Is the 3-cylinder engine in the Chevy Trax good?
In the U.S. market there isn’t a 3-cylinder engine option for the Chevy Trax—the current Trax is equipped with a 1.4-liter turbocharged four-cylinder. A 3-cylinder turbo is found in related European models (such as Opel/Vauxhall Mokka), but it is not offered in the North American Trax lineup. This article explains what that means for buyers and how a 3-cylinder setup compares where it exists.
Engine options by market
Before diving into the implications, here is a quick look at where a 3-cylinder engine appears and where it does not.
- United States and Canada: Chevy Trax is powered by a 1.4-liter turbocharged four-cylinder with an automatic transmission; there is no factory 3-cylinder option in the current lineup.
- Europe and certain other markets: The Opel/Vauxhall Mokka—a closely related model in the GM family—offers a 1.2-liter turbocharged three-cylinder option in several trims, prioritizing efficiency over peak power.
The upshot: the 3-cylinder configuration exists in European GM crossovers, but it's not part of the current North American Trax lineup. If you’re shopping in the U.S., you’ll be comparing a 4-cylinder setup rather than a 3-cylinder one. In Europe, buyers may encounter a 3-cylinder option that emphasizes fuel economy.
Is a 3-Cylinder Engine Good for a Small SUV Like the Trax?
To help you judge, here are the general strengths and trade-offs associated with 3-cylinder turbo engines in small SUVs, including how they’re typically implemented in GM’s European offerings.
Performance and refinement considerations
Before any lists, consider this context: a 3-cylinder turbo aims to deliver good fuel economy and light weight, which helps in city driving and daily use, but it can come with compromises in smoothness and low-end response compared with a similar-sized 4-cylinder.
- Pros:
- Improved fuel economy potential due to lighter weight and fewer cylinders.
- Compact packaging that can free up space and reduce curb weight.
- Adequate torque for city driving and light highway use, especially with turbocharging. - Cons:
- Potential for more noticeable vibration or roughness at idle or low speeds.
- Turbo lag or less immediate throttle response at lower RPMs compared with some 4-cylinders.
- Long-term reliability depends on turbo system maintenance; modern designs are generally reliable with proper service.
Conclusion: In urban and daily commuting, a 3-cylinder can be a sensible choice for efficiency and ease of driving. If you regularly need brisk highway acceleration or heavier load carrying, a 4-cylinder typically offers a smoother, more confident feel on such trips.
Bottom line
For buyers in North America, the Chevy Trax’s engine is a 1.4-liter turbo four, and a 3-cylinder option does not apply to the current Trax lineup. In Europe, where the Mokka/Trax family is sold under different branding, a 1.2-liter turbo three-cylinder is available and can deliver strong fuel economy with adequate everyday performance. The decision on engine choice largely depends on market and driving priorities: if you want brisk highway performance, a four-cylinder is usually preferable; if you prioritize city efficiency and light weight, a turbocharged three-cylinder can be compelling where offered.
Summary
The 3-cylinder configuration is not part of the current Chevrolet Trax in the United States. It does exist in related European GM models like the Opel/Vauxhall Mokka, where the 1.2-liter turbo three-cylinder focuses on efficiency. For U.S. buyers, the Trax’s 1.4-liter turbo four remains the standard, balancing everyday usability with respectable highway capability. In markets that offer a 3-cylinder option, potential buyers should weigh fuel economy gains against refinement and low-end performance, depending on their driving needs.
