The 2016 Chevy Trax LS embodies some of the most appealing aspects of a compact SUV. Its sporty design, accented by athletic curves and robust color choices, results in a modern design meant to attract attention. It’s also fun to drive thanks to its responsive handling. Similar to other SUVs, it offers excellent interior functionality. Its 60/40 split-folding rear seats allow you to transport larger items such as a kayak, furniture, and other items with ease. Furthermore, it comes loaded with the latest technological innovations, so you can enjoy your tunes while keeping your focus on the road. For a compact SUV, the 2016 Chevy Trax LS packs plenty of promise. Let’s see how far this promise extends when comparing it to similar models. To do this, we’ll look at the basics most car buyers use to make their decisions: price, safety, fuel economy, interior offerings and performance.
Price
The 2016 Chevy Trax LS touts affordability, with a starting price of $20,300. While that might seem steep for a compact SUV, it isn’t when you see what similar models go for. To give you context, the 2016 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport 2.0 ES begins at $19,595, which is a negligible difference in price. But the Outlander runs on the low end of the cost spectrum. A better representation of the average costs in the compact class is the 2016 Kia Sportage LX that has a starting price of $22,150. Because of this, the 2016 Chevy Trax LS has an edge on many of its competitors. However, what do you receive for your money? Let’s take a look at how the Trax performs relative to other models in its class.
Fuel Economy
Even with gas prices being lower, fuel economy still plays a significant role in shaping buyers’ decisions. This is another area where the 2016 Chevy Trax LS excels in. Equipped with its 1.4L turbo engine, this compact SUV offers an outstanding 30 combined mpg, meaning it receives similar gas mileage to what you find in mid-size sedans. This makes it more appealing when you size it up to its competitors. The 2016 Nissan Rogue S generates a combined 29 mpg, while the 2016 Subaru Crosstrek 2.0i PZEV earns 27 combined mpg. These might seem like modest differences, but if fuel costs every climb back up again, you’ll be glad you chose the Trax.
Performance
Many drivers want their compact SUVs to appear and drive like sports cars. SUV manufacturers have done a remarkable job adapting their models to fit this need. However, this is an area where the 2016 Chevy Trax LS falls a bit short. Sure, the Trax packs some punch, its 1.4L turbo engine delivers 138-horsepower and 148 lb.-ft of torque. This means you’ll receive capable performance that should be more than enough for trips around the city or highway excursions. It’s when you compare the 2016 Chevy Trax LS to its competition that you see the power disparities. The 2016 Kia Sportage LX generates 182-horsepower, while the 2016 Nissan Rogue S produces 170-horsepower. If power isn’t a big concern to you, then this shouldn’t detract from you buying the Trax. At the same time, it’s important to note you won’t receive as much acceleration nor power, which comes in handy if you live in hilly areas.
Interior Functionality
For many, the functionality of an SUV’s interior determines if they buy the model. Simply put, buyers want an SUV that is able to adapt to their growing needs by offering ample cargo space and diverse seating solutions. If you have or are planning to have a family, and need extra space, then this might make you think twice about the Chevy Trax. With its rearmost seats folded, it possesses 48.4 cubic feet of cargo room. It also houses 18.7 cubic feet of trunk space. On trunk space alone, the deficiencies relative to others in its class are high. The Honda CR-V LX interior has 37.20 cubic feet, and the 2016 Ford Escape S has 34.30 cubic feet of trunk space available. So, this is one area where Chevy needs to improve on for the Trax.
Safety
Another critical factor buyers examine are the safety performance and offerings of an SUV. These are areas where the Chevy Trax does well. Chevy equipped its latest Trax model with safety innovations such as a high-strength steel safety cage, standard rear vision camera and OnStar with Automatic Crash Response—new buyers receive six months of this coverage for free. Altogether, these features work to give you peace of mind. In addition, the Trax performed well in safety tests, earning a five-star overall rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. To provide some competitive comparison, the 2016 Ford Escape received a four-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA. Overall, the 2016 Chevy Trax LS features the structural, technological and safety performance to put your mind at ease.
Pros
The 2016 Chevy Trax LS delivers a bold statement with its agile stance, athletic lines and crisp colors. It also saves you money with its affordable starting price and great fuel economy. Its five-star overall safety rating gives you peace of mind you are driving a vehicle that has undergone the toughest tests available and passed them with flying colors.
Concerns
Interior space is the biggest detriment to the 2016 Chevy Trax LS, as many other models in its class offer more in cargo room and trunk space. If you need ample space, the Trax might not be the best fit for your needs. Power is another issue for this model. If you desire exhilarating acceleration and need power for steep roads, the Trax is capable, but won’t pack that extra punch you crave.
Conclusion
For its price, fuel efficiency and safety rating, the 2016 Chevy Trax LS is an enticing buy.