![]() ![]() Chevy offers a six-speed automatic transmission on most models, but a manual is available on the base model. It is available in both front and all-wheel drive. Our AWD 2LT came in at just under $29,000 which is quite pricey when you consider that it has no heated seats or fog lights while those of equal of less money in the comparo did.This car features a 1.4 liter turbo four-cylinder engine with 138 horsepower. The most hurt on the Trax comes from its pricing. Fair marks go to the front seats, the driving position and overall visibility.Īs we discovered in our comparo test of Compact Crossover Alternatives, the 2013 Chevrolet Trax has everything it needs on paper but falls short in execution. The high points include the very easy to use and pleasant to behold MyLink that just about seamlessly brings music, video, smartphones and the like together in a fun-to-use way. The dashboard is a smorgasbord of cheap looking, differently textured and poorly assembled pieces of plastic. GM designers may have thought to fit a large number of storage areas throughout but they did not think to make it all fit harmoniously together. Sadly, the remainder of the cabin takes a serious nosedive. Its tall 5-door body configuration lends itself well to young, small family duty however, fitting anything more than two adults (or three kids) on the rear bench will work if only for a very short period. Stout and snub-nosed, its short overhangs and wheels at all four corners really make it the perfect “cute” urban jungle-conquering vehicle. The most endearing aspect of the 2013 Chevrolet Trax is its outer appearance. It is clear why GM refers to it as the “REAL” city adventurer. It was not as disconcerting as with a 2013 Chevrolet Malibu we recently entered in another comparo test.ĭespite the less than stellar performances on the open road, the 2013 Chevrolet Trax proved to be an excellent and comfortable steed in the city. As for the brakes, the top portion of pedal travel was mushy and therefore unresponsive. Steering was numb with little feedback but thankfully, its precision was never put in doubt. The same applied to strut rebound and compression control in short, the Trax felt floaty while the others remained composed and surefooted. The 2013 Chevrolet Trax suffered from poor weight transfer control on some of the twistier country roads. What became evident was the Trax’s suspension calibration or, better yet, lack thereof. Where the countryside is concerned, as I found out firsthand during the comparo drive, things aren’t as good. With the available AWD, the 2013 Chevrolet Trax proves to be a competent tool to get around on snow-covered roads, particularly in the city. In other words, the Trax does not like to be rushed. ![]() The optional 6-speed autobox swaps gears with skill, but prefers to do things at its rate. Acceleration is decent, but the addition of three passengers to go along with the driver maxes out what the powertrain can achieve. Perhaps the best aspect of the drivetrain is its impressively frugal fuel consumption numbers we averaged fewer than 10L/100 km on test day, the best by far of the lot. Pricing starts at $18,495.ĭespite the smallish displacement motor, the turbo manages to make things generally interesting. Front-wheel-drive is standard while AWD is a $1,950 option. The LS model has a standard 6-speed manual transmission in base trim, and a 6-speed autobox is optional, standard on all other trims. The 2013 Chevrolet Trax is shod out of the box with a turbocharged 4-cylinder ECOTEC 1.4L engine that produces 138 hp and 148 lb-ft of torque. Available with AWD, the 2013 Chevrolet Trax is primarily urbanite as its outer dimensions suggest maneuverability and its ability to fit in relatively small parking spots. The name would suggest that the Trax is a minimally capable off-roader however, this is not the case. The Trax competes against the likes of the Hyundai Tucson and Volkswagen Tiguan as well as taking on the Mitsubishi RVR and Subaru XV Crosstrek. General Motors dubs the 2013 Chevrolet Trax the “smart SUV.” The fact of the matter is that it’s a compact crossover that further blurs the definition of what a CUV is. The love quickly dissipated in the course of our comparo as the Chevrolet Trax lost its grip in the shootout. When I took delivery of my Trax, I was immediately smitten with its quirky almost cute mug. When I first glanced at pictures of the 2013 Chevrolet Trax, I thought I had found a new nameplate to add to my list. ![]() Think Scion FR-S, Ford F-150, Mercedes Sprinter and Subaru Outback. I especially love cars that have a purpose, a clearly defined one. I’ve said it before and will repeat it countless times in the future: I love cars. ![]()
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