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

[@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.

[@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.

[@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.

[@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

[@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!

[@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!

[@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.

[@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?

[@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.

[@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 😂

[@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?

[@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.

[@gatolibero8329]

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

[@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.

[@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!

[@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 👍👍

[@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!

[@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!!!

[@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

[@Austin-qk3cg]

a new car starting at 21k im a fan

[@crow_2k11beatsbydre8]

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

[@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.

[@markmyers4573]

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

[@Kenneth_R]

The less you care about your vehicle the more capable it becomes. lol

[@DmanDaGr8]

I want this car so bad but Jehovah knows I don't need to buy anything right now 😫

[@cgmiddle]

Dear, believe us when we say that Jehovah does not know. And if it knew, it wouldn't care.

[@DmanDaGr8]

1 John 5:19, James 1:13, Ecclesiastes 9:11, here are some good scriptures that might help clear things up. ❤

[@TurfSurf]

The best value on the market in its class!

[@crow_2k11beatsbydre8]

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

[@scoobygms210]

Tommy's getting old starting to look more like his dad

[@theglowcloud2215]

They even wear the same Ray-Bans

[@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!

[@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...

[@Gh0xtz]

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

[@bulldog2024]

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

[@Aaron_Voltz]

The whole automotive industry needs to stop making vehicles with DCT and CVT transmissions. Automated clutches and metal pusher belts wear out very quickly with a driver who doesn't know what type of transmission their vehicle has. A good ol' torque converter is the way to go for every day driving.

[@zackdemundo]

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

[@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!

[@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!

[@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.

[@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?

[@thebeast9606]

So, all the times someone said, "My Toyota Camry could do that!!!," they were actually telling the truth...😂😂😂

[@seankirby1327]

Very apprehensive to buy the 3 cylinder "wet belt" timing system. I had a 1.4 turbo NIGHTMARE so beware. Ford uses the same timing belt system on their 3 cylinder and it is known for blowing up when the belt disintegrated

[@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.

[@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.

[@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.

[@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.

[@timmythomas4273]

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

[@mattolfson9230]

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

[@AnthonyEvelyn]

You too hard with the Trax. It can drive in snow and bad roads but on hilly trails and bad terrain its a no, even with your success going up that hill. What the Trax 2RS and Activ trims need is not AWD, but the 1.3L turbo as a top engine option, rear seat arm rest, rear AC vents, more interior colors choices. When the refreshed 2024 Trailblazer is available Id like to see some offroad tests with that crossover.

[@liamfirebird6922]

Nice car but it needs better tires. You would he surprised the difference AT (all terrain) tires can make on a front wheel drive SUV or crossover.

[@victorsaisse1340]

what a great video, gonna buy it right away now

[@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).

[@Corny1210]

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

[@fernando-sl7qm]

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

[@coldfire2812]

Great points, another great point... stay away from Chevy lol

[@yomo68]

Now change the tires to all-terrain or off-road tires and make another video!

[@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.

[@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

[@mikekennedy9817]

I want to see it in snow, going up a steep hill

[@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...

[@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.

[@voidlight6006]

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

[@cpphotographyc]

Excellent video and info!!!👍🏻👌🏻🤗

[@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.

[@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!!!

[@ComfortablyNumb1969]

Still won't buy one. Make AWD an option, then I would consider a new Trax.

[@duaneulman9915]

Thank you Great review.

[@Deetroiter]

AWD is nice but not the end all, be all. I used to daily an NA Miata with all-season tires and open diff through hot humid summers and freezing deep winter snow storms in the Great Lakes. Zero issues and did just fine. AWD is nice to have but not an absolute necessity

[@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.

[@davidmckibbin4440]

i would say how long will it fun

[@aubreyhawkins9946]

Now slap some good ATs on there and you'll be golden lol

[@OldThomMerton]

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

[@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.

[@Azureecosse]

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

[@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 .

[@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.

[@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.

[@chuckwalla2967]

This guy talks and looks like Roman.

[@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 .

[@Reebok4523]

This ranch looks weak. It was so much cooler when you guys actually took vehicles on real trails. In the beautiful Colorado mountains. I would watch them all the time didn’t even matter what vehicle it was.

