2025 Chevy Trax 2RS Review: A Budget SUV That Doesn’t Feel Like One

The Budget SUV Glow-Up

If you remember the original Chevy Trax—and I do—you probably remember something that felt more like a lifted Sonic than a true SUV. It was upright, basic, and unapologetically urban. And while it filled a role in Chevy’s lineup, it wasn’t exactly aspirational.

Fast-forward to 2025, and we’ve got an entirely new vehicle wearing the same badge. What used to feel like rental car filler now feels like a surprisingly polished, tech-savvy, and even stylish budget SUV. The 2025 Chevy Trax 2RS, especially in this Marina Blue Metallic, is one of the biggest budget-to-value glow-ups I’ve seen in recent years.

And with a full week behind the wheel of the 2RS trim, I can confidently say: this doesn’t feel like Chevy’s cheapest SUV. In a good way.

Budget-Friendly Curb Appeal

The Trax doesn’t pretend to be rugged or off-road ready. This is a front-wheel-drive-only crossover, and Chevy wisely embraced that. Compared to the last generation, it’s 11 inches longer, 2 inches wider, and 4 inches lower—which gives it a longer, leaner, and more planted appearance.

In RS trim, you get unique 18-inch machined wheels, black exterior trim, and a sportier front fascia. Combine that with the Marina Blue paint and sleek headlight design, and you’ve got a surprisingly mature look—Subaru Crosstrek vibes from the profile, but with a more street-oriented attitude.

Inside: Better Than Expected

Open the door and you’re greeted by an interior that punches above its price tag. This 2RS trim features red-accented leatherette-trimmed seats, a flat-bottom steering wheel, and a tech setup that looks pulled from a vehicle $10K more expensive.

Up front, you get an 11-inch touchscreen paired with an 8-inch digital driver display, both standard on upper trims. The system runs wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and during my week with the Trax, I had zero issues using it for music, maps, or calls.

The cabin materials won’t fool you into thinking this is a luxury car—but nothing feels overly cheap, and the layout is smart. Storage is decent, visibility is excellent, and all controls are within easy reach.

Rear Seat & Cargo: Mostly a Win

Rear seat passengers will be impressed with the space. Thanks to that longer wheelbase, rear legroom is one of the best in the segment, easily beating out rivals like the Hyundai Venue and Nissan Kicks.

But there are trade-offs. There’s no center console in the back. No cupholders. Not even a fold-down armrest. That’s a strange omission in a family-oriented crossover, and one that might be felt if you’ve got growing kids.

Cargo space is solid for the class, offering 25.6 cubic feet behind the second row and 54.1 cubic feet with the seats folded. I had the Trax loaded up with camera gear, groceries, and sports equipment over the week, and while it wasn’t cavernous, it got the job done.

Powertrain: Better Than the Numbers Suggest

Let’s address the big concern: 137 horsepower from a 1.2L turbocharged three-cylinder doesn’t exactly sound confidence-inspiring. But in practice, it works.

Torque comes on early (162 lb-ft, for the record), and the Trax feels zippy around town. Even on the highway and rural back roads, I never felt underpowered or frustrated. That’s something I couldn’t say about the first-gen Trax, which often felt sluggish unless you were wringing it out.

Power is sent to the front wheels through a 6-speed automatic transmission—not a CVT, which is a win in my book. The shifts aren’t buttery smooth, but they’re competent and predictable. No gear-hunting. No droning.

The one sore spot? The auto start-stop system. Every time you come to a stop, the engine cuts off, and when it restarts, it does so with a noticeable jolt. You can turn it off, but you have to do that every time you start the car. It’s a small annoyance, but one I felt daily.

MPG in the Real World

Chevy claims 30 MPG combined, and I can confirm it’s close to reality. Over my week with the Trax, I averaged 29.7 MPG, with a best showing of 35.7 MPG on a rural cruise.

For a vehicle this practical, that’s a strong number—and another reason the Trax makes a compelling case for commuters or first-time buyers.

Ride and Handling

The suspension is a bit stiff, especially on rougher roads. There’s no special tuning for the RS trim—it’s mostly cosmetic—so what you’re feeling here is likely just down to cost-focused suspension components.

That said, it’s never uncomfortable. It feels planted, easy to maneuver, and light on its feet. Urban and suburban drivers will feel right at home, and even in tight parking lots, the Trax feels compact and manageable.

Backing up is easy too, thanks to the standard backup camera, but I do wish Chevy offered a 360-degree camera option, even on this top trim. It’s becoming more common at this price point, and it would round out the package nicely.

Trax vs Trailblazer vs Previous Gen

The natural comparisons here are to the Chevy Trailblazer and the previous-generation Trax.

The Trailblazer is slightly more expensive, offers available AWD, and has a slightly taller stance. But inside? They’re very similar. Same screen layout, same powertrains, same vibe. If you don’t need AWD, the Trax gives you more space for less money.

Compared to the first-gen Trax I reviewed back in 2016, this is a full generational leap. The old Trax felt like a stopgap. This one feels purpose-built—and Chevy clearly learned what buyers wanted the second time around.

Final Thoughts: A Smart Buy, No Excuses

At a base price of just over $20K, and with my loaded 2RS tester landing at $27,585, the 2025 Chevy Trax is one of the best values in the SUV market right now.

It doesn’t feel like a compromise. It looks great, drives well, has solid tech, and sips fuel. Yes, there are a few reminders of its budget nature—no power liftgate, no rear cupholders, and a bumpy start-stop system—but these feel like small issues in an otherwise big win.

If you want to see it in action, check out my full video review on TXGarage’s YouTube channel, where I walk through the design, drive, and real-world experience in more detail.

This is still an entry-level vehicle—but finally, the Trax feels like something you’d choose instead of settle for.