Chevrolet Trax gets new face, up-to-date technology

Other changes in the aesthetics department include chrome accents around the fog lamp bezels, lightly modified rear bumper, and a new look for the taillights.

Despite only existing in the United States since the 2015 model year, Chevrolet’s diminutive Trax is on the verge of receiving some big upgrades, mainly relegated to the tech and aesthetic departments.

Sleeker is a relative term here: while the handsome new front end owes a lot to the recently-redesigned Cruze, the rest of the Trax’s look is carried over from previous year so that it remains a tall, slightly ungainly little hatchback.

“In the fastest-growing segment, Chevrolet Trax’s momentum is sure to continue with great design enhancements, premium details, and the latest technologies”, said Steve Majoros, director of marketing, Chevrolet Cars and Crossovers. What is definitely new is the availability of Apple’s CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone integration. Its low-rent interior, lack of refinement and shortage of advanced safety features put it dead last in our test. The updated model gets a much-needed interior makeover as well as some additional comfort and convenience features. Premier models are offered with contrasting-color instrument panel trim that matches their leatherette seating trim. 2015’s second-best-selling small SUV in the country will be available in the fall in LS, LT, and new premier trims. Rounding off the exterior revisions are the fresh 18-inch alloys for the Trax Premier.

Chevrolet Inside you’ll find 4G LTE connectivity, allowing passengers to connect to more than five personal devices.

The 2017 Chevy Trax also boasts new active safety features that are created to help alert drivers to potential crash situations. Autonomous emergency braking isn’t on the menu, but the new Trax does get a standard backup camera, plus 10 standard airbags. It now includes keyless entry and start as well as an array of electronic driving aids such as side blind-zone alert, rear cross-traffic alert, forward collision alert, and a lane departure warning system.

The 2017 Chevrolet Trax will go on sale starting Fall 2016. The powertrain has been left unchanged, featuring the same turbocharged 1.4-liter engine with 138 horsepower (102 kilowatts) and 148 pound-feet (200 Newton meters) of torque that is channeled through a six-speed automatic transmission.