First Drive: 2013 Chevrolet Trax Review

Thinking about buying a used 2013 Chevy Trax? Is it reliable today? While it offers great handling & fuel economy, the interior needs work. Our full review.

Editor’s Note: The 2013 Chevrolet Trax was not available in the United States in that model year. It was introduced in the U.S. market for the 2015 model year (now completely redesigned for 2024). However, it was available in Canada in 2013 in the following trims:

Canada (2013 Chevrolet Trax Trims):

  1. Chevrolet Trax LS
  2. Chevrolet Trax 1LT
  3. Chevrolet Trax 2LT
  4. Chevrolet Trax LTZ

2013_Chevy_Trax_TractionLife-16
2013 Chevrolet Trax. Photo: Amee Reehal

Ottawa, ON – “I actually kind of like it.”

I didn’t intend my response to sound presumptuous, as if I expected not to like it, but those were the first words out of my mouth after a rep from Chevrolet asked me how I enjoyed the all-new 2013 Chevrolet Trax.

Chevrolet is targeting the Trax for urban dwellers across the country. It’s meant to meet the needs of drivers faced with congestion on their day-to-day commute while providing enough space for it to be used on weekend getaways and longer road trips. It’s an all-in-one type of vehicle for young city folk.

Driving through Ottawa, and then over the Ontario-Quebec border into the Gatineau Hills on a snowy afternoon put this small SUV in ideal conditions to show its worth.

A subcompact crossover built for the city

2014 Chevrolet Trax Review
2013 Chevrolet Trax. Photo: Amee Reehal

The five-door, five-passenger SUV does quite well in the city. The Trax comes in a small package, about a foot longer than Chevrolet’s compact Sonic and only a few inches taller and wider. The small footprint allows it to maneuver well.

One of the first things I noticed when behind the wheel was its responsive handling. Making a series of quick turns in downtown Ottawa, where one-way streets often dictate where you go, I felt the Trax move in tandem with the steering wheel. It handles with precision, cinching it as a dependable cute-ute for the city.

As I crossed the border into hilly Gatineau, the Trax got to play on snowier grounds.

AWD model with a 138 horsepower 1.4L engine

The AWD model I was driving, which houses a 1.4L turbo engine pushing 138 HP and mated to a six-speed automatic transmission (a six-speed manual is standard), took to it pretty well. At times it felt powerless to drive through the wet packed snow it encountered, but every time it somehow made it through.

2013 Chevy Trax black in snow
2013 Chevrolet Trax. Photo: Amee Reehal

I had a chance to drive a decent stretch of unpaved roads, covered in snow and ice, and it was quite the experience. The Trax’s body shook, rattled, and rolled as if an earthquake hit the area. But it survived. In fact, it got through this rough patch of road better than I expected — well, minus the violent shaking —as there were moments I thought it wouldn’t be able to drive at all.

No, the Trax isn’t an off-roading vehicle and much shouldn’t be expected of it in this area. But it’s nice to know that it can handle these light duties if needed.

Chevy Trax Interior

2013 Chevy Trax interior steering wheel
2013 Chevrolet Trax. Photo: Amee Reehal

Inside, Chevrolet keeps the urban focus front and centre. When equipped with Chevy’s MyLink system (standard on the 2LT trim and above), the aged CD format is eliminated. Thank goodness. In its place is a USB port and Bluetooth streaming. The system syncs with your smartphone to play music, video, and other content, plus the to-be-released BringGo app allows you to have full navigation on the seven-inch screen.

This allows you to simply download the app (approx. $50), and the MyLink system does the rest – it brings the navigation app to the vehicle’s screen and provides a full-functioning experience. It’s very slick and ensures you don’t have to make an expensive upgrade to obtain navigation.

