photo credit: Instagram/@aussie.rob
Discover the blend of style, technology, and versatility in the Chevy Trax RS small SUV.
When you have the opportunity to watch a NASCAR race at Texas Motor Speedway, one of the quickest and trickiest 1.5-mile courses in the series, you jump at the chance. And when Chevy provides a car to borrow for the trip, you accept. We hadn’t driven a Chevy in several years, but with a weekend full of racing and lugging camera equipment ahead, the timing seemed ideal. Our destination: NASCAR at Texas Motor Speedway. Our ride: a 2025 Chevy Trax RS in an eye-catching color called Marina Blue Metallic.
First Impressions: Marina Blue and Good to Go
As we approached the airport valet, the Chevy Trax stood out like Ricky Bobby sprinting naked on the track yelling “I’m on fire.” Marina Blue Metallic isn’t just a shade; it’s a statement. Under the Texas sun, the paint shimmered and instantly grabbed our attention. The 19-inch black-painted machined aluminum wheels completed the look giving the RS model an edge that’s hard to miss. Chevy’s designers clearly intended the Trax to grab attention, and it succeeded.
The Trax Lineup: Options for Every Personality
Chevy makes several Trax models to fit different drivers’ needs. You can choose from the practical LS, the stylish LT, the tough and rugged ACTIV, and the sporty RS. Each model has its own unique character. The RS, with its special grille, black bowtie emblems, and red interior accents, is ideal for those who want to add flair to their daily drive. When you compare the Chevy Trax RS to rivals like the Honda HR-V or Hyundai Kona, it stands out with its bold design and affordable price, while offering a diverse set of features to match anyone’s preferences.
Road-Trip Ready: Comfort Meets Cargo
Everything is bigger in Texas, and the Trax RS was more than ready for the adventure. Luggage, camera equipment, and snacks for the road all found their place in the surprisingly spacious cargo area, which offers up to 54.1 cubic feet with the rear seats folded. With the rear seats folded flat, we had up to 54.1 cubic feet to work with, and the 60/40 split-folding rear seat made loading and unloading a breeze. Although the Trax can comfortably fit five adults, there were only two of us riding, and its elevated seating position gave us a clear view of the endless Texas landscape.
When we arrived at Texas Motor Speedway, the Trax turned into our own mobile grandstand. During the race, we took a break inside the car to relax and recharge our phones, all while watching the action on the enormous Big Hoss video board towering over the backstretch. With the windows rolled down, the Trax RS became a comfortable retreat. It was a perfect spot to unwind and take in the excitement of the race for a few minutes.
Tech That Keeps Up
Inside, the RS is a tech lover’s playground. The 11-inch diagonal HD color touchscreen is front and center, offering wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Bluetooth audio streaming for two devices meant no fighting over the playlist. The 8-inch Driver Information Center kept tabs on everything from tire pressure to fuel economy, all customizable to your liking.
The keyless opening and start added a layer of convenience, so there was no fumbling for keys with arms full of gear. While we didn’t need to stop for gas, the capless fuel fill is a thoughtful touch that keeps hands clean at the pump. And when a Texas rainstorm rolled in, the Trax’s responsive heating system kept the cabin cozy and comfortable, making even dreary weather feel like no big deal.
Performance and Handling
Under the hood to the Chevy Trax, the ECOTEC 1.2L Turbo engine delivers 137 horsepower and 162 lb-ft of torque. The small SUV offers enough pep to merge onto the highway confidently, but efficient enough to keep gas stops to a minimum.
Chevy estimates 30 MPG combined, and our real-world experience was right on target. We drove quite about throughout Texas without stoping to refuel. The six-speed automatic transmission shifted smoothly, and handled everything from city streets to highways with ease. Steering felt light yet responsive, making the Trax RS easy to maneuver. Even on longer stretches, the suspension kept the ride composed
Safety features like IntelliBeam High Beam Assist, Rear Vision Camera, and a suite of driver assistance tech gave peace of mind, whether navigating Dallas traffic or finding a spot in a packed Speedway lot. These advanced systems work seamlessly to help prevent collisions and make driving less stressful, letting you focus on the road ahead with confidence.
Whether navigating Dallas traffic or finding a spot in a packed Speedway lot, safety features like IntelliBeam High Beam Assist, Rear Vision Camera, and a suite of driver assistance tech gave peace of mind. These advanced systems work seamlessly to help prevent collisions and make driving less stressful, letting you focus on the road ahead with confidence.
The RS Difference
What sets the RS apart isn’t just the looks. The attention to detail, red interior accents, a heated flat-bottom steering wheel, and those standout wheels add a distinctive touch to every drive. It’s a mini SUV that doesn’t try to be something it’s not. Instead, it leans into its strengths: versatility and value.
Final Lap
As the sun set over Texas and the checkered flag dropped, the weekend came to a close. From airport pickups to cruising the highways of Dallas, the Trax RS delivered comfort and the right amount of attitude. For anyone looking to make a statement without breaking the bank, Chevy’s little blue SUV is ready for its next road trip, Texas-sized or otherwise. If you’re wondering, a Chevy driver didn’t win at the Speedway for the NASCAR Cup Series this time, but there’s always another race ahead. For drivers seeking a practical, stylish, and budget-friendly small SUV, the Chevy Trax RS deserves a look, even though it’s one of several strong contenders in this competitive segment.
Tags Chevy Trax review Chevy Trax RS compact SUV fuel-efficient SUV small SUV
