Is a Chevy Trax considered a small SUV?

Yes. The Chevy Trax is generally considered a subcompact (small) SUV.

Beyond the basic label, the Trax has long been used as Chevy’s entry point into the SUV/crossover segment—compact enough for city driving, with a footprint smaller than Chevy’s larger Equinox. Market classifications can vary by region, but the Trax is commonly described as a subcompact or B-segment crossover in many markets. In the United States, the model was discontinued after the 2022 model year and Chevrolet shifted its smallest SUV role to the Trailblazer; in other regions, the Trax or closely related variants have persisted under different branding or continued in certain model cycles.

How the Trax is classified across markets

To understand how the Trax is categorized worldwide, consider how automakers label small crossovers in different regions.

• United States: Historically marketed as a subcompact crossover (small SUV) and the brand’s entry point to SUVs during its US availability.


• Canada and Latin America: Sold as Trax and typically described as a subcompact SUV or compact crossover in regional classifications.


• Europe and other regions: Often labeled as a subcompact/B-segment SUV, smaller than the common compact crossovers.

Conclusion: Across major markets, the Trax is consistently described as a small or subcompact SUV, smaller in footprint than Chevy’s larger Equinox and other compact crossovers.

Size, footprint, and how it stacks up against other small SUVs

Understanding the Trax’s physical footprint helps explain why it’s considered a small SUV. Here are typical characteristics that illustrate its place in the segment.

• Overall size: Shorter and narrower than compact crossovers like the Equinox, designed for city parking and easy maneuverability.


• Seating and cargo: Seats five with modest cargo capacity; behind the rear seats, cargo space is limited, and it increases when the rear seats are folded.


• Drivetrain: Front-wheel drive is standard, with all-wheel drive offered in some model years or configurations.

Conclusion: In the spectrum of sport-utility vehicles, the Trax sits on the smaller end—adequate for daily urban use but with limited cargo space compared with larger SUVs.

Current status in Chevrolet’s lineup

Market availability and naming have shifted in recent years, affecting whether a new Trax is on sale in a given market.

• United States: Chevrolet discontinued the Trax after the 2022 model year; the Trailblazer now serves as the smallest current entry in Chevy’s SUV lineup in the US.


• International markets: The Trax nameplate has persisted in various regions, sometimes alongside or replaced by regional variants (or renamed models) as part of GM’s regional strategy.

Conclusion: If you’re shopping in the United States, you won’t find a new Trax on dealer lots; elsewhere, the Trax (or its regional equivalents) may still be available in certain markets.

Why the Trax is still viewed as a small SUV by buyers

The Trax’s perceived small-SUV status comes from its compact footprint, lower price point, and city-friendly packaging. It competes with other subcompact crossovers in terms of efficiency and ease of use, rather than with larger, cargo-heavy compact or mid-size SUVs.

Summary

In short, the Chevy Trax is widely regarded as a small, subcompact SUV in most markets, positioned below the Equinox in size and price. Its US market status changed with the 2022 model year, while international markets have seen Trax continued in various forms or alongside regional equivalents. For buyers seeking the smallest Chevy SUV today in the US, the Trailblazer is the current entry point.

What is Chevy's smallest SUV?

Chevy's smallest SUV is the Trax, which is a subcompact SUV known for being maneuverable and efficient, especially in urban environments. It seats five passengers and offers a maximum cargo capacity of 54.1 cubic feet with the rear seats folded down.
 

• Dimensions: It measures 178.6 inches in length, making it the shortest SUV in Chevrolet's lineup. 
• Cargo space: With the rear seats folded, it has a maximum cargo volume of 54.1 cubic feet. 
• Engine: It comes with a standard 1.2L Turbo engine. 
• Fuel efficiency: It delivers an EPA-estimated 30 mpg combined fuel economy. 

What is a Chevy Trax classified as?

compact crossover SUV
The Chevrolet Trax is a compact crossover SUV manufactured by General Motors and marketed under the Chevrolet brand since 2013, currently in its second generation.

What SUV is the Chevy Trax comparable to?

SUVs similar to the Chevy Trax include the Buick Envista (its platform-mate), Nissan Kicks, Hyundai Kona, and Kia Soul. The Trax's closest competitors are the other small SUVs, but you might also consider the slightly larger Kia Seltos or Toyota Corolla Cross if you need more space.
 
You can watch this video to learn how the 2026 Chevy Trax compares to the 2026 Chevy Trailblazer: 59sAutomotive Anonymous YouTube · Nov 3, 2025
Direct competitors

• Buick Envista: The Envista shares the same platform and engine as the Trax, offering a more premium feel with a stylish interior and additional suspension upgrades. 
• Nissan Kicks: Often compared to the Trax, the Kicks has a boxier shape which can provide more headroom in the back, though it may not feel as refined as the Trax. 
• Hyundai Kona: Another popular choice in this segment, the Kona is a direct competitor to the Trax. 
• Kia Soul: The Soul offers more rear legroom than many of its competitors and has a unique, boxy design that provides good headroom. 
• Honda HR-V: A reliable and practical option in the small SUV category. 

Slightly larger alternatives

• Kia Seltos: A good option if you need a bit more space than the Trax provides, it competes in the compact SUV class. 
• Toyota Corolla Cross: Known for its reliability, the Corolla Cross is another compact SUV that is comparable in many ways to the Trax. 

You can also watch this video to learn how the 2024 Buick Envista compares to the 2025 Chevy Trax: 51sBack Seat DriverYouTube · Oct 23, 2024
Other considerations

• Subaru Crosstrek: A good choice for those looking for optional all-wheel drive. 
• Chevrolet Trailblazer: A slightly larger SUV from Chevrolet that could be a good alternative if you need more space than the Trax offers. 

Is the Chevy Trax considered a small SUV?

It's a small SUV that's as bold as you are.