Is the Chevrolet Trax a good budget SUV?

Typical prices (approximate): Chevrolet Trax: $21,500–$26,000 · Subaru Crosstrek: $26,500–$33,000 · Hyundai Kona: $25,500–$33,000 · Nissan Kicks: $23,000–$29,000

Yes — the Chevrolet Trax is generally a very good budget SUV, especially if your priority is a low starting price, good passenger space, and modern features. The redesigned Trax is more competitive than the previous version, with a roomy cabin, user-friendly infotainment, and styling that looks more upscale than its price suggests.

The main tradeoffs are that it’s front-wheel drive only, so there’s no AWD option, and its small turbo 3-cylinder engine is tuned more for commuting and efficiency than strong acceleration. That means it’s a solid choice if you want affordable transportation with a lot of space and features, but not the best pick if you want more power or need AWD for winter driving.

Overall, it’s one of the stronger value choices in the subcompact SUV class.