​​The Chevrolet Trax is the Answer to High New Car Prices​

It is no secret that new cars have become more expensive. Barry’s Chevrolet certainly knows that, as we buy them every day. Adding to the problem for shoppers is that many manufacturers have removed their most affordable vehicles from the market. Used cars have always been the go-to option when new cars seem too costly, and Barry’s keeps a healthy inventory of used cars in stock for this reason. But as new car prices rise, used vehicle prices tend to go up as well, making it challenging to find something that meets your needs and budget without being too old, having too many miles, or lacking the technology you want. 

Fortunately, Chevrolet offers a model that fits this situation perfectly, and it’s all in the little four-letter word: “Trax.” This might surprise you because the current-generation Trax doesn’t look like a budget vehicle at all. Not from the outside, which features the iconic Chevrolet SUV front-end styling, followed by a relatively long, sweeping body with a stylish upswing to the side windows that give it a muscular stance. Nor does it look that way from the inside, which is brightened by an attractively integrated center screen, within an appealing design and plenty of metallic-finished trim on the dash and center console. The detail on the round vents on each side is particularly unusual for a model with the Trax’s level of affordability. 

The 8-inch center touchscreen is large enough to display everything you need, and Wireless Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™ are standard across all models. Additionally, Chevrolet doesn’t make you rely solely on the screen, as there is a full set of physical controls for the climate system. The driver is greeted with two analog gauges behind a stylish tri-spoke steering wheel. The seats are cloth with a subtle yet attractive pattern. But the bigger highlight is the 38.7 inches of legroom for rear passengers. That’s half an inch more than in the recent mid-size Malibu sedan, providing plenty of space for full-size adults.  

Behind the rear seats lies a spacious 25.6 cubic feet of cargo space, enough for two large and two medium-sized bags according to a test by Edmunds.com. The rear seats split 60/40 for passenger and cargo flexibility, and folding both seatbacks down increases the space to 54.1 cubic feet. You’ll find this space larger and more usable than in many other subcompact models. This also includes a temporary spare beneath the floor.   

The Trax doesn’t skimp on safety technologies either, with standard Chevy Safety Assist, which consists of: 

• Automatic Emergency Braking 

• Forward Collision Alert 

• Front Pedestrian Braking 

• Following Distance Indicator 

• Lane Keep Assist with Lane Departure Warning 

• IntelliBeam auto high beam 

Powering the Trax is a turbocharged 1.2-liter inline-3.  This small but potent engine produces 137 horsepower and 162 lb-ft of torque, which is reached at a low 2,500 rpm.  It is not a candidate for the dragstrip, but it moves the relatively light Trax around town just fine with a 0-60 time of 8.6 seconds according to Motor Trend. The engine is paired not with a CVT but a 6-speed automatic transmission, making its acceleration behavior conventional and predictable without the CVT drone.  All the power goes to the front wheels.  The Trax does not offer AWD. This is only surprising because it has the practicality of a long roof and SUV proportions. Were it shaped like a sedan or coupe, no one would expect otherwise. 

Everything described applies to the least expensive Trax model, which has a starting MSRP of $21,700, or $23,495 with the destination charge included. As expected, the prices increase as you move up through the five trim levels, but even the top-tier 2RS and ACTIV trims stay well under $30K, with an MSRP of $27,195. Along the way, you gain features such as an 11-inch center touchscreen, 17-, 18-, or 19-inch alloy wheels, a digital gauge cluster, heated front seats, a heated steering wheel, a chrome-trimmed interior, blind-spot alert, adaptive cruise control, and plenty of other desirable features. And again, even if you splurge on the Trax, you still remain comfortably under $30K. 

The Trax is probably the best bargain in the industry, offering all the utility you need and the features you want, while still coming with a factory warranty and only you putting the miles on the odometer. If you are looking for an affordable new car and live anywhere near West Union, Ohio, visit Barry’s Chevrolet to check out any of the several Trax models in our inventory.