Archived model-year dossier
2016 Chevrolet Trax
The 2016 Chevrolet Trax is its second U.S. model year, with five new colors, new 18-inch Midnight Silver wheels and updated equipment packages ahead of the 2017 refresh. A 1.4-liter turbo four with a six-speed automatic carries over. NHTSA lists five recalls and 120 complaints, led by engine (46). Used ones run $7,800 to $8,100 at dealers per Kelley Blue Book.
Configurations2
Model/option labels2
Combined efficiency27–29 MPG/MPGe
Electric rangeNot listed
Decision answers4
What changed on the 2016 Chevrolet Trax
GM Authority (opens in a new tab) says the 2016 Trax replaces four colors with five new ones, adds new 18-inch Midnight Silver aluminum wheels, and renames the Plus Package the Convenience Package, with a few equipment-level changes to keep it fresh. Carvana (opens in a new tab) places it as the second U.S. model year before the 2017 refresh, with the exterior and cabin design from the 2015 launch and engine and transmission carried over.
ChevyGuide (opens in a new tab) lists a 1.4-liter turbocharged four-cylinder with a six-speed automatic. Kelley Blue Book (opens in a new tab) puts the cheapest used 2016 Trax, the LS, at a Fair Purchase Price of $7,800 and the LTZ at up to $8,100 at a dealer.
Recalls and problems owners report
NHTSA lists five recall campaigns for the 2016 Trax. 19V652000 covers a front lower control arm joint that may have been improperly welded and may break. 16V257000 and 16V422000 cover Bring Your Own Media radios that may fail to give an audible warning chime. 16V651000 and 17V437000 cover frontal air bag behavior, which dealers fix by reflashing the sensing and diagnostic module software.
Owners have filed 120 complaints: engine with 46, electrical system with 24, air bags with 19, unknown or other with 15, steering with 14 and power train with 13. ProblemsByVin (opens in a new tab) and CarComplaints (opens in a new tab) break them down, and ChevyGuide (opens in a new tab) reports turbo lag and coolant and oil leaks as mileage climbs.
2016 Trax against the HR-V, Encore and Crosstrek
EPA rates the 2016 Trax at 27 to 29 mpg combined and $2,150 to $2,300 a year in fuel. The Honda HR-V lists 28 to 31 at $2,000 to $2,250, the Buick Encore 26 to 30 at $2,100 to $2,400, and the Subaru Crosstrek 26 to 31 at $2,000 to $2,400. The Trax sits in the middle of the group.
Trim-by-trim specifications
The 2016 Chevrolet Trax: 3 trims compared.
Kelley Blue Book specifications, one row per trim.
| Trim | Engine | Transmission | Drive | EPA city / hwy / comb | Seats | Basic warranty |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| LT | 4-Cyl, ECOTEC Turbo, 1.4L | Automatic, 6-Spd | FWD | 26 / 34 / 29 mpg | 5 | 3 yr / 36,000 mi |
| LS | 4-Cyl, ECOTEC Turbo, 1.4L | Automatic, 6-Spd | FWD | 26 / 34 / 29 mpg | 5 | 3 yr / 36,000 mi |
| LTZ | 4-Cyl, ECOTEC Turbo, 1.4L | Automatic, 6-Spd | FWD | 26 / 34 / 29 mpg | 5 | 3 yr / 36,000 mi |
| Trim | Curb weight | Length | Height | Wheelbase | Ground clearance | Turning circle | Fuel tank | Front headroom | Front legroom | Tires |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| LT | 2,805 lb | 167.2 in | 65.2 in | 100.6 in | 6.2 in | 36.7 ft | 14 gal | 39.6 in | 40.8 in | P205/70R16 |
| LS | 2,805 lb | 167.2 in | 65.2 in | 100.6 in | 6.2 in | 36.7 ft | 14 gal | 39.6 in | 40.8 in | P205/70R16 |
| LTZ | 2,805 lb | 167.2 in | 65.2 in | 100.6 in | 6.2 in | 36.7 ft | 14 gal | 39.6 in | 40.8 in | P215/55R18 |
Equipment by trim
Which 2016 Chevrolet Trax trim has what.
