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Who is the Chevy Trax made by?

The Chevy Trax is made by Chevrolet, the American brand of General Motors (GM).


Overview of the maker and branding


Though the vehicle is sold as a Chevrolet in many markets, GM’s global structure often means regional badge variations. The Trax’s development traces back to GM Daewoo in South Korea, and its production has occurred in multiple GM plants worldwide to serve different regions and generations.


Before exploring specifics, it helps to note how the Trax fits into GM’s broader strategy: a compact-SUV built on shared GM platforms and marketed under different badges depending on regional branding agreements. This approach keeps manufacturing efficient while allowing local market customization.



  • Brand and market: Chevrolet is the primary brand for the Trax in North America and many other regions.

  • Development lineage: The Trax’s engineering and design originated under GM Daewoo (GM’s South Korean operation) as part of GM’s global compact-SUV strategy.

  • Badge variations: In some markets, the same basic vehicle is sold under Holden or Opel/Vauxhall banners, reflecting GM’s regional branding efforts.


These points illustrate how a single GM product can appear under different names while sharing core engineering and components.


Global production footprint


Production locations for the Trax have varied by generation and market, reflecting GM’s global manufacturing network. The model has involved factories in multiple countries to support regional demand and supply chains.



  • South Korea: Early development and production involvement through GM Daewoo for several markets.

  • Mexico and other regions: Some Trax models for North American and nearby markets have been produced in GM facilities in Mexico and other regions as production needs evolved.

  • Platform siblings: The Trax shares its underpinnings with other GM small SUVs such as the Buick Encore and Opel/Vauxhall Mokka, enabling cross-brand efficiency in engineering and manufacturing.


Across generations, GM’s global footprint has allowed the Trax to be tailored for diverse markets while maintaining a common core platform.


Related GM subcompact SUVs


Sibling models and branding strategy


The Chevy Trax sits within GM’s family of subcompact SUVs, sharing design and engineering with several sibling models. This badge-engineered approach helps GM optimize resources while offering region-specific branding.



  • Buick Encore: A closely related GM product in North America that shares the Trax’s platform and components.

  • Opel/Vauxhall Mokka: The European counterpart that uses the same core architecture and many similar parts.

  • Holden Trax: An Australian-market variant that adapted the Trax design for local audiences.


These connections underscore GM’s strategy of leveraging shared platforms across brands and regions to streamline production and bring similar capabilities to different markets.


Summary


The Chevy Trax is a GM product marketed by Chevrolet, reflecting General Motors’ global approach to badge engineering and platform sharing. Developed through GM Daewoo in Korea and produced in GM facilities around the world, the Trax demonstrates how GM fuses cross-brand compatibility with regional branding to meet diverse market demands. Its story is one of a single GM platform adapted for multiple markets, with Chevrolet serving as the primary badge in many regions while Holden and Opel/Vauxhall offer regional variants.

Who actually makes the Chevy Trax?


General Motors
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.



Are Chevy Trax good reliable cars?


The Chevy Trax is generally considered a reliable vehicle, receiving high marks from sources like J.D. Power. It has an average lifespan of around 200,000 miles and is praised for its fuel efficiency and strong value. However, some specific issues have been reported, including problems with infotainment screens and exhaust systems, according to Consumer Reports.
 
This video reviews the 2024 Chevy Trax and discusses its reliability concerns: 1mThe Car Care Nut ReviewsYouTube · May 16, 2024
Positive reliability aspects

  • High ratings: Recent models have earned high "Great" reliability ratings from sources like J.D. Power. 
  • Good lifespan: With proper maintenance, a Chevy Trax can last for around 200,000 miles. 
  • Strong value: It is considered a reliable and affordable option, with lower-than-average ownership costs. 
  • Fuel efficient: The Trax is known for its good gas mileage, which contributes to lower running costs. 

Potential issues to be aware of
  • Display and camera glitches: Some owners have reported problems with the infotainment display freezing and the backup camera malfunctioning. 
  • Exhaust system problems: Issues such as leaks in the exhaust pipes, muffler, or catalytic converter have been noted. 
  • Climate control issues: Some models have experienced problems with the automatic climate control system, including electrical and refrigerant leaks. 
  • Less reliable older models: Some older models (such as the 2018) had more reported issues, including with the interior fan and turbo problems. 



What is the Chevy Trax comparable to?


Competitors to the Chevy Trax include the Buick Envista, Nissan Kicks, Hyundai Kona, Honda HR-V, and Mazda CX-30. Other rivals are the Subaru Crosstrek, Volkswagen Taos, and Kia Soul. Many of these vehicles are in the same subcompact SUV class and offer comparable features, price points, and fuel efficiency.
 
You can watch this video to learn about the Chevrolet Trax and Buick Envista: 58sDriving.caYouTube · Apr 5, 2024
Direct competitors

  • Buick Envista: Often considered a close sibling to the Trax, it shares many of the same mechanical components but may have a slightly different styling and price point. 
  • Nissan Kicks: A direct competitor known for its efficiency and value, though it may lack some of the Trax's interior refinement. 
  • Hyundai Kona: A popular rival in the segment that offers a good balance of features, style, and performance. 
  • Honda HR-V: Another strong competitor, the HR-V is known for its practicality and spaciousness. 

Other comparable models
  • Mazda CX-30: Often praised for its upscale interior and driving dynamics, though its base price is typically higher than the Trax. 
  • Subaru Crosstrek: A notable competitor, particularly for those seeking standard all-wheel drive, which is not available on the Trax. 
  • Volkswagen Taos: Offers a different take on the subcompact SUV with its unique styling and features. 
  • Kia Soul: A boxier option that provides good rear headroom, making it a strong competitor, especially for those who prioritize interior space. 
  • Toyota Corolla Cross: A reliable option with a reputation for dependability. 

This video compares the Chevrolet Trax and Chevy Trailblazer: 43sHawkeye RidesYouTube · Sep 22, 2024



What are common problems with the Trax?


Common problems: Electrical system problems, engine problems, structural problems, and forward collision avoidance system issues. One recall has been issued for the 2024 Chevy Trax, which took place in November 2023 and was for the infotainment system screen being blank.


Kevin's Auto

Kevin Bennett

Company Owner

Kevin Bennet is the founder and owner of Kevin's Autos, a leading automotive service provider in Australia. With a deep commitment to customer satisfaction and years of industry expertise, Kevin uses his blog to answer the most common questions posed by his customers. From maintenance tips to troubleshooting advice, Kevin's articles are designed to empower drivers with the knowledge they need to keep their vehicles running smoothly and safely.