Holden Trax
| Company type | Automobile model |
|---|---|
| Industry | Automotive |
| Predecessor | Chevrolet Tracker (previous model name in some markets) |
| Founded | 2013 |
| Headquarters | United States (Chevrolet brand, GM) |
Area served | Worldwide (including North America, South America, South Korea, China, Australia/Oceania, Europe) |
| Products | Subcompact crossover SUVs |
| Parent | General Motors |
Initial generation (U200; 2013)
The inaugural Trax, identified by the model code U200 and known as the TJ in Australia, was initially presented as a concept vehicle at the 2012 Paris Motor Show. Its production version made its first appearance at the 2013 North American International Auto Show. Developed starting in 2008 by GM's compact vehicle division based in South Korea, the Trax utilizes the GM Gamma II platform, which it shares with the Chevrolet Aveo/Sonic and Opel Mokka/Buick Encore models.
Manufacturing responsibilities were divided between GM Korea and GM Mexico for most regions, while SAIC-GM oversaw production in China from 2015 through 2020. Additionally, GM Uzbekistan commenced manufacturing the Trax in late 2018. The vehicle was sold under different names depending on market: as the Holden Trax in Australia and as the Chevrolet Tracker across Russia and South America.
The Trax first entered markets including Canada, Mexico, Germany, South Korea, Lebanon, UAE, and various European countries between 2013 and 2014. This launch marked Chevrolet’s re-entry into Canada’s compact crossover segment following the original Tracker’s phase-out. Shipments started in April 2013 after pre-sales began in late 2012 for both Mexico and Canada. By late 2014, availability had expanded to China, Indonesia, and the Philippines.
South Korea
The Trax was introduced to the South Korean market in February 2013 equipped with a 1.4 L turbocharged gasoline engine. In 2015, a diesel variant featuring a 1.6-litre engine was added to the lineup. A refreshed version was revealed in October 2016. From 2016 through 2018, it was recognized as South Korea’s leading export vehicle, reflecting its strong sales performance.
United States
Making its U.S. debut as a 2015 model year vehicle, the Trax followed Buick Encore’s success by utilizing GM’s Gamma II platform. Originally not intended for the U.S., it was introduced to compete against rivals such as the Jeep Renegade. The American-market Trax included features like OnStar connectivity with AT&T 4G LTE and SiriusXM satellite radio.
This version was powered by a 1.4 L turbocharged inline-four engine delivering 138 horsepower and 148 lb-ft of torque, paired exclusively with a six-speed automatic transmission. The vehicle was not rated for trailer towing. Trim levels comprised LS, LT, and LTZ variants, each available with front-wheel or all-wheel drive configurations.
Mid-cycle update for 2017
The Trax underwent a mid-cycle facelift showcased at the 2016 Chicago Auto Show for the 2017 model year. The redesign incorporated styling cues from the Chevrolet Malibu and Volt models—featuring new halogen projector headlights, LED daytime running lights, dual taillights, and a refreshed front grille. The Premier trim gained exclusive 18-inch aluminum wheels. Interior enhancements included a revamped dashboard and center instrument cluster aimed at elevating perceived cabin quality. This updated version became available in fall 2016.
Throughout North America, this generation of the Trax continued unchanged through the 2020 model year, coexisting alongside the slightly larger Chevrolet Trailblazer crossover introduced in that same year.
For 2021, Chevrolet streamlined its trim offerings by eliminating both the base L and top-tier Premier trims, leaving LS as the entry-level option and LT as the highest trim available.
Holden Trax (2013–2020)
In Australia and other Oceania regions, this model was marketed under the Holden brand name until production ceased in 2020. The Holden Trax launched initially in 2013.
Chevrolet Tracker
In Russia and South American markets, the Trax was marketed under the Chevrolet Tracker name, a designation previously utilized in North and Latin America between 1989–1991 and 1999–2008 for a Chevrolet/Geo variant of the Suzuki Sidekick.
