Is the Chevy Trax a 4 or 6 cylinder?
The Chevy Trax is powered by four-cylinder engines, and there has never been a six-cylinder option in the lineup. In practice, recent and current Trax models rely on a turbocharged four-cylinder setup to balance practicality, efficiency, and everyday performance.
Engine configuration and current status
Across generations and markets, the Trax has consistently been built around four-cylinder powertrains. Chevrolet has not offered a V6 (six-cylinder) option for this subcompact SUV, making four cylinders the standard configuration. In the latest iterations, turbocharging has been used on the four-cylinder engine to boost torque and responsiveness while maintaining good fuel economy.
Here is a quick overview of the engine configuration for the Trax:
- Four-cylinder engines are the sole engine family in the Trax across generations.
- The most common contemporary setup is a turbocharged inline-4 that enhances performance without sacrificing efficiency.
- There has never been a Chevrolet Trax with a V6 engine option.
In short, buyers should expect a four-cylinder engine in a Trax, with turbocharged variants used in the more recent models to deliver better acceleration and efficiency.
Performance implications for buyers
Because the Trax uses four-cylinder engines, its performance is geared toward city driving and everyday commuting rather than high-speed highway bursts. The turbocharged four-cylinder setup helps with quick response in urban conditions and merging, while the four-cylinder configuration generally yields favorable fuel economy for its class.
Market differences and model-year notes
Engine offerings can vary slightly by model year and region, but the Trax has consistently stayed within the four-cylinder family. When shopping, always verify the exact engine specification for the trim and year you’re considering, as there can be regional tuning differences or updates between generations.
Summary
The Chevy Trax uses four-cylinder engines exclusively, with no six-cylinder option ever offered. Contemporary models typically feature a turbocharged inline-4 for a blend of performance and efficiency, while older configurations remained four-cylinder as well. For buyers, this means predictable engine architecture across the lineup, with power delivered by four cylinders rather than a V6.
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.
Does the Chevy Trax come in a 4 cylinder?
No, recent Chevy Trax models are equipped with a turbocharged 3-cylinder engine, not a 4-cylinder. Older models, particularly the 2022 and prior, were offered with a 1.4L turbocharged 4-cylinder engine.
| Model Year | Engine |
|---|---|
| 2025 and newer | 1.2L turbocharged 3-cylinder engine |
| 2022 and prior | 1.4L turbocharged 4-cylinder engine |
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What's the lifespan of a Chevy Trax engine?
around 200,000 miles
On average, a well-cared-for Chevy Trax can last around 200,000 miles or about 16-17 years.
Is there a 6 cylinder Chevy Trax?
Is the Chevrolet Trax a 4 or 6 cylinder? All trim levels of the 2025 Trax feature a 3 cylinder engine.
