2016 Chevrolet Trax Base — Carivo review carivo.co
SUV

2016 Chevrolet Trax Base

Independent review & score by Carivo

Price Range $16,412–$20,023
Fuel Economy 24 MPG
Seating 5 passengers
Category SUV
Est. Annual Fuel $2,188/yr

Key Specifications — 2016 Chevrolet Trax Base

Seating Capacity5 passengers
Body StyleSUV
Base Price$16,412–$20,023

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

About the 2016 Chevrolet Trax Base

With an overall Carivo score of 7.0/10, the 2016 Chevrolet Trax Base earns a Good rating among the suvs we've scored. Its strongest dimension is Safety at 7.9/10, while Performance at 5.8/10 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 5.8/10 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 6.5/10 — 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 $16,412–$20,023, 24 MPG, seating 5, the Chevrolet Trax Base sits in the budget-friendly tier of the suv market. Value lands at 7.9/10 — you get what you pay for, no more and no less, with a few rivals offering slightly better per-dollar returns. At 10 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 2016 Chevrolet Trax Base, but it needs the right buyer. Its reliability and technology 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 2016 Chevrolet Trax Base ranks #2010 of 2454 suvs in the Carivo database — better than 18% of the segment. Its 7.0/10 overall score is 0.4 points below the segment average of 7.4/10. Its $16,412 starting price undercuts the segment's median of $36,079 by about 55%.

Rankings are recalculated as new vehicles and scores are added. See the full SUV ranking →

Which Trax Base Year Should You Buy?

Across the Trax Base model years we've scored, the 2016 holds its position — we didn't find an older year that delivers similar scores for meaningfully less money.

YearScoreStarting price (MSRP when new)
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 7.1/10$18,355 Read review →
2018 7.0/10$17,707 Read review →
2017 7.0/10$17,060 Read review →
2016 (this review) 7.0/10$16,412
2015 6.8/10$15,764 Read review →

Pros & Cons — 2016 Chevrolet Trax Base

✓ 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

More Chevrolet Reviews

Explore the full lineup of Chevrolet models scored by Carivo — ranked by overall score across reliability, safety, value, performance, and technology.