what it once was, I think you would have a hard time selling me a modern jeep/chrysler product, since Fiat took over the quality is going down the tubes.

 

[Ysandro Villalba]

Agreed "beeguz", I just really had my hopes up for the Renegade, that thing was to become the mini-Grand Cherokee of tomorrow, people are actually drooling over that thing! I've seen a couple in person, never test-drove one myself, but they do look quite interesting from the outside...specially the higher-end trims! I just can't believe Jeep ruined this for themselves.

 

[James]

Agreed "beeguz", I just really had my hopes up for the Renegade, that thing was to become the mini-Grand Cherokee of tomorrow, people are actually drooling over that thing! I've seen a couple in person, never test-drove one myself, but they do look quite interesting from the outside...specially the higher-end trims! I just can't believe Jeep ruined this for themselves.

Fortunately with a new Compass out and starting at a price not much more than the Renegade, you have another option. But of course if buying used sound good to you, Renegade might be it after all.

 

[Jobu]

New Compass is a great looking and perfectly sized vehicle with more space than the Cherokee and a footprint six inches greater than the Renegade but its crippled by the archaic noisy and gas guzzling 2.4l engine and same Automatic Transmission.

Rumor is a 2l twin Turbo direct injection motor producing 300hp is on its way but nobody has seen it. No Turbo diesel offered either by any of the big 3, that is a lost opportunity considering they all offer them in most other world markets on these very same vehicle. a 12 year old Jeep Liberty will still fetch 7000 dollars with over 100 000 miles on the clock.

 

[James]

that might explain the fact i'm not seeing too many of them on the road unless that's just a result of not living in the sort of market Jeep is targeting. but at the same time I can see how it can not appeal to a large part of various potential types of buyers

 

[Ysandro Villalba]

James, I've seen the 2018 Jeep Compass and it is a great-looking vehicle. I cannot wait till they arrive on lots over here around Christmas time, it'll be some real competition since many auto brands have now redesigned models arriving to showrooms everywhere in the country. I'm beginning to see the new 2018 Chevrolet Equinox all over the place here, great truck with a smaller-turbo engine (1.5 L4 Turbo). I believe Toyota is also adding the C-HR to their line-up.

 

[Jobu]

Equinox also has the 1.6 turbo diesel coming soon. Same as the one offered in the Cruze. That will give it around 240 foot pounds and good towing rating.

Really wish they would offer the diesel/manual on the Trax but it won't happen. It would add 5000.00 to the price.

 

[Flyinfool]

I wonder how much of not offering the diesel in the USA is due to the EPA. It seems you can not have power and meet EPA unless you play the VW game.