2019 Chevrolet Trax — Carivo review carivo.co
SUV

2019 Chevrolet Trax

Independent review & score by Carivo

Price Range $18,355–$24,224
Fuel Economy 27 MPG
Seating 5 passengers
Category SUV
Est. Annual Fuel $1,944/yr

Key Specifications — 2019 Chevrolet Trax

Engine1.4L 4-Cylinder
TransmissionAutomatic (S6)
DrivetrainFront-Wheel Drive
Fuel TypeRegular
City / Hwy MPG26 / 31 MPG
Combined MPG28 MPG
Est. Annual Fuel Cost$2,400
CO₂ Emissions316 g/mi
Seating Capacity5 passengers
Body StyleSUV
Base Price$18,355–$24,224

Source: EPA FuelEconomy.gov & manufacturer data. Figures reflect base trim; actual specs vary by trim level.

About the 2019 Chevrolet Trax

With an overall Carivo score of 7.1/10, the 2019 Chevrolet Trax earns a Good rating among the suvs we've scored. Its strongest dimension is Value at 8.4/10, while Performance at 5.9/10 is where it trails the competition most noticeably. It's a capable but unexceptional suv — stronger alternatives exist if you're willing to shop the segment carefully.

Reliability and safety are the two dimensions that matter most for long-term ownership costs. We rate reliability at 6.7/10 — below the segment average in our scoring. Budget for potentially higher maintenance costs and check the recall record below before buying. On safety it earns 7.9/10: respectable, if not class-leading — several competitors bundle more driver-assist tech as standard. Check your trim's official ratings at nhtsa.gov.

Performance at 5.9/10 is a genuine liability and a score that should factor heavily into any buying decision. The powertrain and chassis dynamics trail class rivals by a meaningful margin — don't overlook it. Technology scores 6.8/10 — the infotainment and driver-assist features feel dated against current-generation rivals. This is worth weighing if you prioritize connected features or modern safety tech.

Priced from $18,355–$24,224, 27 MPG, seating 5, the Chevrolet Trax sits in the budget-friendly tier of the suv market. The 8.4/10 value score is the headline: relative to what it costs, this suv delivers more than most of the class. At 7 years old, resale value, parts availability, and whether a successor model has improved on its weak points are all worth investigating before committing.

Bottom line: There's a case for the 2019 Chevrolet Trax, but it needs the right buyer. Its technology and reliability and performance scores trail the class, and several higher-rated rivals sell for similar money — comparison-shop before committing.

Carivo scores are our own editorial assessment, informed by NHTSA safety and recall records, EPA fuel-economy figures, and manufacturer-published specifications. Scores are reviewed periodically and updated when new data becomes available. See our full methodology →

How It Ranks Among SUVs

The 2019 Chevrolet Trax ranks #1814 of 2454 suvs in the Carivo database — better than 26% of the segment. Its 7.1/10 overall score is 0.3 points below the segment average of 7.4/10. Its $18,355 starting price undercuts the segment's median of $36,079 by about 49%.

Rankings are recalculated as new vehicles and scores are added. See the full SUV ranking → · Best SUVs under $25k →

Which Trax Year Should You Buy?

Smart-money pick: the 2016 Chevrolet Trax scores 7.0/10 — within striking distance of the 2019's 7.1 — and starts roughly $2,000 lower. If you don't need the newest model year, that's money better spent on a higher trim or kept in your pocket.

YearScoreStarting price (MSRP when new)
2026 7.3/10$22,242 Read review →
2025 7.3/10$22,242 Read review →
2024 7.4/10$21,595 Read review →
2023 7.4/10$20,947 Read review →
2022 7.2/10$20,299 Read review →
2021 7.2/10$19,651 Read review →
2020 7.2/10$19,003 Read review →
2019 (this review) 7.1/10$18,355
2018 7.0/10$17,707 Read review →
2017 7.0/10$17,060 Read review →
2016 7.0/10$16,412 Read review →
2015 6.8/10$15,764 Read review →

Pros & Cons — 2019 Chevrolet Trax

✓ What it does well

  • Strong safety ratings from NHTSA and independent testers
  • Good overall value; holds its own against pricier alternatives in the segment
  • Accessible entry price makes it one of the more affordable options in the category
  • Versatile body style handles daily commuting and weekend adventures equally well

✗ Where it falls short

  • Reliability scores are mid-pack; some owners report higher-than-expected maintenance needs
  • Performance is a genuine liability — well below class rivals and worth factoring into any decision
  • Tech suite is functional but lags behind segment-best options; some features cost extra

NHTSA Recalls — 2019 Chevrolet Trax (2 on record)

The following recall campaigns have been filed with NHTSA for this model and year. Recall repairs are performed free of charge by franchised dealers; check your specific vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

Suspension / Front / Control arm / Lower ball joint
18/04/2019 · 19V312000
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2017-2019 Chevrolet Trax vehicles. A joint in one or both of the front lower-control arms may have been improperly welded. An improperly welded joint may break, resulting in the partial separation of the…
Air bags
01/11/2018 · 18V774000
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2019 Buick Encore, Chevrolet Spark, Traverse, and Trax vehicles. The Sensing Diagnostic Module (SDM) on these vehicle may not have been turned off of "manufacturing mode," preventing the air bags from deploying…

Source: NHTSA recall database, fetched at page build time.

Common Questions — 2019 Chevrolet Trax

Is the 2019 Chevrolet Trax reliable?

We rate the 2019 Chevrolet Trax's reliability 6.7/10 — below the segment average, so budget for higher maintenance. It has 2 NHTSA recall campaigns on record for this model year (details in the recalls section above — repairs are free at dealers).

How many recalls does the 2019 Chevrolet Trax have?

2 NHTSA recall campaigns matched this model and year as of our latest check. Verify your specific vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

Is the 2019 Chevrolet Trax worth buying?

It scores 7.1/10 overall, ranking #1814 of 2454 suvs in our database (better than 26% of the segment). Stronger-scoring alternatives exist at similar prices — use our compare tool before committing.

How much does the 2019 Chevrolet Trax cost?

The 2019 Chevrolet Trax starts at $18,355 and ranges up to $24,224 across trims (MSRP when new). At 27 MPG, expect roughly $1,944/year in fuel at 15,000 miles/year.

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