How fast is Chevy Trax?
In practical terms, the Trax is not a performance-focused vehicle. Its speed figures are modest by design, prioritizing city-friendly practicality and fuel efficiency. Expect 0-60 mph in roughly 9 to 10 seconds and a top speed near 118 mph, with exact numbers varying by year, drivetrain, and trim.
Powertrain basics and what they mean for speed
The Trax lineup in the United States has largely depended on a turbocharged 1.4-liter inline-4, paired with a 6-speed automatic transmission. Front-wheel drive is standard, with all-wheel drive offered as an option. This setup delivers around 138 horsepower and 148 lb-ft of torque, which translates to approachable acceleration suitable for daily driving rather than quick blasts from a standstill.
Performance can vary a bit from generation to generation and between FWD and AWD configurations, but the core numbers provide a solid baseline for what to expect in terms of speed and responsiveness on typical urban routes and highways.
Performance figures at a glance are useful for quick comparison, but they don’t tell the whole story of how the Trax feels behind the wheel in real-world conditions. The following figures summarize the commonly cited numbers for typical configurations.
- 0-60 mph: approximately 9.0–10.0 seconds for most FWD models; 9.5–10.5 seconds for AWD variants
- Top speed: roughly 118 mph (190 km/h) in many trims, with minor variations by year and gearing
- Peak torque and throttle response: strong mid-range for a subcompact SUV, aiding merging and highway ramps more than straight-line sprinting
These numbers come from manufacturer specifications and independent testing across model years. Real-world results can vary based on cargo load, tire choice, weather, and road grade.
Generational and drivetrain differences that affect speed
Over its lifecycle, the Trax saw refinements to its engine tuning, transmission calibration, and drivetrain options. While the core formula—a 1.4-liter turbo with a 6-speed automatic and available AWD—remained, small changes in weight, aerodynamics, and electronics can shift performance slightly from one year to the next. In general, newer model years offer improved throttle response and more refined shifting, but the broad speed profile remains consistent: adequate city and highway performance without a focus on outright speed.
Why numbers vary is simple: weight, drivetrain, tire choice, and even exterior trim can alter performance. A lightly loaded FWD Trax with fuel in the tank and good tires will feel a bit quicker than a heavily laden AWD version on all-season tires.
How speed translates to everyday driving
For most buyers, speed is less about sprinting from 0 to 60 and more about brisk highway merging, confident overtaking on the highway, and ease of daily commuting. The Trax’s turbocharged engine provides usable power in the lower to mid ranges, which helps with acceleration from on-ramps and driving in urban traffic. Braking performance and steering precision also contribute to how fast the vehicle feels in real-world driving, especially with the available AWD system and stability controls that modulate power delivery during cornering.
If your priority is blazing straight-line speed, the Trax isn’t the typical choice in the subcompact SUV segment. If, instead, you value maneuverability, fuel efficiency, and a practical amount of everyday acceleration, the Trax is designed to match those priorities while offering decent highway passing capability and city-friendly handling.
Summary
The Chevy Trax delivers typical subcompact SUV performance: 0-60 times in the vicinity of 9 to 10 seconds and a top speed near 118 mph, with variations depending on year, drivetrain, and equipment. Its turbocharged engine prioritizes efficiency and everyday usability over outright speed, making it well-suited for urban driving and light highway use. For shoppers seeking higher performance metrics, other small SUVs in the market may offer more horsepower and quicker acceleration, but the Trax excels in practicality, efficiency, and versatility for daily commuting and city life.
Is the Chevy Trax fast?
No, the Chevy Trax is not considered fast, as it is designed for practicality and efficiency, not speed. It has a turbocharged 1.2-liter 3-cylinder engine with 137 horsepower, providing adequate acceleration for city driving but can feel sluggish on the highway when passing. The 0 to 60 mph time is around 8.6 to 9.1 seconds, which is average for its class.
This video provides a first-person perspective of driving the Chevy Trax, highlighting its acceleration and handling: 1mTheTopherYouTube · Jul 9, 2025
- Engine and performance: It is equipped with a 1.2-liter turbocharged 3-cylinder engine that produces 137 horsepower and 162 lb-ft of torque. This is enough for daily commuting but not for a "fast" experience.
- Acceleration: The 0 to 60 mph time is around 8.6 to 9.1 seconds, which is competitive with other compact SUVs but not quick. Acceleration can feel sluggish at highway speeds when passing.
- Purpose: The Trax is designed to be a practical, fuel-efficient, and affordable compact SUV, not a sports car. Its strengths are its value, handling, and suitability for city and everyday driving, rather than high-speed performance.
What are the negatives of the Chevy Trax?
Cons of the Chevy Trax include the lack of all-wheel drive, potential powertrain issues like transmission shudder or engine problems, and a somewhat underwhelming powertrain for highway driving. Other drawbacks include hard interior plastics and armrests, basic features on some trims, and some owners have experienced issues with the infotainment system.
You can watch this video to learn about common problems with the Chevrolet Trax: 1mCarnivautoYouTube · Jan 13, 2025
Powertrain and performance
- No all-wheel drive (AWD): All models are front-wheel drive only.
- Engine and transmission issues: Some owners have reported transmission shudder, humming, or growling noises, particularly at speeds between 28 and 53 mph. Other reported issues include turbocharger and fuel injector problems.
- Sluggish highway acceleration: While the engine is adequate for city driving, it can feel sluggish at highway speeds.
- Fuel economy: The real-world combined fuel economy can be lower than advertised estimates.
Interior and features
- Hard materials: The interior uses hard plastics, and some reviewers note that the armrests are uncomfortable.
- Basic features: Higher trims are better equipped, but base models are light on content, and features like a power trunk and rear air vents are not available.
- Rear-seat comfort: The rear seats may lack support and don't have a center armrest or cup holders.
- Awkward controls: Some drivers find the placement of the start/stop button and volume knob to be awkward.
Technology
- Infotainment glitches: Some users have reported that the infotainment system can shut down, freeze, or become unresponsive.
- Glitchy safety features: Electronic safety features have been described as occasionally glitchy.
How long is the 0 to 60 time on a 2025 Chevy Trax?
The 2025 Chevy Trax has a 0-60 mph time of approximately 8.6 to 8.8 seconds, due to its 1.2-liter turbocharged three-cylinder engine that produces 137 horsepower and 162 lb-ft of torque. This acceleration is considered sufficient for everyday driving and city commuting, although it is not a performance-oriented vehicle.
You can watch this video to see a review of the 2025 Chevy Trax's driving experience and 0-60 mph time: 29sAutomotive Anonymous YouTube · Aug 31, 2024
- 0-60 mph time: Around 8.6 to 8.8 seconds.
- Engine: 1.2-liter turbocharged three-cylinder.
- Horsepower: 137 hp.
- Torque: 162 lb-ft.
- Transmission: Six-speed automatic.
- Drivetrain: Front-wheel drive (AWD is not available).
Is the Chevy Trax good for highway driving?
2026 Chevy Trax Overview: Practicality Meets Style
While the turbocharged 1.2-liter three-cylinder engine may not provide sports car acceleration, its 137 horsepower and 162 lb-ft of torque deliver adequate power for city and highway driving.