Lacks decent storage upfront; bland interior design

2013 Chevy Trax interior passenger side
2013 Chevrolet Trax. Photo: Amee Reehal
2013 Chevy Trax interior steering wheel and driver gauges
2013 Chevrolet Trax. Photo: Amee Reehal

While the Trax provides reasonable legroom in the backseat, and a decent amount of cargo space, the storage spots up front seem lacking. The oddly shaped side door pockets are virtually useless, and the centre console is occupied with four cup holders. Yes, four. Overkill? Just a bit. I suppose you can turn those cup holders into key, wallet, change, receipt, and miscellaneous holders, but the fact they’re all meant for cups just seems like a waste of space.

And, yes, the entire cabin is made up of various shades of black and silver. Not the most exhilarating design, but the functionality of it works. Controls are well-placed, easy to reach, and quite visible.

Takeaway: is the 2013 Chevy Trax reliable and worth buying today?

Pros:

  • Great handling
  • Good fuel economy
  • MyLink system

Cons:

  • Not enough storage upfront
  • Bland interior design

The Chevrolet Trax does a great job positioning itself as a city SUV. With exceptional handling, adequate power, and good fuel economy — 6.9 L/100 km for the manual, and 7.1 L/100 km when driving the automatic — it hits most of the major points it should. And, any shortcomings it has with regards to storage and interior design, are made up with their excellent MyLink infotainment system that truly speaks to the demographic Chevrolet is speaking to.

2013 Chevy Trax in blue parked outside on a cold day in Canada
2013 Chevrolet Trax. Photo: Amee Reehal

Reliability concerns and known issues:

The 2013 Chevrolet Trax is generally considered to be a reliable and well-built vehicle. However, as with any car, there may be some common issues or complaints reported by owners. It’s important to note that the severity of these issues can vary, and not all owners may experience them. Some potential known issues or complaints with the 2013 Chevrolet Trax include:

  1. Electrical Issues: Some owners have reported electrical problems, such as issues with the radio, infotainment system, or dashboard lights.
  2. Transmission Issues: A few owners have reported transmission problems, including rough shifting or transmission fluid leaks.
  3. Fuel System Problems: Some Trax owners have experienced fuel system issues, such as fuel leaks or problems with the fuel pump.
  4. Noise and Vibration: Some drivers have reported excessive noise and vibration inside the cabin, which may be related to the vehicle’s suspension or exhaust system.
  5. Air Conditioning Problems: A few owners have reported issues with the air conditioning system, including inadequate cooling or refrigerant leaks.
  6. Engine Performance: While the 1.4-liter turbocharged engine in the Trax is generally reliable, a small number of owners have reported engine-related issues, such as rough idling or misfires.
  7. Rust: In some regions with harsh winters and road salt use, there have been reports of rust developing on certain parts of the vehicle, particularly the undercarriage.

Take a look at some other subcompact SUV reviews and news here.

2013 Chevrolet Trax Specs and Images

Based price back in 2013 was $18,495 CAD.

SpecificationDetails
Engine1.4-liter Turbocharged Inline-4
Horsepower138 horsepower
Torque148 lb-ft of torque
Transmission6-speed Automatic (or Manual)
Drive TypeFront-Wheel Drive (FWD)
Optional DriveAll-Wheel Drive (AWD)
Seating Capacity5 passengers
Cargo CapacityApproximately 48.4 cubic feet (with rear seats folded)
Fuel Economy (FWD)Approximately 25-26 mpg city, 31-33 mpg highway, 27-28 mpg combined
Fuel Economy (AWD)Approximately 24-25 mpg city, 31-32 mpg highway, 26-27 mpg combined
Wheelbase100.6 inches
Length168.5 inches
Width69.9 inches
Height65.9 inches
Curb WeightApproximately 3,208-3,340 lbs (FWD), 3,333-3,462 lbs (AWD)
Towing CapacityNot recommended for towing

Photos: Amee Reehal

Up Next:
Author:
Travis Persaud
Travis Persaud
Travis Persaud has contributed to a number of magazines across North America, including enRoute and Exclaim! He loves variety and it shows in the wide range of topics he’s covered: automotive to music, technology to travel, beer to real estate. He’s currently the editor of WHERE Ottawa (city travel guide), beer columnist for Ottawa Magazine, a frequent contributor to CAA Magazine and the former associate editor of Zoomer Magazine.