It’s proof that sometimes, the manufacturers hear press and public criticism and make the proper adjustments.
Torque News Breaks Down The 2026 Chevrolet Trax Activ
Outside of paint colors, there’s little new for the Trax for 2026. That’s OK, since the current generation of the Trax erases the stink of the first one.
The first generation was supposed to be a solid urban runabout, but it never quite worked the way it was supposed to. Small and easy to park, sure. Useful for some activities - sure, it could haul a surfboard or a skateboard or something like that. But it was far from engaging to drive and it seemed like a cynical way for Chevy to offer an entry-level crossover.
Now, the Trax is reskinned, with an edgier look that mixes curves and angles and catches the eye.
Underhood is a 1.2-liter turbocharged inline three-cylinder that mates to a six-speed automatic transmission. The power numbers are 132 horsepower and 167 pound-feet of torque. This one is a front-wheel drive unit.
Chevy is aiming the Trax at young buyers and budget shoppers. With that in mind, the starting price here is $25,300. That includes features such as remote start, keyless entry and starting, wireless Apple CarPlay, wireless Android Auto, noise cancellation, satellite radio, automatic headlights, heated front seats, heated steering wheel, 18-inch wheels, LED headlamps, and a rear spoiler.
Available advanced driver-assist systems include forward-collision assist, automatic emergency braking, front pedestrian braking, lane-keep assist with lane-departure warning, and rearview camera.
Options on my test unit included a sunroof, wireless phone charging, rear cross-traffic alert, lane-change alert with side blind-zone alert, adaptive cruise control, and rear park assist. With D and D fees, this one came out to $28,385.
Torque News Takes The 2026 Chevrolet Trax Activ To The Road
The Trax is not, nor ever will be, an enthusiast’s choice. There’s not a lot of power on hand, and it shows, though there’s just enough to get around town.
The handling is more fun than one would expect, but spry is one thing and sporting is not. This is not a happy camper when pushed, and you get some body roll. However, lower-stakes cornering at half-effort is more fun than one would expect from this class.
That comes at the cost of ride - it’s not super stiff, but it’s not smooth and creamy, either. It’s a bit bouncy at times.
Noise, vibration, and harshness can be a bit of an issue, though just a bit. The Trax allows a fair amount of buzzy engine noise into the cabin, though tire, wind, and road noise is kept mostly out.
Engines with odd numbers of cylinders aren’t always well-balanced. That’s not an issue here, but a turbo three working hard and the lower use of sound deadening at lower price points plays a role in the amount of engine noise.
None of it, to be clear, is a surprise at this price point. For an entry-level crossover, it’s fine.
Inside, the cabin looks a little odd, just like the exterior does, but everything works. Buttons and knobs are easy to reach.
Fuel economy is a key part of these smaller vehicles - some folks shop this segment for that reason alone. The Trax Activ comes in at 28 mpg city/32 mpg highway/30 mpg combined.
I haven’t spent time with the lower-trim Traxes, since Chevy, like most automakers, tends to give journalists more time with the top trims. With that in mind, the Activ does a lot of things well for a compact budget SUV. It’s not quite as fun to drive - or feature-laden - as the Hyundai Kona, but it’s one of the strongest vehicles available for under $30K. Especially if you’re looking for a crossover.
That’s partly luck - the budget segment as been mostly abandoned and some of the Trax’s competition, such as the higher-end trims of the Kona and the Nissan Kicks, have moved a bit upmarket in terms of price.
No one is going to lust after the Trax. No young kids will put in on their bedrooms in the form of a poster. It won’t sell car magazines if it ever gets on the cover, and it likely will never make a cover. But if you need something for under $30K, you’ll get a plenty decent package that’s not a penalty box.
That’s pretty good for this day and age.
About The Author
Tim Healey is an experienced automotive writer and editor from Chicago. He has covered automotive news at Consumer Guide Automotive, Web2Carz, AutoGuide, and was the managing editor at The Truth About Cars. Tim is a member of the Midwest Automotive Media Association. You can find him on Facebook, X/Twitter, and on LinkedIn.
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