2020 Chevrolet Trax Base — Carivo review carivo.co
SUV

2020 Chevrolet Trax Base

Independent review & score by Carivo

Price Range $19,003–$22,733
Fuel Economy 28 MPG
Seating 5 passengers
Category SUV
Est. Annual Fuel $1,875/yr

Key Specifications — 2020 Chevrolet Trax Base

Seating Capacity5 passengers
Body StyleSUV
Base Price$19,003–$22,733

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

About the 2020 Chevrolet Trax Base

Our scoring places the 2020 Chevrolet Trax Base at 7.2/10 overall, which translates to a Good rating for this suv. Its strongest dimension is Value at 8.3/10, 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 score reliability at 7.0/10 — better than most direct rivals, if short of the segment's best. The safety score of 7.8/10 is solid mid-pack territory. If advanced driver aids matter to you, compare standard equipment carefully and verify 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 6.8/10 — 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 $19,003–$22,733, 28 MPG, seating 5, the Chevrolet Trax Base sits in the budget-friendly tier of the suv market. Value is where it presses its advantage — 8.3/10, meaning the feature set and quality outrun the asking price. At 6 years old, resale value, parts availability, and whether a successor model has improved on its weak points are all worth investigating before committing.

Our take: The 2020 Chevrolet Trax Base is a passable suv but not a standout one. Weaknesses in technology and performance hold it back from being a strong recommendation. It may suit buyers with specific needs it serves well, but we'd encourage comparing at least two or three higher-scored alternatives before deciding.

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 2020 Chevrolet Trax Base ranks #1611 of 2454 suvs in the Carivo database — better than 34% of the segment. Its 7.2/10 overall score is 0.2 points below the segment average of 7.4/10. Its $19,003 starting price undercuts the segment's median of $36,079 by about 47%.

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

Which Trax Base Year Should You Buy?

Smart-money pick: the 2017 Chevrolet Trax Base scores 7.0/10 — within striking distance of the 2020's 7.2 — 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)
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 (this review) 7.2/10$19,003
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 7.0/10$16,412 Read review →
2015 6.8/10$15,764 Read review →

Pros & Cons — 2020 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.