How Important Is AWD? I Take This FWD 2024 Chevy Trax Off-Road To Find Its Limit!

[@blckdominicanone1590]

I own a 2024 Trax as my second car, just for work. Now I barely drive my main car. I love it. So comfy, so practical, great performance so far, and quite frankly, I like the look. It was the first thing that kinda caught my eye.

[@johnholst]

Great little car! These are made about five minutes from my house. The Trax saved my local Chevy factory from being shuttered! I think they'll sell a ton of these!

[@seanpalmer2050]

Where is that? I must have been mistaken as I thought that they were made in China.

[@johnholst]

@seanpalmer2050 Yes, you are mistaken Sean. These are made in Changwon, Korea.

[@williamwest5827]

Do you live in Mexico where the motors are made or in South Korea where the cars are made or in China where the tires are from?

[@johnholst]

@@williamwest5827 Changwon, Korea; where they come off the assembly line.

[@stephenzerfas5307]

I live in New England and people get obsessed with having AWD for the snow. I have lived for years with FWD car and decent tires, never got stuck. If anything AWD makes people over confident. Thank you Tommy for pointing out again the limitations of AWD.

[@BoopSnoot]

And he says people primarily use crossovers for getting to remote campsites... what? People use crossovers to go to Costco, because you can fit way more in a crossover for a given length of vehicle than you can a sedan, the height is just perfect for ingress/egress, and the extra ground clearance is just more stress free since you can straddle road debris and avoid rubbing curbs front parking or hitting the front or back when going up or down steep ramps.

[@BlueOvals24]

Must be a very weak sauce part of New England, or you just have the best snow tires out there.

[@danmw77]

I have only been stuck 1 time with all the front wheel drive vehicles I have had and luckily for where I was stuck was at the end of the driveway and I live out in the country.

[@brian0410]

People are like this in Utah as well. My wife’s Hyundai Tucson has AWD, and it’s the first AWD vehicle I’ve owned. I’ve always had FWD and been just fine even with all season tires. However I’m not going up to Park city to some like some people. But in the valley around Salt Lake City FWD will get you everywhere. Winter tires do help though. It can get a bit sketchy in some areas. The only real issue here is ground clearance with snow when it hasn’t been plowed.

[@BlueOvals24]

@@brian0410 I watch an offroad recovery youtuber that's based in Utah, and he has shown that when it gets wet out there, the mud/clay get super slick. No FWD on all seasons getting through that stuff!

[@ericp.girouard538]

We own one of these new Trax... The Active time and honestly I'm amazed at how great this Crossover is. It does everything we need it to... Even a little off-road. And the build quality is really Great.

[@goombafrank]

I’m biased of course being in an administrative position at a Chevy store…but the customer the new Trax is marketed to is not looking to go off roading with it. It’s designed to be a reasonably priced compact hauler with modern design and good fuel economy. For what the vehicle is meant to be, I think Chevy’s hit the mark here.

[@cgmiddle]

Very well said.

[@jch2514224]

But competing in this class without AWS availability is a sin and a cheap out for GM. They could have offered it in the next to top or top trim. No one would have bleakned an eye at the bit higher cost.

[@JoeCnNd]

@@jch2514224 You'd just move up to the trailblazer or blazer. It's good to have options if you don't need it.

[@JuanGomez-le6tu]

@@jch2514224what you are referencing is the trailblazer. So there is an option.

[@jmc6000]

Love to see the Hybrid Maverick put through the same paces as this little Trax

[@chaosseat]

What…nice brain fart for a comment 😂

[@C-Henry]

They did something like that when it first came out, not on the standardized course since they didn't have it then, but they took it up a pretty rough dirt road and loaded it to the max with lumber. The little pickup did a lot better than I would have expected.

[@ThisGuyRides]

@@C-Henry that was with Ecoboost 4WD, hybrid is FWD only.

[@toolshed7652]

​@This Guy No, they took a Hybrid FWD Maverick to Tumbleweed Ranch and put through it's paces. Tommy did that one as well

[@GT-gt4bf]

They did that in the ranch and it did remarkably well.

[@frumpyamerican9236]

I actually just bought a 2024 Trax and the most surprising thing to me is how much I Iove it! I have had many vehicles in my life, and this little thing just impresses the heck out of me! Well done GM!

[@SunnynPhilly]

GM Korea. Made in Changwon, South Korea also in Shanghai by SAIC-GM for the Chinese Market. But I like the styling of it. 👍 It’s already been on sale in China for awhile so hopefully they have worked out the early production model issues already.

[@namvet1968]

May I ask your price? Your MPG?

[@CKPHH]

Whats your average MPg ?

[@BoopSnoot]

Only improvement I would like to see is a mid-cycle refresh where they give you the 1.3T option, it has no disadvantages to the 1.2T other than cost. It makes more power, more torque, and is higher fuel economy.

[@frumpyamerican9236]

@@BoopSnoot I could go along with that, but I would be sad as I would then have to trade up! Seriously though, an SS option with the 1.5 four-banger would be cool as well!

