2017 Chevy Trax Debuts at Chicago Auto Show - Press Release

I like to think I catch all the green (or green-ish) new product reveals at CAS, but this year I’ve definitely been distracted with baby #3 getting all the attention. Here’s one I totally missed: Chevrolet introduced a redesigned 2017 Chevy Trax.

The Chevy Trax is an odd thing. A well-styled, fat-tired, and modestly-priced entrant into the super-hot small SUV market, there is much to want to like about the Trax. Indeed, I want to like little “cute-ute”, and it took several days’ worth of fighting with the car’s horrible packaging to finally admit that it simply wasn’t a real-world contender.

For 2017, though, Chevy has redesigned the Trax’ front fascia and added a bunch of trendy daytime-running LEDs. Inside, the Trax has been updated with a new audio system that’s compatible with both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Despite the upgrades, however, the same ultra-tiny trunk remains.

What do you guys think? Are a slick new stereo and a bunch of tiny LEDs enough to overcome the Trax’ cargo shortcomings, or do they really serve to make the diminutive SUV more appealing to the young urbanites Chevy is targeting? Check out Chevy’s official release, below (which includes information about the not-in-any-way-eco Camaro 1LE), then let us know what you think in the comments.

CHEVROLET REVEALS ALL-NEW TRAX AND CAMARO 1LE AT THE CHICAGO AUTO SHOW MEDIA PREVIEW
CHICAGO – Chevrolet introduced the all-new Trax compact crossover and the Camaro 1LE performance package during the 2016 Chicago Auto Show Media Preview.
The newly re-designed Trax features contemporary design elements including an all-new front-end appearance and a new premium interior. The vehicle has updated technology with a seven-inch infotainment screen to keep drivers connected via Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, along with a number of safety upgrades including safety sensors. The SUV also offers keyless access with a push-button starter, which wasn’t available last year.
“Right here in Chicago, we are the No. 1 retail brand – not one year running, but five years in a row,” said Brian Sweeney, U.S. vice president of Chevrolet. “Our Chicago dealers have had leadership roles, and it is fueled by the great cars, trucks and crossovers you see here.”
Chevrolet also introduced to track-enthusiasts the Camaro 1LE performance package for both the V6 and V8 models. The package builds off the success of the previous-generation 1LE, offering increased handling and track performance. In response to customer demand, Chevrolet will offer two distinct 1LE packages, for both V6 and V8 models, each visually distinguished with a satin black hood, specific wheels and more cooling.
The 2017 Trax is expected to go on sale this fall. The new 1LE packages will be available in late 2016 on 2017 Camaro SS and LT V-6 coupes, equipped with manual transmissions. Pricing and performance data will be announced at a later date.
Chevrolet also expanded its popular Midnight Edition to include all three of its pickups: the midsize Colorado, the half-ton Silverado 1500 and the Silverado 2500 Heavy Duty. All three can be seen for the first time at the 2016 Chicago Auto Show. More details to come soon from Chevrolet.

2015 Chevy Trax Brings Wagon-y Shape to Small Car Lineup

The small, SUV-like Trax is already a huge hit in more than 60 global markets- and GM has made the smart decision to bring its 2015 Chevy Trax to the US to take on the flood of new cute-utes from Honda, Kia, Fiat, Jeep, and damned near everyone else, too.

The sub-compact SUV/CUV market is hot, Hot, HOT right now, is what I’m saying, and bringing the Trax to the US now is probably a good move for GM, despite the fact that the mechanically similar Buick Encore is doing well. That’s because Chevy’s brand image is stronger, probably, with young buyers- and Chevy’s dealer network is stronger, without a doubt, than Buick’s. That should give the 2015 Chevy Trax a sales advantage over the bite-size Buick, but so too will a lower price, more “youthful, motorcycle-inspired” interior and instrument cluster, and clever folding seats that can fold super-flat from front to back. Like, way front …

… front passenger seat front, which is a neat trick that I’ve only seen in Hondas and Volvos, until now. Maybe more cars can do this- but they don’t play it up?

In any event, the 2015 Chevy Trax should sell for something like its $18,000 Canadian price tag once it makes its way to the US. The 1.4 liter engine- the same as the one found in the Chevy Sonic turbo and previously-mentioned Buick Encore- is standard in the Trax, and gives back nearly 140 HP. That should be more than enough for some spirited performance to go along with the 26/34 (expected) EPA fuel economy ratings.

We’ve reached out to GM to ask about the availability of a 2015 Chevy Trax tester, and we’ll give you all the driving impressions and random infotainment complaints we can muster as soon as we get one. Until then, here’s some more pictures of Chevy’s newest small SUV thing. Enjoy!

Source | Photos: Chevrolet.