2018 Chevrolet Trax

The Trax is a subcompact SUV that turns on a dime and sports tons of tech features that all come standard. Looking very much like an infant SUV with wide hips, the Trax’s small wheels have a surprising turn radius. Swoop in and back out of tight parking spots with ease, turn corners downtown with next to no body roll, and climb switchbacks like a pro. The performance isn’t anything to write home about, but the handling makes you feel like you’re driving a much smaller vehicle.

Do you like a vehicle loaded with the latest technology? How about Wi-Fi hotspot? On the Trax, it comes standard. Do you want a responsive, easily-navigable infotainment system on a large display? Standard. Keyless entry? Standard. Rearview camera? Standard. Bluetooth? Android Auto? Apple CarPlay? All standard. These features will keep your crew of five connected and content no matter the congestion.

The 2018 Chevrolet Trax has three trims: LS, LT, and Premier. The primary difference is technology and interior swag. Even the base trim has plenty of tech features that almost never come standard on other models. But we recommend the LT trim, which, for a small step up in price, adds remote start, satellite radio and the option to throw in a package or two with features like leatherette upholstery, additional safety features, or a sunroof.

The Premier trim adds all the bells and whistles of lower trims and all packages. It includes every available safety feature, leatherette upholstery, heated front seats, and a Bose audio system.The major advantage of any Chevrolet Trax is its perfect five-star government crash rating. Grab some of the optional active safety features on the upper trims and you will feel confident in the safety of your SUV, which should give you some peace of mind as you strap in the little ones.

Front-wheel drive comes standard on the 2018 Chevrolet Trax. If you want superior traction at the expense of a heavier SUV, all-wheel drive is optional on any trim for $1,500 more.

The owner’s manual actually warns you not to use the Chevy Trax for towing a trailer. It just wasn’t designed for towing. If you want an SUV to which you can attack a trailer, consider the Chevrolet Tahoe that can tow 6,600 pounds or 8,600 with the trailer package.