[@markandjuby]

You gave one of the best reviews of this vehicle and I’ve seen a LOT of reviews on this vehicle. Thank you for demonstrating the practicality of everything. Job well done!

[@octopi1553]

I had a 2024 trax and live in an offroad mountain, high incline at low speed it would spin and get stuck, back up with traction control off and get a bit off a faster start and take it slow up it will go with no problem. Handles a lot of rocks and dips really good. I only don't have it now because someone ran a red light and hit me totaling it. This thing does great for fwd!

[@Silverback_GMT410]

Glad to see GM actually Pat attention to they lower end models. Great overall design inside and out. That rear leg room if fantastic.

[@rnt45t1]

3 cylinder motor....

[@Silverback_GMT410]

@@rnt45t1 yeah they copied Ford like always.

[@aarong6616]

@@Silverback_GMT410Except the interior doesn't look like 2010.

[@LAY_OUTKING]

@@Silverback_GMT410 Lets be real everyone copys now a days.

[@Silverback_GMT410]

@@aarong6616 we’re not talking about Toyotas

[@Flowersunpower3]

Just bought an LS.. paid $20k! It’s fantastic

[@lasvegaslife5770]

How is it holding up 5 months later?? I'm thinking bout buying one. Thanks.

[@tonyc7435]

Not a Chevy fan but this is the FIRST one I would buy if I needed a small crossover... such a good looking car with great value

[@imdone1967]

Turbo 3 cylinder, so I wouldn't buy it.

[@tonyc7435]

Hey guys!!!! Just an update to my comment a year ago... I BOUGHT ONE!!!!WE absolutely love it! We love it so much we are about to buy a second one for my teenage daughter!! Go Trax!!!

[@braden2233]

I’m getting one in few days and can’t wait! I sit in one and was VERY pleased with the sheer amount of leg room in this size of vehicle. Good job GM!

[@CVTaxi]

Get the extended warranty. GM still hasn't figured out modern turbo engines.

[@kmckenzie2461]

That is awesome! Did you get your Trax? If so what color and trim did you get? They are going to sell so well and 3 cylinders are so unique and under rated. I have owned 3 Mitsubishi Mirages - 2015, 2017 and now a 2021 Mirage SE top trim and they have a 1.2L 3 cylinder naturally aspirated engine with 78 hrsp and 74 lb ft of torque and it does just fine. So many people were worried about the 2024 Trax being a 1.2L 3 cylinder Turbo with 137 hrsp and 162 lb ft of torque not being near enough power and they couldn’t be more wrong. They reviews on the Trax have been insanely positive and has really impressed reviewers and owners alike. I think chevy dis a great job and kudos for them putting the 3 cylinder in and it has less moving parts to go wrong and this 3 cylinder engine is a simpler design with a simple eco minded turbo so I personally think this will turbo out to be a very reliable engine like the Mirages has proven to be with one owner hitting 414,000 miles and it still driving with no issues.

[@27Zangle]

@@CVTaxi Actually that little engine is a great engine and are known for going well over 250k miles. We had some at my last work place.

[@CVTaxi]

@@27Zangle Where? In the U.S. that engine was introduced in the 2021 Trailblazer. You're putting over 100k a year on those things?

[@alainaswain4348]

Even when I had the 2021 version of the Trx, I never used it to go off roading. I used it to go back and forth to work, to go shopping, and road trips. It was a great little vehicle. I traded it in for the new LT trim, and I am in love with it. I have had FWD vehicles before and live in and area know for snow. Never had an issue. Even with AWD, of the snow is deep enough, you will get stuck, and you have to slow down on icy roads.

[@KPHVAC]

As a teenager out in the desert of California most of my friends had 2wd trucks with big tires. They did great on off-road trails! They won't rock rock climb but you can still do a lot. Keep up momentum and keep your foot in it!

[@jish55]

Bought my Trax back in January and I love this car. It's so fun to drive, very roomy, and surprisingly small (like no joke, while inside, you feel much bigger, but then when you park and hop out, you realize the extra room you thought you didn't have). It's also awesome that it has decent gas milage (I've only had to fill up once a month since I got it).

[@mfgxl]

This video just sold another 20,000 of these than what they would have sold without this video. Realistically, probably more, because now more people are aware that it exists.

[@BlueOvals24]

Which means 20,000 more of these will be subject to recalls 😂

[@jasmith1867]

This is the 6th video I've watched on the new Trax. In every video the Trax has impressed the driver. Some drivers had to dig deep to find any meaningful criticism. I haven't bought a new passenger car since 1973. I'm going to test drive a Trax and make up my mind.

[@josephryan2166]

I’ve had mine a week. It’s an impressive vehicle that gets a lot of attention. Test driving may be difficult however, I did have to reserve mine 3 weeks before it got to the dealership.

[@hjer731]

GM vehicles are poorly engineered and built. They aren't really reliable

[@scottkessler9881]

I'm ordering a 2RS soon. I live in Iowa and we get some pretty heavy snowfalls in winter. I'm sure this Trax will do fine with a set of good winter tires.