Engines
Engine availability for the Trax varied depending on the region. In Latin America, the model was equipped exclusively with a 1.8L gasoline engine. The Canadian and U.S. markets offered only a 1.4L turbocharged gasoline powertrain. Meanwhile, Mexico and Australia (starting in 2015) provided both 1.8L naturally aspirated and 1.4L turbocharged gasoline engines. European buyers could select from a 1.4L turbo gasoline, a 1.6L gasoline, or a 1.7L diesel engine.
| Gasoline | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Engine Type | Output | Torque | CO₂ Emissions | Production Years |
| 1,364 cc (83.2 cu in) I4 turbo (A14NET) | 140 PS (103 kW; 138 bhp) at 4,900 rpm | 200 N⋅m (148 lb⋅ft) between 1,850 and 4,900 rpm | 139 g/km | 2013–2022 |
| 1,598 cc (97.5 cu in) I4 (A16XER) | 115 PS (85 kW; 113 bhp) at 6,000 rpm | 155 N⋅m (114 lb⋅ft) at 4,000 rpm | 153 g/km | 2013–2022 |
| 1,796 cc (109.6 cu in) I4 (A18XER) | 140 PS (103 kW; 138 bhp) at 6,300 rpm | 175 N⋅m (129 lb⋅ft) at 3,800 rpm | not available | 2013–2022 |
| Diesel | ||||
| Engine Type | Output | Torque | CO₂ Emissions | Production Years |
| 1,686 cc (102.9 cu in) I4 turbo (CDTI) | 130 PS (96 kW; 128 bhp) at 4,000 rpm | 300 N⋅m (221 lb⋅ft) between 2,000 and 2,500 rpm | 120 g/km | 2013–2014 |
| 1,598 cc (97.5 cu in) I4 turbo (CDTI) (Korea) | 136 metric horsepower (100 kW) at 3,500–4,000 rpm | 320[convert: needs unit name] at 2,000–2,250 rpm | 129 g/km | 2015–2022 |
Safety
| Test Category | Result |
|---|---|
| Small overlap front (Driver) | style="color:white;background: green" |Good |
| Small overlap front (Passenger) | style="color:black;background: yellow" |Acceptable |
| Moderate overlap front (Original test) | style="color:white;background: green" |Good |
| Side impact (Original test) | style="color:white;background: green" |Good |
| Side impact (Updated test) | style="color:black;background: yellow" |Acceptable |
| Roof strength | style="color:white;background: green" |Good |
| Head restraints and seats | style="color:white;background: green" |Good |
Discontinuation
The initial generation of the Trax was phased out in China and South America in favor of the Tracker starting in 2019. Though similar in dimensions, the new Tracker is constructed on General Motors’ updated GM GEM platform, designed specifically for emerging markets rather than North American regions.
In North America, General Motors ceased production of both the first-generation Trax and its counterpart, the Buick Encore, following the conclusion of the 2022 model year.
Second Generation (2023)
Introduced in China in July 2022 under the name Chevrolet Seeker, the second-generation Trax made its North American debut in October 2022, with sales commencing in the second quarter of 2023 as a 2024 model. Compared to its predecessor, this iteration is larger in footprint but features a reduced height. It is positioned beneath the bigger Trailblazer in Chevrolet’s lineup, carrying an average transaction price approximately $5,000 lower.
Despite significant changes in size and design, Chevrolet chose to keep the Trax name to capitalize on existing brand familiarity.
In the North American market, the Trax is available in five trim levels: LS, 1RS, LT, 2RS, and Activ. The Activ trim is distinguished by titanium-chrome detailing and a simulated rear skid plate. The all-wheel-drive option has been eliminated; every trim is equipped with a 1.2 L turbocharged three-cylinder gasoline engine delivering and torque. Production for the U.S. continues to take place in South Korea.
This generation of the Trax is exclusively front-wheel drive, as Chevrolet reserves all-wheel drive for the Trailblazer model. Additionally, it functions as a flexible successor to the discontinued Chevrolet Cruze sedan and hatchback variants.
Sales in South Korea started in late March 2023, with availability across RS, Activ, LT, and LS trims.
Sales
| Calendar Year |
U.S. | Canada | China | South Korea | Mexico | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Trax | Seeker | |||||
| 2013 | 16,611 | |||||
| 2014 | 739 | 8,533 | 43,682 | 19,571 | ||
| 2015 | 63,030 | 8,156 | 50,736 | 24,593 | ||
| 2016 | 79,016 | 9,072 | 37,636 | 26,777 | ||
| 2017 | 79,289 | 5,965 | 17,290 | 16,549 | 19,324 | |
| 2018 | 89,916 | 4,471 | 6,346 | 12,787 | 16,178 | |
| 2019 | 116,816 | 5,085 | 462 | 12,541 | 15,250 | |
| 2020 | 106,299 | 3,888 | 6,853 | 6,352 | ||
| 2021 | 42,590 | 2,395 | 2,540 | 87 | ||
| 2022 | 26,597 | 651 | 2,257 | 1,240 | ||
| 2023 | 109,382 | 6,469 | 5,910 | 23,656 | 2,288 | |