The 2018 Chevrolet Trax AWD, with its 1.4L turbocharged four-cylinder engine, gets an EPA-estimated 27 MPG combined. This puts it in the middle of the subcompact crossover group, which is fine for an affordable, city-friendly car, but not the best in its class. Buyers often want something small that maneuvers well. The available all-wheel drive and reasonable price might be why shoppers consider the Trax. The average fuel economy is an acceptable trade-off.

City and highway performance

The EPA estimates the Trax gets 24 MPG in the city and 30 MPG on the highway. The city number makes sense because the small size and responsive steering work well in crowded cities. The turbocharger helps provide decent low-end torque, so it can move around town adequately. The 30 MPG highway number isn’t as good. While suitable for longer trips, it shows the limits of the small engine when driven at faster speeds. The engine will work harder on hills or when fully loaded, which will increase fuel use. The six-speed automatic transmission is designed for economy, using higher gears to keep the RPMs low. This can reduce responsiveness when you need to accelerate quickly.

Annual fuel cost

The EPA estimates the annual fuel cost for the 2018 Chevrolet Trax AWD at $1,600. This is based on driving 15,000 miles per year and using national average fuel prices. This is just an estimate. Your actual fuel costs will be different based on your driving, the roads you drive on, and gas prices in your area. Driving hard, short trips, and idling for extended periods can increase fuel use. Consistent highway driving at moderate speeds may lower costs.

Real-world expectations

The EPA estimates are a useful guide, but actual fuel economy changes. Owners of the 2018 Chevrolet Trax AWD often report numbers close to the EPA estimates. Lower numbers are possible based on how you drive and road conditions. Drivers who often use the all-wheel-drive system, especially in snow, should expect slightly worse fuel economy. Tire inflation, car maintenance, and accessories such as roof racks also change the MPG. Keeping these details in mind helps get fuel economy closer to the EPA’s ratings.

How it compares

The Chevrolet Trax is in a competitive market. Comparing its fuel economy to competitors is important. The Honda HR-V, for example, gets a combined 28 MPG in its AWD version, which is a little better than the Trax. The Mazda CX-3, gets around 29 MPG combined with AWD. Even the Nissan Kicks, which is front-wheel drive only, gets 31 MPG combined. These differences can add up over time, particularly for drivers who drive a lot. The Trax often costs less than these rivals, making it an appealing choice for buyers willing to accept less fuel efficiency. Comparing all Chevrolet fuel economy data might also prove insightful.

Tips to maximize efficiency

Make sure your tires are properly inflated to the recommended pressure listed on a sticker on the driver’s side doorjamb. Underinflated tires increase rolling resistance. The engine has to work harder and uses more fuel. This is important for a car like the Trax.

Don’t accelerate or brake hard. The Trax’s small engine works better with a light touch. Accelerating without pushing hard and planning your stops improves fuel economy. Rapid acceleration and hard braking waste fuel and cause more wear on car parts. Also be sure to check the TRAX MPG across all years, as that might affect your next buying decision.

If you anticipate stopping for more than a minute or two, turn off the engine. Idling wastes fuel. This matters in city driving where you often stop at traffic lights. Start-stop technology was previously available on some Trax models.

Reduce extra weight in your car. Carrying unnecessary items increases fuel use. Remove items from the trunk or backseat that you don’t need regularly. Even small amounts of extra weight impact the Trax’s fuel efficiency, especially on longer trips.

Consider using cruise control on the highway to keep a steady speed. This optimizes fuel use. Cruise control reduces speed changes, which can prevent extra acceleration and braking. This is especially helpful on fairly flat highways.