Most drivers never come close to needing a vehicle with off-road capability. That makes the Chevrolet Trax a smart utility vehicle choice for commuters who want a cargo/people hauler with a nimble, street-savvy demeanor. During a one-week test drive, the all-new Trax’s spry handling was underscored by a crisp 36.7-feet curb-to-curb turning circle. With Trax’s 60/40-split rear seat folded down, there’s more than 48 cubic feet of cargo space. While the Trax doesn’t provide off-road prowess with its 6.2-inch ground clearance and standard front wheel drive (all wheel drive is optional), this small utility vehicle’s design provides very good exterior sight lines and 15 handy storage spots, handy features for city/highway drivers and riders.

Powering the Trax is a 1.4-liter turbocharged Ecotec 4-cylinder engine that produces 138 horsepower at 4900 rpm and 148 pounds-feet of torque at 1850 rpm. The engine mates to a 6-speed automatic transmission. The 100.6-inch wheelbase Trax’s standard list includes 10 airbags (highlighted by the segment’s only rear seat-mounted thorax airbags), rear vision camera, column-mounted electric power steering, and Chevrolet MyLink with 7-inch color touch screen. LS and LT trim levels are equipped with standard 16-inch wheels, while the LTZ trim level comes with standard 18-inch aluminum wheels. Front wheel drive Chevy Trax LT collects estimated mpg of 26 city/34 highway and carries a MSRP of $22,445.