[@lstradamus]

Congrats and good luck. I am going to test drive one tomorrow. Can't wait!!

[@adamfritz1799]

how was it after this last winter?

[@mollypage1549]

I still stand by my little '23 trailblazer. I put off-road tires on it, and it's a beast! I have the RS AWD trim, so I'm not sure if that helped it or not, but it does just fine on the trails if you know where to put the tires on certain rocks, etc!

[@BlueOvals24]

Not a beast buddy, sorry. You haven't seen a beast until you've seen a 2020 Outback XT, on balding road tires, driving up and down slush and muddy tracks as if it was still on the interstate.

[@skadder4740]

@@BlueOvals24 This is a video about a Chevrolet not a Subaru my guy, ur comparing apples to oranges

[@BlueOvals24]

@@skadder4740 Same class, can compare them, you just won't see any good with the Chevy, as with the rest of their garbage.

[@skadder4740]

@@BlueOvals24 This is a video about a Chevrolet not Subaru, if I wanted to see a Subaru off-road id watch a Subaru video

[@BlueOvals24]

@skadder4740 Then feel for to do so, or don't. I really don't care. But don't go crying about a comment you could've easily scrolled past.

[@Adam-nv9zo]

It would be cool to revisit this with some decent all terrain tires just for S&G's.

[@OnTheRocks71]

Hmm, yeah there's several A/T tires available in this size, even some with the Three-Peak snowflake rating as well that could make for a good all-year tire for places that see some snow. I think(?) these use Goodyear Assurance all-seasons from the factory (on the Activ trim anyways) which is a run-of-the-mill All Season.

[@TurfSurf]

The best value on the market in its class!

[@crow_2k11beatsbydre8]

100% agree. Good job GM........

[@bulldog2024]

I will be getting a 2024 Trax for my next vehicle for sure.

[@markmyers4573]

Backseat armrest and some softer materials available on the Buick Envista sister vehicle for about the same price as the Trax.

[@BrianPetersen-l2w]

Living in north Iowa I have experienced some severe winter conditions, and have discovered that my RWD SR5 4Runner is more than capable in some of the worst conditions. In Feb 2023 I had to take a friend to the hospital on the morning of a very severe snowstorm. Cars were stuck all along the way, but my 4Runner kept on going without any problem (with all weather tires). I was impressed with the ability of this RWD only vehicle.

[@voidlight6006]

No awd was preventing me from wanting a trax but this makes me feel better about getting to my camp sites

[@gatolibero8329]

Tommy went from not looking like his dad all that much, to looking exactly like his dad.

[@mattolfson9230]

Shock! 😲 As soon as that Trax touched the dirt, I was looking for recovery hooks. But no! Didn't need them!

[@SoteroMurguia]

I’ve been doing some car shopping and this is on my short list. If you get the LT trim with 17 inch rims, you can find AT tires that fit this lil tall hatchback! Not too shabby!

[@staciecarverd8136]

Been through many western NY winters w/ RWD and FWD and most of them I never used snows. Certainly, the few years I ran snows I had better traction, but I learned early on to become familiar with your vehicle's abilities and don't try to exceed them or your own.

[@JMac-27]

I snagged mine Saturday. I got the mosaic black LT and the one I lucked out on has every upgrade offered in these Trax. I have the sunroof package, the full electronics package wireless apple/Android car play, adaptive cruise control, drivers confidence package, keyless remote start, LT Convenience Package. The seats are the Evotec leatherette/cloth combo. It has heated seats, mirrors and wheel, wireless charging pad, the works and it's fun as hell to drive. Got mine for $26,000 out the door with gap insurance and extended warranty. I happened to be at the dealership as they were unloading it and knew I found a steal as I hadn't seen another LT fully loaded like this anywhere and this one had more upgrades than any of the RS trims I had looked at. I prefer the blue accents inside the LT as there are just a few on the dash and not allover the seats like the RS and the blue accents blend with the screen displays. The red or yellow in the other trim models continues it onto the seats which I didn't like at all. The only change I'm making are the gold bowties to black ones. If you can find one like mine there's no way I'd go with a higher trim because really all that changes are the inches of the wheels, a power seat and seat material, and gloss grill. Im obsessed with mine! She's a sexy little thing for this mama to drive around town. 2 of my 3 kids are out of the house now so I got to downsize from my big SUV and this was the perfect little crossover to do it in. I don't need a luxury car I've always been a Chevy girl but I feel like I'm not sacrificing much honestly. The tech in the car is so incredible at this price point, it was a no-brainer and I love it!! My only dislikes was no air vent in the back and I'd love an arm rest with no cup holders in the backseat. Obviously I'd trash the gold bowties and have mine completely blacked out but that's it. Just can't praise this car enough. It's pretty cool because mine is the only one Ive seen on the road here in DFW in Texas so far.

[@overundersidewaysdown]

Incredibly affordable for what you get...and how incredible it looks.

[@yissibiiyte]

The Trailblazer has a very good AWD system (by crossover standards), would have been nice if it were even an option on the Trax.

