Is Chevy Trax a safe car?
In the crowded subcompact SUV segment, the Chevy Trax is often weighed for value as much as for safety. The bottom line: the Trax generally offers a solid safety package for its class, but exact ratings and available features vary by model year and trim. In recent years, Chevrolet has rolled out more driver-assistance tech, improving safety on newer Trax models.
How safety is measured for the Trax
To gauge safety, most buyers consult official crash-test results and examine the active safety features offered on a given model year and trim. The following sections summarize how the Trax has fared across years, noting that results evolve as GM updates the lineup and as testing standards change.
Official crash-test results by year
Before diving into specifics, it’s important to know where to find credible results. The list below points to the primary sources and what they cover for Trax by year. Remember that ratings can differ by market and by trim level.
- NHTSA ratings: The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration publishes overall and component ratings for each model year. Check the official NHTSA SaferCar.gov page for the exact star ratings by trim and year.
- IIHS ratings: The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety tests Trax variants for certain years. IIHS coverage varies, and a “Top Safety Pick” designation depends on the presence of particular features and performance in multiple tests. See IIHS.org for current test status by year.
- Regional differences: Safety equipment and ratings can differ between markets (for example, U.S. versus Canada or other countries) and between trim levels.
When evaluating a specific used Trax, verify the exact model year and trim’s NHTSA and IIHS results, and check whether Forward Collision Warning with Automatic Emergency Braking (AEB) and Lane Departure Warning are included, as those features influence both tests and real-world safety performance.
Active safety features and what to expect by generation
Shoppers should note how safety technology has evolved across Trax generations. Early years relied on airbags, stability control, and basic safety items, while later generations commonly add more advanced driver-assistance systems as standard or optional equipment.
- Base and mid trims (earlier generations): typically include multiple airbags, stability control, ABS, a rearview camera, and traction control; advanced driver-assistance features may be optional or unavailable.
- Mid to late generations: commonly add Forward Collision Warning, Automatic Emergency Braking, Lane Keep Assist, and Rear Park Assist as either standard or widely available options.
- Market-wide updates: GM’s broader Safety Assist initiatives and updated infotainment systems expanded available safety features in the late 2010s and early 2020s, influencing the safety profile of newer Trax models.
In practice, a well-equipped Trax from recent years tends to offer competitive safety for its class, especially with AEB and lane-keeping features. However, as with many subcompact SUVs, smaller frontal crash zones and certain older configurations can affect certain test outcomes.
How Trax compares with peers
Compared with other subcompact crossovers, the Trax generally sits in the middle for safety. It often provides more standard features than some budget rivals, but top safety ratings typically go to the newest or best-equipped models from competing brands. As with any used car, exact results depend on the model year and trim.
- Across peers like the Honda HR-V, Hyundai Venue, and Ford EcoSport, safety ratings and standard features vary by year and trim. Prospective buyers should compare ratings and equipment year-by-year rather than relying on brand reputation alone.
- Newer Trax trims that include automatic emergency braking and lane-keeping systems tend to perform better in safety tests and deliver stronger on-road safety performance.
For buyers, the best approach is to compare the exact model year and trim against NHTSA and IIHS data and to verify the presence of active-safety tech on the specific vehicle being considered.
What to check if you’re buying used
If a used Trax is on your list, here are practical checks to assess safety readiness beyond official ratings:
- Confirm the presence of active safety features (AEB, FCW, LDW, rear cross-traffic alert) on that specific trim and year.
- Review maintenance records to ensure safety-related systems have been serviced (sensor calibrations, battery health, etc.).
- Inspect airbags and restraint systems for recalls or deployment issues; verify that any recall repairs have been completed.
- Test drive focusing on braking performance, steering feel, and lane-keeping responses to gauge real-world safety performance.
Cross-check official recalls on SaferCar.gov (U.S.) or Transport Canada (Canada) and ensure VIN-specific recall status is clear before purchase.
Bottom line: Is the Chevy Trax safe?
Overall, the Chevy Trax offers a respectable safety package for its class, with newer models typically delivering improved protection thanks to more advanced driver-assistance features. However, safety ratings and available tech vary by year and trim, so it’s essential to verify the exact model year against NHTSA and IIHS data and to confirm the presence of active-safety features when evaluating a used Trax. A newer Trax with modern safety features generally represents the strongest safety proposition among its peers in this segment.
Summary
The Chevy Trax remains a competitive option in the subcompact SUV segment from a safety standpoint, especially in newer iterations that bundle more driver-assistance technologies. Prospective buyers should verify year-specific NHTSA and IIHS results and confirm active-safety equipment on the exact vehicle in question. In practice, a newer Trax with AEB, FCW, and LDW availability offers the clearest safety advantage, while always reviewing recalls and maintenance history before purchase.
What is the safest Chevrolet vehicle?
