Chevrolet Trax 2018 Philippines: Review, Price, Specs, Interior & more

Back to a few years ago, if a Filipino car enthusiast was asked which sub-compact crossover would come to his mind first, the name Chevrolet Trax might not stand a chance to pop out. However, things have gradually changed thanks to the hard work of the US carmaker in continuously giving the vehicle important improvements, both inside and out.

The most recently-refreshed version of the Trax was launched at the Manila International Auto Show last year with a slimmer exterior design, more premium interior and a fresh turbocharged engine. Although these revisions might not help it beat out more popular crossovers like the Suzuki Vitara and Ford EcoSport in the local market, there are still some good reasons why the Chevrolet Trax 2018 Philippines is still worth your consideration.

Check out our Chevrolet Trax Philippines Review on Philkotse.com to have your own personal judgment about this 'underrated' crossover.

>>> Read more: The new and energetic Chevrolet Trax launched at 2017 MIAS

The jellybean styling of previous Trax should be partly responsible for the lower-ranking position of the car compared to other crossovers. Fortunately, the carmaker did realize this weak point and gave the 2018 Chevrolet Trax exterior with just exact tweaks to become much more impressive.

Gone is the clumsy-looking nose which is now replaced by a sharper frontend. The rear also receives some refreshments with a set of new LED tail lamps and less unpainted surfaces. In general, the Chevrolet Trax exterior has been improved significantly, earning it a far more attractive look even when wearing the most generic coat of Summit White.

The Chevrolet Trax now becomes much more impressive thanks to proper exterior revisions

The rear also receives some refreshments with a set of new LED tail lamps

​Not only receiving significant enhancement to its look, the 2018 Chevrolet Trax interior also gets tremendous updates. The former Trax’s cabin may make us feel like the brand was making an effort to bring down the price. On the other hand, this new model welcomes us with a completely different impression.

Another disappearance is the motorcycle-styled gauge cluster whose replacement is the one coming equipped with a vertically-resting analog speedometer and tachometer while on the right comes a mono-chrome multi-info screen, which may not look as good as the previous but be easier for the eyes and perform trip information better.

The motorcycle-styled gauge is replaced by a vertically-resting analog speedometer and tachometer

This year model also brings out solutions for the superfluity of almost useless cubbies and slots. Some may feel sorry for no longer having a place to locate their knick-knacks like toll cards and coin; however, its replacement won’t disappoint you; they are a nice leather padded strip, a piano black trim surrounding the infotainment screen, and metallic highlights around the vents. If someone is concerned about the storage, then he/she should be relieved because with a decent-sized glovebox as well as a storage tray right above the shifter, it is just enough.

Still, there are a little hard plastics spread around though this time they are located at places the driver and passengers don’t encounter often.

On the right comes a mono-chrome multi-info screen performs trip information better

The newly-added MyLink system to the Chevrolet Trax interior is also applauded not only because it displays better graphics on the 7-inch screen but also because it gets more sensitive and solid. The system features Android Auto, Apple CarPlay, and smartphone mirroring.

Still, there are a little hard plastics spread around

Despite its many flaws, the outgoing model still owned certain good points and one of which is that it was designed to improve the occupants’ experience. Fortunately, this strength is still kept and even further enhanced in the 2018 Trax.

In particular, the seats are dressed up with new patterns though still no ribcage hugging support. Nonetheless, driver can still feel a sense of comfort thanks to the support of an armrest. If you get accustomed to small crossovers or passenger cars, you will notice that the seating position of the Trax has been raised higher. This leads to a less sporty sense yet offers better visibility and allows easier ingress as well as egress. While the driver and the front passengers get more room than those sitting in the back, there is still decent legroom for rear passengers to comfortably accommodate 2 - 3 adults. Worth of note, rear passengers are offered with their own armrests with cupholders and even a 230-volt socket.

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The driver and the front passengers get more room than those sitting in the back

The rear passengers are offered their own armrests with cupholders and a 230-volt socket

The one great thing characteristic of the Trax is its load space with the flat and squared-out cargo room

The one great thing characteristic of the Trax is its load space. With the flat and squared-out cargo room and rear seats up, the car owner should not be worried about if it is enough for a whole week’s groceries because obviously the answer is yes. These seats can be folded flat as well and when they are, the model may even go head-to-head with larger crossovers as far as cargo space is concerned.

​In terms of mechanic, the Chevrolet Trax 2018 remains rather the same, and for that reason, it will still be an exciting yet sensible commuter car.

Now come to talk about the engine, it is the really powerful 1.4-litre turbocharged with excellent low-end torque; however, it seems coarse and buzzy at the top end. The model uses six-speed automatic which is claimed to be the most computer-focused transmissions that can switch quickly to keep down the revs. The Chevy crossover's average fuel consumption is 7.14km/l, given that it runs at 13 km/h.

We are all looking for LED ore HID headlights but there’s none

The rear also features new LED taillights

The latest Trax is equipped with a suspension tuning carried over from the predecessor, which gets the car both pros and cons. While it can be denied that the vehicle brings about noticeable body roll and soft steering, not to mention being less sporty and entertaining than its competitors, it also needs to point out that the suspension goes excellently softly-sprung. It can handle toughest roughness really well. What’s more, the suspension will drive the wind and tire noise away. However, bad news is it’s wired to bounce and crash around small road enemies like cobblestones or gravel.

The Trax 2018 is equipped with a suspension tuning brought from the predecessor

The model comes with a more desired list of standard equipment which may satisfy any difficult customer. The list features the Android Auto-enabled MyLink infotainment system and Apple CarPlay going along with part-leather seats, tire pressure monitoring, camera-equipped rear parking sensors, downhill control, stability control, 6 airbags, foldable side mirrors with heated power, cruise control, and the push-start exclusively in the top-trim LT.

The price is supposed to come down for this lack but the brand doesn’t think so

To recap, the Trax 2018 model is born to be an excellent urban crossover gaining a more dynamic-looking exterior, upgraded equipment and better cabin design. However, it may be disappointing in terms of features it brings with such a high price. All things considered, it should be tagged with a more reasonable price to secure success.

With those improvements applied to the new Trax, they make us feel like some techno still missing. While we are pretty happy with what the 2018 model has to offer, a new set of LED ore HID headlights is also a welcome addition. One of the most disappointing miss may be the auto-climate control.

So, what is your thought?