Full Description: The Chevrolet Trax LS is a five-passenger hatchback with a spacious and versatile interior. The Chevrolet Trax is basically a fewer-frills version of the Buick Encore. Both models are built upon the architecture of the Chevrolet Sonic sedan. Trax was introduced for 2015 as Chevrolet's second smallest model, while Canadian dealers had the Trax for two years before its U.S. debut. Except for some new colors, nothing has changed for 2018. As expected, fuel economy is a prominent benefit, while acceleration falls on the ho-hum side. And speaking of ho-hum, the styling is bland. Beneath the hood, a 1.4-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine makes 138 horsepower and 148 pound-feet of torque. The 6-speed automatic transmission has a broad range of ratios. This translates to comparatively swift takeoffs, while a deep overdrive sixth gear promises relaxed, thrifty cruising on the open road. Despite having the footprint of a subcompact car, the Trax measures 66 inches tall. It's like a tall five-door hatchback, with an arched roofline, tall hood, and attractively sculpted bodysides that don't convey a slab-sided look. Lower body elements look like rubber, hinting at inherent ruggedness. That's something of an illusion, as the Trax is hardly ready for wilderness trekking. Despite its official five-passenger capacity, Trax, like many smaller vehicles, seats no more than four adults comfortably. Controlled handling and a comfortable ride are appealing, and responsive electric power steering yields good maneuverability. Safety features include a rearview camera and 10 airbags. Both the driver and front passenger get knee airbags, and all four outboard seating positions are fitted with side thorax airbags. Crash-test scores have been excellent, led by a five-star overall rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). Trax was deemed Good by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, its highest compliment. Trax LS has 16-inch steel wheels and plastic wheel covers. Standard features include air conditioning; keyless entry; power windows, locks, and mirrors; and a tilt/telescopic steering column; OnStar 4G LTE connectivity includes a wi-fi hotspot. MyLink entertainment comes with a 7-inch color touchscreen. Even though Trax designers borrowed styling cues from Chevy trucks, placing them on a tall hatchback-style body, the general effect is generic. On the whole, Trax appears far less distinguished than Buick's Encore. Except for front doors, the two share nothing. Trax adapts Chevrolet's twin cockpit styling theme to a more practical, upright layout, while exhibiting a similar motorcycle influence. The instrument cluster itself is almost identical to the one in the Chevrolet Sonic. The standard 3.5-inch monochrome display screen holds a digital speedometer. The simplicity and trim in a Trax exude an almost sporty tone, though impaired by abundant hard black plastics. That's one sign of cost-cutting on lower-end models. Cargo space expands from 18.7 cubic feet with rear seatbacks up, to 48.4 cubic feet with them folded. In comparison, Honda's HR-V offers 23.2 and 57.6 cubic feet, respectively. The front passenger seat can fold flat for long items. With such a small engine, performance isn't a strong point. Acceleration is good up to about 50 mph; but then, the Trax begins to lose vigor. When a burst of energy is needed for passing, safety concerns dictate planning ahead. Ordinarily quiet, the engine gets considerably noisier past 3500 rpm. In addition to modest engine power, transmission gearing aims at economical around-town driving. Handling ranks about average for a small utility vehicle: unremarkable and non-sporty, yet well controlled. Though it feels solid on the highway, and the suspension soaks up bumps reasonably well. Short on sportiness in both appearance and highway performance, Trax scores high in fuel economy and safety features. Qualifying as Chevrolet's least-expensive model with available front-wheelAir filtration, Front air conditioning, Front air conditioning zones: single, Rear vents: second row, Airbag deactivation: occupant sensing passenger, Front airbags: dual, Knee airbags: dual front, Side airbags: front / rear, Side curtain airbags: front / rear, Antenna type: mast, Auxiliary audio input: Bluetooth / USB / iPod/iPhone / jack, Internet radio app: Pandora / Stitcher, Radio: AM/FM / touch screen display / voice operated, Radio data system, Speed sensitive volume control, Total speakers: 6, ABS: 4-wheel, Braking assist, Electronic brakeforce distribution, Front brake diameter: 11.8, Front brake type: ventilated disc, Front brake width: 1.0, Power brakes, Rear brake diameter: 10.6, Rear brake type: disc, Rear brake width: 0.5, Armrests: drivers seat / rear center with cupholders / rear folding, Floor mat material: carpet, Floor material: carpet, Floor mats: front / rear, Shift knob trim: chrome, Steering wheel trim: urethane, Additional key, Assist handle: front / rear, Cargo area light, Cargo cover: hard, Center console: front console with storage, Cupholders: front / rear / 6, Multi-function remote: keyless entry / panic alarm / trunk release, One-touch windows: 4, Overhead console: front, Power outlet(s): 12V front, Power steering, Power windows: lockout button, Reading lights: front, Rearview mirror: manual day/night, Retained accessory power, Steering wheel: tilt and telescopic, Steering wheel mounted controls: audio / phone / voice control, Storage: accessory hook / cargo tie-down anchors and hooks / cargo tray / door pockets / front seatback / in dash / in floor, Tool kit, Vanity mirrors: dual, Liftgate window: fixed, Rear door type: liftgate, 4WD type: on demand, Axle ratio: 3.53, Alternator: 130 amps, Battery: maintenance-free, Battery saver, Door handle color: body-color, Front bumper color: body-color, Grille color: black / chrome surround, Mirror color: body-color, Rear bumper color: body-color, Window trim: black, Connected in-car apps: Google POIs / Google search, Infotainment: Android Auto ready / Apple CarPlay ready / Chevrolet Infotainment System, Infotainment screen size: 7 in., Clock, Compass, Digital odometer, Driver information system, External temperature display, Fuel economy display: MPG / range, Gauge: tachometer, Instrument cluster screen size: 3.5 in., Multi-function display, Trip computer, Trip odometer, Warnings and reminders: low battery / low fuel level / low oil level / maintenance due / tire fill alert, Daytime running lights, Headlights: auto delay off / auto on/off / halogen, Taillights: rear center, Side mirror adjustments: manual folding / power, Body side reinforcements: side impact door beams, Camera system: rearview, Child safety door locks, Child seat anchors: LATCH system, Rearview monitor: in dash, Emergency locking retractors: front / rear, Front seatbelts: 3-point, Rear seatbelts: 3-point, Seatbelt force limiters: front, Seatbelt pretensioners: front, Seatbelt warning sensor: front, Driver seat manual adjustments: height / reclining / 4, Driver seat power adjustments: lumbar, Front headrests: adjustable / 2, Front seat type: bucket, Passenger seat folding: folds flat, Passenger seat manual adjustments: reclining / 2, Rear headrests: adjustable / 2, Rear seat folding: flat / split, Rear seat type: 60-40 split bench, Upholstery: cloth, 2-stage unlocking doors, Anti-theft system: alarm with remote / theft-deterrent system, Power door locks: anti-lockout / auto-locking, Roll stability control, Stability control, Traction control, Steering ratio: 16.1, Turns lock-to-lock: 2.7, Front shock type: gas, Front spring type: coil, Front stabilizer bar, Front struts: MacPherson, Front suspension classification: independent, Front suspension type: lower control arms, Rear shock type: twin-tube gas, Rear spring type: coil, Rear suspension classification: semi-independent, Rear suspension type: torsion beam, Driver assistance app: roadside assistance, Electronic messaging assistance: voic