2020 Chevrolet Trax Pros vs Cons. Should You Buy?

If you hate the thought of spending a lot of money for a new SUV, take a look at the 2020 Chevrolet Trax. This compact crossover is a great choice for drivers on a budget. Aside from its outstanding value, the Trax also provides enough space for the average family. Let’s examine some of this SUV’s other great qualities.

What’s New for 2020?

With plans to release a completely redesigned Trax in the near future, Chevy decided not to make any drastic changes to the 2020 model. However, last year’s optional Midnight Edition appearance package is no longer on the SUV’s list of options.

Top 10 Reasons to Buy a 2020 Chevrolet Trax – The Pros

1. Easy On Your Bank Account

With a starting MSRP of less than $22,000, the 2020 Chevrolet Trax proves to be a very affordable choice. This is a key advantage for drivers who don’t have a lot of money to burn. You’ll also appreciate the Trax’s low cost of upkeep. Replacement parts, like brake pads, are relatively inexpensive. Although the Trax may be a tad less efficient than some competitors, it still returns decent fuel economy. Anticipate getting a combined 28 mpg on regular unleaded.

2. Easy to Maneuver

Drivers love the Trax’s compact design. It’s far easier to maneuver than a bigger SUV. A tight turning radius and a short wheelbase help the Trax to squeeze into narrow parking spaces. Visibility is also quite good, which means drivers can better see any obstacles. While the Trax isn’t the sportiest crossover in the segment, it handles good enough to inspire drivers with confidence. Even when quickly changing lanes on the freeway, the Trax feels stable.

3. Provides Enough Room to Accommodate Families

Some compact vehicles are only suitable for everyday commuting. They don’t provide enough space for families. Fortunately, the 2020 Chevrolet Trax has a surprisingly spacious interior design. Unless you’re extremely tall, you should have no complaints about the available rear-seat legroom. Head- and legroom in the front is especially good. You’ll also benefit from the Trax's useful cargo area, which provides almost 19 cubic feet of cargo space. This SUV can definitely handle a trip to the beach.

4. Eye-Catching Redline Edition Package

There are plenty of car shoppers who will appreciate the Trax’s youthful styling. An athletic stance makes it look quite sporty on the road. Most trims come standard with LED daytime running lights and LED taillights. If you want to truly elevate the Trax’s curb appeal, consider getting the optional Redline Edition package. It features 18-inch black alloy wheels with red accents and blacked-out exterior treatments. Chevy also gives you some cool colors to choose from, including Red Hot and Black Cherry Metallic.

5. Gives You Great Security on the Road

The new 2020 Chevrolet Trax is a very safe vehicle. Parents will especially appreciate this crossover’s excellent impact protection. It scored a five-star rating in every crash test performed by the NHTSA. Even the Trax’s rollover rating is quite good. Passengers are surrounded by a total of ten airbags. In the event your airbags are deployed during a crash, GM’s award-winning OnStar system will automatically notify emergency services. Even if you’re unable to call 911, help will be on the way.

6. Some Active Safety Technologies Are Offered

You’ll have access to some of today’s most popular driver-assist safety features. Not only does the SUV’s optional forward collision alert system warn you of an imminent front-end impact, but it also determines when you’re following too closely too another vehicle. Meanwhile, an available blind-spot monitor notifies you of oncoming traffic in the next lane. Cross-traffic alert is integrated into the blind-spot monitor, which assists with parking. Lane departure warning is also on the Trax’s list of optional equipment.

7. An Above-Average Amount of Standard Equipment

The 2020 Chevrolet Trax comes loaded with an above-average amount of standard equipment. This helps make the Trax an even more impressive value. Even luxurious models like the Audi Q3 don’t provide some of the Trax’s standard features. If you regularly use the internet, you’ll especially enjoy the SUV’s standard 4G Wi-Fi hotspot. It’s a feature all of your passengers will enjoy. Other highlights include a smartphone-friendly touchscreen, a six-speaker stereo, and two USB ports.

