Launched for the 2024 model year, the second-generation Chevrolet Trax received a lot of praise when it hit the market, including from us. We said this was the car you want for under $30,000 when it was introduced, and that GM went out of its way to produce an SUV that didn’t have to be as good as it was. We praised the well-designed interior with its comfortable seats and roomy cargo space and the handsome but small exterior, which in our view outshines other SUVs.
Consumer Reports (CR) even recommended the 2026 Trax to shoppers, noting that it ranked fifth in predicted reliability in its class among 21 other vehicles – although its overall score was fifth lowest. Still, in terms of reliability, the Trax was ahead of 2026 rides like the Honda Civic, Mazda3 and Hyundai Elantra, among others. (Note that CR lists the Trax with other “small sedans/hatchbacks” and not with small SUVs.)
Despite all these positives, SUV fans should note a number of Trax features that could influence a potential purchasing decision. First off, the Trax is front-wheel drive only, with no option for AWD. Additionally, you should not attempt to tow the Trax. Despite what you may have heard, GM itself doesn’t consider the Trax capable of towing any weight beyond a small dinghy. So attaching a tow bar is a great way to disconnect your Trax from warranty coverage or damage it in the process.
Which small SUVs are suitable for towing?
None of this means you can’t get a similarly sized SUV that is actually capable of towing. Using the Trax’s length of 178.6 inches as our benchmark, it compares well with subcompact crossover-style SUVs like the Subaru Crosstrek (176.4 inches), Toyota Corolla Cross (176.1 inches) and BMW X1 (177 inches) — and you can hitch and tow with all of these models.
The Crosstrek comes standard with all-wheel drive on the base trim, which starts at $26,995 before adding a $1,420 destination charge. That model, backed by a 2.5-liter four-cylinder boxer engine that produces 180 horsepower, has a towing capacity of 1,500 pounds. The Trax, stickered from $21,895 with the destination charge wrapped in, makes do with 137 horses from its 1.2-liter turbo engine. The Corolla Cross, meanwhile, is still affordable and efficient, stickering at $25,035, before an additional $1,450 in destination charges. It adds to its advantages with a towing capacity of 1,500 pounds and a 2.0-liter four-cylinder mill with 169 horsepower.
Paying more money can also get you more trailer capacity, with the X1 being a good example. The entry-level model for the To put that into context, that’s a ton more than you can tow with a Honda CR-V from the second-largest SUV size segment.
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