Several recent Chevy models are considered safe, including the 2024 Traverse, Equinox, and Blazer, as well as the 2024 and 2025 Silverado 1500. Many of these vehicles have received a 5-Star Overall Safety Rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). The 2024 Equinox and 2025 Silverado are frequently mentioned for their high safety ratings.
Safe Chevy vehicles
- Chevrolet Traverse: The 2024 model has a 5-Star Overall Safety Rating from the NHTSA and includes standard safety features like a rearview camera and stability control.
- Chevrolet Equinox: Often cited for its strong safety performance, with 5-star ratings from the NHTSA for multiple years, including the 2024 model. It also earned top safety pick ratings from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS).
- Chevrolet Blazer: Both the 2024 and 2025 models have received a 5-Star Overall Safety Rating from the NHTSA.
- Silverado 1500: The 2024 and 2025 models earned a 5-Star Overall Safety Rating from the NHTSA.
- Chevrolet Malibu: The 2024-2025 models received a 5-Star Overall Safety Rating from the NHTSA.
- Chevrolet Camaro: The 2024 model earned a 5-Star Overall Safety Rating from the NHTSA.
How to choose the safest Chevy
- Check official safety ratings: Always check the NHTSA and IIHS websites for the most current safety ratings for any specific model year you are considering.
- Consider advanced safety features: Look for vehicles with modern safety technology, such as adaptive cruise control, automatic emergency braking, and lane keep assist, which can help prevent accidents and protect occupants.
How safe is the Trax?
The Chevy Trax has a mixed safety profile, with a 4 out of 5-star overall rating from the NHTSA. While it includes many standard safety features like Forward Collision Alert and Automatic Emergency Braking through the Chevy Safety Assist package, its recent IIHS testing shows an updated moderate overlap frontal test resulted in a poor rating due to elevated injury risks for rear occupants.
Overall safety rating
- National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA): 4 out of 5 stars overall.
Standard safety features
- Chevy Safety Assist: A suite of driver assistance technologies that includes:
- Forward Collision Alert
- Automatic Emergency Braking with Front Pedestrian Braking
- Lane Keep Assist with Lane Departure Warning
- Following Distance Indicator
- Other standard features:
- HD Rear Vision Camera
- StabiliTrak electronic stability control
- Teen Driver technology
- LATCH system for child seats
- Tire Fill Alert
- Buckle to Drive
- Rear Seat Reminder alert
Safety concerns
- IIHS testing: The 2024 Trax received a "poor" rating in the updated moderate overlap frontal crash test due to potential injury risks to the head and chest of rear-seated occupants.
- Headlights: Received a "marginal" rating in some IIHS tests because they did not project far enough down the roadway.
- Pedestrian braking: Performed well during the day but struggled at night in pedestrian braking tests.
- Optional safety features: While many features are standard, some (like Blind Spot Warning and Rear Cross Traffic Warning) are optional on certain trims.
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.
What do consumer reports say about the 2025 Chevy Trax?
Consumer Reports critiques the 2025 Chevy Trax for a loud cabin, gruff engine, and sluggish power delivery, while noting its spaciousness, comfortable ride, and strong value. Other reviews echo the value and space but highlight potential issues with the infotainment system and its lack of all-wheel drive, which makes it less competitive with some rivals, notes Reddit users. Overall, the Trax is seen as a budget-friendly option that prioritizes practicality and style over performance and refinement.
You can watch this video for a detailed review of the 2025 Chevy Trax: 51stexasGarage “TXGARAGE”YouTube · Jun 5, 2025
Consumer Reports analysis
- Positives: The Trax's value is a major plus. It also boasts a comfortable ride, roomy interior, and well-designed, easy-to-use controls.
- Negatives: Critiques include pronounced cabin noise, a "gruff" engine, and uneven power delivery that can feel sluggish. The lack of available all-wheel drive is also a drawback.
- Reliability and satisfaction: Consumer Reports predicts about average reliability based on 2024 models.
- Safety: Standard safety features include automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection. However, highway-speed automatic emergency braking is not available, and other features like blind-spot warning are optional, notes Consumer Reports.
This video discusses some of the positive aspects of the 2025 Chevy Trax: 49sMatt The CarguyYouTube · Aug 22, 2025
Other consumer reviews
- Praises include:
- Value: Many users find the car to be an excellent value for its price point, notes Edmunds.
- Space: The interior is spacious, with generous rear legroom and cargo capacity.
- Styling: Owners like the vehicle's appearance.
- Common complaints include:
- Performance: Some users find the engine's power delivery uneven and sometimes laggy.
- Infotainment: Some reports mention issues with the infotainment system shutting down or not working correctly, notes Cars.com.
- Comfort: Some find the front seats uncomfortable on longer drives, though this can be subjective, says Kelley Blue Book.
- Features: The base model lacks features like a push-button start and rear vents, and there are no rear cupholders, according to Edmunds and Kelley Blue Book.
This video highlights the trunk space and spare tire of the 2025 Chevy Trax: 59sTopherDrivesYouTube · Jul 17, 2025
