Core summary
2026 Chevrolet Trax
The 2026 Chevrolet Trax is the current U.S.-market version of Chevrolet’s second-generation compact crossover. It uses a 1.2-liter turbocharged three-cylinder engine, a six-speed automatic transmission and front-wheel drive. Chevrolet lists five seats, a 60/40-split folding rear seat and up to 54 cubic feet of cargo capacity with the rear seat folded. The lineup consists of LS, 1RS, LT, 2RS and ACTIV trims, with a Midnight Edition appearance package offered on LT.
The current Trax is substantially larger than the first-generation U.S. model. Its 106.3-inch wheelbase, 178.6-inch length and 71.7-inch width support greater rear legroom and cargo capacity than before. Chevrolet positions the model below the Trailblazer in its U.S. crossover range. Unlike the Trailblazer, the 2026 Trax is offered only with front-wheel drive and is not rated for towing.
The name has different regional applications. Chevrolet introduced Trax internationally for model year 2013, while China and several other markets used the Tracker name for related vehicles. This profile uses the current U.S. public vehicle name and U.S. specifications.
History & generations
Chevrolet introduced the first-generation Trax as a small SUV for international markets in 2013. The model was related to the Buick Encore and shared its basic architecture with other small GM crossovers. Depending on market, it used Trax or Tracker badging and was offered with different engines, transmissions, equipment and drivetrain combinations.
The first-generation Trax entered the United States for the 2015 model year. U.S. versions used a compact five-door body and were available with front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive. Engine and transmission availability changed during the generation, including turbocharged four-cylinder applications and automatic transmissions. The U.S. model ended after the 2022 model year.
Chevrolet announced the redesigned Trax on October 12, 2022, as a 2024 model. The second generation grew in wheelbase, length and width while becoming lower in overall height. U.S. production began for the 2024 model year, with sales starting in spring 2023. The redesign retained the Trax name in North America but does not represent a universal global specification; related international vehicles may use Tracker badging and different equipment.
First generation
The original Trax was a global subcompact crossover sold under Trax and Tracker names.
Second generation
The larger redesign added more interior space, five U.S. trims and a 1.2-liter turbo three-cylinder.
Body, platform & design
The second-generation Trax adopts a lower, wider and longer profile than its predecessor. Chevrolet describes the exterior as drawing design influence from the Blazer, with horizontal front-end lines, slim upper lighting elements and a broad grille treatment. The roofline sits lower than the previous U.S. Trax, while the longer wheelbase supports a more stretched side profile.
Trim-specific exterior details provide the principal visual distinctions. LS uses 17-inch steel wheels. LT uses 17-inch machined aluminum wheels and adds brighter exterior trim. The 1RS uses 18-inch two-tone machined wheels, while the 2RS uses 19-inch two-tone machined wheels and additional black exterior details. ACTIV uses black 18-inch aluminum wheels, titanium-chrome accents and a distinct grille treatment.
For 2026, Chevrolet lists the Midnight Edition for LT. Its equipment includes high-gloss black mirror caps, grille bar and roof-rack elements, black badging, 17-inch high-gloss black wheels and black bumper accents. Exterior colors and package availability can vary by configuration.
Engine & drivetrain
Every 2026 U.S.-market Trax uses a turbocharged 1.2-liter inline three-cylinder gasoline engine. Chevrolet rates the engine at 137 horsepower and 162 pound-feet of torque. The engine uses direct fuel injection, double overhead camshafts and an aluminum block and cylinder head. Chevrolet identifies the transmission as a Hydra-Matic 6T40 six-speed automatic.
Power is sent to the front wheels. Chevrolet’s 2026 model information states that the Trax is not available with all-wheel drive. The company also states that the vehicle is not rated for towing. These limitations distinguish the Trax from the related Trailblazer, which offers all-wheel drive in selected configurations.
The 2024 launch specification identified the same 1.2-liter turbocharged three-cylinder output and six-speed automatic pairing. Regional Trax or Tracker vehicles from earlier years used different engines, transmissions and drivetrain systems, so those specifications should not be applied to the current U.S. vehicle. A 2024 emission recall covered certain vehicles with this engine and required an engine-control-module software update.
