I recently bought a silver 2017 Trax LT AWD. I traded in a 15 subaru forester. I had gotten a silverado pickup last year (my first chevrolet), and was surprised how much I liked it. Then when it came time for a new crossover, I decided to go Chevrolet again.
I was open to buying an LS but wanted to drive both LS and LT to compare. I was not looking for a premier--I could afford it but I appreciate more simplicity. My observation--the LS was almost just as nice inside as the LT. Lacking certain touches, like the wrapped steering wheel, the vinyl trim on the seats, but still nice. I think they did a nice job with the interior at all trim levels. I especially like the LT seats--makes the forester's feel like cardboard (and I had the leather). The cloth is nice and soft, the vinyl trim is a nice touch, and they're just comfortable. Ditto for the back seats.
Ultimately I went LT to get roof rack, cruise control, and back seat AC outlet. Those things are super useful. But it wasn't because the LS interior was bad. I would have been happy with it.
The ride height, visibility, and overall behind-the-wheel experience has been good. It's a comfortable cockpit with pretty nice materials, easy to use controls and it doesn't feel like you're in a cheap car in any way. I like sitting in it much more than my forester. There's not one reason I can pinpoint, but the forester just felt ergonomically "wrong" somehow. The seats weren't comfortable and I could spend 20 minutes adjusting the seat and wheel and still not find the perfect combination. In the Trax I found it within 1-2 minutes.
The engine is tiny, but the turbo works and once it spools up it has enough power. The transmission is tight, especially coming from the forester and it's CVT. I really dislike the CVT. Really. Since driving the Trax, it's like I have a real car again, with real gears. My advice to anyone--never buy a car with a CVT.
Annoyances I found so far:
- it's hard to use the E-brake and shift lever if the driver arm rest is down.
- it's a bit tricky to push down the back seat head rests so the seats fold flat.
Overall, it was a solid purchase. If you are on the fence, I say go for it, either the LS or LT they're both really nice cars. I'm sure the Premier is great too I just didn't get to drive one.
I was open to buying an LS but wanted to drive both LS and LT to compare. I was not looking for a premier--I could afford it but I appreciate more simplicity. My observation--the LS was almost just as nice inside as the LT. Lacking certain touches, like the wrapped steering wheel, the vinyl trim on the seats, but still nice. I think they did a nice job with the interior at all trim levels. I especially like the LT seats--makes the forester's feel like cardboard (and I had the leather). The cloth is nice and soft, the vinyl trim is a nice touch, and they're just comfortable. Ditto for the back seats.
Ultimately I went LT to get roof rack, cruise control, and back seat AC outlet. Those things are super useful. But it wasn't because the LS interior was bad. I would have been happy with it.
The ride height, visibility, and overall behind-the-wheel experience has been good. It's a comfortable cockpit with pretty nice materials, easy to use controls and it doesn't feel like you're in a cheap car in any way. I like sitting in it much more than my forester. There's not one reason I can pinpoint, but the forester just felt ergonomically "wrong" somehow. The seats weren't comfortable and I could spend 20 minutes adjusting the seat and wheel and still not find the perfect combination. In the Trax I found it within 1-2 minutes.
The engine is tiny, but the turbo works and once it spools up it has enough power. The transmission is tight, especially coming from the forester and it's CVT. I really dislike the CVT. Really. Since driving the Trax, it's like I have a real car again, with real gears. My advice to anyone--never buy a car with a CVT.
Annoyances I found so far:
- it's hard to use the E-brake and shift lever if the driver arm rest is down.
- it's a bit tricky to push down the back seat head rests so the seats fold flat.
Overall, it was a solid purchase. If you are on the fence, I say go for it, either the LS or LT they're both really nice cars. I'm sure the Premier is great too I just didn't get to drive one.