[@Silverback_GMT410]

It’s FWD only is due to the Trailblazer

[@theglowcloud2215]

I'll never forgive Chevy for ruining the Trailblazer name by turning a body-on-frame SUV into a 3-cylinder piece of shit.

[@yissibiiyte]

@@theglowcloud2215 at least it's still kind of, sort of, almost the same category of car as the old Trailblazer. Better than turning a muscle car into a crossover *cough Ford *cough

[@G-Rated]

That’s not the point of the Trax.

[@imdone1967]

​@@theglowcloud2215stop with the crying over what name badge they put on...

[@MarkM58]

Back in the early eighties when FWD became the norm, people were astounded at how you could go anywhere with them (and I grew up in West Virginia with mountains and hollers and all the stuff). It has only been recently that manufacturers have convinced city people that they need 4WD. I live in Maryland now and since 2007 we have had 5 SUVs with AWD and in that period of time the AWD has engaged 3 times when we had in excess of 3ft of snow on the ground. Just 3 times! The FWD did the job just fine. I think it is a way for the manufacturers to sell stuff we don't need and add $$$ to their coffers.

[@paul5683]

Yes, I learned how to drive with rwd cars too here in Wisconsin. Looking back it's easy to say how much more difficult it was getting around. But we did survive. I can remember when there was a heavy snowstorm, gangs of boys would be out walking around downtown and pushing cars that were just a little stuck. Usually, once you got the car moving, you could use the inertia and momentum of the car to keep going. Sure, you would have to slowly drive through stop signs and stop lights, that is if no one was coming. But when fwd cars came along, it was the best thing to happen in years. You could literally just put the car in and get going in any amount of snow. Skinny tires actually worked better, they would cut through the snow, down to the pavement. Awd, like they say, it doesn't stop any better with awd.

[@Corny1210]

Lease is almost up. Can’t wait to get a Trax

[@thechuck141]

That price is unreal that's what I paid for a new s-10 25 years ago I am really thinking buying one of these.

[@joet.2078]

Nice test, you should also do this same test with varying weather conditions as well. Test 1 - Dry Weather (Complete), Test 2 - Rainy Weather, Test 3 - Snowy Weather. I’d love to see how FWD fares under less than ideal weather conditions too. Thanks.

[@fernando-sl7qm]

I really wanna get one of these. Chevy all day And such a great car with a great price

[@toolshed7652]

Chevy has really upped their game, and they knocked it out of the park with the new Trax. I'm seeing a lot of these on the road, and I think that will continue to grow as they refine over the next few years.

[@paul5683]

The long wheelbase is significant. Especially when driving in snow and ice. The long wheelbase helps reduce the effects of "yaw". Yaw causes the vehicle to rotate around the wheels and by pushing the wheels farther apart, it reduces the tendency for the vehicle to rotate. It's a good looking car, I would call it a station wagon or maybe an estate or even a shooting brake, never an suv. 😅

[@dougpendergast8994]

Nothing beats good snow tires in the winter for daily driving. All Seasons turn rock hard when it is cold and give you no traction. Obviously, AWD/Clearance will give you a little extra but for the majority of people it is unnecessary. I've owned 4x4 vehicles and agree with your statement about rather having a FWD vehicle w/snow tires over an AWD vehicle with All Season tires in the winter.

[@notasolution]

I can also vouch for 2wd with snow tires being better than 4x4s with all seasons. I had a bad snow storm where I live back 2 winters ago and I had my old 2000 Toyota Solara but I picked up some slightly used blizzaks off Facebook for 200 bucks just to test out the snow tire theory… i was cruising by lifted jeeps and 4x4 trucks that could barely get moving with their hazard lights on while my opened diff fwd no traction control old Toyota with a cheap set of snow tires was taking off and cruising as if it was just a rainstorm. It was hilarious watching the lifted 4x4s look at me in shock

[@BlueOvals24]

Sure, 2WD on snow tires beats AWD on all seasons. But snow tires on AWD actually gets you where you're going on time, even early. That's just the best way to package a vehicle.

[@notasolution]

@@BlueOvals24 not if it only snows 3 days a year where you live

[@BlueOvals24]

@@notasolution Better to have it and not use it than to not have it and need it.

[@notasolution]

@@BlueOvals24 not necessarily, that's alot of extra wearing components, failure points and driveline resistance resulting in a noticeably worse fuel economy just for a chance of maybe needing it 3 times a year... but reguardless, I've got a fwd for normal day commuting and a seperate 4wd for bad weather so I cant be too much of a devil's advocate

[@Dan-hx9og]

Just bought mine, RS fully loaded sunroof. It looks beautiful. I love it.

