Chevrolet Trax 2026 Specs
What the Numbers Actually Mean
Numbers on a spec sheet don't always tell the full story. The 2026 Trax has 137 horsepower - which sounds modest until you drive it. The turbocharged 1.2L engine delivers its torque early, which means it feels more responsive in everyday driving than the peak number suggests. Merging onto the 8 or getting up to speed on the 163 - it handles it without complaint.
The 28/32 MPG EPA rating is also one of the most honest numbers on the sheet. Cars.com ran a real-world 400-mile test and got 30.2 MPG. That's the kind of consistency you want to see - the EPA number isn't just a lab result.
The dimensions tell a San Diego-specific story too. At 178.6 inches long the Trax is genuinely compact - easier to park in La Mesa, easier to navigate through Old Town, easier to find a spot at the beach. But the 54.1 cubic feet of cargo space with seats folded is genuinely useful. This isn't a compromise vehicle - it's a well-designed one.
All specs on this page are verified against the 2026 Trax order guide. If you have questions about specific configurations or want to know how a package affects a spec, call us at 619-460-1311 and we'll answer any question you have.
Engine & Transmission
Every 2026 Trax - regardless of trim - runs the same powertrain. Chevrolet put one engine in the Trax and made it the right one. It's consistent, proven, and more than capable for everything San Diego driving asks of it.
A Note on AWD
San Diego is genuinely FWD-friendly territory. The Trax handles everything from the 8 to PCH without breaking a sweat. The only time AWD becomes a real conversation is if Big Bear in January is a regular part of your life - and if that's the case, we'd probably steer you toward the Trailblazer.
MPG - EPA Rated and Real World
The 2026 Trax earns strong fuel economy numbers - and unusually for a vehicle in this class, the real-world results back them up.
EPA Ratings
- 28 MPG city
- 32 MPG highway
- 30 MPG combined
- Consistent across all five trims
- Same numbers regardless of packages added
Real World
- Cars.com tested: 30.2 MPG average
- 400-mile real-world test drive
- Mixed city and highway conditions
- Matched EPA combined rating closely
- One of the most honest MPG results in the class
Fuel Details
- Regular unleaded fuel (87 octane)
- No premium required
- Approximately 13.2 gallon fuel tank
- Range approximately 396 miles combined
- Not a hybrid or electric - straightforward gas engine
San Diego Context
- Stop-and-go on the 8 handled efficiently
- Highway driving to LA or Palm Springs gets close to 32 MPG
- Coastal driving on surface streets stays near 28 MPG
- Turbo engine doesn't penalize you for city driving
How Big Is the Trax?
The Trax is a genuine compact SUV - meaningfully smaller than a Chevy Equinox but not so small it feels cramped. For San Diego parking and city driving, the size is actually a feature.
San Diego Parking Reality Check
At 178.6 inches the Trax is 14 inches shorter than a Chevy Equinox. That might not sound like much but in a Gaslamp parking garage or trying to parallel park in North Park, those 14 inches matter. The Trax is sized right for San Diego city life without feeling like a compromise when you need to carry people or gear.
More Space Than You'd Expect
One of the most common things we hear from Trax buyers: they didn't expect it to hold so much. The numbers back it up - the Trax beats some competitors that are physically larger.
Cargo Volume
- 25.6 cu ft behind rear seat
- 54.1 cu ft with rear seat folded
- Beats the Honda HR-V (24.4 cu ft) behind rear seat
- 60/40 split-folding rear seat standard
- Low load floor makes loading easy
What Fits
- Full-size luggage for a weekend trip
- Costco run without rearranging seats
- Surfboard (with seat folded and window open)
- Mountain bike (with front wheel removed)
- Two large suitcases plus carry-ons
ACTIV Roof Rail Note
- Standard roof rails on ACTIV trim only
- Supports Thule kayak carriers
- Paddleboard and surfboard racks available
- Cargo basket for weekend adventure gear
- Shop accessories at Bob Stall accessories store
Towing
- The Trax is not rated for towing
- Not designed for trailer use
- Built for passenger and cargo use only
- If towing is a requirement, ask us about the Equinox
Full 2026 Trax Specifications
Everything in one place. All specs apply to all five trims unless noted otherwise.
| Engine & Drivetrain | |
|---|---|
| Engine | ECOTEC 1.2L Turbo I-3 |
| Horsepower | 137 hp @ 5,000 RPM |
| Torque | 162 lb-ft @ 2,500 RPM |
| Transmission | 6-speed Hydra-Matic Auto |
| Drivetrain | FWD only |
| 0-60 MPH | ~9 seconds (est.) |
| Fuel Economy | |
| City MPG | 28 MPG (EPA est.) |
| Highway MPG | 32 MPG (EPA est.) |
| Combined MPG | 30 MPG (EPA est.) |
| Fuel Type | Regular unleaded (87) |
| Fuel Tank | 13.2 gallons |
| Cargo & Capacity | |
| Cargo (seats up) | 25.6 cu ft |
| Cargo (seats folded) | 54.1 cu ft |
| Passenger Capacity | 5 |
| Rear Seat | 60/40 split-folding |
| Towing | Not rated |
| Dimensions | |
|---|---|
| Overall Length | 178.6 inches |
| Wheelbase | 106.3 inches |
| Overall Width | 71.2 inches (w/o mirrors) |
| Overall Height | 63.8 inches |
| Ground Clearance | 7.3 inches |
| Curb Weight | Approx. 2,904 lbs |
| Wheels & Tires | |
| LS Wheels | 17" steel with covers |
| 1RS Wheels | 18" black aluminum |
| LT Wheels | 17" aluminum |
| 2RS Wheels | 19" black aluminum |
| ACTIV Wheels | 18" bright aluminum |
| Technology Standard | |
| LS Screen | 8" touchscreen |
| LT/2RS/ACTIV Screen | 11" touchscreen |
| CarPlay/Android Auto | Wireless - all trims |
| USB Ports | 4 (2 data, 2 charge) |
| OnStar | Basics - 8 years included |
All specifications are for the 2026 model year and verified against GM's order guide. Specs are consistent across all trims unless noted. Always confirm final specifications with Bob Stall Chevrolet at 619-460-1311.
More About the 2026 Trax
Now that you know the specs - here's where to go next.
Ready to See It in Person?
Specs tell part of the story. The rest you get from sitting in it and driving it. We have 2026 Trax models across multiple trims in stock at our La Mesa showroom. Call us at 619-460-1311 or get directions and hours here. No pressure - just real help.