Why the 2022 Chevy Trax Is One of the Most Underrated Used SUVs on the Market

We won’t waste your time here at Online.cars—you’re here for answers, and we’re ready to deliver. If you’re searching for a 2022 Chevy Trax for sale, let us be the first to say you’ve got excellent taste. The 2022 Trax isn’t just a solid vehicle by today’s standards; it’s also one of the most underrated used SUVs on the market. Today, we’ll dive into what makes it stand out. So, join us on this journey—and then get ready to get behind the wheel of your dream car.

Patience Is a Virtue

Have you ever heard the saying, “Patience is a virtue”? That’s exactly what comes to mind with the 2022 Trax—because buying one today is like hitting a grand slam. You get a winning combination of modern tech and relatively new components, all without paying anywhere near new-car prices. And with the 2022 Trax, there are two big reasons why this works so strongly in your favor.

The first reason is one you’ve probably heard before—depreciation. Simply put, depreciation is when a product—or in this case, a vehicle—loses value over time, especially once it’s no longer “new.” The moment a brand-new car is purchased and driven off the lot, it typically loses about 10% of its value. Over the first year, that’s followed by another 10% drop. After that, you can expect roughly a 15% decline each year, with CARFAX reporting that a five-year-old vehicle will have lost around 60% of its original value. For the 2022 Trax, most of the depreciation has already occurred, making now a great time to buy and save big.

The second reason is that the 2022 Trax was the last model produced before a one-year gap in the lineup. That’s right—the next Trax after 2022 wasn’t released until the 2024 model year. This means you’re technically only two model years behind, not three as you might have assumed. Even better, you’re avoiding the potential “first-year” growing pains that can come with a brand-new generation. With the 2022 Trax, you’re getting proven, reliable software and hardware designed to deliver a seamless driving experience.

Sticking Out Isn’t Always a Bad Thing

The first thing worth highlighting about the 2022 Chevy Trax is how much it stands out—not just from the Trax models that came before it, but even from many that came after. To put it in perspective, the 2021 Trax debuted with a turbocharged 1.4L I-4 engine paired with a 6-speed automatic transmission, producing 138 hp and 158 lb-ft of torque. Mid-year, Chevy swapped in an upgraded version of the same-sized engine, boosting output by 12% to 155 hp and 177 lb-ft of torque. When the 2022 Trax launched, this more powerful turbocharged I-4 came standard, making it the most powerful Trax at release.

The following year brought major changes. The 2024 Trax kicked off a new generation with a smaller turbocharged 1.2L I-3 engine rated at 137 hp and 162 lb-ft of torque—a clear drop in performance. Even more, Chevy removed the option for AWD, limiting its versatility. This smaller I-3 is expected to carry over for the 2026 and possibly 2027 models, meaning the 2022 Trax remains unique as the last model to pair strong performance with AWD capability.

The 2022 Trax’s performance doesn’t just outshine its own predecessors and successors—it also stacks up impressively against its rivals. Its 155 hp surpasses what you’ll find in the base 2022 Subaru Crosstrek, Kia Soul, Toyota C-HR, Honda HR-V, and more. It also boasts a stronger standard torque output than many other subcompact SUVs, including the Jeep Compass, Toyota Corolla Cross, Ford EcoSport, and Buick Encore GX. Simply put, the 2022 Trax delivers more muscle where it matters.

With the 2022 Trax’s boost in performance, you might wonder how it fares in fuel efficiency. The answer? Quite well. Even with the extra power, you’ll enjoy solid mileage whether you choose FWD or AWD. Front-wheel drive models earn EPA-estimated ratings of 24 MPG in the city, 32 MPG on the highway, and 27 MPG combined. With a 14-gallon tank, that translates to an estimated 378-mile range—impressive for its class. All-wheel drive models are nearly as efficient, delivering 23 MPG in the city, 30 MPG on the highway, and 26 MPG combined, with a still-respectable 364-mile range per tank.

What Tech Features Can You Expect?

Let’s shift gears to technology. In the 2022 Trax, both the LS and LT trims share the same user-friendly infotainment center, built around a 7-inch touchscreen. This system includes Bluetooth for wireless audio streaming, so you can enjoy your favorite playlists and podcasts without dealing with cords or adapters.

A built-in Wifi hotspot keeps you and your passengers connected wherever the road takes you—whether that’s a campsite, a cross-country road trip, or a tailgate party. While the hotspot requires a subscription, it’s an affordable perk that can connect up to seven devices at once. That means your passengers can stream, game, or work on their tablets, laptops, or Nintendo Switch consoles without burning through phone data.

Speaking of phones, the 2022 Trax offers everything you need for seamless connectivity. Simply plug your iPhone into one of the Trax’s USB ports to access Apple CarPlay, or connect a compatible Android phone for Android Auto. Both systems bring smartphone-level functionality right to your infotainment screen. That means you can use your favorite apps—whether it’s for navigation, music, or other tools that make daily driving more enjoyable.

No matter which system you use, you’ll have full access to your phone’s contacts, allowing you to send and receive text messages or make and take calls. And you can do it all without taking your hands off the wheel—just speak to your virtual assistant, whether that’s Google Assistant or Siri, and let voice commands handle the rest.

A Comfortable and Spacious Subcompact SUV

The 2022 Trax is surprisingly spacious for its size, offering more than enough cargo room for daily errands, weekly grocery runs, or hauling sports gear to your child’s game. It’s equally ready for weekend adventures, with space for camping gear like tents and coolers or all the essentials for a tailgate party. In its standard configuration, you’ll have 18.7 cu.ft. of cargo space behind the rear seats, but folding them down expands that to 48.4 cu.ft. —a remarkable 159% increase, though at the expense of your passenger capacity.

Now let’s move to the interior, where the 2022 Trax offers an impressively roomy cabin for its class, so much so that even taller passengers can ride comfortably in the back. Up front, you and your co-pilot enjoy 39.6 inches of headroom and 40.8 inches of legroom. In the second row, riders get a generous 38.8 inches of headroom and 35.7 inches of legroom, making longer trips more comfortable for everyone.

When it comes to the driver’s seat—the one you’ll be in the most—the LS comes equipped with a four-way manually adjustable seat with power lumbar support. Step up to the LT with the available LT Convenience Package, and you’ll enjoy a six-way power-adjustable driver’s seat, also with power lumbar controls. Add the Premium Seat Package, and both front seats gain heating for those chilly mornings. The LT also includes a handy underseat storage drawer beneath the front passenger seat, perfect for keeping valuables out of sight.

Underrated, But for How Long?

All things considered, the 2022 Trax is truly a hidden gem. That’s not to say the Trax models before or after it aren’t good—they certainly have their merits—but sometimes the best surprises come from the unexpected. For instance, it’s rare to find a 2022 vehicle that outperforms even its 2027 successor, yet that’s exactly the case here. And it’s not just about performance—the 2022 Trax’s tech features remain modern enough to receive updates and security patches, keeping even its software relevant for longer on the road. This SUV is undoubtedly underrated, but the real question is: for how much longer? If you’re in the market, now’s a perfect time to check one out and take advantage of great deals.