2025 Chevrolet Trax Compact SUV
My Week With the 2025 Chevrolet Trax Compact SUV At Dave Hallman Chevrolet in Erie, PA
View InventoryQuick Facts About the 2025 Chevy Trax
| Engines: | 1.2L Turbo (137hp/162 lb-ft) |
| Fuel Economy: | I averaged 31 MPG in mixed Erie driving |
| Cargo Space: | Fit everything for a day at Presque Isle with room to spare (25.6 cu. ft., expands to 54.1 cu. ft.) |
| Tech: | The 11-inch screen is one of the most intuitive I've used |
| Erie Winter Ready: | FWD only, but with good winter tires it handles our snow |
| Warranty: | 3-year/36,000-mile bumper-to-bumper, 5-year/60,000-mile powertrain |
| Where to Test Drive: | Dave Hallman Chevrolet in Erie, PA |
First Impressions Of The 2025 Chevrolet Tax: Surprisingly Stylish
Walking up to the Trax in the Nitro Yellow Metallic finish (one of the head-turning colors available), my first thought was, "This doesn't look like the budget SUV I expected." The redesigned front end with those sleek LED headlights gives it a premium vibe that punches well above its price point. At 178.6 inches long, it slid perfectly into those tight downtown Erie parking spots near State Street that larger SUVs struggle with.
Behind the Wheel Of The 2025 Chevrolet Tax: Peppier Than Expected
I was skeptical about the 1.2L turbo engine—on paper, 137 horsepower doesn't sound impressive—but merging onto I-90 during rush hour, the Trax surprised me with its responsiveness. The 162 lb-ft of torque kicks in at low RPMs, making it feel much peppier than the numbers suggest. The 6-speed automatic shifts smoothly, and I averaged 31 MPG during my week of mixed driving between city errands and a day trip out to North East's vineyards—slightly better than the advertised 30 MPG combined.
When I took the back roads through Girard on a rainy afternoon, the handling felt remarkably car-like and confidence-inspiring. The suspension absorbed most of the rough patches on Presque Isle's scenic loop without feeling floaty. While it's only available in front-wheel drive (sorry, no AWD option for our Erie winters), a good set of winter tires would make this a perfectly capable year-round vehicle here.
Living With It: Surprisingly Spacious Inside
Opening the door revealed what might be the Trax's best feature—an interior that feels a class above. I'm 6'1", and I found plenty of headroom and legroom up front. What impressed me more was sitting in the back seat—I could sit behind "myself" without my knees touching the front seat, which can't be said for many compact SUVs.
I tested the cargo space by loading up for a day at Presque Isle—a cooler, two beach chairs, towels, and a small grill all fit behind the rear seats with room to spare (25.6 cubic feet is the official measurement). When I folded those 60/40 rear seats flat for a Lowe's run, the 54.1 cubic feet swallowed a surprising amount of gardening supplies.
The ACTIV trim I tested featured comfortable Evotex upholstery that felt more premium than expected. On a chilly morning, the heated seats and steering wheel (standard on 1RS and above) warmed up quickly—a must-have feature for Erie winters.
Tech That Actually Works
The 11-inch touchscreen (on LT and higher trims) became my command center throughout the week. Wireless Apple CarPlay connected instantly every time I got in, and the interface was intuitive enough that I rarely needed to look away from the road. The voice recognition actually understood my requests to "call mom" or "navigate to Asbury Woods" on the first try.
During a drive to Edinboro University with my nephew for a campus tour, the Wi-Fi hotspot kept his laptop connected so he could finish a last-minute application. The eight USB ports throughout the cabin meant everyone's devices stayed charged without argument.
The remote start (on LT and up) was a genuine lifesaver on a surprisingly cold May morning—walking out to an already warm cabin and defrosted windshield is something every Erie driver can appreciate.
2025 Chevrolet Tax Safety Features That Let Me Relax
During a heavy downpour on I-79, the Chevy Safety Assist suite proved its worth. The lane keep assist gently nudged me back when rain obscured the road markings, and the automatic high beams adjusted seamlessly as traffic approached.
The optional blind spot monitoring on my tester (standard on 2RS and ACTIV, optional on LT) alerted me to a car hiding in my blind spot while navigating the Millcreek Mall parking lot. While parallel parking downtown, the high-definition backup camera with its crisp display made squeezing into tight spots much less stressful.
Which Trim Level Is Right For You?
After a week with the ACTIV trim, I had the chance to check out the other versions at Dave Hallman Chevrolet:
1RS: The sporty option that turns heads around Millcreek Mall with:
- Sport-styled front and rear fascias with red accents
- 18-inch machined aluminum wheels with black pockets
- Black exterior trim and badges for a custom look
- Heated steering wheel wrapped in leather
- Heated front seats for those chilly lake effect mornings
- 8-inch touchscreen (yes, smaller than the LT – focus is on style here)
- RS-specific interior with red stitching throughout
During my time with all five trims, I noticed each has its own personality despite sharing the same 1.2L engine and 6-speed automatic transmission. The suspension is tuned slightly differently across models – the 1RS and 2RS feel a bit firmer for more spirited driving around Peninsula Drive, while the ACTIV has a slightly softer setup to better absorb those bumpy access roads to Presque Isle's beaches.
Would I Buy The 2025 Chevrolet Trax?
After a week and over 300 miles around Erie County in the 2025 Chevy Trax, I'm genuinely impressed by how much car you get for the money. For Erie residents juggling commutes to work with weekend adventures, the Trax offers remarkable versatility in a right-sized package. For most daily driving needs and weekend adventures around Northwestern PA, it's hard to find a better value.
If you're considering one, I'd recommend a trim that strikes the best balance of features and value for your driving style. Stop by Dave Hallman Chevrolet on State Street and take a test drive—just be prepared to be surprised by how capable this compact SUV really is.
WHAT OUR CLIENTS SAY ABOUT US?
I recently purchased a vehicle from Dave Hallman Chevrolet, and I couldn't be happier with the exceptional service I received from Gary Hammer! Gary was an absolute pleasure to work with - knowledgeable, friendly, and genuinely interested in finding the perfect car for me.
Common Questions I've Been Asked About the Trax
How does it handle Erie winters without AWD?
With good winter tires, the front-wheel drive Trax handles well in most Erie snow conditions. The 7.3-inch ground clearance helps with moderate accumulation.
How comfortable is it on longer drives?
I drove to Buffalo and back in one day and was surprised by how comfortable the seats remained after 3+ hours of driving.
Can it fit car seats easily?
Yes! I installed my niece's forward-facing car seat with no issues, and the LATCH anchors were easy to access.
Is the base LS trim worth considering?
Absolutely—you still get wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto and all safety features. The only thing I really missed was remote start.
What maintenance costs should I expect?
The Trax uses regular unleaded fuel, and Chevrolet's recommended maintenance schedule is competitive with most in this class.
How's the factory sound system?
The base system is adequate, but the upgraded 6-speaker system in the LT and above makes a noticeable difference for music lovers.
What maintenance costs should I expect?
The Trax uses regular unleaded fuel, and Chevrolet's recommended maintenance schedule is competitive with most in this class. The first scheduled maintenance comes at 7,500 miles.
Does it feel cheap inside?
Not at all—even the cloth seats in the LS feel durable, and the dashboard materials are surprisingly soft-touch in key areas.