America’s smallest SUVs don’t usually steal the spotlight, but one model is quietly dominating the segment, even outperforming some of the most established Japanese nameplates. Its surge in sales isn’t a fluke; it’s the result of smart packaging, strong value, and features that resonate with buyers who want more for less.
While rivals lean on long-standing reputations, this American entry wins over shoppers with modern styling, impressive tech, and surprising practicality for its size. It’s proof that buyers aren’t just chasing badges anymore, they’re looking for real-world capability and affordability.
As demand for compact crossovers keeps growing, this SUV shows that Japanese brands no longer have an automatic advantage. When a small American model starts topping the charts, it signals a shift in what drivers truly prioritize: value, versatility, and a fresh take on everyday usability.
In order to give you the most up-to-date and accurate information possible, the data used to compile this article was sourced from various manufacturer websites and other authoritative sources, including the EPA and Car and Driver.
The Chevrolet Trax is the best-selling subcompact SUV in the United States
Credit: Chevrolet
While Americans have traditionally always leaned towards larger, more powerful vehicles, people are starting to downsize. There are a number of small crossovers that have shot up in popularity in the last couple of years. One rise that has been particularly impressive is that of the Chevrolet Trax. Despite having a number of really fantastic rivals, it stands out as a bestseller in its segment. Looking at how affordable it is, it isn’t hard to see why it has won so many hearts.
Chevrolet Trax sales versus rivals
Model
Sales at the end of Q3 2025
Chevrolet Trax
169,406
Subaru Crosstrek
142,725
Honda HR-V
115,358
Toyota Corolla Cross
73,341
Mazda CX-30
47,147
Chevrolet actually does pretty phenomenally when it comes to sales in the U.S., with a number of their vehicles being bestsellers in their segment, or at least coming close. Despite the subcompact SUV segment not being the most popular, the Trax was recorded as the 13th best-selling vehicle at the end of Q3 2025. That might not seem super impressive up front, but the American automaker has managed to move 169,406 units, which is no small figure. The only other subcompact SUV to break the top 25 was the Subaru Crosstrek, with 142,725 units sold.
Japan sells a ton of vehicles in the United States, with brands like Toyota having several vehicles sitting amongst the top sellers. However, they just aren’t as competitive in the subcompact SUV segment. Subaru is an outlier, with the Crosstrek able to catch on with the public thanks to its rugged off-road capability. Honda’s HR-V and Toyota’s Corolla Cross both do reasonably, and their simple approach to transportation definitely has a niche. Mazda falls at the back of the pack, which is sad because we think that the CX-30 is easily one of the best crossovers on the market.
The Trax undercuts most of its rivals, and not by a small amount
One of the biggest weapons in the Trax’s arsenal is its starting price. Chevrolet has managed to build the Trax incredibly cheaply, and, as a result, it is one of the most affordable new cars out there. Despite being so affordable, it also comes relatively well-equipped, with it never feeling like Chevy has skimped on features to save you money. This kind of value is exactly how you stand out in this segment, and it’s clear why the Trax has such an edge.
2025 Chevrolet Trax trims and pricing
Model
Starting MSRP
LS
$21,895
1RS
$23,895
LT
$24,095
2RS
$25,895
ACTIV
$25,895
For the 2025 model year, Chevrolet has kept changes to the Trax fairly minimal. The most noticeable changes are that they have added two new exterior paint colors, Cypress Gray and Marina Blue Metallic. Beyond that, the American automaker hasn’t added any new features or options. What they have done, though, is make it that the little SUV is now capable of running off of E85 fuel. This showcases the brand’s dedication to utilizing renewable resources.
While we can’t blame you for opting for the cheapest Trax, we think that climbing the trim ladder a bit will net you a really satisfying SUV. If it is within your budget, the LT model offers you quite a lot of upgraded equipment without inflating the price beyond its budget-oriented ethos. It gets a larger infotainment screen, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and remote start. If you live in colder climates, you can also equip this model with optional heated seats and a heated steering wheel.
Warranties and maintenance
Limited warranty: Three years or 36,000 miles
Powertrain warranty: Five years or 60,000 miles
Complimentary maintenance: First visit
Chevrolet doesn’t particularly impress, nor does it disappoint, when it comes to its warranty coverage. Both the bumper-to-bumper coverage and the powertrain warranty are in line with what you would find on similar rivals. Most Japanese rivals don’t offer more. Chevrolet will also cover your first maintenance visit on the house. If you’re looking for superior warranties, you really should be looking towards Korean automakers, with Hyundai and Kia both offering ten-year, 100,000-mile powertrain warranties.
With a small 1.2-liter engine, the Trax doesn’t try to be anything beyond simple transport
Credit: Chevrolet
Like many other subcompact SUVs, the Trax isn’t trying to be sporty or luxurious. Rather, it is trying to get you from point A to point B without any complaints and without burning too much fuel. To this end, the Trax is a really successful vehicle. However, if you’re looking for something with a little more character, there are some rivals that give the little Chevy a run for its money.
2025 Chevrolet Trax performance specs
Engine
1.2-liter turbocharged inline-three
Transmission
6-speed automatic
Horsepower
137 HP
Torque
162 LB-FT
Driveline
FWD
0-60 MPH
8.8 seconds
Top Speed
118 MPH
Every Trax comes equipped with an incredibly humble turbocharged three-cylinder engine. Front-wheel drive is your only choice here. Most other frugal subcompact SUVs make use of a CVT, such as the Honda HR-V and the Subaru Crosstrek, but we appreciate that Chevrolet has stuck with a traditional automatic transmission. It doesn’t put down all that much power, but it’s enough for the SUV to keep up with traffic in the city. Getting up to highway speeds can be a little daunting, though, especially because of the excess amount of road noise that makes its way into the cabin.
While the Trax isn’t sporty by any means, it offers a pretty good level of agility, which means it should be pretty easy to navigate through things like tight parking lots. Handling is very carlike, and steering is predictable and communicative. However, there are some rivals in this segment that are much better suited to those looking for fun, such as the Mazda CX-30 and the Volkswagen Taos. If cruising comfortably around town is your main goal, though, you’ll find the Trax plenty satisfying.
Fuel economy
Model
City
Highway
Combined
Trax FWD
28 MPG
32 MPG
30 MPG
Trax FWD (E85)
21 MPG
24 MPG
22 MPG
The Trax may not be the most fuel efficient crossover you can buy, but it comes relatively close. It performs particularly well in the city, where it gets a higher efficiency rating than many of its rivals in the subcompact SUV segment. The fact that it can run on E85 may not be super important to everybody, but it is definitely a plus.
AloJapan.com