At the heart of the Chevrolet Trax crossover is a 1.4-Liter 4-cylinder turbocharged engine, which churns out 138 hp while delivering 148 lbs.-ft. of torque. The crossover employs a 6-speed automatic transmission for channelizing the engine power to its drivetrain.
Models |
Chevrolet Trax |
Fiat 500X |
Mazda CX-3 crossover |
Buick Encore |
MSRP |
$21,000 |
$19,995 |
$19,960 |
$22,990 |
Engine |
1.4L 4cyl |
1.4L 4cyl |
2.0L 4cyl |
1.4L 4cyl |
Transmission |
6-speed automatic |
6-speed automatic |
6-speed automatic |
6-speed automatic |
Horsepower |
138 hp @4900 rpm |
160 hp @5500 rpm |
146 hp @6000 rpm |
138 hp @4900 rpm |
Torque |
148 lb-ft @1850 rpm |
184 lb-ft @2500 rpm |
146 lb-ft @2800 rpm |
148 lb-ft @1850 rpm |
Amidst the rivals, the Fiat 500X offers both the highest power and torque of 160 hp and 154 lbs.-ft. respectively. Coming to the Mazda CX-3 crossover, it has the largest engine displacement (2.0 Liter) amidst the competition, but its power is just 8 hp more than the Chevy Trax. However, both the Trax as well as the Encore benefit from the low-end peak torque that kicks in a little late on the other two cars. The Buick is the most expensive among these four, but it offers the most premium interior.
Acceleration
The acceleration of the Chevy Trax is not extraordinary. In fact, its 0-60 mph time is 9.3 seconds and quarter-mile time is 17.2 seconds. This is slower than most of the subcompact crossovers, barring a few. The 1.4 Liter engine is able to summon its peak torque output at a mere 1850 rpm. This makes the Trax a peppy vehicle for city driving.
Models |
Chevrolet Trax crossover |
Fiat 500X |
Mazda CX-3 crossover |
Buick Encore |
0-60 MPH |
9.3 sec |
8.5 sec |
8.5 sec |
7.8 sec |
Quarter mile |
17.2 sec |
16.3 sec |
15.8 sec |
16.2 sec |
Engine |
1.4L |
1.4L |
2.0L |
1.4L |
Emission (Tons/yr of CO2 Emissions @ 15K mi/year) |
9.3 |
6.3 |
5.7 |
6.3 |
The Buick Encore is the fastest crossover among the four. It completes its 0-60 mph run under 7.8 seconds. The Mazda CX-3 and the Fiat 500X take the same time to complete the 0-60 mph run, at 8.5 seconds. However, the Mazda CX-3 is much quicker in the quarter-mile drag. The Mazda CX-3 is the most eco-friendly vehicle with the least in segment emission statistics, whereas the Chevrolet Trax's engine does leave out a lot of pollution. Its surprising that even though the Buick shares the same engine with the Chevy, its much more eco-friendly.
Ride and Handling
When it comes to handling, the Chevy Trax isn’t much fun. The Trax is offered with a simplistic suspension – MacPherson strut front and rear torsion-beam. This setup is able to absorb most of the road undulations fairly well. The electric power steering system has been set up with a good-on center feel and the steering effort weighs up as the speed increase. Coupled with the quick and smooth 6-speed transmission, the Trax is easier to filter around in the city and to park as well.
The ride quality of the Chevy Trax is excellent at a lower speed. The 16-inch wheels on the lower trims do make the ride quality better, but the 18-inch destroy whatever ride comfort you can have. The throttle response for the Chevrolet Trax is satisfactory at lower revs but it becomes dull as the revs climb up. Trax’s all-wheel-drive system hasn’t been tuned for off-roading but it provides decent traction to tackle wet conditions.
Braking
In emergency braking scenarios, the Chevrolet Trax comes at a halt from 60 mph after covering a distance of 119 ft. It has brake rotors that measure 11.8 inches up front and the same at the rear. This is pretty adequate to bring the car to a stop with its 2805 lbs weight which is relatively light.
Model |
Chevrolet Trax crossover |
Fiat 500X |
Mazda CX-3 crossover |
Buick Encore |
Brake Front (in.) |
11.8 |
12.0 |
11.0 |
11.8 |
Brake Rear (in.) |
11.8 |
11.0 |
11.1 |
10.6 |
Curb Weight (lbs.) |
2805 |
2967 |
2809 |
3237 |
60-0 MPH (ft.) |
119 |
123 |
117 |
119 |
If we look at the other crossovers in the competition, only the Mazda CX-3 has a better 60-0 mph deceleration (117 feet) while the Fiat 500X’s 123 feet the worst in the segment. That and the 500X's weight can be something to be worried about. The Buick is exactly on par with the Trax with the same stopping distance of 119 feet. The Buick's performance is commendable as its around 500 pounds heavier than the Trax.
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