​​Autoblog Finds Many Positive Surprises in the Very Affordable 2026 Trax​ 

When the average price of a new car has crept over $50,000, what does about half that get you? Quite a bit, as Autoblog confirms in their review of the Chevrolet Trax. In their subhead, they state the Trax “…looks good, drives with confidence, and offers real-world practicality and tech without creeping into another pricing tier.” This McFarland Chevrolet blog post shares more of what they have to say. 

Autoblog reviewed the Trax Activ model, which sits at the top of a model line that includes five trim levels, with a price range of less than $4,000 among them. The $27,195 Active trim includes black-painted 18-inch alloy wheels and other black exterior trim, a digital driver display, a 6-speaker audio system, automatic climate control, remote start, heated front seats, a heated steering wheel, and an 11-inch touchscreen, some of which are also available on lower trims. 

Under the hood is a 1.2-liter turbocharged inline-3 producing 137 horsepower and 162 lb-ft of torque. While this doesn’t make the Trax the best drag-racing candidate, the torque propels it with vigor around town, and 0-60 times are about 8.8 to nine seconds. The engine is paired with a 6-speed automatic. This combination delivers an EPA-estimated 28 city / 31 highway / 30 combined. As Autoblog states, “Chevy could’ve eked out a bit more mpgs with a CVT, but the Trax avoids the droning sounds and sluggish feel in this regard. There are few vehicles, much less crossovers, that are as pleasant to drive as the Trax.”   

The publication notes the lack of an all-wheel-drive option. One can’t help but think that if the Trax were a similarly sized sedan with a trunk, the subject of AWD would never come up. But because the roof extends to the rear, the lack of AWD is considered a limitation. Perhaps if you live in rural Minnesota, you can opt for the similarly sized AWD Trailblazer. Our advice for those in Northern Kentucky who want surefootedness in the snow is to take the money you would rather not spend on an AWD option and get a set of winter tires instead. You’ll have plenty of traction in the winter months and the efficiency of front-wheel drive all year. 

Autoblog points out that the Activ’s black trim gives it some attitude, though black wheels aren’t everybody’s jam.  Nonetheless, they state: “It feels like a crime for something this affordable to look this good from every angle.”  

Once inside, they describe the dash as attractive, highlighting the intricately detailed round outboard climate vents, ample storage, and “a handsome and ergonomically solid three-spoke steering wheel with thumb cutouts.” The 11-inch center screen isn’t available on the base model, which still has a reasonably sized 8-inch screen. The larger screen is available on the LT model, which still retails for under $25,000. 

They were also pleasantly surprised by the 38.7 inches of rear legroom, which makes the vehicle perfectly acceptable for adults in the rear. For perspective, that is 0.7 inches more than in a Toyota Camry. The floor for rear passengers is also completely flat, so your occasional center passenger isn’t kneeing themselves in the chin. As they sum up the cabin: “The Trax is surprising on multiple levels, and the passenger space is a big one.” Nor does it end with the passengers. There are 25.6 cubic feet of storage space behind the second row of seats, which maintains a flat load floor when the seats are lowered, providing a generous total of 54.1 cubic feet. 

Autoblog noted that the vehicle’s low price was evident in its limited front-seat bolstering, some hard dash materials, and noticeable engine noise at highway speeds. However, they concluded with this summation: “It’s not fast, and it’s not fancy, but it’s an honest and composed urban-friendly crossover that feels grown-up and brilliantly executed without being overpriced. For those who don’t need all-wheel drive and prefer design and functionality over kitsch and horsepower, the Trax Activ hits the sweet spot.” 

If you need economical transportation with utility and don’t want it to look too economical, you owe it to yourself to check out and test drive the Trax. If you live in Northern Kentucky or Southern Ohio, the place to check it out is McFarland Chevrolet, home of the 10-year/ 200,000-mile limited powertrain warranty and many other customer benefits.