[@timmythomas4273]

i love this new little suv this will be my next suv im going to get

[@ToddSherry-c2e]

I used to live in the Bershires in Massachusetts, where we would get a ton of snow. I always just had good tires and front wheel drive. On another note just helped my niece purchase her first new car. 2024 Trax Active. Throw away any previously conceived notions on what this is. My nephew has a 2019 Trax and you would not believe they were made by the same company, let alone the same model. It is about time Chevy gave some love to their cheaper entries. After my 2003 Cavalier, started to self implode at 43,000 miles I did not think I would ever consider another Chevy. I have had foreign cars ever since. This broke my Dad's heart who sold Chevy cars for 35 years. After driving my niece's Trax, I could see myself in a Chevy again. Really awesome car for the money. I agree with it her post, here in Phoenix they can not keep them on the lots. The dealer we ere at, they had 73 coming in and all but 2 where sold. Base LS and the Active my niece bought. Let's just hope they hold up for the long haul. Although unlike my Cavalier, fit and finish from new looks impressive.

[@Gh0xtz]

I test drove one today and oh boy I love it lol

[@mardamek]

For what it’s worth, I’ll repeat what I usually say. Good tire choice matters way more than the drivetrain. And thank you, Tommy, for stressing the same point. I drove a FWD car for years (with good tires) and having an AWD for the last couple years (again, switching to winter tires in winter), quite honestly I can’t say that the new car with AWD is any better. Of course, weight and transmission must have a role in the feel as well. This car is automatic and about 700 lbs heavier, and the other car had a 6-speed manual 🙂

[@BlueOvals24]

Those are words from someone who clearly has never driven a Subaru.

[@mardamek]

Well, I have to agree with you. I’ve driven Subarus but not for long enough to develop a sense of their specific handling characteristics. All I can say is that from what I know about the symmetrical AWD system and what people say, it is a better (more truthful) AWD system than other systems that have a FWD bias (same for my current car). On the other hand, if your reply was meant to downplay the role of tires vs drivetrain (even if a Subaru is better than other AWDs) then I have to disagree with you. The best AWD system cannot help you during braking if your tires can’t provide the grip needed. It’s that simple. Any driver with enough experience will tell you that handling and braking are way more important for the safety of the drive than the initial traction for starts.

[@BlueOvals24]

@mardamek Brother, I went the icy, sludgy mud on balding all seasons from the factory. Yes tires play a critical role, but no FWD is doing what Subarus do, even with snow tires. And if you put snow tires on Subaru, that's it! You're set, you will never be late to work when there's fresh powder on the ground!

[@mardamek]

Once again I agree with you on Subaru AWD being superior to FWD but that must be true for getting the car going, maybe for handling too (although this is where the line gets blurry): but you can’t tell me that a Subaru with nearly bold all-seasons can be safer and more capable during braking than a FWD (or even RWD) car with a set of snow tires. I mean sure, if I have a choice, I will choose a Subaru with symmetrical AWD over a FWD but that’s with the knowledge that I’m going to switch to snow tires when it gets cold. Now, as for why I got the RAV4 over the Subaru has to do with considerations beyond the AWD system alone - straight four vs boxer engine (more reliable and easier to work on), traditional automatic vs CVT, better perceived reliability overall. Anyway, this is a different topic, but I’ll stay convinced that it’s better for me to struggle a bit on the starts (with 2WD vs AWD) but know that I can brake and stop when needed (with winter tires vs all-seasons). And none of this speaks against your point about the Subaru having the better drivetrain. I just happen to evaluate things in a broader context than just getting good starts in snowy weather…

[@BlueOvals24]

@@mardamek To counter your preference on the RAV4 over Subaru: The older CVT's were crap, but they've really ironed out the issues in the current gen cars. My '20 Outback has gone 50,000 miles with no CVT faults, or even engine faults for that matter. I4 isn't necessarily more reliable, but it is easier to work on. But being my daily driver, I wouldn't do anything deeper than a valve cover gasket change on an I4 anyways, so it makes no difference to me. To what I said previously, I never said that you're better off with balding all seasons on any car. My point was that my car handled a slushy, muddy camping trail really well considering it had balding tires. I hadn't even realized the insides of all 4 tires were balding until I inspected them after that trip. I don't see that 'blurred line' you mentioned. I already notice a greater handling difference in dry conditions compared to my previews RWD and FWD vehicles. In heavy rain and on icy roads, it's night and day. And what really sells me on AWD is how quick it is to accelerate in conditions like that, because that has helped me avoid an accident in the past. I was on the highway when a total whiteout started. I slow down as I reach the cluster of cars that stopped because of the whiteout. As I'm sitting there, I noticed a Chevy Cruz barreling behind me, struggling to slow down. My AWD got traction right when I needed it to, and I was able to pull onto the middle shoulder in time for him to miss me, and just kiss the bumper of the car that was in front of me. I'll never be caught in snow without AWD, never. It's just safer and faster, especially once you've fit the right tires.

[@axeamaniac4490]

I just saw this in my city the other day, and honestly I thought it looked pretty cool. Wish it had AWD and a few more options but for the price it's gonna be a huge hit I think with younger people looking for something nice, great on gas, relatively cheap.

[@lincolnbliss4885]

A lot of the time with an open diff in a low traction on one tire situation punching the gas from a complete stop helps. The wheel with little or even 0 traction will create drag for a second or 2 simply from the resistance of quickly accelerating and actually force the other wheel that has grip to spin for a moment.

[@tylergarcia3697]

I have to say that I have been very happy with front wheel drive. My 2016 civic with studless Blizzaks seems invincible in the snow.

