“BE PREPARED FOR A ROUGH RIDE ON BAD ROADS. THE WHEELBASE IS TOO CLOSE TO YIELD A COMFORTABLE RIDE.”
2021 Chevrolet Trax: What's New, Specs & Features
Last updated August 4, 2026
The main change for the 2021 Chevrolet Trax is a simpler two-trim lineup: Chevrolet dropped the Premier, leaving LS and LT. This was not a redesign, though some late-built 2021 examples received a stronger version of the turbo engine.
About the 2021 Chevrolet Trax
1st generation (2015-2022 U.S.), late-cycle year and second-to-last model year of this generation.
Chevrolet positioned the Trax as a city-friendly small SUV with a tall driving position, easy parking manners, and flexible cargo space. The brochure leans heavily on urban use: tight parking spots, everyday traffic, and room for people or awkward cargo. Compared with many small hatchbacks, the Trax aimed to give buyers a higher seating position and SUV practicality in a compact footprint, with fold-flat seating and standard smartphone-friendly infotainment as key everyday advantages.
The 2021 Trax is a small, easy-to-park crossover offered as the straightforward LS and the more polished LT. The LS has a 7-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, plus a fold-flat front passenger seat for carrying longer items. The LT adds upgraded cloth-and-synthetic-leather seating, heated power-adjustable mirrors, roof rails, and upgraded exterior lighting.
What changed, by category
Trim lineup
The Premier trim was dropped, leaving LS and LT. The LT became the top trim and gained cloth-and-synthetic-leather seating as standard.
Powertrain
Some late-built 2021 Trax models received a stronger version of the 1.4-liter turbo engine. The change did not apply to every 2021 example, so shoppers should verify the individual vehicle.
2021 Chevrolet Trax specs and features by trim
| Feature | ||
|---|---|---|
| Engine | 4-Cyl, ECOTEC, Turbo, 1.4 Liter / 4-Cyl, Turbo, 1.4 Liter | 4-Cyl, ECOTEC, Turbo, 1.4 Liter / 4-Cyl, Turbo, 1.4 Liter |
| Transmission | Automatic, 6-Spd | Automatic, 6-Spd |
| Drivetrain | FWD | FWD |
| Fuel Type | Gas | Gas |
| MPG City | 24–26 mpg | 24–26 mpg |
| MPG Highway | 31–32 mpg | 31–32 mpg |
| Horsepower | 138–153 hp | 138–153 hp |
| Torque | 148–177 lb-ft | 148–177 lb-ft |
| Trunk/Cargo | 48.4 cu-ft | 48.4 cu-ft |
| Rear Legroom | 35.7 in | 35.7 in |
| Seats | 5 | 5 |
| Doors | 4 | 4 |
| Alarm System | ||
| Blindspot Sensors | ||
| Cruise Control | ||
| Park Assist | ||
| Rear View Camera | ||
| Alloy Wheels | ||
| Heated Mirrors | ||
| LED Daytime Running Lights | ||
| Privacy Glass | ||
| Roof Rails | ||
| Satellite Radio | ||
| Touch Screen Monitor | ||
| USB Ports | ||
| Heated Front Seats | ||
| Leather-Wrapped Steering Wheel | ||
| Power Driver Seat | ||
| Remote Start | ||
Frequently asked questions
Was the 2021 Chevrolet Trax redesigned?
No, the 2021 Chevrolet Trax was not redesigned. It was a late-cycle model with no broad styling, structural, safety, or infotainment update.
Which trims does the 2021 Chevrolet Trax have?
The 2021 Chevrolet Trax comes in LS and LT trims. Chevrolet dropped the former Premier trim, making LT the highest trim for this model year.
Did every 2021 Chevrolet Trax get the stronger engine?
No, the stronger turbo engine was not used throughout the full 2021 production run. Some late-built examples received it, while others retained the earlier version, so the individual vehicle should be checked.
What changed on the 2021 Trax LT?
The 2021 Trax LT became the highest trim after the Premier was dropped, and its standard seat upholstery changed from cloth to a mix of cloth and synthetic leather.
Is the 2021 Chevrolet Trax much different from the 2020 model?
No, the 2021 Trax is not much different from the 2020 model. Its clearest change is the loss of the Premier trim, while some late-built examples also have the stronger turbo engine.
2021 Chevrolet Trax Reviews
What owners are saying about the 2021 Chevrolet Trax.
4.0
2021 Chevrolet Trax
(81 reviews)
“The climate control fan is very loud the higher you go. The climate vents hit the steering wheel before hitting me. No console for storage between front seats. Vehicle handles extremely well. I love this vehicle!”
“Legs are too short to get in and out. Trunk! Awful to open and reach to close. There is no way to open trunk from inside. Trunk is NO roomier than a sedan. No storage in trunk for necessities for vehicle. I'm just so disliking the vehicle.”