Is a Chevy Trax a v6?
No. The Chevy Trax has never been offered with a V6 engine; it uses four-cylinder powertrains, typically a turbocharged inline-4.
Engine options and performance
The Trax is a subcompact SUV designed for efficiency and urban driving, not high-performance power. Here is a concise look at what has been available over the years and across markets.
Is there a V6 in the Trax?
The short answer is that no V6 option has ever been offered in the Trax in the United States or other major markets. The model has consistently used four-cylinder engines, with turbocharging used to boost output as needed.
- 1.4-liter turbocharged inline-4 (the primary engine in most markets, including the U.S.). This setup commonly produces around 138 horsepower and about 148 lb-ft of torque, paired with a 6-speed automatic transmission. Drive configurations typically include front-wheel drive, with all-wheel drive available on certain trims or markets.
- Other non-V6 options exist in some international markets (such as diesel or larger four-cylinder variants) for efficiency or regional emission targets. None of these include a V6 configuration.
Across generations and regions, the Trax has stayed within four-cylinder powertrains, prioritizing fuel economy and compact SUV practicality over larger, six-cylinder performance.
Historical context and market variations
Understanding why there isn’t a V6 in the Trax involves looking at GM’s positioning of the model. The Trax shares its underpinnings with other small crossovers and was marketed as an affordable, city-friendly option. While engine offerings varied by country—with some markets receiving diesel or different four-cylinder specs—the lineage never included a factory V6.
Regional differences to know
In Europe and other regions, the Trax (or its Opel/Vauxhall/Mokka siblings in those markets) sometimes offered alternative four-cylinder engines and diesel options. However, even with these variations, a V6 engine was not part of the lineup.
- Diesel and other four-cylinder variants appeared in certain markets to meet emissions or fuel-economy priorities.
- The US lineup remained four-cylinder-focused, with no V6 option offered in the Trax.
For shoppers, this means a Trax will deliver compact-SUV practicality and efficiency, not the power of a six-cylinder drivetrain. If a V6 is a hard requirement, buyers would need to consider larger Chevrolet models designed for higher horsepower and torque.
Summary
The Chevy Trax is a four-cylinder compact SUV, most commonly equipped with a 1.4-liter turbocharged engine. There has never been a factory V6 option for the Trax in major markets, including the United States. For customers seeking stronger V6-powered Chevrolet models, alternatives in the Chevrolet lineup include larger crossovers and trucks, not the Trax.
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.
Is the Chevy Trax a 4 or 6 cylinder engine?
Is the Chevrolet Trax a 4 or 6 cylinder? All trim levels of the 2025 Trax feature a 3 cylinder engine.
Is the Chevy Trax a V6?
Engine, Transmission, and Performance
The Trax has a modest powertrain consisting of a 137-hp turbocharged 1.2-liter inline-three cylinder engine, a six-speed automatic transmission, and front-wheel drive.
Is a Chevy Trax a van?
It's a small SUV that's as bold as you are.
