What is the safety rating of a Chevy Trax?

There isn’t a single universal safety rating for the Chevy Trax—the rating depends on model year and the testing agency. To know the exact rating for a specific Trax, check the latest NHTSA and IIHS results for that year.

Why safety ratings matter for the Trax

Understanding the two main U.S. crash-testing systems helps shoppers compare protection levels across model years and trims. NHTSA focuses on star ratings, while IIHS emphasizes crashworthiness and advanced features that earn designation as Top Safety Pick/Top Safety Pick+.

National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) ratings

NHTSA rates vehicles on a 1-5 star scale for overall safety, plus subratings for frontal, side, and rollover protection. The Trax' scores vary by year and trim level; always look up the specific year you’re considering.

To verify NHTSA results for a specific year, follow these steps:

• Visit SaferCar.gov and search for “Chevrolet Trax” with the exact model year you’re evaluating.


• Open the model’s results page and note the Overall Rating, plus Frontal, Side, and Rollover ratings.


• Read any additional notes about recalls or safety campaigns linked to that year and trim.

After reviewing NHTSA’s data, you’ll have a clear sense of the Trax’s basic crash protection for that year. However, it should be combined with other tests for a fuller picture.

Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) ratings

IIHS evaluates crashworthiness, collision avoidance technology, and headlight/roof integrity. They assign categories such as Good, Acceptable, Marginal, or Poor, and may designate a Top Safety Pick or Top Safety Pick+ if the Trax meets criteria in multiple tests and has available advanced safety features.

To check IIHS results for the same year, perform these steps:

• Go to IIHS.org and search for Chevrolet Trax; filter results by model year.


• Review the ratings for Moderate Overlap Front, Side, Roof Strength, and Head Restraints/Seats, plus any available front crash Prevention ratings.


• Note whether the vehicle earned Top Safety Pick or Top Safety Pick+ status for that year, or if it was not rated in certain tests.

IIHS results can vary by trim and available features such as automatic emergency braking and lane-keeping assist, which can influence the overall designation.

Year-by-year snapshot and how to interpret them

Because the Trax has undergone updates over its production run, safety numbers can change from year to year. Always confirm the exact model year you’re interested in, since a higher rating on one year doesn’t guarantee the same for another.

What to do if you’re shopping used

When shopping for a used Trax, you should verify both NHTSA and IIHS ratings for the exact year and trim, and compare them against competing subcompact crossovers to gauge relative protection and active safety features.

Safety features commonly available on the Trax

In addition to crash-test results, the presence of active safety features such as automatic emergency braking, forward collision warning, lane-keeping assist, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert can influence a vehicle’s real-world safety performance.

Standard and optional safety tech by year/trim

Note that availability varies by year and trim level. Higher trims typically include more advanced driver-assistance systems that can improve both IIHS/ NHTSA ratings and real-world safety outcomes.

How the Trax compares with peers

Among subcompact crossovers, safety ratings often reflect differing emphasis on crash protection and available driver-assistance features. The Trax generally competes with models like the Nissan Kicks, Hyundai Venue, Honda HR-V, and Toyota C-HR in various markets. Always compare the specific year’s ratings, since test results and feature availability change over time.

Practical tips for buyers and owners

To maximize safety, ensure you have the latest firmware updates and that the vehicle’s advanced safety systems are functioning properly. If buying used, verify the safety feature list for that exact vehicle’s production date and confirm any safety recalls have been addressed.

Summary

The Chevy Trax safety rating is not a single value; it depends on model year, trim, and the testing agency. For the most accurate picture, look up the specific year’s NHTSA star rating and IIHS test results, and consider the availability of modern driver-assistance features. This year-by-year approach helps buyers compare Trax models with confidence.

Bottom line: To know the safety rating of a Chevy Trax for a specific year, consult the official NHTSA SaferCar data and IIHS ratings for that exact model year, then factor in the presence of active safety features in the trim you’re considering.

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. 

Is the Chevy Trax a safe vehicle?

The Chevy Trax has a mixed safety record, with standard safety features like automatic emergency braking and lane keep assist but receiving poor ratings in some updated crash tests by the IIHS-HLDI YouTube channel. The vehicle is equipped with many advanced driver-assistance systems, but recent IIHS testing showed elevated risk of injury to rear passengers in certain crash scenarios and poor performance at night for its automatic emergency braking system.
 
Safety features

• Standard equipment: The Trax includes many safety features standard on all trims, such as Forward Collision Alert, Automatic Emergency Braking, Lane Keep Assist, and a rearview camera. 
• Available features: Features like Rear Cross Traffic Alert and Side Blind Zone Alert are available on higher trims. 
• Teen Driver: The system is designed to encourage safer driving habits in young drivers by setting certain limits and providing a report card. 

Safety ratings and performance 

• Mixed results: The 2024 IIHS ratings were mixed, with the Trax achieving an acceptable rating in the updated side crash test but receiving a poor overall rating in the moderate overlap frontal test. 
• Injury risk: The updated tests indicated an elevated risk of chest and head/neck injury for rear occupants in certain crash types. 
• Lighting: The Trax received a marginal rating for its headlights because they do not project far enough down the road. 
• Pedestrian braking: Its automatic emergency braking system was rated marginal, particularly at night, as it struggled to see pedestrians. 

Overall

• The Chevy Trax includes a comprehensive suite of modern safety features, making it appealing for new drivers and those who want the latest technology. 
• However, it is crucial to be aware of the mixed performance in recent crash tests, especially concerning rear-occupant safety and night-time performance of the automatic emergency braking and headlights. 
• For drivers prioritizing the highest safety ratings, the Chevy Trax may not be the best choice, and consumers should consider models with higher IIHS ratings. 

What is the #1 safest SUV?

There is no single "number one" safest SUV, as safety rankings vary by organization and vehicle class. However, many SUVs are recognized for outstanding safety, with the 2025 Kia Telluride https://www.motor and 2025 Mazda CX-70 earning both IIHS Top Safety Pick+ and 5-star NHTSA ratings. Other top contenders include the 2025 Mazda CX-50, 2025 Acura MDX, and 2025 Honda CR-V. 
Top-rated SUVs for safety

• Kia Telluride: This midsize SUV receives a 5-star NHTSA overall score and an IIHS Top Safety Pick+ for 2025. It's praised for a comprehensive suite of standard safety features and a strong performance in crash tests. 
• Mazda CX-70 and CX-90: These models are recognized with IIHS Top Safety Pick+ ratings for 2025, with excellent performance in small overlap front and other crash tests. 
• Mazda CX-50: The 2025 model earned a 5-star overall rating from NHTSA and an IIHS Top Safety Pick+. It scores well in crashworthiness and has a good pedestrian collision avoidance system. 
• Acura MDX: A luxury midsize option that earned an IIHS Top Safety Pick status. Its standard safety features like automatic emergency braking and adaptive cruise control are highly rated. 
• Honda CR-V: While the specific safety awards can vary by year, the CR-V is frequently highlighted for its strong safety performance, particularly in the compact SUV category. The Honda Sensing suite is noted for its effective and usable safety features. 

How to choose the safest SUV

• Check crash test ratings: Look at the ratings from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) to see how a specific vehicle performs in various crash tests. 
• Look at safety features: Consider which safety and driver-assist features are most important to you, such as automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, lane-keeping assist, and adaptive cruise control. 
• Consider your needs: The "safest" SUV depends on your individual needs. A family-friendly, three-row SUV like the Kia Telluride may be ideal for a larger family, while a smaller, more nimble option might be better for city driving. 

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.