8. Easy-to-Use MyLink Infotainment System

While Chevy’s newest Infotainment 3 system is not available on the 2020 Chevrolet Trax, it does feature a nice infotainment system. Chevy’s previous MyLink touchscreen is remarkably easy to operate. Even inexperienced people will have no problems learning how to use MyLink. If you don’t want to use the touchscreen, take advantage of the unit’s physical buttons. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto give you more reason to like this infotainment system. It only takes a few seconds for MyLink to access your smartphone’s functions.

9. Sun and Sound Package

Many people will be interested in the Trax’s optional Sun and Sound package. It brings a sunroof, which promises to give the Trax an additional fun factor. Along with the package also comes a more powerful Bose premium audio system. Music fans will certainly appreciate the system’s enhanced sound quality. A rear-mounted subwoofer rewards you with a stronger bass response.

10. Cold-Weather Features Are Available

The 2020 Chevrolet Trax is a good winter vehicle. An optional all-wheel-drive system helps the Trax to pull through the snow. You also have access to a few other cold-weather features. When the outdoor temperatures start to drop, the optional heated front seats will help warm you up. Meanwhile, remote vehicle start will make morning commutes more enjoyable.

Reasons Not to Buy a 2020 Chevrolet Trax – The Cons

1. Not Big On Performance

Don’t expect the 2020 Chevrolet Trax to offer a great deal of performance. While the Trax’s 138-horsepower engine feels adequate in most driving situations, some people will desire a bit more oomph under the hood. This SUV must work especially hard when carrying a full load of passengers and cargo. When launched from a stop, the Trax takes about 9.3 seconds to reach 60 mph. Some of the Trax’s competitors offer quicker acceleration.

2. Not Built for Towing

The 2020 Chevrolet Trax is strictly a people mover. It’s not built for towing stuff. This could be an issue for drivers who need to transport something like an ATV or riding lawnmower. Rated with a 2,000-pound maximum towing capacity, the 2020 Jeep Renegade is more suitable for the job. You can also step up to the larger Chevrolet Equinox.

3. Doesn’t Feel Luxurious

Don’t expect the new Trax to offer the best ride comfort. Many automotive critics describe this crossover’s ride as being choppy. When driving over harsh pavement, you will feel some roughness. The Trax also allows a fair amount of road and wind noise to enter the cabin. While the new Trax does not feel cheap on the inside, you’ll never mistake it for a luxury vehicle.

4. Certain Safety Technologies Are Limited to Top Trim

There’s no overlooking the helpfulness of the Trax’s available safety technologies. While the mid-level LT trim offers blind-spot monitoring as an option, forward collision alert and lane departure warning are limited to the range-topping Trax Premier. Keep in mind that this trim is at least $6,000 more expensive than the base model. Some people will not want to spend the extra money.

5. Midnight Appearance Package Discontinued

Blacked-out appearance packages have become quite popular. Chevy’s Midnight Appearance package gave the Trax a more special look. Unfortunately, it has been removed from the lineup. This may disappoint some people.

How It Stacks Up to the Competition

2020 Toyota CH-R

Like the 2020 Chevrolet Trax, the 2020 Toyota CH-R has an affordable price. Some drivers will also like its unique styling. However, there’s not nearly as much passenger space inside of the Toyota CH-R. You also can’t get the CH-R with an AWD system, which is bad news for folks living in snow-prone regions.

2020 Mazda CX-3

The 2020 Mazda CX-3 is one of the top crossovers in the segment. It’s engaging to drive and very good on gas. However, there’s just a bit more passenger space inside of the Trax. You may also prefer the simplicity of Chevy’s MyLink infotainment system.

2020 Honda HR-V

Critics love the 2020 Honda HR-V. However, this crossover does have a few downsides. It fails to provide highly popular standard features like a Wi-Fi hotspot and Apple CarPlay/Android Auto smartphone support.

Conclusion

You’ll appreciate the 2020 Chevrolet Trax’s affordability. It gives you a ton of great features for the money. A reasonably spacious backseat also makes the 2020 Chevrolet Trax a good pick for families. All-wheel-drive versions of the Trax are especially great for the winter.

While the Trax hits the right mark in certain categories, performance is just okay. To get sought-after safety technologies like forward collision alert, you must step up to the range-topping Premium trim. Furthermore, automatic emergency braking is not available on any trim.