[@ElliottTucker1050]

My mother's main home in Anchorage, Alaska in 1990, the year I graduated from H.S.. Was on the Upper Hillside, her backyard I always joked was Flat Top Mountain, bc it was literally across the street. As Chugach National Park was right there as well. Just so Colorady knows, the Mountains that surround Anchorage are 13,000 ish ft. And that's JUST AVERAGE. NOT even close to TALL for Alaska. As Alaska has REAL Mountains, Including the TALLEST Mountain in All of North America - Some even Debate the World, considering Denali's "elevation". My mother's main car was a 1989 Acura Legend, a FWD sedan! And TRUST aside from having REAL mountains, Anchorage also gets and sustains REAL Snow. Like its Snows and it STAYS, including REAL CHUNKY ICE. On said Real Mountains nearly as "Tall" as CO's "Tallest" 14er 🤣😂😅 Her ACURA LEGEND SEDAN FRONT WHEEL DRIVE Had Really good Studded WINTER SPECIFIC Tires during the Winter. As did most in Ak. Yes she did have a GMC Blazer, but ONLY bc it was Equipped with a Blade/Snow Plow. Again Upper hillside & REAL Snow on a Real Mountain of a Small Mountain in Alaska of ONLY 13Kish ft, small snow = 6" average = 8-14" BIG snow could be 2+ feet EASY w/Chinook Speed winds(Hurricane Strength Winds) ~ So CAN People ONLY SURVIVE with FWD CARS? MOST EMPHATICALLY YES!!! They just NEED TO LEARN HOW TO DRIVE! & While at it? HOW TO PARK, without 10 Bazillion beeping aids ~ Ok I begrundgingly will edit. As AT HALFWAY Point you admit "With Good Tires You would pick a FWD with good Winter tires. To a like say a Dumb Range Rover with Super Sport Summer tires on 24s lol ANYDAY "

[@theglowcloud2215]

There's a lot of random capitalization in this essay

[@SunnynPhilly]

Cliff notes version of story above ☝️, Person Lived in Alaska in a mountainous area with snowy winters. Most of the year their mom drove a FWD Acura Legend. Also had winter tires for the legend. They had a gmc blazer with a snow plow blade as well. * I grew up in Upstate NY. we’d get over 100 inches of lake effect snow off Lake Ontario every year. My dad commuted to work in a Volvo 240, that thing was a tank.

[@ElliottTucker1050]

@@SunnynPhilly Yes. I just wanted to be Crystal clear to the lovely folks in the Teeny state of Colorady. That think ohhh so highly of their "mighty mountains" ~ As I currently reside part of the year in Denver, since 2009. ~ Many today believe one MUST HAVE(my CAPS, is a way of expressing a feeling of Stress. per the Older⬜Gen)AWD or 4WD in most if not All vehicles. Whether one is driving in a few centimeters of snow like in Denver. When they claim for WEEKS on end. The snow blizzard to end all of humanity🙄for the 100th time that year. Or driving in legit rain like in PDX or SEA(these CAPS are a pilot thing, not sorry old ⬜guy)OR to Conquer that Massive speed bump at your local Whole Paycheck or TJ in either your brand new Range Rover or 16 yro NOT Cool yet "classic" DB Range Rover or as Nathan likes to say BroDozer lol. ~ The tire thing, TFL Stresses all the time when it comes to performance tires. They stress ALL the TIME when it comes to Off Road tires. Whether it be Mud Tires specifically. Or All Terrain tires Specifically. Or even load baring tires specifically! ~ BUT WHEN it Comes to Winter Tires, it ALL GOES OUT THE WINDOW! It is completely Ahhhh Mazing to ME. And almost All TFL will talk about the Winter-ISH tires on the whatever vehicle they are testing. There was even an example of this, testing the 911 cabriolet through 1.5/2 feetish of snow. I run my sports cars all year! Bc "I" like to drive! As well as my luxo boats! But I change my tires to whatever the season is. So back to the 911, the 911 was running on Non Winter specific tires!!!!! Sliding All over the place!!! Not gaining ANY Traction!!! And ALL who were testing the vehicle STATED MOST EMPHATICALLY SEE THIS IS WHY YOU DONT DRIVE THESE type of vehicles??????? LIKE WHAT THE ACTUAL you know WHAT!?!?!?!? YES TF YOU CAN! One just NEEDS to buy the right tire! That right tire is called a Winter tire. They come in believe it or not in a variety. Blizzak has their standard as well as a performance variety. Michelin has 4 types of Winter specific tires, the one I use on my sports vehicles is the Michelin Pilot Aplin 5. The Alpin 4 still can be bought too, the Alpin 5 is just the latest technology. Then for REAL Mountains, like Alaska or say NW Canada and the Yukon CAN or Norway you get the point. Where not only are there massive mountains but temperatures are super extreme. Which can in turn affect vehicles and tire compound. Well then ppl can turn to Studded tires. As the above are all non-studded. And in most cases, most areas of the world(including the Mid-West or Colorado)do AWESOME! And do not tear up the roads ~ Now some of this IS most definitely directed in general to or at tfl. BUT it is most definitely an Overall directed at many more in Colorado. Who love to tell me, born in Alaska. That they have THE Tallest mountains. LMFAO, get a clue. Usually from a "White NATIVE" btw I'm a real Native = Inupiaq or Eskimo = Native American ~ & when is 2 or 3 paragraphs so long that "you" need cliff notes?

