When Chevrolet introduced the subcompact Trax crossover in the United States, it took the segment by storm. Not to be outdone by the likes of Jeep (Renegade) or Honda (HR-V, the Bowtie brand is looking to continue building on the success of the diminutive CUV with an update for the 2017 model year.
The 2017 Chevy Trax brings styling revisions to the front and rear, an updated and more premium interior, new (optional) active safety features, and a new infotainment system with available Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility.
Exterior
The revised design brings the Trax inline with Chevy’s global design language. A new grille and headlamps echo the design language of new Chevrolet models such as the 2016 Malibu, 2016 Cruze, and 2016 Volt.
“It’s a more sculptural, sophisticated design,” said Steve Kim, Chevrolet Trax designer. “There’s also a sporty streak in the new styling that speaks to the Trax’s agile, fun-to-drive personality.”
The grille is Chevrolet’s new proportioned dual port grille, while sleek headlamps flow around the corners and into the front fenders. Trax LS models feature new halogen reflector headlamps and uplevel LT and Premier models get halogen projector headlamps with LED signature lighting. Chrome trim accents the outboard fog lamp bezels.
At the rear is a new fascia and dual taillamps. The Premier model features LED signature lighting and is offered with new 18-inch aluminum wheels.
Interior
A redesigned dashboard serves as the foundation for the premium interior enhancements of the 2017 Trax. Chevy says that the new design interprets its signature dual-cockpit design more expressively via an upper dashboard “hood” that flows uninterrupted across the panel to enhance the perception of spaciousness.
The center instrument panel is also redesigned. It now features greater visibility of a new 7-inch-diagonal MyLink color touch screen. Galvano chrome trim on the instrument panel and console contribute to the premium ambiance of the subcompact CUV. The Premier trim is offered with contrasting-color instrument panel trim that matches the leatherette seating trim.
“Customers will really notice the elevation in the Trax’s interior design and attention to detail,” said Kim. “It’s an environment that transcends segment boundaries, offering rich, premium appointments and seamless integration of the technologies they rely on most.”
In addition, the 2017 Trax replaces the motorcycle-inspired instrumentation of the 2013-2016 Trax with a new gauge display. The new display features prominent analog speedometer and tachometer readouts along with digital displays from the standard driver information center.
Technology
The 2017 Trax offers a new 7-inch diagonal infotainment system designed to support the latest connectivity technologies, including available Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility. Also new is available Keyless Open and Start, allowing drivers to lock, unlock, and start the vehicle without taking the key out of their pocket or purse.
Active Safety
New active safety features are designed to help alert drivers to potential crash situations. They are available depending on the model and include:
- Side Blind Zone Alert
- Rear Cross Traffic Alert
- Forward Collision Alert
- Lane Departure Warning
Additional crash-avoidance technologies include a standard rearview camera, while 10 standard airbags highligfht the post-collision safety features.
Powertrain
Where the refreshed Trax doesn’t see any updates is in the powertrain department: instead of throwing in the all-new 1.4L Turbo LE2 from the Cruze, the 2017 Trax continues to chug along with the old-but-proven 1.4L Turbo LUV mated to a six-speed automatic transmission. The engine is rated at an SAE-certified 138 horsepower (102 kW) and 148 pound-feet of torque (200 Nm) between 1,850 and 4,900 rpm.
New Trim Levels
The 2017 Chevy Trax will be offered in LS, LT and new Premier trim levels, with the latter replacing LTZ as the range-topping trim.
Availability
The 2017 Trax goes on sale in the fall of 2016.
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Comments
Gone is the “motorcycle inspired” dashboard. Gone are the days Trax owners would be sizing up a Buick Encore from a junkyard to fix their dashboard!
Now all Trax owners will have to pillage from the junkyard, are the Encore’s seats!
I convinced my mother to buy one back in December and she loves it. I’ve driven it a few times also and its alright
Significantly better front end than the 2016 MY version. The Encore still looks better even without getting the Mokka inspired update. The current one looks rental car ready.
Now all they need to do is add a little more sportiness to it.
Much improved both inside and out, but it still needs more power.
Sadly, it appears that they have done away with the upper glove box here, as seems to be the case with the Mokka (and therefore Encore too.)
Also, I miss that beautiful ice blue digital speedometer already.
Its better, but its still not great !!!
It looks better! A much needed improvement. Doesn’t have as much as a rental car look. The Encore is pretty in it’s current state but I can’t wait to see what GM has up it’s sleeve.
is this a just a facelift or is it a whole new generation
It’s a handsome little bugger.