2026 Chevrolet Trax: A Practical Small SUV for Riverside and the Inland Empire
The 2026 Chevrolet Trax is Chevrolet’s entry point into new-SUV ownership — and one of the most affordable new SUVs on the market today. For drivers across Riverside, San Bernardino, Fontana, Ontario, Corona, and Eastvale who want a small, efficient crossover for daily commuting and errands without a large payment, the Trax makes a straightforward case. Here’s what every 2026 Trax offers, trim by trim, so you can decide which one fits before you visit. You can also browse the current 2026 Trax inventory at Riverside Chevrolet at any point.
One Engine, One Drivetrain Across Every Trax
Chevrolet keeps the 2026 Trax simple: every trim runs the same powertrain. Under the hood is a 1.2-liter turbocharged three-cylinder engine producing 137 horsepower and 162 lb-ft of torque, paired with a six-speed automatic transmission. The turbo delivers its torque low in the rev range, which makes the Trax feel more responsive around town and on freeway on-ramps than the horsepower figure alone suggests.
Every 2026 Trax is front-wheel drive. All-wheel drive is not offered on any trim — a deliberate choice that keeps weight down, holds the price low, and helps fuel economy. On the efficiency front, the Trax is EPA-Estimated at 28 mpg city and 32 mpg highway, and it runs on regular 87-octane fuel.
| Specification | 2026 Chevrolet Trax |
|---|---|
| Engine | 1.2L turbocharged 3-cylinder (ECOTEC) |
| Horsepower / Torque | 137 hp / 162 lb-ft |
| Transmission | 6-speed automatic |
| Drivetrain | Front-wheel drive (all trims; all-wheel drive not available) |
| EPA-Estimated Fuel Economy | 28 mpg city / 32 mpg highway |
| Recommended Fuel | Regular 87-octane |
| Seating | 5 passengers (two rows) |
| Cargo Volume | 25.6 cu ft behind rear seat / 54.1 cu ft maximum |
| Warranty | 3-year/36,000-mile bumper-to-bumper; 5-year/60,000-mile powertrain |
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.
The Trax Trim Ladder: LS, 1RS, LT, 2RS, and ACTIV
The 2026 Trax comes in five trims. Because the engine and drivetrain are identical across the lineup, your choice comes down to screen size, comfort and convenience features, and styling rather than performance. The LS is the value entry point, the 1RS adds sport-look styling, the LT is the technology step-up, and the 2RS and ACTIV sit at the top with premium materials and distinctive design.
| Trim | Touchscreen | Standout Features | Styling |
|---|---|---|---|
| LS | 8-inch | Value entry trim with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, standard Chevy Safety Assist, LED headlights, and Wi-Fi hotspot capability | Clean, standard exterior styling |
| 1RS | 8-inch | Everything on the LS plus the RS sport-appearance package (retains the 8-inch screen) | RS grille, black exterior accents, red interior accents, flat-bottom steering wheel |
| LT | 11-inch HD | Larger screen, digital driver information display, and upgraded audio; heated front seats, heated steering wheel, and adaptive cruise control available | Comfort- and technology-focused; understated exterior |
| 2RS | 11-inch HD | Adds premium seating materials and convenience features over the LT while keeping the LT’s technology | Sport-premium look: red interior accents, flat-bottom steering wheel, blacked-out exterior details |
| ACTIV | 11-inch HD | Matches the 2RS on technology and comfort with a rugged-styling focus | Outdoorsy look: Titanium chrome exterior accents, blackout wheels, Yellow interior accents |
Technology and Connectivity
The LS and 1RS come with an 8-inch touchscreen, while the LT, 2RS, and ACTIV step up to an 11-inch HD touchscreen with sharper graphics and quicker responses. Every trim includes wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto as standard — worth noting, because several newer GM models have dropped phone mirroring, and the Trax keeps it. Wi-Fi hotspot capability is available across the lineup, and wireless device charging is offered on the upper trims as part of the Sunroof package. General Motors’ hands-free Super Cruise driver-assist system is not available on the Trax. For more Chevrolet model guides, visit our Chevy research center.
Safety Features on Every 2026 Trax
Every 2026 Trax comes standard with Chevy Safety Assist, a suite of six driver-assistance features:
Forward Collision Alert
Warns you when you’re approaching a vehicle ahead too quickly.
Automatic Emergency Braking
Can apply the brakes to help avoid or reduce the severity of a front-end collision.
Front Pedestrian Braking
Detects pedestrians ahead and can brake to help avoid or lessen an impact.
Lane Keep Assist with Lane Departure Warning
Alerts you when you drift out of your lane and adds a gentle steering nudge to help keep you centered.
Following Distance Indicator
Displays the gap in seconds to the vehicle ahead so you can judge your following distance.
IntelliBeam Auto High Beams
Automatically switches between high and low beams based on oncoming traffic.
Additional aids — including blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and adaptive cruise control — are available on higher trims. In federal crash testing, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration gave the 2026 Trax a 4 out of 5-star overall rating. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety rates the Trax Good for small overlap front and side protection, with lower marks in other tests, so buyers who weigh crash results heavily should review the full IIHS ratings and NHTSA ratings directly.
Safety and driver-assistance features are not a substitute for the driver’s responsibility to safely operate the vehicle. Read the vehicle Owner’s Manual for important feature limitations and information.
Room for Daily Life
For a subcompact, the Trax carries more than its footprint suggests. It seats five and offers 25.6 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seat, expanding to 54.1 cubic feet with the seats folded — enough for a grocery run, a stroller and gear, or a weekend’s luggage. Its compact size and light steering also make it genuinely easy to park in tight Inland Empire lots and garages.
No All-Wheel Drive — What That Means for You
Because the Trax is front-wheel drive only, it’s best suited to the paved commuting, errands, and highway miles that make up most Inland Empire driving — not unpaved trails or regular snow-country travel. If all-wheel drive is a must-have for you, the Chevrolet Trailblazer is the natural next step in the same showroom: a slightly larger small SUV that offers available AWD. It’s worth a look alongside the Trax before you decide.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does the 2026 Chevy Trax come with all-wheel drive?
No. Every 2026 Trax trim is front-wheel drive; AWD is not offered. Shoppers who need all-wheel drive should consider the Chevrolet Trailblazer.
Can the 2026 Trax tow a trailer?
No. Chevrolet does not publish a tow rating for the Trax — it’s designed as a passenger and cargo vehicle, not a tow vehicle.
What is the fuel economy of the 2026 Trax?
It’s EPA-Estimated at 28 mpg city and 32 mpg highway, on regular 87-octane fuel.
Which trims have the larger touchscreen?
The 11-inch HD touchscreen is standard on the LT, 2RS, and ACTIV. The LS and 1RS use an 8-inch screen. All five trims include wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
What warranty covers the 2026 Trax?
The Trax carries a 3-year/36,000-mile bumper-to-bumper warranty and a 5-year/60,000-mile powertrain warranty, with five years of roadside assistance.
This information is provided for general educational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Warranty coverage depends on the specific terms of your vehicle’s warranty agreement. Consult your owner’s manual or a qualified legal professional for guidance on your individual situation.
Disclosures
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.
Safety and driver-assistance features are not a substitute for the driver’s responsibility to safely operate the vehicle. Read the vehicle Owner’s Manual for important feature limitations and information.
This information is provided for general educational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Warranty coverage depends on the specific terms of your vehicle’s warranty agreement. Consult your owner’s manual or a qualified legal professional for guidance on your individual situation.