The Chevrolet Trax is a highly rated subcompact crossover SUV with a variety of features and options that make it a great choice for a family vehicle. The Trax is available in a variety of colors and styles, and it is a great choice for those who want a vehicle that is both economical and comfortable.
There are different drivetrain configurations and one of the most common ones is AWD (All wheel drive) system. In this article, we are going to look at whether you can get a chevy Trax with an AWD system.
Does Chevy Trax have AWD?
The older models of the Chevy Trax (prior to 2024 and 2025) comes with two drivetrain options: front-wheel drive and an optional all-wheel drive. The front-wheel drive models have a 1.4-liter four-cylinder engine that makes 155 horsepower and 125 pound-feet of torque. Both the FWD and the AWD model comes with either a six-speed manual or nine-speed automatic transmission.
The Chevy Trax 2024 and 2025 model do not come with AWD which could be a disappointed for many drivers who need it for driving in winter conditions.
What is AWD?
AWD stands for all-wheel drive, and it means that your vehicle sends power to all 4 wheels. All-wheel drive vehicles use a transfer case to send power to the front and rear axles separately, allowing each axle to turn at its own speed. This helps maintain traction and control over the road in nearly any weather condition.
AWD can be used in several different ways, depending on what kind of driving conditions you’re expecting.
For example:
- In bad weather: When driving in icy or snowy conditions, AWD allows you to accelerate and brake more effectively because both front and rear wheels are powered at all times (unlike front-wheel drive cars that have only front-wheel drive).
- On slippery surfaces: Driving on wet or muddy roads can be treacherous for any driver but especially for those who don’t have AWD or 4WD capability. When one wheel slips on these surfaces, the other three wheels can still provide power while they try to regain traction with the ground.
And unlike RWD vehicles where there is no torque distribution between the rear wheels, both rear wheels receive power from an AWD system simultaneously so they can both help pull your car forward instead of spinning wildly out of control if one wheel loses traction.
Is Chevy Trax full-time AWD?
The older models of the Chevy Trax are an all-wheel-drive system, but it’s not full-time. It uses a combination of Torque On Demand and electronic traction control to send torque to the wheels that need it.
So when you’re driving on dry pavement, the Trax will send power to all four wheels equally. But if you start to slip or skid, the system will direct more torque to the wheels with more grip. That can help you maintain control in a corner or on slippery surfaces.
How Does Chevy Trax AWD Work?
The Trax AWD system’s control module uses sensors around each wheel to detect when there is slipping (understeer) at either end of the vehicle and sends commands to open and close valves in order to transfer torque from one axle to another as needed.
The computer operates these valves through solenoid valves that are controlled by electrical signals from sensors on each wheel; each solenoid valve has two ports that can be opened or closed by signals from the computer. One port leads directly into a hydraulic circuit for one wheel; when it’s opened, fluid flows out of it and into another hydraulic circuit for another wheel so that pressure builds up.
Benefits of AWD Chevy Trax vs Front Wheel
Chevrolet Trax AWD (all-wheel drive) is a great option for drivers who want to enjoy the benefits of driving a crossover SUV but are concerned about getting stuck in the snow.
AWD Trax offers more control and traction than FWD models in slippery conditions, which makes it a good choice for drivers who live in areas that receive heavy snowfall during the winter months.
Here are some of the advantages of buying an AWD Trax over other models:
More stable driving experience
When you’re driving on slippery surfaces like wet or snowy roads, you want to feel confident that your vehicle can handle whatever might happen. An AWD Trax gives you greater control when you’re accelerating, braking or turning corners on such surfaces compared to a FWD model. This is because it uses all four wheels instead of just two to transfer power to the ground.
Conclusion
In summary, while the Chevy Trax offers a range of features ideal for family use and was previously available with an optional AWD system, newer models lack this capability. Understanding the benefits of AWD, including improved stability on slippery surfaces, can help drivers make informed decisions. Nonetheless, the Trax remains a versatile and economical choice for daily use.
Mike is an experienced writer in the automotive space. Ever since he was a teenager, he’s been interested in cars and started to learn about the mechanics of it. He is specifically passionate about Chevrolets and has been an expert researcher on everything to do with Chevys for the last decade. In his spare time, Mike likes to mountain bike and enjoy the outdoor nature.