Std is standard, Opt is optional, a dash means Kelley Blue Book lists it as not available.
| Equipment | LT | LS | LTZ |
|---|---|---|---|
| Safety | |||
| Anti-theft alarm | Std | Std | Std |
| Child door locks | Std | Std | Std |
| Child-seat anchors | Std | Std | Std |
| Rearview camera | Std | Std | Std |
| Rear parking sensors | Opt | – | Std |
| Electronic stability control | Std | Std | Std |
| Traction control | Std | Std | Std |
| Technology | |||
| Text-message reader | Std | Std | Std |
| Bluetooth audio streaming | Std | Std | Std |
| Bluetooth | Std | Std | Std |
| Hands-free calling | Std | Std | Std |
| Built-in internet access | Std | Std | Std |
| Navigation system | Std | Std | Std |
| Satellite radio | Std | – | Std |
| Apple CarPlay or Android Auto | Std | Std | Std |
| Steering-wheel audio controls | Std | Std | Std |
| Touchscreen | Std | Std | Std |
| Voice recognition | Std | Std | Std |
| Emergency and security services | Std | Std | Std |
| Comfort | |||
| Heated front seats | – | – | Std |
| Heated mirrors | Std | – | Std |
| Power driver's seat | Opt | Opt | Std |
| Leather-wrapped steering wheel | Opt | – | Std |
| Cup holders | Std | Std | Std |
| Folding rear seat | Std | Std | Std |
| Exterior and convenience | |||
| Alloy wheels | Std | Opt | Std |
| Fog lights | – | – | Std |
| Privacy glass | Std | Opt | Std |
| Roof rails | Std | – | Std |
| 12-volt power outlet | Std | Std | Std |
| Power windows | Std | Std | Std |
| Remote keyless entry | Std | Std | Std |
| Remote engine start | Std | – | Std |
| Cruise control | Std | Opt | Std |
| Rear-window defroster | Std | Std | Std |
Complete certification table
2 configuration records.
| EPA ID / label | Engine / technology | Drive / transmission | Fuel | City | Hwy | Combined | Range |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 36493Trax | 1.4L 4-cylConventional | Front-Wheel DriveAutomatic (S6) | Regular | 26 | 34 | 29 | N/A |
| 36769Trax AWD | 1.4L 4-cylConventional | All-Wheel DriveAutomatic (S6) | Regular | 24 | 31 | 27 | N/A |
Model-specific answer center
4 answers for this exact family-year.
Q01What changed on the 2016 Chevrolet Trax versus the 2015 Chevrolet Trax?
Model year
Nothing in the certification data changed, so the 2016 Chevrolet Trax carries the 2015 Chevrolet Trax's figures forward: 2 certification records labelled Trax, Trax AWD, 1.4L 4-cyl, all-wheel drive, front-wheel drive on regular, rated 27-29 combined MPG/MPGe and an EPA annual fuel cost of $2,150 to $2,300. Federal recall campaigns on file went from 7 for the 2015 to 5 for the 2016.
Source: FuelEconomy.gov certification records for both model years
Q02What engine oil does the 2016 Chevrolet Trax take?
Maintenance
The 2016 Chevrolet Trax owner's manual specifies SAE 5W-30 engine oil. Source: 2016 Chevrolet Trax owner's manual.
Source: Manufacturer owner's manual
Q03What size wheels does the 2016 Chevrolet Trax have?
Wheels and tires
The 2016 Chevrolet Trax's wheel diameter is 16 inches on the LT and LS and 18 inches on the LTZ. Source: Kelley Blue Book specifications.
Source: Kelley Blue Book vehicle specifications
Q04How do the 2016 Chevrolet Trax trims differ from one another?
Trims
The LTZ has alloy wheels, cruise control, fog lights and 9 more as standard equipment over the LS.
Source: Kelley Blue Book vehicle specifications
Live NHTSA evidence
Current federal safety records for 2016 Chevrolet Trax.
Exact-vehicle evidence desk
Check the exact vehicle, not just the model name.
Recalls, build data and service applicability are determined at VIN level, not by model name.
01 · NHTSASafety ratings, recalls, complaints and manufacturer communicationsExact model-year search → (opens in a new tab)02 · NHTSACheck open safety recalls by 17-character VINOfficial VIN remedy status → (opens in a new tab)03 · vPICDecode manufacturer-submitted vehicle attributesInternal VIN tool →04 · EPAQuery another year, make, model and option1984–current browser →
FuelEconomy.gov data source (opens in a new tab) · Methodology
Other model years
Compare the Chevrolet Trax across model years.
Ownership desk
Problems and maintenance decisions worth checking next.
Diesel ownershipDiesel exhaust fluid warning and restart countdownSoon →Diesel ownershipWhite smoke from a diesel on cold startDepends →Body, water and noisePower liftgate reverses or will not closeSoon →Seasonal and storageStarting and inspecting a vehicle after long storageRoutine →Warning lightsCheck-engine light: steady versus flashingDepends →Warning lightsTire-pressure light flashing, then staying onSoon →