Affordable, Stylish, & Reliable: Why the Trax Is a Great Option for First-Time Buyers

Buying your first car is exciting, but it can also be overwhelming. With so many options, it’s important to have a savvy and reliable team on your side, such as us at Rusty Wallace Chevrolet, to ensure you have the answers you need to make the best choice. The Chevy lineup includes many great options for your first car, but we’d most like to introduce you to the brand’s dynamic subcompact SUV, the Chevy Trax for sale near Knoxville. 

The Trax offers plenty of space for both passengers and cargo, some of the latest safety and connectivity features in the industry, and a smooth, engaging ride—and while you might think those attributes carry a hefty price tag, the Trax is an affordable option for most drivers. If you’re shopping for your first vehicle, we invite you to check out our inventory online or stop by and talk with us in person. For now, however, keep reading to see why we think the Trax is a great choice for a first car.

Exploring the Ins and Outs of the Trax

The Chevy Trax initially made its debut for the 2015 model year. That first version was a quick favorite among Knoxville drivers looking for a solid, affordable, subcompact SUV. It was available until the 2022 model year. After taking a year off, the Trax was reintroduced for the 2024 model year, starting where it left off as a solid option for first-time buyers. 

When the newest version was introduced, it was easy to see that it was bigger (both inside and out) than the previous model years. This is key, as you want to ensure your first car will last you for a few years and can easily handle whatever changes come your way during that time. Now, let’s look at some of the features you can find throughout the Trax that further solidify why it should be at the top of your “must-see” list…

Convenience, Comfort, and Connectivity

When looking for your first car, convenience, comfort, and connectivity are key. Thankfully, the Chevy Trax shines in all these areas. First, while it is a subcompact SUV, you will find that it offers ample legroom and headroom for you and your passengers, as well as 54.1 cu.ft. of flexible cargo space. This space is easily accessed through the manual liftgate and can be expanded with just the push of a button. It’s also worth mentioning that the 60/40 split-folding rear seats fold flat, ensuring easy unloading and loading.

Beyond the space the Chevy Trax offers, you will also find that the layout and cushioned seating provide a comfortable ride. You can boost that comfort by choosing one of the higher trim levels, which provides you with an eight-way power driver seat with two-way lumbar controls. Even better is that, with the available 11-inch color touchscreen, you can easily access your podcasts, playlists, contacts, turn-by-turn directions, and more. There’s also an available eight-inch driver information center that offers valuable diagnostic insights just beyond the steering wheel. 

Additional standard and available features that make for a comfortable drive (especially for Knoxville’s chillier mornings) are the heated driver’s seat and a remote start. Plus, with the brand’s easy-to-use myChevrolet app, you can access certain features from the convenience of your phone. Last but not least, the Chevy Trax can have a Wi-Fi hotspot with a subscription through OnStar.

As you can see, the Trax offers many of the comfort, convenience, and connectivity features that you’re likely looking for in a first car, as well as some you might not have expected or thought you could get. We can further explore these features with you and other amenities not listed to help you make the best trim choice for your needs.

Safety and Driver Assistance Tech

Beyond convenience, comfort, and connectivity, safety is a main priority. The good news is that the bowtie brand has long prioritized safety, which means you will find a long list of both standard and available driver assistance features onboard the Trax, thanks to the Chevy Safety Assist suite. For the Trax, you will find the following standard features, regardless of which trim you choose:

Forward Collision Alert and Automatic Emergency Braking unite to alert you to a possible collision so that you have time to redirect, keeping you safely out of harm’s way; if you’re unable to react in time, however, the automatic emergency braking system will fully apply the brakes in an effort to minimize the impact if not avoid it altogether.

Front Pedestrian Braking works much like the Front Collision Alert and Automatic Emergency Braking systems, only with pedestrians in mind. Lane Keep Assist with Lane Departure Warning is ideal, as it gives you the support you need to stay centered in your lane, as well as a warning when swaying too far from that center. Remaining a safe distance between you and the vehicle in front of you is key, which is exactly what the Following Distance Indicator helps with; if it senses a change in traffic flow, it will automatically reduce your speed to keep your set distance. 

If you’ve ever grown frustrated with managing the high beams in your car, you can quickly understand the value of IntelliBeam High Beam Assist; it will scan the road ahead for light and shadows, turning the car’s high beams off and on for you so you can focus on the road. Beyond these driver assistance features, available options include things like Rear Park Assist, Lane Change Alert with Side Blind Zone Alert, Rear Cross Traffic Alert, and LED Daytime Running Lamps.

Efficient Engine Performance

It’s always good to know what’s under the hood of your vehicle, especially when it’s your first one. Regardless of the trim level you choose, your Trax will be powered by a 1.2L turbocharged engine that makes up to 137 hp and 162 lb-ft of torque. This engine offers a smooth ride and impressive fuel efficiency, with an EPA-estimated 30 MPG combined. Additionally, you will find that it is paired with a six-speed automatic transmission, ensuring it shifts smoothly time after time.

As far as performance goes, you can rest assured that your Trax will continue to run consistently so long as you keep up with its routine maintenance. This is due to the emphasis that the bowtie brand places on ensuring its vehicles are reliable, along with the support you get from our factory-trained technicians who use the latest tools and genuine parts to make sure your Trax stays in tip-top shape.

Check Out the Chevy Trax Today

The Chevy Trax is a great option for first-time buyers in the Knoxville area for a few reasons. First, it’s fun to drive, offering more convenience, comfort, and connectivity features than you might have thought you could get for its price point. Second, it has a long list of safety features on board, which help you navigate safely to your next destination. Last but not least, the Trax gives you the power you need to get around and the confidence to know you won’t face any complications along the way.

Our team at Rusty Wallace Chevrolet is excited to show you everything the Chevy Trax has to offer. You can view our inventory online or in person; either way, you will get the same great customer service. Stop by or reach out to a member of our team today to schedule a test drive.