The 2021 Chevrolet Trax gives you a quick ride and a smart tech lineup, both of which come at a great price. The Trax is also pretty sporty, offering up Jet Ski-friendly towing capabilities, roof rails for your surfboard, and trail-friendly all-wheel drive. Whether you’ve got an adventurous streak or a frugal one (or both!), this subcompact crossover has you in mind.
2021 Chevrolet Trax Standout Features:
- Small exterior size, generous passenger space
- Friendly price
- Lots of modern tech and convenience features
Sporty Exterior Style
The 2021 Chevy Trax is a small, five-door crossover, perfect for drivers who navigate busy city streets during the workweek and camping sites or beaches on the weekend. Its small size makes it an easy fit for parking garages. On the other hand, the Trax’s optional roof rails and towing capabilities make it a great choice for drivers who like to venture into the great unknown.
Exterior features include:
- LED running lights
- LED taillamps
- Deep-tinted glass
- Roof rails
- Heated mirrors
- 16-inch all-season blackwall tires with 16-inch aluminum wheels
- Optional 18-inch all-season blackwall tires with 18-inch black finish aluminum wheels with red accent stripe or 18-inch gloss black aluminum wheels
- Carrier mount for bike or ski carriers
Choose from nine 2021 Trax exterior colors:
- Mosaic Black Metallic
- Midnight Blue Metallic
- Silver Ice Metallic
- Summit White
- Crimson Metallic
- Black Cherry Metallic
- Stone Gray Metallic
- Iridescent Pearl Tricoat
- Shadow Gray Metallic
Modern Interior Comfort
With two trim levels on offer, the LS and LT, this subcompact crossover makes sure you have all the comfort you crave. Though the Trax falls into the subcompact segment, it’s a crossover that makes a point of supplying impressive head- and legroom in both rows.
Interior highlights:
- Six-speaker sound system
- 60/40-split folding rear seat
- Optional upgraded seating surfaces
- Optional power-adjustable driver's seat
- Optional faux leather upholstery
- Optional heated front seats
Safety, Security, and Technology
This subcompact crossover SUV appeals to gadget lovers with its many standard tech features. Every Trax includes Chevy’s Infotainment 3 system. You’ll love its 7-inch color touch screen, which is both intuitive and quick, making your interactions enjoyable. The system also includes Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone connectivity, technology that displays some apps on the central touch screen. These connectivity features also let you access your phone’s voice controls, optimizing your hands-free experience.
Standard infotainment features include:
- Infotainment 3 system
- Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility
- 7-inch infotainment touch screen
- Wi-Fi hotspot*
In addition to keeping you connected to your smartphone apps, the Trax also offers high levels of safety and security, courtesy of its optional driver safety aids and OnStar emergency telematics system.
For a little extra help spotting danger, add the Driver Convenience package to the LT trim model. The package alerts you to dangers you might otherwise miss, via:
- Rear park assist
- Rear cross-traffic alert
- Side blind zone alert
The OnStar** telematics system, standard on both Trax trim models, sends help after an unexpected event, such as an accident or engine trouble. Features include:
- Automatic emergency notification
- Stolen vehicle tracking
- Roadside assistance
Power & Performance
Both Trax trim models feature the same powertrain: a turbocharged 1.4-liter four-cylinder engine that’s paired with a six-speed automatic transmission. Thanks to its 138 horsepower and 148 pound-feet of torque, the Trax powertrain easily keeps up with fast-moving traffic. Front-wheel drive is standard for all Trax models, but sporty shoppers can always add optional all-wheel drive for greater all-weather traction.
Fuel Economy
With front-wheel drive, the 2021 Trax delivers its most efficient performance, earning up to 28 mpg combined (26 city/31 highway mpg). The all-wheel drive system adds extra weight, but only slightly reduces efficiency, with EPA ratings coming in at 26 mpg combined (24/29 mpg).
Towing Capacity
The 2021 Chevrolet Trax can tow a small boat or Jet Ski, thanks to a maximum tow rating of 3,267 pounds. To achieve maximum ratings, you must add all-wheel drive to your Trax. However, with front-wheel drive, the Trax is still pretty capable, towing up to 3,124 pounds.
Trim Specifics
For 2021, Trax shoppers must choose between two trim models, the entry-level LS and midrange LT. (The swanky Premier trim was dropped for 2021.)
