All-New Chevrolet Trax Gets Bigger and Bolder

With a wide range of design and technology choices in five different trim levels: LS, 1RS, LT, 2RS and ACTIV (Fig. 1), the 2024 Chevrolet Trax has gotten bigger and bolder. The all-new Trax features unique styling, extensive standard safety equipment and large infotainment touchscreens in an efficient front-wheel drive package.

 

Fig. 1

 

The 2024 Trax is larger — longer and wider — than the previous Trax model with more space for passengers and cargo, but it is also lower for easier entry/exit and loading. It has a 6-inch (152 mm) longer wheelbase and a 4-inch (101 mm) lower overall height.

Each trim level offers specific designs:

• LS and LT trims feature straightforward designs.
• RS trims provide sporty designs and dark accents. (Fig. 2)
• The ACTIV trim has a monochromatic style and aggressive-looking features.

 

Fig. 2

 

Powertrain

The Trax pairs a 1.2L turbocharged engine (RPO LIH) (Fig. 3) with the Hydra-Matic 6T40 6-speed automatic transmission (RPO MNH). The engine, also available on Trailblazer and Encore GX models, generates a GM-estimated 137 horsepower and 162 lb.-ft. of torque.

The DOHC, direct-injected 1.2L engine features an aluminum block and cylinder heads for lightweight, efficient operation. For the 2024 model year, it has a new, stiffer crankshaft and a retuned harmonic balancer for enhanced refinement. The engine cooling system uses an Active Thermal Management strategy to maintain an ideal engine operating temperature during all engine speeds and operating conditions.

 

Fig. 3

 

The new single-scroll turbocharger is mounted to the cylinder head. It uses an air-to-air charge air cooler system, mounted on top of the radiator, which draws in fresh air through a heat exchanger to reduce the temperature of the warmer compressed air forced through the intake system. The new turbocharger for the 2024 model year, which features an updated calibration, is not compatible with earlier model years.

The design of the PCV tube also has been changed with an added crankcase pressure sensor. It now uses standard serviceable spring clamps and is no longer a one-time use part. It should be reused if the turbocharger or camshaft cover is replaced.

The Engine Control Module (ECM) controls the air shutter in the lower grille and will open or close the shutter based on the ambient temperature and other operating conditions. (Fig. 4) A winter cover for the grille in cold climates is not available.

 

Fig. 4

 

Chassis and Suspension

The front suspension of the Trax is a MacPherson strut design with coil-over springs and a direct-acting stabilizer bar. The rear suspension is a torsion beam with coil springs.

Several wheel sizes are available:

• LS and LT – 17-inch wheels.
• RS – 18-inch wheels on the 1RS and 19-inch wheels on the 2RS. (Fig. 5)
• ACTIV – 18-inch wheels.

 

Fig. 5

 

Interior Design

The tech-forward interior design of the new Trax features sweeping lines that surround a large, driver-oriented infotainment touchscreen (standard 8-inch-diagonal color screen and available 11-inch-diagonal color screen) and, on LT, 2RS and ACTIV trims, an 8-inch-diagonal digital driver display. (Fig. 6) The vehicle continues to use the Global A electrical architecture.

 

Fig. 6

 

The digital driver display presents a variety of vehicle messages and system information and offers several cluster display layouts. To view the Gauge Faces menu, press and hold the thumbwheel on the right side of the steering wheel for 2 seconds.

The uplevel infotainment system (RPO IOS/IOT) has a new design with only one module for the instrument cluster and radio. (Fig. 7) It connects to the cluster display using an LVDS cable. The infotainment system features standard Apple CarPlay and Android Auto capability.

Note: Apple CarPlay is a trademark of Apple, Inc. Android and Android Auto are trademarks of Google LLC. User terms and privacy statements apply.

 

Fig. 7

 

In addition, the infotainment system can display the status of a number of vehicle systems, including maintenance items and gauges, which also can be set to be viewed on the cluster display. To view the Maintenance, Gauges and Trip menus, select the Vehicle Status icon on the infotainment screen. And then to show an item on the cluster display, select the arrow icon for the item and then select Show in Cluster. (Fig. 8)

 

Fig. 8

 

Additional features on LT, 2RS and ACTIV include keyless (push-button) start and automatic climate controls.

TIP: The transmitter pocket for key fob programming is located behind the cupholders in the center console.

Standard Safety Features

The Chevy Safety Assist package with six advanced safety and driver awareness technologies is standard on all trim levels. It includes:

• Automatic Emergency Braking (RPO UHY)
• Front Pedestrian Braking (RPO UKJ)
• Lane Keep Assist with Lane Departure Warning (RPO UHX)
• Forward Collision Alert (RPO UEU)
• Following Distance Indicator (RPO UE4)
• IntelliBeam Auto High-beam Headlamps (RPO TQ5)

The settings for the driver assistance features can be accessed under the Collision/Detection menu on the infotainment screen. (Fig. 9)

In addition, Adaptive Cruise Control, Lane Change Alert with Side Blind Zone Alert, Rear Cross Traffic Alert and Rear Park Assist are available.

Note: Safety or driver assistance features are no substitute for the driver’s responsibility to operate the vehicle in a safe manner.

 

Fig. 9

 

For more information about the new Trax, refer to Bulletin #23-NA-068.

– Thanks to Frank Jakubiec