Talking Cars 419: Driving the 2024 Chevrolet Trax

Can the bargain-priced SUV compete in such a crowded field?

By Mike Quincy

July 5, 2023

Main theme: We’ve racked up some seat time and miles in the new 2024 Chevrolet Trax purchased for our test program. It looks like an SUV, but it is sold strictly with just front-wheel drive. The standard powertrain is a 137-hp, 1.2-liter three-cylinder turbo matched to a six-speed automatic transmission. It has an as-tested price of around $25,000.

The podcast panel begins the conversation focusing on the Trax from a value perspective—lots of content for the money, like heated seats and steering wheel. But we also discuss where Chevrolet likely cut corners, specifically citing the interior’s mediocre fit and finish: We noticed a few wide panel gaps around some of the plastic trim pieces, and we were underwhelmed with the preponderance of hard, dull plastics.

Watch the podcast video for the full discussion, and read our Trax first drive review.

Talking Cars 419 panel — "Talking Cars" panelists (from left): Mike Quincy, Alex Knizek, and Mike Monticello.

As with other “Talking Cars With Consumer Reports” episodes, this one is available free through Apple Podcasts. (Subscribe to the audio or video.) You’ll also find the audio on Spotify (log-in required) and video on YouTube.

Driving the Mercedes-Benz EQE SUV, episode 418
Driving the 2024 Mazda CX-90 SUV, episode 417
Driving the Genesis Electrified GV70, episode 416
Driving the Honda Accord, episode 415
All Questions Episode, episode 414

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Mike Quincy

Mike Quincy is a writer, editor, podcaster, and tester with the Consumer Reports autos team. He has been with CR since 1993, purchasing more than 160 cars for the test program. Previously, Mike wrote for Automobile Magazine. When he’s not working, Mike can be found training for a long-distance bicycle ride, honing a wide variety of baked goods, or studying the world of mixology in search of the perfect martini.