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Trim differences
The 2026 U.S. lineup contains LS, 1RS, LT, 2RS and ACTIV trims. LS is the entry configuration and includes Chevy Safety Assist, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility, LED headlamps and active noise cancellation. The 1RS adds sport-oriented exterior treatment, 18-inch two-tone machined wheels, black bowtie emblems and red interior accents.
LT adds an 11-inch diagonal infotainment touchscreen, an 8-inch diagonal driver information center, remote start and automatic climate control. The Midnight Edition is available on LT and adds black exterior equipment. The 2RS combines the larger infotainment setup with 19-inch two-tone machined wheels, RS styling, red interior details and a flat-bottom steering wheel.
ACTIV uses black 18-inch wheels, titanium-chrome exterior accents, a distinctive grille, dedicated interior details and a power-adjustable driver’s seat. Chevrolet lists available equipment such as wireless phone charging, a sunroof, adaptive cruise control, Rear Park Assist, Rear Cross Traffic Alert and Side Blind Zone Alert. Exact equipment depends on trim and selected packages.
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Interior & seating
The second-generation Trax interior was designed around a lower instrument panel, a broad horizontal layout and a center display angled toward the driver. Chevrolet lists an 8-inch diagonal infotainment touchscreen on LS and 1RS, while LT, 2RS and ACTIV receive an 11-inch diagonal infotainment touchscreen paired with an 8-inch diagonal driver information center.
The cabin seats five and uses a 60/40-split folding rear seat. Chevrolet lists 41.9 inches of front legroom and 38.7 inches of rear legroom. Passenger volume is listed at 99.8 cubic feet. Cargo capacity is 25.6 cubic feet behind the rear seat and 54.1 cubic feet with the rear seat folded in the launch specification.
Interior equipment varies by trim. LT, 2RS and ACTIV include automatic climate control, push-button start and additional rear USB ports. Heated front seats, a heated steering wheel and heated outside mirrors are standard on 1RS, 2RS and ACTIV and available on LT. ACTIV adds a power-adjustable driver’s seat. Wireless smartphone integration is standard, while wireless charging and a Wi-Fi hotspot are available services or equipment.
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Efficiency & range
Chevrolet’s U.S. 2026 Trax page lists 30 mpg combined according to the EPA. The 2024 launch specification listed 28 mpg city and 32 mpg highway for the front-wheel-drive configuration. Official fuel-economy figures can vary with model year, wheel and tire configuration, testing certification and equipment.
The engine is designed for regular unleaded gasoline. Chevrolet’s 2026 information states that the vehicle requires regular unleaded gasoline with a minimum octane rating of 87 and is compatible with E85. Fuel economy and range are affected by driving conditions, weather, traffic, payload, tire pressure and accessory use.
The Trax has no hybrid or battery-electric powertrain in the current U.S. lineup. Its efficiency strategy is therefore based on a small turbocharged engine, front-wheel drive and a six-speed automatic transmission rather than electrification. Because international Trax and Tracker models have used different engines and transmissions, their consumption figures are not interchangeable with the U.S. 2026 rating.
Safety & equipment
Chevrolet equips the 2026 Trax with Chevy Safety Assist. The standard suite includes Automatic Emergency Braking, Front Pedestrian Braking, Lane Keep Assist with Lane Departure Warning, Forward Collision Alert, IntelliBeam automatic high-beam control and Following Distance Indicator. A rear vision camera, tire-pressure monitoring and six airbags are also listed in Chevrolet’s launch materials.
Available driver-assistance features include Adaptive Cruise Control, Side Blind Zone Alert with Lane Change Alert, Rear Cross Traffic Alert and Rear Park Assist. Chevrolet also lists a rear-seat reminder and Teen Driver technology as standard equipment on the current U.S. model page. Availability can depend on trim or package.
Driver-assistance systems do not replace attentive driving. Chevrolet states that performance can be affected by visibility, weather, road conditions and system limitations. NHTSA records a recall for certain 2024 Trax vehicles involving software that could cause the instrument-panel display to go blank. Owners should use the vehicle identification number to check current recall status.
