DecodedCars2021 Chevrolet Trax
Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2021 models.
- Class
- Small Sport Utility Vehicle 2WD
- Body styles
- AWD 4dr SUV, FWD 4dr SUV
- Engines
- 1.4L 4-cyl turbo
- Transmission
- 6-speed automatic
- Drivetrain
- Front-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel Drive
- Seats
- 5
- Fuel
- Regular Gasoline
- MPG (best)
- 28 combined · 26 city / 32 hwy
- Length
- 167.3 in
- Curb weight
- 3,047–3,254 lb
- NHTSA rating
- ★★★★★
- Recalls
- 0 campaigns
Pros & cons
What's good
- AWD / 4WD available
- 5-star NHTSA safety ratingTop overall score in federal crash tests.
- Few owner complaints25 complaints filed with NHTSA versus about 101 for similar models.
- No recalls so far
Watch out for
No weak spots against similar models in the data.
Calculated from EPA, NHTSA and vPIC data against 15 similar 2021 models — not a review. How we calculate this →
Overview
The 2021 Chevrolet Trax is a small SUV offered with a 1.4L 4-cyl turbo engine and front-wheel drive and all-wheel drive.
It measures about 167 inches long and 70 inches wide on a 101-inch wheelbase, with a curb weight of roughly 3,254 lb (AWD 4dr SUV).
EPA rates its most efficient version at 28 MPG combined (26 city / 32 highway), 6% better than the 2021 small SUV average of 26.4 MPG, for an estimated $2,400 a year in fuel.
In NHTSA crash testing it earned the top 5-star overall rating.
It has 0 recall campaigns on file and owners have filed 25 complaints with NHTSA since 2015, most often about the electrical system.
What changed for 2021
No changes to engines, powertrains, drivetrains, size, EPA ratings or NHTSA crash rating compared with the 2020 Trax — a carry-over year in the data.
Compared with 2020; trim, feature and price changes aren't covered. See the 2020 Trax →
Trims, performance & features
Trims
Safety & driver-assist features
Built in: Bupyeong, South Korea
NHTSA vPIC, as reported by the manufacturer for 5 2021 Trax configurations; may not list every trim. How we calculate this →
Dimensions & weight
| Body | Length | Width | Height | Wheelbase | Track F / R | Curb weight | Weight F/R |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| AWD 4dr SUV | 167.3 in | 70.1 in | 65.7 in | 100.8 in | 60.6 / 60.6 in | 3,254 lb | 60/40 |
| FWD 4dr SUV | 167.3 in | 70.1 in | 65.7 in | 100.8 in | 60.6 / 60.6 in | 3,047 lb | 60/40 |
Transport Canada CVS (Open Government Licence – Canada), Canadian-market figures.
Will it fit your garage? Check with your measurements →Engines, MPG & running costs
| Version | Engine | Transmission | Drive | City / Hwy / Comb | vs. class | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Trax FWD | 1.4L 4-cyl turbo | Automatic (S6) | Front-Wheel Drive | 26 / 31 / 28 | +6% | $2,400 | 316 |
| Trax FWD | 1.4L 4-cyl turbo | Automatic (S6) | Front-Wheel Drive | 24 / 32 / 27 | +2% | $2,500 | 325 |
| Trax AWD | 1.4L 4-cyl turbo | Automatic (S6) | All-Wheel Drive | 24 / 29 / 26 | +9% | $2,600 | 344 |
| Trax AWD | 1.4L 4-cyl turbo | Automatic (S6) | All-Wheel Drive | 23 / 30 / 26 | +9% | $2,600 | 338 |
EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2021 EPA class average. How we calculate this →
Safety ratings & technology
| Version | Overall | Frontal | Driver / passenger | Side | Side pole | Rollover | Rollover risk |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 Chevrolet Trax SUV FWD | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | 5★ / 5★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | 19.8% |
| 2021 Chevrolet Trax SUV AWD | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | 5★ / 5★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | 17.9% |
Similar 2021 small SUVs
| Model | Best MPG / range | NHTSA overall | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 Chevrolet Trax (this car) | 28 MPG | ★★★★★ | 0 |
| 2021 Toyota RAV4 Prime | 38 MPG | Not rated | 4 |
| 2021 Ford Bronco | 21 MPG | Not rated | 20 |
| 2021 Hyundai Tucson | 25 MPG | ★★★★★ | 1 |
| 2021 Kia Seltos | 31 MPG | ★★★★★ | 2 |
| 2021 Kia Sportage | 26 MPG | ★★★★★ | 2 |
| 2021 Jeep Compass | 25 MPG | ★★★★★ | 0 |
Recalls (0)
No vehicle recalls on file with NHTSA for the 2021 Chevrolet Trax.
Check your VIN for open recalls at NHTSA ↗Not every 2021 Chevrolet Trax is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.
Owner-reported problems
Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.
Used 2021 Chevrolet Trax buyer's checklist
- Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. No recalls on file, but check anyway.
- Electrical System — 8 owner reports. Test every window, lock, light, screen and USB port; check the battery age.
- Engine — 6 owner reports. Cold-start the engine, listen for knocking, and watch for warning lights or hesitation on acceleration.
- Service Brakes — 4 owner reports. Brake firmly from speed; check for pulling, pulsing pedal or ABS warning light.
- Mileage to watch. Owners typically reported problems around 68,000 miles; ask what was repaired near that point.
- Before you pay: service records, a history report and an independent inspection.
Generated by DecodedCars from NHTSA recalls and owner complaints for the 2021 Chevrolet Trax. Not a substitute for a professional inspection.
Other Trax years
Compare all years →| Year | MPG (best) | Length | Overall | Recalls | Complaints |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 Trax | 30 | 178.7 in | Not rated | 0 | 17 |
| 2025 Trax | 30 | 178.7 in | ★★★★★ | 1 | 98 |
| 2024 Trax | 30 | 178.7 in | ★★★★★ | 1 | 180 |
| 2022 Trax | 27 | 167.3 in | ★★★★★ | 0 | 9 |
| 2020 Trax | 28 | 167.3 in | ★★★★★ | 0 | 98 |
| 2019 Trax | 28 | 167.3 in | ★★★★★ | 2 | 136 |
| 2018 Trax | 28 | 167.3 in | ★★★★★ | 2 | 102 |
| 2017 Trax | 28 | 167.3 in | Not rated | 3 | 114 |
| 2016 Trax | 29 | 167.7 in | Not rated | 5 | 120 |
| 2015 Trax | 29 | 167.7 in | Not rated | 7 | 96 |
Sources: EPA, NHTSA, Transport Canada, Wikimedia Commons. Not affiliated with NHTSA, the EPA or Chevrolet. How we calculate this →