2017 Chevrolet Trax: First Impressions
CARS.COM — Not even two years into the Trax’s model run, Chevrolet has introduced a refreshed version of its subcompact SUV. The new 2017 model features an updated interior as well as new front and rear styling.
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At Cars.com’s Subcompact SUV Challenge, the 2016 Chevrolet Trax finished in last place. Despite its roomy interior and civilized ride quality, the 2016’s cabin had hard plastic everywhere, laughably bad leather seat material, and outdated gauges and displays. With its 2017 Trax update, it looks like Chevy addresses many of these issues.
Approaching the new Trax, the exterior styling changes work well; it feels much more in sync with Chevrolet’s lineup, sporting lights and a grille that are reminiscent of the new Malibu and Cruze. Out back, there’s a much stronger resemblance to the Equinox SUV in the taillight shapes. It no longer looks like an outlier in the Chevy pantheon of vehicles; the Trax finally looks like it belongs in the same showroom as its stablemates.
The biggest complaints with the old model largely have been addressed … to some degree. There’s a new stitched leather pad atop the dashboard, and the gauges and console have been updated to the latest Chevy gear. But there’s still a lot of hard plastic in the doors and dash — even in the top-trim Premier model. Would some padding on the doors have really pushed the costs too high? The new gauges are nice, and the inclusion of Apple CarPlay and Android Auto on top of Chevy MyLink is a welcome change. The seat leather is decidedly improved as well.
Overall, Chevy has made some modest improvements over the previous model, addressing areas that needed work while maintaining the Trax’s utility, spaciousness and on-road civility.