[@SunnynPhilly]

Yea Alaska is really cool! 🥶🏔️ I’ve been a few times, favorite place was Homer.

[@DeidraEpps]

I just bought this car. I love it

[@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.

[@johnathansmith1003]

Half as far.

[@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. 😅

[@gewww24]

Would love to see the lexus nx 250 fwd try the same course.. great vid!

[@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

[@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.

[@SuperWooba]

I wanna see someone put that turbo 3 in a Fiero.

[@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.

[@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.

[@petercollingwood522]

I currently own a 2021 Spark. CVT. Surprisingly capable for what it is and and I just came back from a trip to Los Angeles where I reached 100 mph at one point. I averaged 45mpg's in certain sections too. So I know GM can make a decent product. This looks like it could be another home run. Only thing that I don't like is the inadequately sized engine with a Turbo stuck in there to compensate. Adds complexity which I would rather it didn't have. But from what I've seen and heard of them if long term reliabily is decent I think these will be an excellent product. Hopefully GM won't do something stupid to try and increase the price with load of unnecessary nonsense. Unless you live in a severely hilly, snowy, muddy area AWD is a completely useless waste of money and probably the single biggest scam perpetrated on the motoring public.

[@davidthomas9267]

I had a 1985 Ford Escort that I drove in the Chattahoochee National Forest on forest service roads in North Georgia and they were really like some of the easier trails in Colorado, so if your skilled or stupid you can find a way thru a lot of backcountry roads?

[@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.

[@scoobygms210]

Lost me at 3 cyl turbo

[@theglowcloud2215]

CAFE standards got me like

[@michaelhenry-hurst2787]

put some off road tires on the front and compare the difference to

[@anonymous3738]

This and the Buick Envista are the only American SUVs to be offered exclusively with 2WD, something better suited for sedans since SUVs are traditionally AWD or 4WD.

[@zavia3727]

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

[@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.

[@willcresson8776]

I really like the Trax, but calling that "taking it offroad" is more technically speaking than actually taking it offroad. That's taking it around the farmers field, not down a disused logging or fire road or an actual trail. Great review, though. And again, solid little crossover. GM is putting out some pretty nifty little crossovers and hatchbacks these days. And, no. That is not an SUV. I do not care what the manufacturer calls it, it is not an SUV. If it isn't based on a truck platform, it isn't an SUV. It's a crossover, hatch back, or large station wagon. Which is fine. The Jeep Cherokee (old), Waggoners, and all Grand Cherokees are either station wagons or crossovers, and they're great offroaders and vehicles in general.

[@Flight--tz5nf]

So Chevy canned the AWD Trax huh? Seems like a downgrade for the 2024.🙄 Light engine on a FWD vehicle. Good luck in the snow!!!!! I have never put snow tires on any of my AWD vehicles. (Mazda Tribute, Hyundai Santa Fe) Never needed them. A good set of all season tires and your fine. Oh and I live up in NY.

[@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.

[@juliussmith4001]

I have a 2rs and i love it!