Strengths
The current Trax’s strongest measurable attribute is interior and cargo space relative to its entry position in Chevrolet’s crossover range. Its 106.3-inch wheelbase and 178.6-inch overall length provide more room than the first-generation U.S. model, while the folded-seat cargo figure reaches 54.1 cubic feet in Chevrolet’s launch specification.
The model also provides a broad trim range. Buyers can choose a basic LS, sport-themed RS versions, the equipment-focused LT or the design-oriented ACTIV. Wireless smartphone compatibility is standard, and Chevy Safety Assist is standard across the U.S. lineup. The 1.2-liter turbo engine supplies 162 pound-feet of torque, and the six-speed automatic avoids the continuously variable transmission used by some competitors.
The most important strengths are practical rather than performance-focused: a five-seat cabin, a wide rear-seat opening, available convenience features and a relatively simple front-wheel-drive layout.
The current Trax prioritizes space, standard safety technology and value over all-weather traction or towing.
Considerations
The current Trax is front-wheel drive only and is not rated for towing. Buyers who need all-weather traction or a manufacturer tow rating must consider another Chevrolet model or a different vehicle. The model also has no hybrid or electric version in the current U.S. lineup.
The 1.2-liter engine is a turbocharged three-cylinder paired with a six-speed automatic. This configuration emphasizes compact packaging and everyday efficiency rather than high output. Wheel sizes range from 17 to 19 inches, so ride and tire-replacement considerations can vary by trim. The 19-inch wheels are exclusive to the 2RS and bring a larger contact package than the entry trims.
Safety equipment is extensive, but several advanced features are available rather than standard. Prospective buyers should distinguish standard Chevy Safety Assist from optional blind-spot, rear-cross-traffic, parking and adaptive-cruise systems. Regional Trax or Tracker models can differ substantially from the U.S. vehicle.
Recommended use
The 2026 Trax suits drivers seeking a compact crossover with more passenger and cargo room than a traditional small hatchback. Its five-seat layout, folding rear seat and available convenience equipment support commuting, shopping, airport trips and small-family transportation. The upright body and compact exterior dimensions also fit normal urban and suburban use.
The vehicle is less appropriate for buyers who regularly drive on unpaved terrain, require all-wheel drive, tow a trailer or need a hybrid powertrain. Chevrolet explicitly states that the 2026 Trax is front-wheel drive only and not rated for towing. The ACTIV trim changes appearance and equipment but does not add an off-road drivetrain or towing capability.
For cargo users, the folded rear seat and available roof-rack accessories broaden carrying flexibility. For frequent highway users, available adaptive cruise control and blind-zone technology may be relevant, but these features depend on trim and package selection.
FAQ
1. Does the 2026 Chevrolet Trax have all-wheel drive? No. Chevrolet lists the 2026 Trax with front-wheel drive only.
2. How many people does the 2026 Trax seat? The 2026 Trax seats five people.
3. What engine powers the 2026 Chevrolet Trax? It uses a turbocharged 1.2-liter three-cylinder engine rated at 137 horsepower.
4. How much cargo space does the Trax have? Chevrolet lists 25.6 cubic feet behind the rear seat and 54.1 cubic feet folded.
5. Can the 2026 Trax tow a trailer? No. Chevrolet states that the 2026 Trax is not rated for towing.
6. Which 2026 Trax trim has the largest wheels? The 2RS uses 19-inch two-tone machined aluminum wheels.
What makes the Chevrolet Trax different?
The current Trax prioritizes space, standard safety technology and value over all-weather traction or towing.
Who should consider it?
Urban commuting, small-family transport and everyday cargo duty
Sources & updates
Research for this Chevrolet Trax profile prioritized current manufacturer specifications, model-year equipment pages and official press material. Independent safety or regulatory records were used where available. Historical references were kept separate from current-generation specifications and image identification.
Equipment, pricing and certified figures can vary by market, trim and model year. The expandable reference list below contains the linked sources used for verification. Last editorial review: August 29, 2026.
View all official references (9 more)
Last editorial review: August 29, 2026. Specifications remain market- and model-year-specific.