2023 Chevrolet Trax SL — Carivo review carivo.co
SUV

2023 Chevrolet Trax SL

Independent review & score by Carivo

Price Range $27,231–$31,694
Fuel Economy 31 MPG
Seating 5 passengers
Category SUV
Est. Annual Fuel $1,694/yr

Key Specifications — 2023 Chevrolet Trax SL

Seating Capacity5 passengers
Body StyleSUV
Base Price$27,231–$31,694

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

About the 2023 Chevrolet Trax SL

Our scoring places the 2023 Chevrolet Trax SL at 7.3/10 overall, which translates to a Good rating for this suv. Its strongest dimension is Safety at 8.3/10, 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 score reliability at 7.1/10 — better than most direct rivals, if short of the segment's best. The safety score of 8.3/10 is solid mid-pack territory. If advanced driver aids matter to you, compare standard equipment carefully and verify ratings at nhtsa.gov.

Performance at 5.9/10 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. Tech rates a reasonable 7.1/10: the essentials are covered and well executed, but rivals at the same price often include more as standard.

Priced from $27,231–$31,694, 31 MPG, seating 5, the Chevrolet Trax SL sits in the mid-market bracket of the suv segment. Value is where it presses its advantage — 8.2/10, meaning the feature set and quality outrun the asking price. At 3 years old, it's worth checking whether a newer generation or refresh has addressed any weaker dimensions — compare it to the current model year before buying.

Our take: The 2023 Chevrolet Trax SL is a passable suv but not a standout one. Weaknesses in 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 2023 Chevrolet Trax SL ranks #1384 of 2454 suvs in the Carivo database — better than 44% of the segment. Its 7.3/10 overall score is 0.1 points below the segment average of 7.4/10. Its $27,231 starting price undercuts the segment's median of $36,079 by about 25%.

Rankings are recalculated as new vehicles and scores are added. See the full SUV ranking → · Best SUVs under $35k →

Which Trax SL Year Should You Buy?

Smart-money pick: the 2020 Chevrolet Trax SL scores 7.1/10 — within striking distance of the 2023's 7.3 — 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.

YearScoreStarting price (MSRP when new)
2025 7.2/10$28,914 Read review →
2024 7.4/10$28,073 Read review →
2023 (this review) 7.3/10$27,231
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 7.0/10$23,019 Read review →
2017 7.0/10$22,178 Read review →
2016 6.9/10$21,335 Read review →
2015 6.8/10$20,493 Read review →

Pros & Cons — 2023 Chevrolet Trax SL

✓ What it does well

  • Strong safety ratings from NHTSA and independent testers
  • Good overall value; holds its own against pricier alternatives in the segment
  • 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

Common Questions — 2023 Chevrolet Trax SL

Is the 2023 Chevrolet Trax SL reliable?

We rate the 2023 Chevrolet Trax SL's reliability 7.1/10 — above the middle of the pack for this class.

Is the 2023 Chevrolet Trax SL worth buying?

It scores 7.3/10 overall, ranking #1384 of 2454 suvs in our database (better than 44% of the segment). Stronger-scoring alternatives exist at similar prices — use our compare tool before committing.

How much does the 2023 Chevrolet Trax SL cost?

The 2023 Chevrolet Trax SL starts at $27,231 and ranges up to $31,694 across trims (MSRP when new). At 31 MPG, expect roughly $1,694/year in fuel at 15,000 miles/year.

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