LS highlights include:
The LS represents an excellent price on a brand new subcompact crossover, starting at just $21,300. This Trax is also nicely equipped, especially when it comes to tech features. The infotainment setup, which includes complete smartphone integration and a quick-acting touch screen, is intuitive and easy to operate on the go.
- Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility
- 7-inch infotainment touch screen
- Wi-Fi hotspot*
- Six-speaker sound system
- 60/40-split folding rear seat
Every LT features:
Choose the Trax LT for more in on-road convenience and sporty capabilities. The LT adds to the LS lineup with roof rails and LED headlights, making it easier to travel away from the bright city with all your favorite sports gear mounted to the roof. Inside, the LT also treats you to greater on-road comfort, thanks to its upgraded seats.
- Cruise control
- Upgraded seating surfaces
- LED running lights
- Roof rails
- Heated outside mirrors
LT options include:
Since it offers more optional equipment than the LS, the Trax LT is also a great option for shoppers who wish to personalize their on-road experience.
- Keyless ignition and entry
- Power-adjustable driver's seat
- Faux leather upholstery
- Heated front seats
- Blind-spot monitoring
*After a one-month/3 GB free trial period, monthly or annual data fees apply
Available Packages
LS Packages:
Tint and Cruise package:
- Deep-tinted glass
- Cruise control
Redline Edition:
- 18-inch Black finish aluminum wheels with Red accent stripes
- 18-inch all-season blackwall tires
- Front and rear Black bowtie emblems
- Black mirror caps
- Black grille with Black surround
- Black beltline moldings
- Black Trax badge with Red outline
- Body-color door handles
Midnight Edition:
- Mosaic Black Metallic exterior color
- 18-inch Gloss Black aluminum wheels with all-season tires
- Front and rear Black bowtie emblems
- Front and rear Black skid plates
- Black beltline moldings
Sport Edition:
- 18" Gloss Black aluminum wheels with all-season tires
- Front and rear Black bowtie emblems
- Front and rear Black skid plates
- Black beltline moldings
Premium Seat package:
- Heated driver and front passenger seats
- Leatherette seat trim
Driver Confidence package:
- Rear park assist
- Rear cross-traffic alert
- Side blind zone alert
LT Convenience package:
- Keyless entry and ignition with two spare keys
- Six-way power driver seat
- Leather-wrapped steering wheel
Road Trip package:
- Premium all-weather floor mats
- Roof rack cross rails
Available for both the LS and LT:
Lifestyle package:
- Cargo area tray
- Carrier mount for bike or ski carriers
Protection package:
- Premium all-weather floor mats
- Front/rear splash guards
Interior protection package:
- Premium all-weather floor mats
- Cargo mat
Chevrolet Warranty
Your purchase of the 2021 Chevrolet Trax includes impressive warranty coverage. No matter which trim level or options you select, you’ll enjoy:
- Bumper-to-bumper limited coverage for 3 years/36,000 miles
- Powertrain limited coverage for 5 years/60,000 miles
- Emission control system coverage for 2 years/24,000 miles
Pros and Cons of Ownership
The 2021 Chevrolet Trax has a lot to offer for drivers who are looking for a small, affordable crossover. However, there are also some drawbacks to consider before making a purchase.
One benefit of the Trax, as noted by U.S. News & World Report, is its roomy interior despite its small exterior size. It also is easy to maneuver round tight spaces and is “sufficiently powerful around town.”
However, there are also some drawbacks to consider. Car and Driver points out that the Trax's doesn’t offer the same features that its rivals do. Further, the infotainment screen is small but functions well enough. U.S. News & World Report notes that the Trax's fuel economy is only average for its class, and that its cargo space is limited compared to other subcompact crossovers.
Despite these drawbacks, the 2021 Chevrolet Trax remains a strong option for drivers who want an affordable, sporty, and tech-savvy crossover.
What Comes Next for the Chevrolet Trax?
While a newly redesigned Trax was rumored for the 2021 model year, it ultimately wasn’t to be. However, we do expect a second-generation Trax sometime in the near future.
This upcoming Chevy Trax will also be a subcompact crossover SUV with approximately the same price tag. We also expect a new Trax powertrain, a turbocharged 1.4-liter four-cylinder engine mated to a thrifty nine-speed automatic transmission. When we learn more, we’ll be the first to let you know!