[@OddTimeMan]

The problem with FWD and Winter tires is that the tires don't last long in the Summer. If you have a set of Summers and a set of Winters, then that's added cost. Plus you have to pay to have a shop swap out the tires every time. If you mount the tires on different wheels, then once again, that's added cost. Plus, you need the space to store the extra set. I run a set of all-season tires on my factory wheels with my AWD Trax. Easy peasy.

[@MrLifedriven]

I just took my 2022 fwd ford mavrick hybrid off road and had similar performance in loose gravel/some big rocks las vegas desert and small hill like this. Has great clearance and capability, but definitely some limitations. I only have stock tires, not even all terrain so I'm sure alot of the limitation is in the tire. With all terrain or off road tire it would perform 10x better and had slippery drive mode on entire time really helps.

[@zackdemundo]

Really good review. Totally useful input on snow tires: not just for traction but steering!

[@Aryslan2000]

Excellent video confirming my thoughts on Trax. I agree about the FWD with snow vs AWD all season. I will add the the soob AWD is unlike other AWDs and for better or worse let’s you get away with more. One thing that needs to be stressed is your driving technique is very important. FWD is more capable then it gets credit for but people just don’t pay attention to surface conditions and mash the pedal.

[@Drunken_Hamster]

3 things to make it better. 1. 16" wheels and applicable tires. 2. a real locker/LSD just in case (torsen would be great since it already has brake vectoring). 3. A legitimate TC/SC off switch. Not a halfway off, not a lie about it being off, a truly off option, full 1960s level analog direct control. Without having to pull the ABS fuse and mess that up.

[@EGGINFOOLS]

This is an interesting segment of testing Tommy. Nice job. Try some other SUVs as well. The AT4 Acadia has the dual clutch AWD system. Would love to see

[@Baldingbry]

Even the terrain AT4 👍👍

[@vovachammonet5771]

I had a Plymouth Champ (Mitsubishi) I wanna say circa 1984 - I traded my 77 El Camino living in Albuquerque (Champ had 55K miles) - To this day that was the best snow car (2WD) ever. A sewing Machine for an engine I dragged a U-Haul trailer with all my earthly belongings through the Rockies back to NYC - where the car continued to out perform in the winters. Standard? Yes - Am intrigued by the Trax and agree with Tommy's front wheel with snowies all day.

[@MDC2020]

My only problem with the Chevy Trax is that for almost the same money you can get a awd Subaru Crosstrex plus have some towing capacity . Seems to me this Trax could and should be closer to $20,000 loaded. But the Trax is a really sharp little vehicle.

[@Red4banger]

The Subaru's is ugly in my opinion, sure it has a bigger engine and all-wheel. To get one loaded with the whole works like a trex activ, the Subaru would cost $34.000, no thanks,! I love my 2024 trax activ dressed in black.

[@tylerrowland1236]

I have a 2020 Hyundai Kona front wheel drive with the 6 speed automatic and it does really good off road I took it up a mountain trail in New Mexico using on x off road .

[@edgarchapa7266]

My 2wd Tacoma has gotten me everywhere I’ve wanted to go in the 2 years I’ve had it. The LSD has helped me a lot

[@prodnxbu]

I have to disagree, being a Michigan driver, I much prefer AWD with all seasons. I have a 2018 Equinox with Continental Extreme Contacts. That paired with the AWD works perfectly.

[@DeidraEpps]

I just bought this car. I love it

[@KPHVAC]

Good tires first!! My 2010 Honda Accord V6 with Michelin CrossClimate 2 tires does better in the snow than many AWD crossovers and cars! I've had the Honda for 10 years. My next vehicle will be an SUV with AWD plus good tires!!

[@namvet1968]

I'm thinking about buying a CRV.

[@zavia3727]

Thank you for the review. This will be my next car. It will do well in Massachusetts winter

[@spideyjected]

I have one. I was surprised by how well it did in winter. I live up north.

[@OldThomMerton]

Awesome . . . been waiting for full reviews to start coming out on the Trax. Thanx, Tommy!

[@nebdoc1234]

Just bought one for my daughter. Put a second set of wheels with Blizzak tires. Very capable.

[@saissevictor]

what a great video, gonna buy it right away now

[@synergytech7323]

The Trax didn't loose traction but the tire due to tire pleasure if slipping during offroad then reduce tire pleasure 10psi till grip is attained. Take an air pump.

[@krisbirch5049]

Thank you, I just bought a 2024 chevy trax LT !!!!

[@kyle8380]

Believe it or not, both drive wheels in the rollers is a very good test. It shows how intrusive the traction control is. Which unfortunately on newer GM products is a lot. Even with traction control button pressed or held in it still severely limits wheel speed. Just like in this video when you said pedal is to the floor and it's doing nothing. I had a bolt ev. I would get enough wheel speed to start moving on a snowy hill and then the traction control will kick in and I would be stuck. I finally would pull the electronic brake control module fuse and I was able to make it easily then. You just have to make sure the ebrake is off before you pull the fuse or it would be stuck on. Thats a stupid thing to have to do. Why have a traction control button if you cannot turn off traction control? Fix this GM!!!

