Is the 2024 Chevrolet Trax a subcompact or compact crossover?

The 2024 Chevrolet Trax is set to launch very soon, on July 4, 2023. With the new model's arrival comes a new design, more features, and bigger dimensions than the older model.

Now that the new vehicle is larger than before, It begs the question for the all-new Trax, should it now be considered a compact crossover instead of a subcompact?

Before we understand why the 2024 Chevrolet Trax should get an up-class to a compact, we will quickly discuss the terminologies used to ensure everyone is on the same page.

Also Read: Bigger and better: 2024 Chevrolet Trax set to launch on the 4th of July

What is a subcompact crossover?

The definition of a subcompact crossover is very loose, stating that it needs to be classified within the B-Segment of cars. Crossovers typically have a chassis based on a sedan striking the right balance between ride height and comfort. 

For the sake of this article, we will be using the European standards for B-Segment vehicles as they typically have a length of around 3,700 mm to 4,200 mm and may vary in body styles. However, these criteria change per country. 

For context, the 2024 Chevrolet Trax has the following dimensions:

• 4,540 mm long
• 1,825 mm wide
• 1,560 mm tall
• 2700 mm wheelbase

This puts it above the length requirement to be classified as a subcompact. For example, it will be bigger than the Geely Coolray, the Honda HR-V, and the Hyundai Creta. 

The popular Geely Coolray measures 4,330 mm in length, 1,795 mm in width, and 1,609 mm tall, much closer to the European standards of a subcompact car.

What is a compact crossover?

Similar to the definition of a subcompact, we will use European standards to describe a compact crossover. These kinds of vehicles are based on C-segment cars with a length of approximately 4,200 mm to 4,600 mm.

Based on the 2024 Chevrolet Trax measurements above, it already fits the description of a compact crossover, as its length is already over 4,500 mm long.

A notable compact crossover in the Philippine market is the Ford Territory (Specs | News), which measures 4,630 in length, 1,935mm in width, and 1,706 mm tall. As you can see, the Territory fits the description of a compact crossover well, as its length is above 4,600 mm.

What should we call the new Trax?

Based on European definitions, the 2024 Chevrolet Trax should be considered a compact crossover as it has exceeded the minimum length measurements to fit within the subcompact category. 

In the US, however, the 2024 Chevrolet Trax is positioned against the subcompact Nissan Kicks, the Hyundai Venue (Specs | News) (shorter than the Creta), and the Honda HR-V, all smaller than the Trax.

Something to note is that the 2024 Chevrolet Trax also has a small displacement 1.2-liter E-Turbo GM Prime 3-cylinder engine. The small engine displacement is similar to what is commonly found in vehicles in the subcompact category. Pitting the 2024 Trax against 2.0-liter and above Japanese crossovers in the compact category may make people believe it is underpowered. But at a rumored starting price of about ₱1.6 million, it comes out more expensive than cheaper 1.5-liter turbocharged compacts from China like the Chery Tiggo 7 PRO (Specs | News) or the Ford Territory. 

The 2024 Chevrolet Trax's Gen III 6-speed automatic transmission is also a point of contention. While it's not a CVT found in other subcompacts, it is about two to three gears less than CVTs or Dual-clutch transmissions now commonly found in compact crossovers.

Moreover, the rear suspension in the 2024 Chevrolet Trax is a torsion beam setup, similar to most subcompact crossovers. Compact crossovers, on the other hand, have multi-link rear suspension layouts, which provide a more refined ride quality.

And finally, while the 2024 Chevrolet Trax is bathed in plastic inside, most compact crossovers have leather-lined dashboards, door trims, and contact points with the passenger. This could be an issue for crossover customers who have done their homework.

The final specs and prices have yet to be released by Chevrolet Philippines, and we could still be in for a surprise come July 4th. It is still up to Chevrolet Philippines on how they will want to market its new vehicle. If they sell it in the subcompact crossover segment at its rumored pricing, it may not succeed as these vehicles are typically priced between ₱1 to 1.5 million. 

Waiting with bated breath

Given that the starting price of the Trax is said to be at the ₱1.6 million mark, it makes sense for Chevrolet Philippines to market it as a compact crossover as it will go up against the likes of the Ford Territory, which is closer to its size and specifications.

However, with its reported technical specs and finish, it might be best for Chevrolet Philippines to create instead a niche between the subcompact and compact crossover categories where the Trax can be positioned.  Price the 2024 Chevrolet Trax as a subcompact with compact crossover sizing, perhaps?

What do you think Chevrolet should categorize the 2024 Trax as?

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