What Is the EPA-Estimated Fuel Economy Rating for the 2026 Chevrolet Trax?

The 2026 Chevrolet Trax carries EPA-estimated ratings of 28 mpg city, 32 mpg highway, and 30 mpg combined. Every Trax uses the same turbo engine and the same front-wheel-drive setup. So the LS, 1RS, LT, 2RS, and ACTIV all earn the same rating.

The Trax holds 13.2 gallons of fuel. At an EPA-estimated 30 mpg combined, that works out to roughly 396 miles between fill-ups. For drivers running errands in Eastvale, commuting toward Ontario, or driving between Riverside, Corona, and San Bernardino, the city number matters most. An EPA-estimated 28 mpg is the rating that applies in stop-and-go traffic.

2026 Chevy Trax Fuel Economy at a Glance

Ratings are published by Chevrolet. One detail worth checking: the EPA database lists two versions of the 2026 Trax. The flex-fuel version carries the EPA-estimated 30 mpg combined rating above. A separate non-flex-fuel listing is rated at an EPA-estimated 29 mpg combined. The window sticker on the vehicle you are looking at will confirm which one you have.

EPA-estimated fuel economy figures are for comparison purposes only. Your actual mileage will vary depending on driving conditions, how you drive and maintain your vehicle, battery age/condition, and other factors.

How Do the 1.2L Turbo Engine and 6-Speed Automatic Affect Fuel Economy?

The 2026 Trax pairs a 1.2L turbocharged ECOTEC three-cylinder with a six-speed automatic. Per Chevrolet, it makes 137 horsepower and 162 lb-ft of torque.

Why low-end torque helps MPG

Peak torque arrives at just 2,500 rpm. The engine pulls hard early, so the transmission does not have to drop gears as often. That holds true in normal traffic and on highway on-ramps. Staying in a taller gear keeps engine speed down. Low engine speed is what produces the EPA-estimated 30 mpg combined rating.

A six-speed automatic instead of a CVT

Most rivals in this class use a continuously variable transmission. The Trax uses a traditional six-speed with fixed gear ratios. You get defined gear steps at cruising speed rather than the elastic feel of a CVT. Our full 2026 Chevrolet Trax review covers how that plays out on the road.

No all-wheel drive means no MPG penalty

Chevrolet builds the Trax with front-wheel drive only. No trim offers all-wheel drive at any price. There is no heavier AWD version with a lower rating, so the estimate holds from the base LS to the loaded ACTIV. Shoppers who want all-wheel drive should look at the Chevy Trailblazer, which offers it.

E85 flex-fuel capability

The 1.2L engine also runs on E85. Ethanol carries less energy per gallon than gasoline, so E85 lowers both fuel economy and driving range. The engine adjusts on its own. No conversion kit is needed.

Is the 2026 Chevy Trax Fuel-Efficient for the Price?

At an EPA-estimated 30 mpg combined, the Trax sits mid-pack among subcompact crossovers. Several front-wheel-drive rivals reach an EPA-estimated 31 mpg combined. Hybrids in nearby segments go much higher. The Trax stands out for a different reason: where its efficiency starts.

The Trax LS opens the lineup at $23,495. That makes it the least expensive new subcompact SUV from an American brand, according to Jalopnik, and the second-cheapest new vehicle sold in the United States, per GM Authority. Every trim earns the same rating, so a better-equipped Trax costs nothing in fuel economy.

Want the full equipment picture behind each step? Our trim-by-trim pricing and equipment breakdown covers what each trim adds.

For a commuter weighing annual fuel cost against a monthly payment, that is the real argument. An EPA-estimated 30 mpg combined, at a price near the floor of the new-vehicle market, with no efficiency penalty for moving up a trim.

Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) for new vehicles includes manufacturer and distributor options and delivery, process and handling fees, which may be subject to change at any time. MSRP excludes taxes, title, license and dealer installed options, accessories, fees and charges. MSRP is not the dealer advertised price. Dealer price will vary. The dealer sets the final price.

Common Questions About 2026 Chevy Trax Fuel Economy

Does the 2026 Chevy Trax require premium gasoline to reach its rated MPG?

No. The 2026 Chevy Trax runs on regular unleaded with a minimum of 87 octane. You will not pay a premium-fuel surcharge to reach its EPA-estimated 30 mpg combined rating. The engine also accepts E85.

How far can the 2026 Chevy Trax travel on a full tank of gas?

The Trax holds 13.2 gallons. At an EPA-estimated 30 mpg combined, that works out to roughly 396 miles between fill-ups. Running E85 shortens that range, because ethanol carries less energy per gallon than gasoline.

Does all-wheel drive availability affect fuel efficiency on the 2026 Trax?

It does not, because Chevrolet does not offer all-wheel drive on the 2026 Trax. Every trim is front-wheel drive. There is no AWD version with a separate, lower rating. Shoppers who need all-wheel drive should look at the Chevy Trailblazer, which offers it.

See the 2026 Chevy Trax at Riverside Chevrolet

The 2026 Chevrolet Trax delivers EPA-estimated ratings of 28 mpg city and 32 mpg highway from a turbo engine that runs on regular unleaded. Every trim earns the same rating. Want to see how those numbers hold up on your own commute? Our team can walk you through the lineup and put you behind the wheel. More model guides are available in our Chevy research hub.

Disclaimers

EPA-estimated fuel economy figures are for comparison purposes only. Your actual mileage will vary depending on driving conditions, how you drive and maintain your vehicle, battery age/condition, and other factors.

Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) for new vehicles includes manufacturer and distributor options and delivery, process and handling fees, which may be subject to change at any time. MSRP excludes taxes, title, license and dealer installed options, accessories, fees and charges. MSRP is not the dealer advertised price. Dealer price will vary. The dealer sets the final price.