[@josephwhiskeybeale]

Tommy starting to turn into Roman

[@ATRichard]

“Like father, like son!” The apple never falls far from the tree. He’s been in more videos lately too, I noticed.

[@TimeMariner]

I hope he doesn't aquire his father's attitude.

[@CHICOZTACOS]

Tommy's the best!

[@jonathans4503]

Yeah he's developing man-boobs too just like his dad. They need to cut on the beer and sugar

[@ppeller3]

Sounds like Roman too!

[@MsCyra101]

Thank you for helping me decide that fwd is great too!!!

[@SunnynPhilly]

The Trax is made in Changwon Korea and Shanghai China. China gets a 4 cylinder engine but we get to make do with a turbo 3, cool GM 👍

[@SunnynPhilly]

The styling has definitely improved. The base LS comes with a good amount of features too like Apple car play/ android auto, keyless entry, power windows/ doors, cruise control and safety features like collision avoidance for $21k. Not sure how long the turbo 3 will last. Maybe a decent lease option though.

[@aamitche1]

And the 3T makes more power than the 4, so who cares?

[@bjornironsides6474]

Looks like a Cherokee. Seems like a good value and nice vehicle.

[@tarfeef101]

Until i got my latest vehicle i only had 2wd, and ive been driving offroad up forest roads, in canadian snow, etc. no problem. Just gotta not be an idiot, manage your throttle, and esp for winter have proper tires. But 2wd is great for most people, i feel like the awd obsession is an expensive way for people to avoid learning basic driving skills

[@IgorMychalczyszyn-xf4km]

Completely agree with you .

[@wade7959]

Excellent video editing. I especially like the rapid fire options list portion of the video. Well done!

[@virchewal]

If this SUV had four wheel drive options I'd HAPPILY pay extra because everything is perfect for what I need right now as my second new car. Coming from a 2018 Crosstrek.

[@juliussmith4001]

I have a 2rs and i love it!

[@glennhancock3533]

Hi u yes I think fwd is all u need 95 percent of the time .I hv a nissan and live in Canada and did not put on winter tires . Tks Glenn

[@23ginger]

I prefer Fwd in the snow rather than Awd. People who drive awd cars scare me on the road in the winter thinking they don’t have to slow down awd only helps you get unstuck and maintain some control it doesn’t make it like it would be if it were bare roads

[@Austin-qk3cg]

a new car starting at 21k im a fan

[@crow_2k11beatsbydre8]

well said..........

[@Howrider65]

I want to see this thing at 195,000 miles like my last Toyota. I had no problems with the engine or transmission or the electronics. Just tires and brakes and oil changes try this in a Chevy or Ford.

[@-aid4084]

I think if I ever get the opportunity to make my own awd system for a car, I'd like to be full time fwd and then have the option for awd. three differentials, Hi-Lo transfercase, tripple lockers and of course a disconnectable rear driveline.

[@GodSonBlessed]

You can get by without awd if you have appropriate tires and ground clearance.

[@nizo6673]

I have a 2019 Chevy trax I have modified it and making almost 300 hp upgraded fuel injector’s upgraded intake upgraded wastegtate actuator and other things

[@dave1956]

My last two vehicles were AWD. I don’t feel that it’s worth the money, especially now that I am retired. Here in Southeast Wisconsin if we have a snowstorm I have the luxury of waiting until the next day to complete my errand.

[@BlueOvals24]

But for those of us not retired, a good AWD and some snow tires is mandatory to get to work on time.

[@dave1956]

@@BlueOvals24 Better you than I. I retired in 2018 after 45 years of working my butt off. Keep paying into social security though. I can use the money!

[@BlueOvals24]

@@dave1956 Yeah, thanks for taking that away from us, along with pensions. What will be the last boomer action? Taking away our 401k?

[@dave1956]

@@BlueOvals24 Trust me, I had nothing to do with it. I waited until full retirement age to collect. If I had put all that money into a 401k, I would probably have 3-4 times the amount that I would ever hope to collect. If I die tomorrow, bonus for the government. I agree that it sucks.

[@BlueOvals24]

@@dave1956 Well hey, it's nice to encounter a boomer that can admit their generation made mistakes. I will stick up my hand and admit there are too many gen Z's out there that want the easy way and more of us need to learn some trades.

[@henryd1981]

He listed several competitors at the beginning, but in addition to the Hyundai Venue, this also more competes with the Nissan Kicks and Kia Soul as an affordable crossover offering. He mentioned the Crosstrek, Corolla Cross, and Kona, but those more compete with the Trailblazer than the Trax. It'll be interesting to see how well the Trax sells alongside the Trailblazer and whether or not it will result in some cannibalization of sales between the two, but I hope that cannibalization would be cancelled out by bringing in new customers

[@daxmojones9025]

Trax stays on the lot for about 4 days before they are sold. Trailblazers are affected by this new model. Even incentived APR deals can't get people to choose it over the trax. I work at a chevy dealership and just bought my daught a Trax LT with sunroof, confidence and convenience packages. Still selling a bunch of Trailblazers though. We only get 2-3 trax's in at a time where we have 20 TBs sitting on the lot right now.

