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Independent review & score by Carivo
| Seating Capacity | 5 passengers |
|---|---|
| Body Style | SUV |
| Base Price | $23,019–$26,869 |
Source: EPA FuelEconomy.gov & manufacturer data. Figures reflect base trim; actual specs vary by trim level.
The 2018 Chevrolet Trax SL is a suv that earns a Carivo score of 7.0/10 — rated Good. Its strongest dimension is Safety at 8.0/10, while Performance at 5.5/10 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. At 6.8/10 for reliability, this suv trails its segment. That doesn't rule it out, but go in with eyes open on running costs. Safety lands at 8.0/10 — solid, though some rivals offer more advanced driver-assist features as standard. Confirm official results for your trim at nhtsa.gov/ratings.
Performance at 5.5/10 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 $23,019–$26,869, 26 MPG, seating 5, the Chevrolet Trax SL sits in the budget-friendly tier of the suv market. At 7.7/10 for value, it delivers fair pricing for what's on offer, though the best alternatives in this price range score slightly higher. At 8 years old, resale value, parts availability, and whether a successor model has improved on its weak points are all worth investigating before committing.
Verdict: The 2018 Chevrolet Trax SL sits in the middle of the field. Until its reliability and technology and performance scores improve, stronger options exist at this price. Worth a look if it fits a specific need; otherwise use our compare tool against the segment leaders first.
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 →
The 2018 Chevrolet Trax SL 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 $23,019 starting price undercuts the segment's median of $36,079 by about 36%.
Rankings are recalculated as new vehicles and scores are added. See the full SUV ranking →
Smart-money pick: the 2015 Chevrolet Trax SL scores 6.8/10 — within striking distance of the 2018's 7.0 — and starts roughly $2,500 lower. If you don't need the newest model year, that's money better spent on a higher trim or kept in your pocket.
| Year | Score | Starting price (MSRP when new) | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 7.2/10 | $28,914 | Read review → |
| 2024 | 7.4/10 | $28,073 | Read review → |
| 2023 | 7.3/10 | $27,231 | Read review → |
| 2022 | 7.2/10 | $26,388 | Read review → |
| 2021 | 7.2/10 | $25,546 | Read review → |
| 2020 | 7.1/10 | $24,703 | Read review → |
| 2019 | 7.1/10 | $23,861 | Read review → |
| 2018 (this review) | 7.0/10 | $23,019 | |
| 2017 | 7.0/10 | $22,178 | Read review → |
| 2016 | 6.9/10 | $21,335 | Read review → |
| 2015 | 6.8/10 | $20,493 | Read review → |
Explore the full lineup of Chevrolet models scored by Carivo — ranked by overall score across reliability, safety, value, performance, and technology.