Before You Buy

Chevrolet Trax: Buy Score, Reliability & Ownership Costs

Subcompact Crossover · SUV

MSRP Range$21,600–$25,300
A blue 2026 Chevrolet Trax subcompact SUV parked on a city street in daylight, shot candidly at a three-quarter angle.
Engine1.2L turbo 3-cylinder, 137 hp
Transmission6-speed automatic
Fuel Economy30 mpg combined
DrivetrainFront-wheel drive only

Our Verdict

Based on model-specific reliability data, ownership costs, and longevity signals.

Consider
72/100

Buy Score™

Pros

  • Among the least expensive new SUVs sold in the U.S.
  • Roomy cargo area (25.6-54.1 cu ft) for a subcompact footprint
  • Standard Chevy Safety Assist driver-assist suite
  • Low registration/insurance costs typical of the segment

Cons

  • RepairPal ranks it 6th of just 7 subcompact SUVs, with an above-average severe-repair rate
  • No all-wheel-drive option at any trim or price
  • iSeeCars shows above-average 5-year depreciation (43.4%) for the segment
  • 137-hp 3-cylinder engine feels underpowered with a full load of passengers

Can this car reach 300,000 miles?

Unlikely

RepairPal's model-specific score (4.0/5.0) sounds decent on its own, but it ranks 6th of just 7 subcompact SUVs — a near-bottom-of-class position — with a higher-than-average 12% severe-repair rate. We don't have a specific high-mileage longevity claim for the Trax.

First-Time Buyer Friendly

80/100

Simple controls, predictable running costs, and forgiving handling make this an easy first car.

Reliability Timeline

What tends to need attention, and when — based on model-specific reliability data.

RoutineModerateMajor

30,000 miles

Oil changes, tire rotations

60,000 miles

Brake pads
Battery

100,000 miles

Spark plugs; turbo components on the 1.2L 3-cylinder

150,000 miles

Suspension bushings

200,000+ miles

No strong track record at this mileage; RepairPal's below-average class ranking suggests budgeting for more unscheduled repairs than a Honda/Toyota rival

What It Actually Costs to Own

One of the least expensive new SUVs to buy, but repair costs and depreciation both run a bit worse than the subcompact-crossover average — the low sticker price is the main appeal here, not long-term cost of ownership.

Estimated Annual Fuel Cost$1,400
Estimated Annual Insurance$1,300
Estimated Annual Maintenance$400
Estimated Annual Repairs$488
Estimated Annual Registration$170
5-Year Depreciation~43% of purchase price

Full Specifications

Engine1.2L turbo 3-cylinder, 137 hp
Transmission6-speed automatic
Fuel Economy30 mpg combined
DrivetrainFront-wheel drive only
Cargo Volume25.6 cu ft (54.1 cu ft, rear seats folded)
Warranty3 yr/36,000 mi basic, 5 yr/60,000 mi powertrain

Check for open recalls before you buy

We don't yet have a live recall feed wired up for the Chevrolet Trax, so we won't guess at a number here. Before you buy any specific Trax, run its VIN throughNHTSA's free recall lookup tool— it takes about 30 seconds and confirms whether that exact vehicle has any open, unrepaired safety recalls.

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Sources: RepairPal model reliability score (4.0/5.0), annual repair cost ($488), and 6th-of-7 subcompact SUV ranking: repairpal.com/reliability/chevrolet/trax (live lookup, 2026). 2026 MSRP ($21,600-$25,300), trims, and engine/mpg/cargo specs: spitzerchevyamherst.com and chevrolet.com 2026 Trax pricing pages (live lookup, 2026). iSeeCars 5-year depreciation (43.4%): iseecars.com Trax resale-value page (live lookup, 2026).