[@jeffmorse645]

Lived in the Sierra Nevada foothills in my teens and 20s back in the late 70s and 80s. Very few people had 4WD and AWD really wasn't a thing back then. We had nothing but RWD cars. I drove my Toyota Celica all over the dirt roads there. Only once I couldn't get up our driveway on the side of a mountain. Had an usually heavy (for there) snow - about two feet. Had to leave it on the highway and walk up to the house. Basically, unless you're a serious off-roader a FWD car is fine. If you live in a harsh winter climate FWD with a set of snow tires is fine.

[@markwexy1621]

Awesome video. You're really good. I want to get the Trax, but what's holding me back is it has no tow rating. I so wish that it had a tow rating of even 1,000 lb.

[@play4funn708]

Trailblazer can tow 1000lb

[@carlostavaresjr958]

Or good tires with AWD and you have it all! I'll stay on the AWD bandwagon and equip the car with good tires to begin with.

[@geezerpleasers_OG]

I agree. He did that rant as if AWD and snow tires were mutually exclusive. and you had to pick just one. I'm with you. AWD plus the right tires for the condition

[@rickbunt9969]

Absolutely correct, AWD + snow tires wins every time. But that 'rant' was aimed at the folks who think, "I have AWD, so I don't need snow tires." They're the ones stuck in the highway median during the first big snow.

[@mikefoehr235]

FWD is OK until you load it with gear and people. Then the rear is down and front is up and lose traction. This is where AWD really shines.

[@theglowcloud2215]

Every car should have AWD in this day and age. It's a safety consideration, if nothing else.

[@parkerbommarito]

@@theglowcloud2215 What are you talking about? Less MPG, more expensive, heavier. And def not safer. Find one study that shows AWD being a safer opinion vs the same 2WD car. Half the US doesn't even see snow.

[@lilpeppa117G]

​@@parkerbommaritoSubaru peroid and they get amazing gas mileage

[@sachemrock]

@@theglowcloud2215 that’s ridiculous. Maybe you have limitless cash funds but people who don’t need or want the additional expense and operating costs of an awd vehicle should have a choice to buy a 2 wheel drive vehicle be it rear or front wheel drive.

[@ivantuma7969]

If we hadn't bought a used TourX (thanks in part to TFL's recommendation), I would consider the Trax near-luxury sibling - the Buick Envista. For 12 years, living in Colorado, we put stud-less snow's on my wife's fwd '94 VW Cabrio ... the thing was like a little tank - never got stuck - and that was way before traction control. That said - my '91 Audi 200 TQ 20V Avant with a pushbutton locking rear-end on studless snows is the true beast. I always enjoy taking Toyota 4Runners and other big SUV's off the line on snow days. I absolutely hate Toyotas (not because they're bad cars, but ugly styling and the attitude of the drivers - zero turn signals and thinking their ride can never break - they do, like the rest). Toyota always finds ways to shave off a few pounds, and in the US - add a bigger engine that would never fly in the Japanese home market, which is smart - I just don't want to be a club member.

[@s47industries]

I imagine the Envista would more or less perform the same? It is basically the same vehicle. though maybe in the quest to sportify it they lowered it...

[@freeadventurers3112]

Really like the way the Trax looks. And just having front wheel drive is not that big of a deal. People forget how capable a front wheel drive vehicle is. Also like that it doesn’t have the awful cvt transmission. And a DCT is just a gimmick for the every day person, not needed. Great video Tommy.

[@sachemrock]

Absolutely, and if I am priced out of a Japanese car in the future and that’s looking more and more like a distinct possibility, I am getting one of these.

[@CoryDAnimates]

It been a year or so since I have watched a TFL. Oh Wow. Tommy you are looking more like your Dad!

[@TimeMariner]

I just hope he doesn't become as pompous.

[@carseye1219]

All fine and good. I had a Honda Accord FWD that I never got stuck even with a lot of snow driving. But now I live on the NV side of the Sierras and have to make quite a few trips to CA and, without AWD, HWY patrol just won't let me through and I refuse to mess with chains, though I keep them for emergencies. So, I just can't buy a non-AWD vehicle.

[@CheerupA1]

Cool test, nice to see this thing off road

[@bradbowles1153]

Put some Yokohama Geolander A/T GO15s on it and it will do fine in the snow without compromising the ride and handling during good weather. AWD doesn’t automatically mean off road capability. It depends on the vehicle. Even most Subarus have their limitations. If a vehicle doesnt have a low range tranny it’s not really off road capable.

[@JAStewart2]

Are you all planning to do a video on the 2024 traverse z71? Would love to hear what you have to say about the capabilities. That way I don't have to beat mine up testing its limits.

[@cpphotographyc]

Excellent video and info!!!👍🏻👌🏻🤗

[@Azureecosse]

sounds like the same engine used in the the European Opel Grandland and the Peugeot 2008